Psychology offers an in-depth study of the human mind and behaviour. Abroad study consultants advise that studying psychology fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication. Psychology students can have fulfilling careers in multiple fields such as clinical psychology, counselling, education, health, and organisational behaviour. Every year, Times Higher Education (THE) ranks international universities based on 18 stringent factors. Here, we enlist the top 5 educational institutions to study psychology.

Stanford University

The Stanford University psychology undergraduate program equips students with a strong foundation in psychological theories and empirical research on human behaviour. There are three undergraduate degrees: BA, minor, and honours. With the BA degree, students have the flexibility to pursue other interests as well. The minor degree includes a brief but broad exploration of psychology. Senior honours students conduct original research under faculty mentorship. BA (Hons) is a four-year program. It comprises 70 units of coursework. 52 students completed their BA (Hons) in psychology from Stanford University in 2019-20. Abroad study counsellors observe that Stanford keeps its top rank due to a low faculty-student ratio, i.e., 6.4:1.

Princeton University

The psychology major (known as psychology concentration at Princeton) provides advanced courses on:

• sensation
• perception
• movement
• language
• decision-making
• reasoning
• social interaction

Like at Stanford University, major students at Princeton have the opportunity to do one year of independent research. The psychology concentration is a four-year program. Princeton University enrols roughly 100 undergraduate students. Abroad study consultants recommend Princeton’s psychology department because of its close affiliation with the Princeton Neuroscience Institute. The result is interdisciplinary research on neuroscience and psychological function.

University of Cambridge

BA (Hons) in psychological and behavioural sciences (PBS) is a three-year course. The core psychology topics are:

• statistics,
• neuroanatomy,
• neurotransmitters,
• neuroimaging,
• developmental psychology,
• psychopathology,
• cognitive psychology,
• language, gender, family relationships, and influences

Overseas study consultants recommend studying psychology at the University of Cambridge because the teaching staff are pioneers in psychology. The undergraduate program has lectures, seminars, small-group supervision, and laboratory work. Students also complete a research project in collaboration with an academic specialist. It is tough to get accepted into PBS at the University of Cambridge. Only 1 applicant is selected from every 6 applicants. Approximately 70 undergraduates take admission to the PBS course each year.

Harvard University

The Department of Psychology at Harvard University has one of the largest undergraduate concentrations at the university. The goal of the department is to understand the mind, brain, and behaviour through empirical methods. The undergraduate degree in psychology at Harvard University is for 4 years. Overseas study consultants recommend studying psychology at Harvard University because of the flexibility in pathways of study. There are 4 pathways of study: general track, cognitive neuroscience and psychology track, cognitive science track, and secondary field in psychology.

University of California, Berkeley

The Department of Psychology at the University of California, Berkeley, focuses on 6 research areas: behavioural and systems neuroscience, cognition, developmental, clinical science, cognitive neuroscience, and social-personality psychology. The undergraduate program encourages methodological, statistical, and critical thinking as a foundation for success across all psychology subfields. Abroad study counsellors appreciate that the department holds regular peer adviser workshops for undergraduates to decide about postgraduate education and pursue research projects. The UC Berkeley BA in Psychology has a duration of 4 years.

Choosing the right university for studying psychology is a crucial decision. While these five institutions consistently rank among the best, consider your academic and career goals while choosing your dream college. The university is best for you only if it fulfils your aspirations. Program specialisations, research opportunities, and location are important factors to consider.