Introduction to the Psychology Major

General Introduction About Psychology Major

Program Code: 7310401
Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Psychology
Duration: 4 years
Mode of Study: Full-time

1. The Importance of Psychology to the Community

Psychology is a branch of the humanities that supports activities aimed at improving people’s mental and emotional well-being.

In modern society, regardless of profession or field, workers need the ability to adapt, handle high pressure, and interact effectively with others. In fact, it is widely acknowledged that people must be both physically and mentally healthy.

However, reality often falls short. Many people experience psychological difficulties such as depression, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and behavioral disorders. These issues stem from a variety of causes, including physical abnormalities, brain diseases, psychological stress (academic or work-related pressure, relational conflict), unhealthy lifestyles, or toxic social environments.

Mental health crises occur across all age groups—from children and adolescents to middle-aged and elderly individuals—and affect people of all genders and social classes. Many are struggling to find peace and happiness in their inner lives. In workplaces across sectors like business, healthcare, tourism, military, politics, and education, mental health concerns are increasingly prioritized. The psychological well-being of families, communities, and society plays a crucial role in shaping a prosperous and thriving nation. Therefore, training in psychology is vitally important.

At present, expanding psychology training programs is an urgent need in Vietnam due to a shortage of professionals in this field:

Public schools lack school psychologists; teachers are forced to take on multiple roles.
The healthcare sector urgently needs psychological counselors to support patients, doctors, and medical staff.
Many businesses and offices are seeking to hire psychological specialists.
Social instability and crises (e.g., the COVID-19 pandemic) have increased the demand for mental health services.
The World Health Organization has ranked depression as the second most harmful illness to human health, after cardiovascular disease, with rates of depression rising, particularly among young people.
Demand for mental health services in Vietnam is growing rapidly.

2. Psychology Training at Hanoi Metropolitan University

The Department of Psychology, under the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, was established in 1959 alongside the founding of Hanoi Pedagogical College—initially as the Educational Psychology department. Over 64 years, the department has built a strong foundation in educational psychology training for pedagogy students and has now expanded to offer psychology education for students across all majors.

The Psychology major at Hanoi Metropolitan University is career-oriented, equipping students with key competencies of a professional psychologist: the ability to describe, explain, predict, diagnose, and manage psychological issues across various sectors such as education, healthcare, business, and human resource management. Students also develop ethical character and civic awareness, becoming responsible global, national, and local citizens.

The program covers a wide range of subjects—from foundational theories to advanced practices in psychological counseling, diagnosis, therapy, research, and prevention of mental difficulties. Students study core psychology subjects such as General Psychology, History of Psychology, Social Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Creativity Psychology, Communication Psychology, and Differential Psychology, along with applied fields like Educational Psychology, Health Psychology, Business Psychology, Tourism Psychology, and Human Resource Psychology. This comprehensive and practical approach gives students ample career opportunities.

Mission of the Psychology Program:
“Nurturing Minds, Enriching Communities”

The program is taught by a team of experienced lecturers and specialists with professional backgrounds in educational psychology, school psychology, and clinical psychology. All lecturers hold at least a master’s degree in psychology, and many hold PhDs. They are passionate about teaching and always ready to support students academically and through extracurricular activities.

3. Career Prospects and Student Benefits

Graduates of the Psychology program can pursue careers such as:

Researchers and lecturers at research centers, institutes, colleges, and universities
Psychological counselors in educational institutions
Psychological therapists at special education centers
Clinical psychologists in hospitals
Human resource, customer relations, and event planning professionals in businesses
Speakers and life skills trainers
Mental health service consultants and idea developers

Psychology students at Hanoi Metropolitan University have many opportunities for real-world experiences through internships at the Faculty’s Counseling and Early Intervention Center. They will learn how to care for their own mental health, develop communication and life skills, work in teams, and participate in research and practical psychological projects.

Students can also pursue a second major during their time at the university, broadening career options. The Psychology curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning and internships in schools, hospitals, and businesses, helping students build career-ready skills early on. Those with academic excellence can pursue master's and doctoral degrees in Psychology.

In addition to academics, students can join extracurricular activities through the Student Union and university clubs. They are also encouraged to participate in collaborative events with other universities in Hanoi.

Scholarships are awarded annually, and students are recognized for achievements in academics, student union activities, scientific research, innovation, startup competitions, cultural festivals, arts, and sports. Students are also encouraged to contribute ideas for organizing meaningful extracurricular activities for their class, faculty, and university.

4. 2023 Admission Information for the Psychology Major

Enrollment quota: 45 students
- 25 via high school graduation exam results
- 15 via high school academic records
- 5 via direct admission or international language certificates

Subject combinations for admission:

D96: Math, Social Science, English
D72: Math, Natural Science, English
D70: Literature, Social Science, English
C00: Literature, History, Geography

Admission Methods for 2023:

Method 1: Direct and priority admission according to MOET regulations (Code 301)
Method 2: Admission based on international language proficiency certificates (Level 3 or equivalent, valid at time of application) (Code 408)
Method 3: Admission based on Grade 12 academic performance (Code 200)
Method 4: Admission based on national high school graduation exam results

Note: The code and name of each admission method correspond to official regulations :

100	Admission based on results of the national high school graduation exam
200	Admission based on high school academic records (academic transcripts)
301	Direct admission in accordance with Article 8 of the Admission Regulations
408	Admission based solely on international certificates