Best Colleges for Psychology

There are countless reasons to pursue a career in psychology, but the one that encompasses them all is that it’s thrilling. We will have a lot of questions for ourselves after studying psychology. Questions to which there isn’t always a solution. It will be an adventure where we learn a little bit more about ourselves and other people every day, how they act in various situations, and why they act that way. Psychology helps us find the answers to these questions or helps us learn about them. Thus, if you are looking for the top universities in the world to pursue a degree in Psychology, you have come to the right blog. This blog provides you with the best colleges for psychology along with the different courses and specializations they provide.

Overview: Psychology

As we strive to understand the world, it is important for us to take a while to understand ourselves. Human evolution is an ongoing process which requires a constant need for us to glance within ourselves and understand the dynamics of the human mind. Psychology centrally explains why people do the things they do. In basic terms, Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind and behaviour. Along with being a multi-perspective subject, there are numerous branches of psychology. The unique aspect of studying psychology is that you can choose your own career path depending on your related interests. For e.g., if you have an interest in sports, you can enrol in sports psychology. People who love solving crimes can opt for forensic or criminal psychology.

Best Colleges for Psychology in the World: Rankings 2022

There are numerous universities and colleges across the globe which offer a wide range of Psychology courses and specialisations to choose from. Here we have enlisted the 10 best colleges for Psychology as per QS Rankings 2022 for Psychology:

University	QS World University Rankings 2022 for Psychology
Harvard University	#1
Stanford University	#2
University of Oxford	#3
University of Cambridge	#4
University of California, Berkeley	#5
University of California, Los Angeles	#6
University College London	#7
Yale University	#8
Massachusetts Institute of Technology	#9
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor	#10

Now, let’s explore some of these top colleges for Psychology and their prospective programs on offer.

Stanford University

Stanford University is one of the most prestigious universities in the world. Its undeniable prominence makes it the highest-ranked among the best colleges for Psychology as the university continuously encourage its students to work on the real-world problems in this arena while also ensuring an inclusive environment with equal opportunities for everyone. Its unique structure of syllabus and research modules incorporated in Psychology courses are also one of the key reasons why it is a world-renowned academic institution. Stanford University offers undergraduate and PhD programs in Psychology. Some of its prospective programs include:

• Introduction to Psychology
• Self Theories
• Introduction to Perception
• Self and Society: Introduction to Social Psychology
• Cellular Neuroscience: Cell Signaling and Behavior
• Observation of Children  
• Social Norms

Known amongst the best colleges for Psychology for its core emphasis on practical knowledge, the Graduation Program of Psychology is structured so as to incline students towards the fields of research and clinical practice. The university also offers majors in:

•  Cognitive
•  Developmental
•  Affective Science
•  Neuroscience 
•  Social Psychology

Harvard University

Home to the pre-eminent architects of Psychology like B.F Skinner, Gordon Allport, Henry Murray, Harvard University has carried on their legacy and maintained its top position among the best colleges for Psychology. For undergraduate programs, the university offers an introductory course followed by different Foundation courses in:

• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Social Psychology
• Developmental Psychology 
• Abnormal Psychology
• Neuroscience 

The University offers four specialised graduate programs in:

• Clinical Science
• Developmental Psychology
• Cognition, Brain and Behaviour
• Social Psychology

University of Cambridge

Amongst the oldest universities in the world, the University of Cambridge is another key mention in our list of best colleges for Psychology. The study of Psychology in Cambridge is accredited by the British Psychology Society (BPS) and the university offers a plethora of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Psychology. The undergraduate courses at Cambridge span for a period of 3 years. Here are the popular courses in Psychology at the University of Cambridge:

• BA Hons in Psychological and Behavioural Sciences
• MPhil (Psychology and Education)
• PhD in Psychology
• PhD in Computation, Cognition and Language
• PhD in Clinical Neurosciences

University of Oxford

One of the elite colleges in the world with the finest programs and state-of-the-art infrastructure, the University of Oxford ranks 4th among the best colleges for Psychology as per the QS World University Rankings 2020. The university has combined psychology courses with linguistics and philosophy to provide some of the best interdisciplinary programs for students across the world. Check out the top courses in Psychology at the University of Oxford:

• BA Experimental Psychology
• BA Psychology, Philosophy and Linguistics
• MSc in Psychological Research 
• MSc by Research in Experimental Psychology 
• MSc by Research in Experimental Psychology 
• DPhil (PhD) in Experimental Psychology 
• DPhil (PhD) in Experimental Psychology

University of California, Berkeley

The University of California consists of 10 campuses across different cities in the USA along with widespread research branches. The university’s campus in Berkeley is the oldest Campus among all and a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU). Amongst the best colleges for Psychology, the university offers BA in Psychology as well as a Post-baccalaureate Certificate Program in Psychology at the undergraduate level. The programs are created in such a manner for students to understand the major parts of Psychology and develop methodological and statistical skills which are essential for practising research in Psychology. The graduation program includes three extensive subjects which include subjects like General Psychology and Research which are further streamlined. Here are the major specialisations offered by UC Berkeley for master’s degree programs in Psychology:

• Behavioural and Systems Neuroscience
• Clinical Science
• Cognition
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Social-Personality
• Development

Top Colleges in India to Pursue Psychology

Listed below are some of the top colleges in India to study Psychology.

 1. Lady Shri Ram College for Women

One of the top colleges for social sciences, humanities, and commerce is Lady Shree Ram College. It has a connection to Delhi University. It has a lovely 15-acre campus in South Delhi and was founded in 1956 by Late Sir Shree Ram in honour of his wife. It has a Psychology Department that grants a B.A. (Honors) in Psychology. Admission is solely determined by merit. The LSR Psychology course is extremely good, the instructors are excellent, and there are some excellent Psychology labs.

2.  Jesus and Mary College

An all-female institution affiliated with Delhi University, Jesus and Mary College is located in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi. B.A.(Hons) Psychology is one of the popular arts courses offered by Jesus and Mary College. The crowd and instructors are both excellent. In 1972, the Psychology Department was founded. The college is renowned for placing equal emphasis on a subject’s academic and practical understanding. Admission is solely determined by merit.

3.  Jai Hind College, Mumbai

One of the reputable colleges in Maharashtra is Jai Hindi College. It has Mumbai University as an affiliate. It was started back in 1948. The university provides a B.A. in psychology. According to the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), it is now ranked 40th out of the top 100 colleges in India. The NAAC gave it a “A” grade as well. The faculty is really welcoming and supportive. Many MNCs and other businesses come to the college to find talented candidates. Entirely on merit, the admissions process is conducted.

4.  Fergusson College, Pune

In the city of Pune, Fergusson College is an independent public college that offers programmes in the arts and sciences. Deccan Education Society established it in 1885. The college holds a “A” rating from NAAC and is associated with the University of Pune. Numerous undergraduate and graduate courses are available at the college. Both a B.A. and an M.A. in psychology are available. Numerous well-known, international businesses visit to provide employment opportunities. Admission is solely determined by merit.

5. Indraprastha College for Women

All-Indraprastha women’s College for Women has been ranked as the greatest college to study psychology since it boasts the field’s top faculty. It is India’s first women’s college. It began to exist in 1924. Affiliation with The University of Delhi exists. Additionally, it is among India’s top 20 arts colleges. Numerous undergraduate and graduate programmes are available. Both a B.A.(Hons.) and an M.A. in Psychology are available. Admission is solely determined by merit.

6. Mithibai College, Mumbai

One of Mumbai’s well-known colleges is Mithibai College. The University of Mumbai is associated with it. Numerous undergraduate and graduate programmes are available. The company was founded in 1961. India Today placed it 21st in the category of Humanities in 2012. It received a “A” rating from NAAC. The institution was ranked first among the top colleges at the University of Mumbai for the academic year 2018–19. Both a B.A. and an M.A. in psychology are available. Entirely on merit, the admissions process is conducted.

7. Christ University

It’s private to attend Christ University. In 1969, it was founded. It was regarded as the sixth-best institution for humanities in 2014. The pupils are given 49 scholarships. It provides a range of psychology courses. It provides Ph.D., M.Phil., M.A. in Educational Psychology, M.Sc. in Behavioural Science, M.Sc. in Clinical Psychology, M.Sc. in Counseling Psychology, and M.Sc. in Psychology degrees (HRDM). The Psychology courses provided at the undergraduate level are merged. The programmes include a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media with English AND Psychology, a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism with English AND Psychology, a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Economics, and Sociology, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Performing Arts with English AND Psychology, a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Studies with English AND Psychology, and a Bachelor of Arts in Western Classical Music with English AND Psychology. The Admission is based o Entrance Examination namely CUET.

8. St. Xavier’s Mumbai

One of the well-known colleges in Mumbai and India is St. Xavier’s Mumbai. It began to exist in 1869. The University of Mumbai is connected with this college. It provides a range of undergraduate and graduate courses. In 2010, the University of Mumbai gave it autonomy for the first time. It holds entrance exams for particular courses. It provides a B.A. in Psychology in the subject area. Merit-based admissions are the norm.

FAQs

Thus, we hope that this blog provided you with all the key details regarding the best colleges for Psychology. Exploring psychology degrees abroad? Our Leverage Edu experts are here to provide you with the best course and university combinations and we will also guide you in finding the right one that fits your interests! Sign up for a free session with us today!