We are one of the few institutions in Malaysia offering a BSc Psychology with Professional Placement. The placement year gives you one full year of work experience, so you graduate work ready with stronger employability.
Learn more about the School of Psychology and Clinical Sciences at the Malaysia campus or UK campus.
RIGOROUS CURRICULUM
You will study the same programme as our UK campus, following the same curriculum and academic standards.
Year 1: Foundations for British Psychological Society (BPS)–aligned study, including cognition, neuroscience, development, perception, and research methods.
Year 2: Deeper study across these areas with advanced research training.
Year 3 (Placement option): A year in industry (see below).
Final year: Choose modules that interest you and conduct a research project with excellent staff support and resources.
You will be supported by our experienced, highly qualified academic team.
PROFESSIONAL PLACEMENT (YEAR 3)
The placement year helps you build professional skills and confidence.
Examples of placement activities:
- Direct client support (e.g., befriending, assisting in groups, classroom assistance)
- Work shadowing with professionals
- Small-scale research or evaluation projects
You will apply classroom learning in real settings, gain meaningful work experience, and graduate with a stronger CV.
For more information about our placement opportunities, timeline and student experience, please check out the portfolio link here .
Note: We also offer a 3-year BSc Psychology (without the placement year).
Testimonies
Mariah Qistina Binti Ahmad Suffian (Year 3, 2025)
Mariah Qistina Binti Ahmad Suffian
Placement: Bridging Minds Academy, JB, February – April 2024
As a Special Education Teacher at Bridging Minds Academy, I worked primarily with Early Learners aged 3 to 6, focusing on foundational skills such as numeracy, literacy and motor skills, while occasionally working with older students to observe diverse learning styles and adaptation strategies. Witnessing students’ growth, particularly those who communicate nonverbally, motivated me to seek out more teaching opportunities despite the steep learning curve of applying classroom knowledge in real time and continuously creating new methods for each student’s needs.
Neelufer Zahra Binte Mohammad Azim Ullah (Year 2, 2025)
Neelufer Zahra Binte Mohammad Azim Ullah
Placement: Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP), May – August 2024
My placement at Port of Tanjung Pelepas was truly transformative, involving research, data analysis, and collaboration to develop a mental well-being policy for the company. Initially challenging was adapting from university’s academic discussions to the corporate environment’s diverse collaboration styles and working with colleagues from varied backgrounds, which highlighted the practical importance of interpersonal skills taught in class. This experience brought my academic knowledge of mental health, workplace behavior, and communication to life in real-world applications, solidifying my learning and deepening my appreciation for my education’s relevance. Working in an industry not typically associated with psychology broadened my horizons and ignited my enthusiasm for mental health advocacy, helping me discover what truly resonates with me.
Fatima Noor (International Student – India, Year 4, 2025)
Fatima Noor
Placement: University of Reading Malaysia (100 hours), Sept 2023 – Jan 2024
Global Mental Health Services (India), Sept 2023 – Jan 2024
Clover Learning Centre, Jan 2024 – Jul 2024
As a 4-year BSc Psychology with Professional Placement student, my undergraduate years at University of Reading Malaysia allowed me to explore different areas of psychology through various internships, beginning with my second-year 100-hour Research Assistant placement conducting literature reviews, collecting stimuli for research, and performing data cleaning—teaching me the importance of precision, critical thinking, and organization.
My placement year involved two distinct experiences: first as a Clinical Psychology Intern with Global Mental Health Services where I conducted literature reviews, facilitated psychoeducation programs, participated in role plays, and assisted in psychotherapy sessions under supervision, with the most meaningful aspect being taking case histories and learning to communicate through words, silence, expressions, and emotions. My second placement as a Teaching Assistant in a Montessori school gave me a completely new outlook on human growth and development, working to establish natural and enjoyable learning environments while recognizing the value of independent learning through guiding children in academic, practical life, and sensorial activities.
As an international student, the placement year enhanced my flexibility, empathy, and cultural awareness while allowing me to explore my interests and gain relevant skills in different cultural settings. Since there aren’t many psychology-related internship opportunities in my hometown, this placement year helped me gain better understanding of my interests, providing clarity in shaping my long-term goal of working as a clinical psychologist specializing in child and adolescent mental health.
MULTIPLE CAREER OPTIONS
A psychology degree opens many paths. You will develop critical thinking, research skills, data handling, and foundations in psychological testing and assessment—skills valued across sectors.
Common career destinations include:
- Hospitals and mental health services
- Schools and special needs centres
- Human resources and talent development
- Marketing, sales, and consumer insights
- Social services and NGOs
- Market research and consultancy
- Advertising and media
Graduates may pursue clinical or professional postgraduate training, or enter the workforce directly.
For more information about what you can do with a degree in psychology, refer to the following article.
STUDY IN THE UK (MOBILITY AND TRANSFER)
Students have the option to undertake mobility and transfer to the campus in the UK. Please refer to www.reading.edu.my/studyuk for more details. We will be happy to advise you on your options when you join the programme.
