You Ask, Ruka Answers: Bachelor of Psychology (Hons)

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29 Aug 2025

6 Min Read

Ruka Nakamatsu (Unibuddy Ambassador)

IN THIS ARTICLE
Unibuddy Ambassador Ruka shares insights on the Bachelor of Psychology (Hons) at Taylor’s University to help you make an informed choice!

Choosing the right programme is an important decision, and having the right information can help you make an informed choice. The Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) at Taylor’s University is a future-focused, hands-on programme that develops critical thinking, research, and practical skills—preparing students for diverse careers in psychology or postgraduate study.

 

To give you an insider’s perspective, Ruka Nakamatsu, a former student in the programme, shares her insights by answering the ten most frequently asked questions she received.

Ruka Answers Your Top 10 FAQs

1.     How diverse is the student community in the Psychology programme?

It was wonderfully diverse! In my modules, we had students from Malaysia, Indonesia, China, the Maldives, Japan, and beyond. That diversity really enriched our discussions, as everyone brought cultural insights when talking about human behaviour. As someone who grew up overseas, I found this very comforting — it was easy to feel included, and there was always something to learn from my peers. The lecturers were also respectful and inclusive, creating a safe and welcoming environment for everyone, regardless of background. I especially loved the Cross-Cultural Psychology module, and I hope it’s something you’ll look forward to as well!

2.     Can I explore business or other areas alongside psychology during my studies?

Yes! One of the things I loved about Taylor’s University is how flexible the programme is. Students can choose free electives or pursue a second major or minor in areas such as communication, business, information technology (IT), or design. Personally, I pursued a minor in Narrative Journalism — it was a great way to explore other interests without sacrificing my Psychology degree. This flexibility is also helpful if you’re still figuring out your career path or if you want to combine psychology with another field in the future. Some modules even encourage interdisciplinary collaboration; for instance, I once worked with students from the business and biosciences schools on a project to create a product based on an appointed theme.

3.     How does the programme address real-world or current societal issues?

We often examined how psychology applies to modern issues like online behaviour, mental health stigma, and cultural diversity. For example, in the Cyberpsychology module, we looked at how social media influenced self-esteem and behaviour. Many modules also included discussions on current events or ethical dilemmas, which kept the content relevant. I appreciated how lecturers encouraged us to think critically, question assumptions, and explore different viewpoints. It wasn’t just about memorising theories — it was about learning to apply them thoughtfully in today’s world.

4.     Are there opportunities to work on real research projects with lecturers?

Absolutely! In your final year, you’ll conduct your own research project, but even before that, you can get involved in faculty-led research or assist Master's students with their ongoing studies. Not only does this give you a better understanding of how research works in real life, but it’s also great preparation if you’re planning to pursue postgraduate studies later. These opportunities are usually shared by your lecturers or announced in class, so keep an eye out and don’t be afraid to express your interest!

5.     What kinds of places do students intern at in the final year?

Students intern in many different settings depending on their interests. Some are placed at non-governmental organisations (NGOs) or special needs centres, while others work in human resources (HR) departments, research institutes, or even fields not directly related to psychology. The internship is a chance to apply what you’ve learned in a professional setting, but also an opportunity to discover the numerous ways psychology shows up almost everywhere—embedded in education, business, healthcare, design, and even daily human interactions.

6.     Does the programme host talks or seminars with psychology professionals?

Yes, Taylor’s University regularly invites guest speakers from different psychology fields to share their experiences. These sessions are often open to all psychology students and provide a glimpse into what various career paths look like in real life. It’s a great way to learn beyond the classroom and ask professionals your questions directly. The Taylor’s Psych Society also hosts talks and seminars periodically, so make sure to follow their Instagram account to stay updated. 

7.     What career support is available if I don’t want to be a clinical psychologist?

Not everyone wants to work in clinical settings, and that’s okay! Taylor’s Career Services Centre offers workshops, consultations, and a job portal where you can explore careers in areas like user experience (UX) research, corporate training, education, and marketing. The university also supports this through its Flexible Study Components, allowing you to build a unique academic and professional profile. Whether you want to work with people or data, there’s plenty of room to explore and get support. 

8.     What mindset or qualities helped you succeed in the Psychology programme?

Being curious, reflective, and open-minded yet critical really helped me. Psychology is all about understanding people, which means being willing to engage with uncomfortable topics and challenge your own assumptions. It also helps to stay organised, especially with assignments and group work. Personally, being empathetic and willing to listen made a big difference in how I approached both class discussions and real-life applications. You don’t need to be perfect—but a genuine interest in people and behaviour will carry you far. 

9.     What was a life hack that worked wonderfully for you as a Psychology student?

While time management and teamwork skills are essential, one strategy that truly made a difference for me was setting aside time each week for a full review. Instead of trying to write everything down during lectures, I focused on listening actively and only made brief side notes on the lecture slides, especially when lecturers shared personal insights or real-world examples. At the end of each week, I would revisit these notes and go through the slides again in detail. This consistent habit helped reinforce my understanding and reduce stress during exam season. I also made it a habit to read the news and recent psychology articles, which allowed me to contribute meaningfully during class discussions and connect theory to current issues.

10.     What surprised you the most after starting the Psychology programme?

What surprised me most was how much psychology connects to everyday life. I expected theories and textbook learning, but I didn’t realise how often I’d start seeing psychological principles in movies, my own family dynamics, or even on social media. For example, learning about cognitive biases changed how I interpreted news and online arguments. Modules like Social Psychology and Human Personality really made me reflect on my own behaviour and relationships. The more I studied, the more I realised that psychology helps me better understand not just others, but myself too. 

Making the right choice starts with having the right information, so we hope this helped! If you have more questions—whether about the curriculum, campus culture, or future opportunities—our Unibuddy Ambassadors have the answers and would be happy to chat. You can also explore our website or contact admissions for more details.


Whatever you decide, we’re here to support you every step of the way!

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