University of British Columbia

What you'll study

This BA provides foundational and advanced training in the major areas of psychology, including cognitive, developmental, social, biological and clinical psychology. First-year study typically covers introductory psychology, basic research methods and statistics, and courses that build academic skills for university-level inquiry. In later years, students choose from intermediate and advanced electives such as perception and cognition, developmental psychopathology, social cognition, neuropsychology, learning and memory, and psychological assessment.

Research methods and quantitative skills are core components of the programme: coursework commonly includes statistics for the behavioural sciences, experimental design and laboratory practicum. Students may complete supervised lab placements, capstone projects or an honours thesis depending on their programme pathway. The BA also supports interdisciplinary study, allowing combinations with subjects such as neuroscience, linguistics, education, health sciences, and sociology.

Entry requirements

Admission to the BA in Psychology is competitive. Applicants are normally expected to have completed a secondary-school credential equivalent to Canadian high school graduation, with strong grades across a broad range of academic subjects. Evidence of proficiency in English is required for applicants whose first language is not English.

Specific prerequisites and grade expectations vary by region and credential; prospective students should consult UBC’s official admissions pages for guidance relevant to their educational system. Mature applicants or transfer students from other post-secondary institutions will be assessed on previous tertiary study and GPA. There is no requirement for a portfolio; however, preparation in mathematics (for statistics) and a background in sciences or social sciences can be advantageous.

Career prospects

A BA in Psychology opens a range of career options. Graduates often pursue roles in human services, counselling support, social work (with further training), case management, community and health promotion, and disability services. Other common entry-level roles include research assistant positions, human resources and organisational support, market research, assessment and policy roles in government or non-profit sectors, and positions in education and youth work.

Many students use the BA as a stepping stone to postgraduate study. Options include professional programmes in clinical or counselling psychology, educational psychology, social work and speech-language pathology, or academic paths in experimental psychology, cognitive neuroscience and related disciplines. Employers in technology, communications and business sectors also recruit psychology graduates for user experience research, data analysis and people-focused roles.

Why study at University of British Columbia

UBC’s Vancouver campus hosts a large, research-active psychology department with a wide range of faculty expertise, offering students opportunities to join labs and participate in faculty-led research. The department emphasises both theoretical knowledge and hands-on research experience, with access to on-campus laboratories, testing facilities and community partnerships for applied placements.

Studying at UBC also gives students the advantages of a diverse, international campus and strong supports for undergraduate learning, including advising, research mentorship and experiential-learning initiatives. The degree’s flexibility allows students to tailor their studies to academic, clinical or applied career goals and to combine psychology with complementary programmes across the university.