How SIM’s Diverse Degree Options Enhance Your Journey to Study Psychology in Singapore

In a world where understanding human behaviour is key to driving change, improving well-being, and fostering stronger communities, psychology stands out as a discipline that bridges science and society. Whether you're curious about what motivates people, passionate about helping others, or interested in how the mind works, a psychology degree offers a gateway to a wide range of impactful careers and personal insights.

From mental health and education to business and research, psychology equips students with critical thinking skills, emotional intelligence, and a deep understanding of human interactions — qualities that are increasingly valued across all industries. If you're looking to explore the complexities of the mind and make a meaningful difference, studying psychology could be your next step.

The Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) offers a flexible, globally recognised academic experience for those eager to study psychology in Singapore. With a diverse range of psychology programmes, SIM empowers students to tailor their learning journey to their interests and career aspirations, making it an ideal choice for those passionate about understanding the human mind and behaviour.

 

SIM’s Psychology Degree Pathways at a Glance

SIM partners with globally recognised universities, including the University of Wollongong (UOW, Australia) and the University at Buffalo (UB, USA), to deliver full-time undergraduate psychology degrees in Singapore. These internationally accredited programmes blend rigorous theory with practical applications, catering to diverse academic preferences. Be it UOW’s research-focused Australian framework or UB’s interdisciplinary American liberal arts model, SIM offers the flexibility to study psychology according to your preference.

All programmes are taught entirely in English, ensuring accessibility for local and international students. Graduates earn degrees recognised by Singapore employers and postgraduate institutions worldwide, providing a strong foundation for diverse careers or further studies.

 

Comparing SIM’s Psychology Programmes

To help you choose the right path, here’s a comparison of SIM’s psychology offerings:

Programme	University	University Duration (with exemptions)	No. of Semesters (with exemptions)	Core Focus	Career Paths
BA (Psychology)	UB	2 - 3 years	6 – 8 semesters	Explore psychology in different contexts: Behavioural, Cognitive, Clinical, and Social Psychology.	Career paths (some of which may require an advanced degree) may include: Behavior modification caseworker; Clinical practice (working directly with patients); Forensic psychologist; Guidance counselor; Human resources manager; Market research specialist; Mental health counselor; Probation officer; Professor; Psychiatrist; Public relations consultant; Researcher; School psychologist; Sales manager; Sports psychologist; Teacher. Many psych students go on to medical school, law school or grad school in fields such as psychology, cognitive science, education, criminal justice, business, social work and neuroscience
BA (Economics and Psychology)	UB	2.5 - 4 years	7 – 12 semesters	Economic theory and human behaviour	Academia; Banking and financial services, advising on economic growth, inflation, interest rates and profitability. Business, forecasting sales and consumer demand, and looking at competitors and antitrust issues. Government, gathering data and advising on policies related to budgets, tax cuts, employment and immigration. International markets, consulting on exchange rates and trade policies.
BA (International Trade and Psychology)	UB	2.5 - 4 years	7 – 12 semesters	Global trade and human behaviour	You'll likely look for a career with an organisation that is directly (or indirectly) involved in international trade, including: Promotion agencies, Investment promotion. Trade promotion. Transportation and trade: Consulting firms. Customs brokers. Freight forwarders. Trade management companies. Transport carriers. Related organisations: Government agencies (including local, city and state planning offices).International banks. Location consulting firms. Multinational corporations. Social services organisations and Universities.
BA (Psychology and Sociology)	UB	2.5 - 4 years	7 – 12 semesters	Social structures and human behaviour	Whether you want to be a policy analyst, social justice advocate, diversity officer, or a professor, a sociology degree can prepare you for a career or grad school in a variety of fields, including Business. Law and law enforcement. Medicine. Health professions. Public policy. Recreation. Social work. Social policy and services, and Urban planning.
BA (Communication and Psychology)	UB	2.5 - 4 years	7 – 12 semesters	Communication and human behaviour	Of course, many students choose to focus on the communication industry and the incredible variety of choices available, from market research analyst to social media content creator. As a communication major, you’ll learn about options in many fields, including Advertising. Business. Digital media. Government. Journalism. Marketing. Media. Non-profits. Public relations. Social media.
BSc (Business Administration) & BA (Psychology)	UB	3 - 4 years	9 - 12 semesters	Business management and human behaviour	This degree gives you an incredible amount of freedom as you choose where to start—and grow—your career: Startup founder, human resources, Marketing, Finance, Operations, Management, Data Analytics.
BSc (Geographic Information Science) & BA (Psychology)	UB	3 - 4 years	9 - 12 semesters	Geospatial analysis and human behaviour	GIS analyst. Cartographer. Geospatial data scientist. GIS software engineer. Computer analyst. Crime analyst. Demographer. Ecologist. Environmental scientist. Geomorphologist. Health care analyst. Market research analyst. Meteorologist. Natural resource manager. Urban and transportation planner.

 

Each programme offers unique strengths. For instance, UOW’s Bachelor of Psychological Science emphasises positive psychology and research methodology, ideal for those pursuing clinical or academic paths. UB’s double majors, such as Psychology and Sociology, combine social sciences for roles in policy or social work. At the same time, the BSc (GIS) and Psychology dual degree equips students for tech-driven fields like urban planning.

 

Double Majors: Broadening Your Horizons

Double-major programmes allow you to pair psychology with disciplines like Economics, Sociology, Communication, or International Trade. These combinations are perfect for students interested in how human behaviour intersects with economic trends, social systems, or global communication. For example:

• Psychology and Economics: Develops analytical skills for policy or business analytics.
• Psychology and Sociology: Prepares you for social work or criminal psychology.
• Psychology and Communication: Enhances skills for media, public relations, or corporate training.
• Psychology and International Trade: Preparing students for careers in global business, trade policy, or market analysis.

According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report (2023), employers increasingly value graduates with interdisciplinary skills, making these programmes highly relevant for roles in human resources, public policy, or marketing.

Read More: Pursuing A Communications And Psychology Degree - Here’s Why

 

Dual Degrees: Two Qualifications, One Journey

SIM UB’s dual-degree options, such as BSc (Business Administration) and BA (Psychology) or BSc (Geographic Information Science) and BA (Psychology), allow students to earn two full degrees in approximately 3–5 years, depending on exemptions. These programmes are ideal for those targeting hybrid roles in:

• Business and Psychology: Suited for HR, marketing, or consulting, combining business acumen with behavioural insights.
• GIS and Psychology: Prepares graduates for geospatial analysis in urban planning or tech-driven behavioural research, a growing field in the Asia-Pacific (Deloitte, 2022).

Advanced standing credits for A-Level or polytechnic diploma holders can significantly reduce study duration, making these programmes cost-effective and efficient.

 

Financial Considerations and Support

Tuition fees vary by programme, with UB’s BA (Psychology) costing approximately SGD 25,920 per year and dual degrees slightly higher due to additional credits. Polytechnic diploma holders can benefit from exemptions, reducing costs and duration (e.g., up to 4 modules for UOW’s programme).

SIM offers financial aid, including:

• SIM GE Scholarship: For students with exemplary academic or extracurricular achievements.
• SIM GE Bursary:  For those with financial need.

 

International students can access support for visa applications and accommodation through SIM’s student services. Visit SIM’s admissions portal for detailed fee structures and scholarship eligibility.

 

International Curriculum and Innovative Teaching

SIM’s partnerships with UOW and UB ensure a globally recognised curriculum. UOW’s Bachelor of Psychological Science includes modules on positive psychology, behavioural science, and research methodology, aligning with Singapore’s focus on workplace well-being. UB’s programmes cover sensation, perception, and behavioural neuroscience, with over 50% of modules taught by US or overseas faculty, maintaining a 1:43 teacher-student ratio for interactive learning.

SIM integrates technology, such as e-learning platforms and statistical tools like SPSS, to enhance research skills. Programmes like GIS and Psychology incorporate cutting-edge geospatial software, preparing students for emerging fields like AI-driven behavioural analysis or telehealth counselling.

 

Enriching Student Experience

SIM’s vibrant campus in Clementi offers modern lecture halls, psychology labs, and a well-equipped library. Students can join psychology-related clubs, participate in community outreach, or undertake internships with local organisations, such as hospitals or NGOs, to gain practical experience.

Testimonials from alumni, like Jillian Terese Teo, who pursued a doctoral degree after UOW’s honours programme, or Michaela Lim, who benefited from UB’s exchange programme, highlight the transformative impact of SIM’s offerings. Academic advisors provide personalised guidance, helping students align their electives—such as counselling, organisational behaviour, or neuroscience—with their career goals.

Read More: A Valedictorian's Double Degree Journey at SIM

 

Supporting Diversity and Inclusivity

SIM welcomes a diverse student body, including international students, mature learners, and those with non-traditional backgrounds.

The curriculum includes modules on cross-cultural psychology, reflecting Singapore’s multicultural context. SIM also provides accommodations for students with disabilities and financial aid for underrepresented groups, fostering an inclusive learning environment.

 

Singapore’s Demand for Psychology Graduates

Singapore’s growing emphasis on mental health, evidenced by the National Mental Health Blueprint and increased funding for psychological services, creates strong demand for SIM graduates. Roles in mental health counselling, organisational psychology, and education are particularly sought after. SIM’s programmes align with SkillsFuture Singapore, promoting skills in high-demand fields like behavioural analytics and social work.

 

Pathways to Postgraduate Studies

Degrees offered at SIM prepare students for postgraduate studies in clinical psychology, counselling, or organisational psychology. UOW’s Bachelor of Psychological Science offers a pathway to an honours year in Australia, with a fee discount for SIM graduates. UB’s programmes meet the prerequisites for US graduate schools, with alumni successfully pursuing Master’s or PhD degrees.

To become a registered psychologist in Singapore, a Master’s degree is required (Singapore Psychological Society). SIM supports this journey through research opportunities, thesis guidance, and GRE preparation, ensuring students are well-prepared for advanced studies.

 

Graduate Outcomes

According to SIM’s 2023 Graduate Employment Survey, over 85% of psychology graduates secured employment or postgraduate programme acceptance within six months. Graduates excel in fields like education, social work, corporate training, and market research, with some pursuing niche areas like child psychology or cross-cultural mental health.

 

Conclusion: Shape Your Psychology Journey with SIM

Studying psychology in Singapore with SIM is an investment in a future rich with understanding, empathy, and opportunity. Whether you’re drawn to traditional psychology, interdisciplinary combinations, or emerging fields like behavioural analytics, SIM’s flexible offerings ensure your education aligns with your goals. Explore the psychology programmes offered at SIM today and take the first step towards a rewarding career.