Zayed University

What you'll study

The programme provides a balanced mix of theoretical knowledge, practical skills and research training. You will study core areas of psychology alongside statistics and research methods, and apply learning through applied modules and supervised practical experience.

• Foundations of Psychology: introduction to major psychological perspectives, history of the discipline and ethical practice.
• Biological and Cognitive Psychology: brain–behaviour relationships, perception, memory and cognition.
• Developmental Psychology: lifecourse development from infancy to older adulthood, with attention to family and cultural context.
• Social Psychology: group processes, attitudes, social influence and intergroup relations, including culturally relevant topics for the UAE region.
• Abnormal Psychology and Psychopathology: classification, assessment and basic intervention approaches for common mental health conditions.
• Research Methods and Statistics: quantitative and qualitative methods, experimental design, data analysis and interpretation using commonly used software.
• Assessment and Measurement: psychometric principles, test construction and administration of standard measures.
• Applied and Professional Practice: counselling skills, case formulation, ethics, and a supervised practicum or internship in a school, clinic, hospital or community agency.
• Capstone/Research Project: independent research project or applied capstone demonstrating ability to conduct and communicate psychological research.
• Electives: options may include educational psychology, health psychology, forensic psychology, organisational psychology, and cross-cultural applications.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary school qualification. Typical admissible qualifications include national secondary certificates, GCE A-levels, International Baccalaureate or equivalent. Non-native English speakers will need to demonstrate English proficiency through recognised tests or university-administered assessments. Successful applicants are generally expected to meet academic thresholds set by the university and may be invited for an interview or admissions assessment. Mature applicants with relevant experience and appropriate prior learning may be considered.

Career prospects

A bachelor’s degree in psychology prepares graduates for a range of entry-level roles and for further professional training. Career paths commonly followed by graduates include:

• Support and assistant roles in mental health services, rehabilitation centres and hospitals.
• School support roles, educational support services and learning assistance.
• Human resources, recruitment, training and organisational development in public and private sectors.
• Community and social service work with NGOs, government agencies and youth services.
• Research assistant positions in academic, market research or public-sector research teams.
• Progression to postgraduate study (e.g. MSc, MA, professional training) leading to careers as clinical psychologists, counselling psychologists, educational psychologists or other licensed professions where additional qualifications and registration are required.

Why study at Zayed University

Zayed University offers an education with a strong regional and cultural perspective while adhering to international academic standards. Students benefit from modern campus facilities, experiential learning through practicums and internships, and faculty with research and applied experience in the UAE and wider region. The programme emphasises ethical practice, multicultural competence and community engagement, and the university provides career support and links with government bodies, healthcare providers and NGOs to help students transition into practice or postgraduate study.