Psychology Universities and Courses in UAE

Psychology Universities in UAE for International Students

1. United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) – Al Ain

• Programs Offered:

  • BSc in Psychology

  • MSc in Clinical Psychology

  • PhD in Psychology

• Fees:

  • Undergraduate: Approx. AED 1,200–1,500 per credit hour

  • Graduate: AED 2,000–3,000 per credit hour
    (Full bachelor's degree: approx. AED 90,000–120,000)

• Intake:

  • Fall (August/September)

  • Spring (January)

• Ranking:

  • QS World Ranking 2024: Top 300 globally

  • National Ranking: #1 public university in UAE

• Notes:
  Government-funded and known for research excellence. Offers scholarships for high-achieving international students.

2. American University of Sharjah (AUS)

• Programs Offered:

  • BA in Psychology

  • (Plans to introduce MSc programs in coming years)

• Fees:

  • Approx. AED 96,000–105,000 per year
    (Total cost for a bachelor’s: ~AED 385,000–420,000)

• Intake:

  • Fall and Spring

• Ranking:

  • QS Arab Region: Top 10

  • Globally recognized for its American-style education

• Notes:
  Strong liberal arts foundation. Diverse student body with many international students.

3. University of Birmingham Dubai

• Programs Offered:

  • BSc (Hons) Psychology

  • MSc Psychology (Conversion)

  • MSc Clinical Psychology (Coming Soon)

• Fees:

  • BSc: AED 100,000–115,000 per year

  • MSc: AED 125,000–145,000 total

• Intake:

  • September (Main), January (Selective programs)

• Ranking:

  • UK Parent Campus in Top 100 globally (QS, THE)

  • Dubai campus follows same curriculum & standards

• Notes:
  British curriculum with strong research backing. Suitable for students planning future UK education or licensure.

4. Heriot-Watt University Dubai

• Programs Offered:

  • BSc Psychology

  • MSc in Business Psychology

  • MSc in Clinical or Counseling Psychology (coming soon)

• Fees:

  • BSc: AED 63,000–70,000 per year

  • MSc: AED 85,000–95,000 total

• Intake:

  • September

  • January (limited programs)

• Ranking:

  • Parent UK campus is Top 300 globally

  • Reputed for psychology in business and applied fields

• Notes:
  Scottish university with strong ties to industry and practical applications in psychology.

5. Murdoch University Dubai

• Programs Offered:

  • BA in Psychology

  • Double Major options (e.g., Psychology + Criminology)

• Fees:

  • Approx. AED 52,000–58,000 per year

  • Total: ~AED 208,000–232,000

• Intake:

  • September, January, May

• Ranking:

  • Based on Australian standards; globally recognized

  • Mid-tier ranking but good for practical exposure

• Notes:
  Offers flexible pathways and internships. Good option for students with interdisciplinary interests.

6. Middlesex University Dubai

• Programs Offered:

  • BSc in Psychology

  • BSc Psychology with Counselling

  • MSc in Clinical, Occupational & Health Psychology

• Fees:

  • BSc: AED 58,000–65,000 per year

  • MSc: AED 80,000–95,000 total

• Intake:

  • September and January

• Ranking:

  • UK Parent Campus in Top 400 (QS)

  • Dubai campus is well-ranked regionally

• Notes:
  Popular with international students. Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).

Universities in UAE

Psychology Courses in UAE

Undergraduate Psychology Courses (Bachelor’s Level)

1. Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Psychology

• Focus: Scientific study of behavior, cognition, and emotion.

• Core Subjects:

  • Introduction to Psychology

  • Cognitive Psychology

  • Developmental Psychology

  • Abnormal Psychology

  • Research Methods

  • Neuroscience

Universities Offering:

• United Arab Emirates University (UAEU)

• Heriot-Watt University Dubai

• University of Birmingham Dubai

• Middlesex University Dubai

• Murdoch University Dubai

2. Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology

• Focus: Broader approach with humanities/social science integration.

• Core Subjects:

  • Psychology and Society

  • Cultural Psychology

  • Personality Theory

  • Ethics in Psychology

  • Counseling Techniques

Universities Offering:

• American University of Sharjah

• Murdoch University Dubai

3. BSc/BA in Psychology with Specializations

• Specializations:

  • Counseling Psychology

  • Criminology and Forensic Psychology

  • Business/Organizational Psychology

Universities Offering:

• Middlesex University Dubai (Psychology with Counselling)

• Murdoch University Dubai (Psychology + Criminology)

Postgraduate Psychology Courses (Master’s Level)

1. Master of Science (MSc) in Clinical Psychology

• Focus: Clinical assessment, diagnosis, treatment of mental health disorders.

• Includes supervised clinical training.

Universities Offering:

• United Arab Emirates University (UAEU)

• Middlesex University Dubai (BPS accredited)

• University of Birmingham Dubai (Upcoming)

2. MSc in Business / Occupational Psychology

• Focus: Applying psychology in the workplace.

• Subjects include:

  • Organizational Behavior

  • Workplace Wellbeing

  • Human Factors

  • Leadership and Team Dynamics

Universities Offering:

• Heriot-Watt University Dubai

• Middlesex University Dubai

3. MSc Psychology (Conversion)

• For non-psychology graduates.

• Offers a foundational path to professional psychology careers.

Universities Offering:

• University of Birmingham Dubai

Doctoral Programs (PhD in Psychology)

• Advanced research-based programs

• Duration: 3–5 years

• Thesis-focused with optional teaching and clinical work

University Offering:

• UAE University (UAEU)

Short Courses / Certificates in Psychology

• Topics:

  • Mental Health First Aid

  • Positive Psychology

  • Child Psychology

  • Addiction and Substance Abuse

  • Trauma & PTSD

Offered by:

• Short-term training centers

• University continuing education departments (e.g., Middlesex, AUS)

Study in UAE

Bachelors of Psychology in UAE

1. United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) – Al Ain

• Program: BSc in Psychology

• Duration: 4 years

• Accreditation: UAE Commission for Academic Accreditation

• Curriculum Highlights:

  • Cognitive, developmental, abnormal, and social psychology

  • Strong research & Arabic cultural context

• Tuition Fees: Approx. AED 1,200–1,500 per credit hour
  (Total ~AED 90,000–120,000)

• Language: English

• Intakes: September (Fall), January (Spring)

• Key Strength: Government-backed, well-funded research university

2. American University of Sharjah (AUS)

• Program: BA in Psychology

• Duration: 4 years

• Accreditation: Licensed by UAE Ministry of Education; follows American curriculum

• Curriculum Highlights:

  • Neuroscience, personality theories, applied psychology

  • Emphasis on critical thinking and cross-cultural psychology

• Tuition Fees: AED 96,000–105,000 per year
  (Total ~AED 385,000–420,000)

• Intakes: Fall & Spring

• Key Strength: Liberal arts focus with multicultural environment

3. University of Birmingham Dubai

• Program: BSc (Hons) Psychology

• Duration: 3 years

• Accreditation: BPS (British Psychological Society, UK)

• Curriculum Highlights:

  • UK-accredited curriculum

  • Developmental, biological, social, and cognitive psychology

• Tuition Fees: AED 100,000–115,000 per year

• Intakes: September

• Key Strength: Same academic standards as UK campus

4. Heriot-Watt University Dubai

• Program: BSc Psychology

• Duration: 3 years

• Accreditation: UK-based, aligned with BPS curriculum

• Curriculum Highlights:

  • Forensic, health, and cognitive psychology

  • Optional courses in statistics and business

• Tuition Fees: AED 63,000–70,000 per year

• Intakes: September & January

• Key Strength: Good for applied and business-related psychology careers

5. Middlesex University Dubai

• Program:

  • BSc Psychology

  • BSc Psychology with Counselling

• Duration: 3 years

• Accreditation: British Psychological Society (BPS)

• Curriculum Highlights:

  • Psychopathology, research methods, behavioral therapy

  • Counseling option offers hands-on techniques

• Tuition Fees: AED 58,000–65,000 per year
  (Scholarships available)

• Intakes: September & January

• Key Strength: Strong faculty and international recognition

6. Murdoch University Dubai

• Program:

  • BA in Psychology

  • Double majors available (e.g., Criminology, Communication)

• Duration: 3 years

• Accreditation: Australian curriculum recognized in UAE

• Curriculum Highlights:

  • Child development, abnormal behavior, research methods

• Tuition Fees: AED 52,000–58,000 per year

• Intakes: September, January, May

• Key Strength: Flexible degree plans and practical focus

Engineering, Science & Technology in UAE

Masters of Psychology in UAE

1. United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) – Al Ain

• Program: Master of Science (MSc) in Clinical Psychology

• Duration: 2 years (full-time)

• Language: English

• Accreditation: Commission for Academic Accreditation (UAE), aligned with global standards

• Curriculum Highlights:

  • Psychopathology, psychological assessment, therapeutic techniques

  • Clinical practicum in hospital/mental health settings

• Tuition Fees: AED 2,000–3,000 per credit hour
  (Total: ~AED 100,000–120,000)

• Intake: September (Fall)

• Key Strength: UAE’s top public university with clinical training partnerships

2. Middlesex University Dubai

• Programs Offered:

  • MSc in Clinical Psychology

  • MSc in Health Psychology

  • MSc in Work and Organizational Psychology

• Duration: 1 year (full-time), 2 years (part-time)

• Accreditation: British Psychological Society (BPS) aligned (UK standards)

• Curriculum Highlights:

  • Evidence-based therapy, health behavior change, workplace psychology

  • Includes research project and optional practicum

• Tuition Fees: AED 80,000–95,000 (full program)

• Intake: September & January

• Key Strength: Strong international faculty, multiple specializations

3. Heriot-Watt University Dubai

• Program: MSc in Business Psychology

• Duration: 1 year (full-time), 2 years (part-time)

• Accreditation: UK-based curriculum

• Curriculum Highlights:

  • Leadership psychology, workplace well-being, psychometric testing

  • Strong industry and HR applications

• Tuition Fees: AED 85,000–95,000

• Intake: September & January

• Key Strength: Great option for psychology graduates aiming for corporate roles

4. University of Birmingham Dubai

• Program: MSc Psychology (Conversion Program)
  (Designed for students with a non-psychology bachelor's)

• Duration: 1 year (full-time)

• Accreditation: British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited in the UK

• Curriculum Highlights:

  • Covers core areas of psychology for future clinical or research training

  • Includes research project and BPS-required modules

• Tuition Fees: AED 125,000–145,000

• Intake: September

• Key Strength: Prepares students for clinical psychology doctorates in the UK or UAE

5. Abu Dhabi University (in planning phase)

• Expected Programs: MSc in Counseling Psychology / Clinical Psychology
  (Check for upcoming intakes)

• Focus: Arabic and Islamic cultural context in therapy

B.Sc in UAE

PhD in Psychology from UAE

1. United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) – Al Ain

Program: PhD in Psychology

• Duration: 4–5 years (full-time)

• Mode: Research-based with some coursework (in English)

• Accreditation: Commission for Academic Accreditation (UAE Ministry of Education)

Research Areas:

• Clinical & Abnormal Psychology

• Cognitive Neuroscience

• Social & Cross-Cultural Psychology

• Developmental Psychology

• Educational and Health Psychology

Tuition Fees:

• AED 2,400–3,000 per credit hour

• Total: Approx. AED 160,000–200,000
  (Fully-funded scholarships available for top international applicants)

Intake:

• Fall (September) is the main intake

• Spring intake may be offered selectively

Entry Requirements:

• Master’s degree in Psychology or a closely related field

• Research proposal

• IELTS 6.5 or equivalent

• CV + 2 academic references

• Interview (may be online for international students)

Key Strengths:

• UAE’s top public research university

• Access to mental health clinics, hospitals, and lab-based research

• Strong regional and international collaborations

2. University of Sharjah (Program Under Development / Limited)

• Status: Currently offers research-focused Master's in Applied Psychology
  (PhD may be available in future years as the psychology department expands)

3. Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (Potential through Joint Programs)

• While Sorbonne Abu Dhabi doesn’t currently offer a stand-alone Psychology PhD, students may explore interdisciplinary PhD opportunities in social sciences, combining:

  • Psychology

  • Philosophy

  • Education

• May involve joint supervision with Paris campus (France)

4. External PhD with UAE-Based Supervision (Hybrid Route)

• Middlesex University Dubai

• University of Birmingham Dubai
  don’t currently offer a PhD in Psychology, but: You can pursue a PhD via their UK campus with UAE-based supervisors, allowing you to stay in the UAE while completing your doctoral work.

Architecture Colleges and Courses in UAE

Eligibility Criteria for Psychology Course Program in UAE

1. Bachelor’s in Psychology – Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements:

• Completion of high school or equivalent (12 years of education)

• Minimum average:

  • 70–80% or equivalent GPA (depending on the university)

  • IB Diploma / A-Levels / American High School Diploma are accepted

• Strong academic performance in English, Biology, or Math is preferred

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Minimum 6.0

• TOEFL iBT: Minimum 79–80

• Some universities may also accept:

  • EmSAT English Score (UAE requirement)

  • Duolingo (for conditional admission)

Other Requirements:

• Personal Statement / Statement of Purpose (for some universities)

• Interview (rare for undergrad, but some high-ranking programs may require it)

• Valid Passport & Visa for international applicants

2. Master’s in Psychology – Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology or a related field (minimum GPA of 2.5–3.0 out of 4.0)

• For conversion programs (e.g., MSc Psychology at Birmingham Dubai), any bachelor’s degree is accepted

English Proficiency:

• IELTS: 6.5 or above

• TOEFL iBT: 90+

• Duolingo / PTE may be accepted at some universities

Additional Requirements:

• Academic references (usually 2)

• CV or Resume

• Personal statement explaining motivation and career goals

• Interview for clinical or counseling tracks

• For Clinical Psychology: May require prior psychology coursework or relevant experience

3. PhD in Psychology – Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements:

• Master’s degree in Psychology or related field (minimum GPA: 3.0 out of 4.0 or equivalent)

• Research-based Master’s is often preferred

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: 6.5–7.0

• TOEFL: 90–100+

Research & Supporting Documents:

• Detailed research proposal aligned with faculty interests

• Academic CV / Resume

• 2–3 academic references

• Writing samples / thesis (if available)

• Interview with potential supervisor or admissions committee

Intakes & Application Deadlines for Psychology Course in UAE

1. Bachelor’s in Psychology – Intakes & Deadlines

University	Intakes	Application Deadlines (Approx.)
UAE University (UAEU)	Fall (Sep), Spring (Jan)	Fall: May–July Spring: Oct–Nov
American University of Sharjah (AUS)	Fall, Spring	Fall: May–June Spring: Oct–Nov
Middlesex University Dubai	September, January	Fall: June–Aug Spring: Nov–Dec
University of Birmingham Dubai	September only	Rolling admissions Priority by July
Heriot-Watt University Dubai	September, January	Fall: Aug Spring: Dec
Murdoch University Dubai	September, January, May	1 month before each intake

2. Master’s in Psychology – Intakes & Deadlines

University	Intakes	Application Deadlines (Approx.)
UAEU (Clinical Psychology MSc)	September (Fall only)	Priority deadline: May–June Final: July–August
Middlesex University Dubai	September, January	Fall: Until late August Spring: December
University of Birmingham Dubai	September only	Rolling admissions Final: August
Heriot-Watt University Dubai	September, January	4–6 weeks before semester start

3. PhD in Psychology – Intakes & Deadlines

University	Intake	Deadline (Approx.)
UAE University (UAEU)	Fall (September)	Early Decision: April–May Final: July
Sorbonne Abu Dhabi (if interdisciplinary)	Fall (Selective)	Usually May–June for Sept start
UK Universities (Hybrid PhD via Dubai campuses)	Sept (main), Jan (limited)	Rolling basis (UK academic calendar)

Fees for Psychology Courses in UAE

Undergraduate Psychology Programs (Bachelor's Degree)

University	Estimated Annual Tuition (AED)	Duration
University of Dubai	AED 45,000 – 55,000	4 years
Middlesex University Dubai	AED 55,000 – 65,000	3 – 4 years
American University in Dubai (AUD)	AED 80,000 – 90,000	4 years
Heriot-Watt University Dubai	AED 58,000 – 68,000	3 – 4 years
Zayed University (for Emiratis)	Mostly free or subsidized	4 years

Postgraduate Psychology Programs (Master’s Degree)

University	Estimated Total Tuition (AED)	Duration
University of Birmingham Dubai	AED 90,000 – 100,000	1 – 2 years
Heriot-Watt University Dubai	AED 70,000 – 85,000	1 – 2 years
Middlesex University Dubai (MSc)	AED 80,000 – 95,000	1 – 2 years
United Arab Emirates University (UAEU)	AED 50,000 – 70,000	2 years