Thai students embrace psychology at UQ

The largest single cohort of Thai students in any one program has recently commenced study in psychology at The University of Queensland.

Offered through Chulalongkorn University (CU), Thailand and UQ, the Joint International Program in Psychology (JIPP) allows students to gain international experience and graduate with two degrees – a Bachelor of Science (Psychological Science) from Chulalongkorn University and a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) from UQ.

JIPP Program Director, Associate Professor John McLean, said psychology was among the most sought after courses of study internationally and a rapidly growing field in Thailand.

“These 14 students mainly come from international schools in and around Bangkok. They complete the first 2 years at CU and then come to UQ for 1.5 years before completing a final semester back in Thailand,” Associate Professor McLean said.

Associate Professor McLean said the program aimed to help Thai students create a strong network base in both countries - enabling greater employability or further study opportunities after graduation.

“This program arms students with extensive knowledge and strong skills in psychological research methods and assessment, as well as impressive people skills,” he said.

Third year JIPP student, Jiraporn (Nuch), believes the program offers an opportunity to study at two outstanding institutions in a friendly atmosphere with experienced lecturers in various fields of psychology.

“For my part, I enjoy most of the subjects - especially those that are related to biopsychology, which gives me a better understanding about the association among the brain, the mind and the behaviour," she said.

JIPP is based on the highly successful joint psychology program with the University of Indonesia, facilitated through the School of Psychology. To date, this program has facilitated the education of more than 170 Indonesian students and is now in its 12th consecutive year.

For more information on JIPP click here