Today, we’re featuring an article that discusses the option of getting a psychology degree in another country.
Students with a Psychology degree continue to increase along with the demand for competent and innovative psychologists. Psychology degrees from overseas can be valuable for the international experience they provide. Australia is one of the most popular world centers of psychology studies at every level—from a bachelors psychology degree to a PhD. An international education program can guide you through all the details of getting your degree in psychology overseas and help you work out the pros and cons of moving your studies to another country.
Scheduling Differences for Studies Overseas
Keep in mind that foreign countries have seasonal differences. In the United States, the first semester of the year is in the fall from September to December. In Australia, in the southern hemisphere, the first semester of the year is from February or March through June. July through November is their second semester and the “summer” is mid November through February. If you are interested in pursuing a psychology degree down under, schools and programs can be flexible for your needs and a counselor can help you determine timing with your course requirements.
Prerequisites and Requirements for a Psychology Degree Overseas
A bachelors degree in psychology down under is more specialized than in the U.S. It generally takes only three years for an undergraduate psychology degree in most Australian universities, while in most U.S. programs it takes four years including other accredited liberal arts courses. However, for students who plan to go on to graduate level psychology coursework, a fourth year of more specialized honors is required, entailing an extensive research project and publishable paper of 20,000-30,000 words or more.
Students who seek a postgraduate degree in psychology in Australia must have their undergraduate degree assessed by the official Australian Psychological Society (APS)—taking usually from 6 to 8 weeks. They determine eligibility with transcripts and degree certificate.
Since psychology degrees are so prevalent in Australia, accreditation in universities is regulated reliably through the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).
Weighting Pros and Cons of Studying Abroad
For most students, the pros of studying abroad ultimately outweigh the cons—especially when you plan your educational career closely with experienced counselors through an international education program. While travel can be costly, often grants and special programs are available to help cut costs. Studying abroad is a long term investment that pays off in advanced language and communication skills, international connections and lifelong learning at a broader level. You will be more globally marketable with a degree in psychology from overseas.
