A psychology course in Canada typically covers various human behaviour, thought, and emotion topics. The exact content of the course may vary depending on what you are interested in, be it social psychology, developmental psychology, or abnormal psychology. Common elements of psychology degree in Canada include:

• Introduction to Psychology: The history of psychology, various approaches, and the scientific method as it applies to psychology.
• Biological Bases of Behavior: The structure and function of the brain, the nervous system, genetics, and the endocrine system.
• Sensation and Perception: We process sensory information, such as vision, hearing, touch, taste, and smell.
• Learning and Memory: How we acquire new information and skills, store and retrieve information, and how our memory can be affected by factors such as emotion, attention, and ageing.
• Motivation and Emotion: The basic biological and psychological processes that drive behaviour, such as hunger, thirst, sex, and emotion.
• Social Psychology: How people interact with one another, how social influence affects behaviour, and how social factors can contribute to prejudice, discrimination, and conflict.
• Developmental Psychology: How people develop and change over the lifespan, including infancy and childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and aging.

Canada remains one of the countries that not only has a high demand for mental health professionals but also provides some of the best programs, which enable students to pursue a career in this esteemed field. Psychology professionals are among the highest paid in Canada. According to Job Bank Canada, the overall demand for psychologists in the country is also set to rise, as 15,700 new jobs will be created in Canada by 2028.

If you want to study psychology in Canada, book a free consultation with SI-Canada today to learn more about the application process and other relevant information.

Top 10 Canadian Universities for Psychology

Learn more about the best psychology degrees in Canada (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024) below.

1. University of Toronto

The University of Toronto's Department of Psychology has a worldwide reputation for excellence in research and graduate education. It offers full-time courses with areas of expertise that cover all the major research areas in experimental psychology, such as behavioural neuroscience, cognition, cognitive neuroscience, social psychology, and personality. 

The Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology is one of the reputed programs offered at the university. It aims to build a strong foundation across the discipline along with skills and methods used in psychological research. At the end of the program, you will gain an in-depth understanding of research, statistics, and laboratory techniques related to psychology.

• Suggested course: BSc (Hons) in Psychology
• International fees: $60,510
• Entry requirements: Excellent academic record in higher secondary with English, Biology, Calculus, and Vectors as compulsory subjects | Must demonstrate English proficiency skills by qualifying in exams like IELTS/TOEFL

2. University of British Columbia

Psychology at the University of British Columbia was introduced as a single course in 1915 and was initially offered by the Department of Philosophy. Later, in 1958, it was officially announced as the “Department of Psychology.” The department offers over 130+ full-time graduate students and post-doctoral programs to conduct research across various psychology disciplines. Some specialized courses available for undergraduate students include cultural psychology, psychological aspects of human sexuality, and sports psychology.

During the program, you can explore different topics, such as cognitive science, health, quantitative methods, and social and personality psychology, through discussions, research, and collaborations. MA in clinical psychology graduate program is designed for students with a background in psychology or related health science subjects and is ranked #1 in Canada in 2023. At the end of the program, graduates can opt for careers in research, teaching, and clinical practice. 

• Suggested course: Master of Arts in Psychology
• International fees: $9,690
• Entry requirements: First-class division in Bachelor’s course in relevant subject | IELTS overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 in each component

3. McGill University

McGill’s Graduate Department of Psychology offers two research-intensive courses, MA and M.Sc in psychology, leading to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). McGill University offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses through the Faculty of Arts and Science. You will be given choices during the course, including health psychology and hormones, psychology of bilingualism, and behavioural psychology. Besides the coursework, you will be encouraged to research through thesis and dissertation. 

MSc in Psychology equips you with knowledge and skills in literature synthesis and scientific communication to continue your studies or pursue professional work opportunities. 

• Suggested course: M.Sc in Psychology
• International fees: $10,159
• Entry requirements: A bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 3.0 GPA out of 4.0 GPA | TOEFL overall score of 86, with no band less than 20 in each component or IELTS minimum score of 6.5 or greater (in the academic module)

4. University of Calgary

The Department of Psychology of the University of Calgary offers an M.Sc in Psychology, a research-driven and thesis-based course. The program allows you to learn scientific methods to collect data in three areas: Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Social and Theoretical Psychology, and Brain and Cognitive Psychology. 

You can choose one of the following specializations: Medical Imaging Interdisciplinary, Wearable Technology Interdisciplinary, or Computational Neuroscience Interdisciplinary. After completing the program, graduates can work in universities, research centres, government organizations, or private businesses. A master’s degree in psychology can also be a pathway to a PhD. 

• Suggested course: M.Sc in Psychology
• International fees: $16,629
• Entry requirements: A four-year undergraduate degree in psychology or related discipline with a GPA of at least 3.40 on a four-point scale | An undergraduate course in statistics or experimental design | TOEFL minimum score of 105/IELTS score of 7.5 or a CAEL score of 70 with a minimum of 70 in each component or a PTE score of 75

5. University de Montreal

The M.Sc in Psychology, offered by the Department of Psychology, University de Montreal, Canada, is a 12-month full-time program focusing on the conceptual and operational analysis of scientific problems in psychology. The program is designed to acquire basic research skills in the psychology field. 

During the course, you will learn about conceptual and operational analysis of scientific problems addressed in psychology. What makes studying psychology at the University of Montreal is its globally recognized faculty members and worldwide ranking. US News ranks 7th in the world for neuroscience and behavioural sciences. 

• Suggested course: M.Sc in Psychology
• International fees: CAD 32,275
• Entry requirements: Must hold a three to four-year bachelor’s degree in psychology or a relevant field | IELTS minimum score of 6.5 or PTE score of 54 or TOEFL score of 103

6. Western University

Western University’s Department of Psychology offers graduate psychology courses in many areas. Top-rated for its student experience and world-renowned faculty members, the courses provide advanced training in four areas of study: Cognitive, developmental, and brain sciences, as well as clinical, industrial, organizational, social, personality, and developmental psychology. You can opt for the program, either full-time study-based or thesis-based. After graduating with an M.Sc in Psychology, you can pursue a clinical psychologist, addiction counsellor, therapist, or probation officer career. 

• Suggested course: Master of Science in Psychology
• International fees: CAD 20,379
• Entry requirements: A four-year undergraduate honour’s degree in psychology or related field or an undergraduate degree equivalent to an honour’s degree | Minimum grade average of 78% or B+ in the final year two years of the undergraduate program | Demonstrate English proficiency test in IELTS/TOEFL/CAEL Assessment

7. York University

Psychology is one of the largest programs offered at York University. The Graduate Program in Psychology at York offers courses, opportunities for research programs, and professional training leading to MA and PhD courses. You will develop a broad foundation and basic understanding of behavioural science and philosophy principles and methods during the coursework. You will be taught through lectures and seminars, ensuring that you gain sufficient knowledge to contribute to solutions to both theoretical and applied problems. 

Graduates after completing an MA in Psychology at York University gain an understanding of human behaviour with team management, problem-solving, and analytical skills. They can work as an analyst, forensic psychologist, and counsellor in non-profit organizations and government agencies. 

• Suggested course: MA in Psychology
• International fees: CAD 51,054
• Entry requirements: Three to four-year undergraduate degree from a recognized university in a relevant field | A GPA of at least 3.3 out of 4.33 in the last two years of study | English proficiency in any of the following English proficiency tests, like IELTS or TOEFL

8. McMaster University

The Department of Psychology, Neuroscience, & Behaviour (PNB) offers M.Sc and PhD programs in psychology. The courses aim to introduce students to the issues and questions in experimental psychology. You can research animal behaviour, cognition and perception, developmental psychology, systems and behavioural and neuroscience during the coursework. You will also get access to research and clinical training laboratories where you can learn and gain hands-on experience to train the next generation of brain scientists. Psychology graduates can work in public relations, social services, government organizations, and education.  

• Suggested course: M.Sc in Psychology
• International fees: CAD 58,632
• Entry requirements: Bachelor's Degree Hons or equivalent in psychology or related field with at least a B+ grade | Must have a strong background in Biology, Neuroscience, Computer Science, Physics, or Chemistry | Demonstrate strong English language skills through IELTS or TOEFL

9. Queen’s University at Kingston

The Department of Psychology at Queen’s University at Kingston offers psychology programs at M.Sc and PhD levels in four areas: Clinical, Cognitive Neuroscience, Developmental, and Socio-Personality. The program focuses on fundamental research and discovery with intensive clinical skills and application training. 

During the program, you will gain skills and knowledge to become proficient in the scientific and clinical aspects of the profession. Graduates of this course can make successful careers in various settings, such as academic institutions, clinical and healthcare research, and industries. 

• Suggested course: M.S in Psychology
• International fees: CAD 24,998
• Entry requirements: Bachelor’s or Hons degree in psychology or related field | IELTS overall score of 7 with no band less than 6.5 in each component

10. University of Alberta

The Department of Psychology of the University of Alberta is committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment. International students can apply for admission to M.A., M.Sc, and Ph.D. degree programs specializing in five research areas: behaviour, systems, and cognitive neuroscience, cognition, comparative cognition and behaviour, developmental science, and social and cultural psychology. The course is delivered through lectures, seminars, research work, and thesis submission. Some popular careers include psychotherapy, engineering psychology, and research assistant. 

• Suggested course: M.Sc in Psychology
• International fees: CAD 22,945
• Entry requirements: Undergraduate degree with a GPA of at least 3.0 out of 4.0 scale from a recognized university | Minimum TOEFL score of 90 with a score of at least 21 on each skill area |

Study Psychology in Canada

Why not arrange a free consultation with SI-Global today if you want to study in Canada? Our educational consultants will take you through your study options and help you apply.