Psychology is a popular degree subject. With the increased understanding of the importance of mental health and the wider application Psychology is seeing in other disciplines and sectors, university Psychology programmes have grown. And Canada has long been one of the most attractive destinations for students, so what are the best Psychology programmes in Canada?
Why Canada is a great choice for students
Canada is an attractive choice for anyone. Regularly at the top of league tables for quality of life, the country has a reputation for being welcoming. Affordable and friendly, it has some of the most diverse universities in the world, and it has a strong university system, boasting world-class institutions.
And Canada is a beautiful country. So, whether you want to study in a major city, or are looking for a campus that is a little more isolated, you are guaranteed not just a great degree, but also a great student experience.
Why Canada is great for Psychology
Canada also has some of the world’s best universities. Although regulated at state level, every university has to meet and maintain rigorous standards, guaranteeing the quality of the education they provide.
Canada’s international outlook extends to its academic life, around 40% of its academics will hold at least one degree from an international university, meaning tuition offers an informed and international perspective. It has helped ensure some of the world’s best universities for Psychology are in Canada, with Canadian universities taking eight places in the QS rankings top 250.
It has also helped Canada develop some innovative courses, so while a straightforward bachelor’s in Psychology is possible, some of the best Psychology programmes in Canada now offer degrees in emerging fields like behavioral science.
There are plenty of bachelor’s and master’s programmes to choose, but we’ve picked a few that illustrate the variety and quality of the best Psychology universities in Canada.
Bachelor’s programmes
Psychology at Toronto Metropolitan University
Canada’s largest city, Toronto offers the cosmopolitan experience you would expect from the country’s largest city. And Toronto’s diversity is reflected in the student population, which is formed from the several universities that have their home there.
The Toronto Metropolitan Psychology is a four-year Bachelor of Arts program. Offering a general overview of the discipline, it covers everything from the human development to the social applications of Psychology. As well as theoretical learning, the course includes applied research, given students the opportunity not just to learn, but to further psychological understanding.
Check this list of Psychology Bachelor’s in Canada
Psychology at Trent University
Although a relatively young university, Trent was established in 1964, it uses the Oxbridge college system. This creates not just an intimate atmosphere for students, but also offers small class sizes. The proximity and access to academic staff means it offers one of the best Psychology programmes in Canada.
Trent’s Psychology course offers the choice of either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree at the end of their four-year program. They also allow students to take joint degrees, in which Psychology can be a major or a minor.
Behavioural Science at Humber College
If you are looking for something a little different, then Humber might have the option for you.
Based in Toronto Humber College is one of Canada’s more innovative academic institutions. Around two-thirds of its 90 thousand students are part-time, and it has a strong practical focus on its courses. Most will include some work element, such as placements, and it even operates a weekend college to help those in employment study.
Its Behavioural Science programme reflects this. Strongly rooted in practical theory, it covers Behavioural Science across the lifespan. The four-year Bachelor of Science programme begins with a two-year foundation in Psychology and Behavioural Science, with the final two years including practical applications and two courses of thesis work.
Master’s programmes
Psychology at the University of Northern British Columbia
A small, research-intensive, university, the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) is unique in many ways. Its northern latitude means that it’s part of the University of the Arctic, an international grouping promoting education in the arctic region. Reflecting the impact of climate change on its geographic location, UNBC also promotes its green credentials, boasting one of the world’s most environmentally friendly campuses.
Its research focus means that it is one of the best universities for Psychology in Canada. The master’s programme is designed for those looking to follow Psychology as an academic discipline, including two courses in statistics, four further Psychology courses of the students choice and a research thesis.
Check this list of Psychology Master’s in Canada
School Psychology at Mount Saint Vincent
Mount Saint Vincent started life as a religious foundation, but began offering education to women at a time they were not even allowed to vote. Now co-educational, the university offers degrees in a range of subjects. However, the university has several focus areas, including education. For those interested in teaching and learning, it offers some of the best Psychology programmes in Canada.
The School Psychology Master’s degree blends theory and research. Students will deepen their understanding of Psychology, and then expand that learning practical skills in a classroom placement. They will then combine their learning and experience in a research thesis. The programme is ideal for those looking for a school-based career or hoping to undertake further academic research.
Forensic Psychology at Ontario Tech University
Ontario Tech University, officially known as the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, is a modern university but already ranks as one of Canada’s best. Although a predominantly undergraduate university, it has a growing number of graduate students.
Its Forensic Psychology Master’s offers the opportunity for those looking to either specialize their research or deepen their understanding of their field of work. A largely taught master’s program, the programme covers not just the psychological issues that may lead to crime, but the other psychological impacts of the criminal justice system, such as that on victims or those wrongfully convicted.
Which is right for you?
Canada boasts a world-leading education system. With both regulation and competition ensuring that universities all strive to offer the best programmes and experiences for students, it is hard to go wrong.
Although we’ve picked a few of the best universities for Psychology in Canada, they might not be right for you, but with hundreds of options to choose it won’t be hard to find the perfect course.
