There are many advantages to studying psychology. For one, it is a fast-growing field that not only has high salary potential but also offers a wealth of specialisation opportunities. More importantly, it equips you with a wide range of marketable skills that are applicable in many other careers, such as public relations, sales, education, business and social work. 

"Grounded in science with research giving birth to theories, the application of psychology goes beyond classroom and laboratory teaching and learning, extending into various facets of our lives. At Heriot-Watt University, our Psychology students have the opportunity to learn, understand and apply the diverse and unique aspects of psychology in their everyday lives and future careers," noted Dr Zuhrah Beevi, Assistant Professor of Psychology at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia.

The Psychology programme encompasses five study pathways: Foundation in Psychology, BSc in Psychology, BSc in Psychology with Management, MSc in Business Psychology and PhD in Psychology. SPM holders can take advantage of the Foundation in Psychology, a pre-university course that gives students a solid grounding before they embark on their undergraduate study in Psychology.

The BSc in Psychology and BSc in Psychology with Management prepare students for their future careers. The former is suited for students who are interested in areas such as forensic psychology, health psychology, mental health and education. The latter, on the other hand, offers courses such as Human Resource Management and Industrial & Organisational Psychology, and is ideal for those who are seeking careers in Human Resource and training fields. 

Meanwhile, the university's year-long MSc in Business Psychology incorporates courses such as Coaching and Leadership, and aims to further enhance the knowledge and skills of new psychology graduates as well as experienced professionals looking to expand their understanding of the human mind and behaviour. 

Venessa Chen Wen Chian, who has worked in various industries and recently completed her MSc in Business Psychology, said, "I realised that in an increasingly competitive job market, I needed more to progress further in my career and improve my employment prospects. I was initially attracted to the scenic view at Heriot-Watt's Putrajaya campus, but its well-established global reputation in providing equal academic standards across all campuses was the deciding factor."  

Psychology students at Heriot-Watt are taught by highly qualified academics from various fields of psychology. Their in-depth knowledge benefits students in learning and understanding the theoretical aspects of psychology and psychology as applied in the real world. 

BSc in Psychology student Crystal Law Lee Jun and BSc in Psychology with Management student Zulaikha Binti Zainul Rizam are unanimous in extolling the quality of education at Heriot-Watt and the calibre of their lecturers. 

"The excellent educational level here appeals most to me. The BSc in Psychology promotes a holistic understanding of humans biologically, emotionally and socially. Furthermore, I just love the way the lecturers approach us and help us out whenever we need them. They are very generous in sharing their experience and knowledge. I learned a lot of new skills from them that I would never have been able to obtain from textbooks," explained Crystal.  

"Heriot-Watt lecturers are amazing!" concurred Zulaikha. "My lecturers are very qualified and passionate. They put their very best in teaching."

In line with its commitment to ensuring that its students are future-ready, Heriot-Watt University incorporates several programmes that are aimed at cultivating lifelong learning and soft skills. 

"Our undergraduate students are required to undergo a 12-week intensive industrial placement closely supervised by our Psychology teaching staff and industry supervisors to ensure that they get the best experience and learn to apply their classroom knowledge in real settings," explained Dr Zuhrah. 

That, together with Heriot-Watt University Malaysia's hallmark EmPOWER programme, prepares students to adapt to an ever-evolving 21st century job market, giving them a distinct edge over other graduates. 

"Educators agree that soft skills inculcated early before graduates enter the job market prepare them for the next chapter of their life. We are taking this important step in shifting the curriculum paradigm from the traditional focus of classroom teaching to a more holistic and multidimensional approach. Furthermore, the soft skills embedded in our curriculum, alongside classroom teaching and learning, help students to understand themselves better psychologically," elaborated Dr Zuhrah.  

Venessa, Crystal and Zulaikha all agree that their studies have provided them with brighter career prospects. 

Crystal, who aims to focus on Clinical Psychology, feels that the programme has prepared her well for her future career. "There are many opportunities out there, and I believe that my degree will help in my pursuit of my career of choice," chimed in Zulaikha. 

"My studies have given me different insights and perspectives on the corporate world. The courses were highly relevant. All assignments and discussions were done based on the real working environment, and have added on to my past working experiences. This has broadened my career path, and I am confident that I will be able to offer more," concluded Venessa.

Additionally, Heriot-Watt's Go Global initiative gives undergraduate students the opportunity to transfer for one or more semesters to its campuses in Dubai or the UK, with the option of graduating at the overseas campuses or back in Malaysia. "This programme allows our students to broaden their horizons and understand the diversity of world cultures, thus enriching their learning and teaching experiences," said Dr Zuhrah. 

Heriot-Watt University was established in 1821 and is the eighth oldest higher education institution in the UK. It offers a range of foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate programmes with business, finance, built environment and engineering specialisms. Through the years, the university has garnered numerous awards and accolades. Among others, it is ranked 37th in the world, 13th in the UK and third in Scotland for international outlook by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2019 and joint 17th in the UK and first in Scotland for graduate salaries six months after graduation in The Times/The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019. 

For its September intake, Heriot-Watt University Malaysia is offering scholarships worth 100% and 50% for its undergraduate programmes. Meanwhile, those who apply for its postgraduate programmes together with a colleague from the same organisation will receive a 25% fee waiver for their entire programme. 

For more information on this as well as other programmes or scholarships offered, visit Heriot-Watt's campus in Putrajaya on its special Eid Open Days on 22nd and 23rd June 2019 or during consultation hours from 9am to 5pm on Mondays to Fridays and 10am to 4pm on Saturdays. Those who apply during the Eid Open Days will receive a waiver of RM1,000 upon payment of their first semester's fee. Find out more at www.hw.edu.my or call +603 8894 3888/e-mail [email protected].