Psychiatrist or psychologist? Is there any difference between the two? How are they different? It is common to hear these two terms be used interchangeably, but in truth, the two are not the same.
In this article, you will be looking at what a psychiatrist is, what a psychologist does, and which top universities of Malaysia can offer you the best route of education for these two fields.
What Is A Psychiatrist?
The study of psychiatry is a medical branch that focuses primarily on the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness. Psychiatrists, therefore, look into the biology and neurochemistry of people in order to understand the ways it influences their feelings and behavior.
What Are Your Career Choices As A Psychiatrist?
i) Inpatient care psychiatry
- Psychiatrists specializing in this field are medical doctors who have to deal with patients who have to stay overnight or undergo long-term treatment. They tend to work in psychiatric facilities of hospitals where they would offer patients dealing with mental illness some counseling sessions, prescribe medication, and conduct long-term treatment plans.
ii) Child & adolescent psychiatry
- Child and adolescent psychiatrists often work in schools, courts, or hold their own private practice. Their job is to provide treatment for children that are displaying emotional and behavioral disorders.
iii) Disability psychiatry
- Psychiatrists working with government agencies, group homes, or assisted living facilities often do so for disability psychiatry. In this line of work, the psychiatrist studies and treats the mental illness of individuals that are suffering to a point of physical impairment.
iv) Administrative psychiatry
- Administrative psychiatry is less about interpersonal communication but rather deals with designing the organizational structure of an institution to best support the mental health of their workers.
v) Psychiatric research
- Psychiatrists working in this have to direct their findings in relation to mental health conditions and how the illness can be treated and prevented.
What Is A Psychologist?
A psychologist studies and treats people’s cognitive, emotional, and mental wellbeing. Their job would consist of an evaluation and understanding of their client’s thoughts and emotions and how it is linked to their behaviors. Psychology is essentially the study of the mind and behavioral patterns.
What Are The Career Choices of A Psychologist?
i) Human resource executive
- There are several non-psych careers that you can actually choose from with a degree in psychology; one of which is as a human resources executive. Selecting suitable candidates, reviewing resumes, and conducting interviews are all part of the human resource executive job scope.
ii) Advertising and media executive
- Another non-psych career prospect would be to join an advertising agency. Several media advertising departments such as management, production, and writing are all within the extensive reach of a psychology degree holder.
iii) Psychotherapist
- If working in a mental health facility is truly what you are seeking, a psychotherapist is a good career prospect. Their job entails assisting people with various mental health conditions, and are trained to listen and analyze the psychological needs of their patients. They may work in group therapies, private practices, or rehabilitation centers.
iv) Social worker
- Social workers job is to protect children in vulnerable conditions, as well as assist families that are in need of support. It is a job of a social worker to help people solve and cope with the problems they face in their daily lives.
v) Counselor
- In this job, the psychologist would be using counseling methods to help their clients overcome mental and emotional issues by listening and developing treatment plans. Counselors may choose to work in schools, hold their own private practice, and other mental health facilities.
It is important to note that to work in clinical psychology, being you can apply as a licensed therapist or counselor, you would have to pursue a master of clinical psychology after your degree.
Entry Requirements to Pursue Psychiatric Study in Malaysia
The candidate has to complete about 5 to 6 years of medical training and serve in a government hospital for 4 years. Only after the candidate has completed this can they apply for specialist training in psychiatric medicine. The candidate must complete four years (minimal) course in their master’s degree, and six months of training to complete their program.
Programme | Requirement |
Bachelor in Medicine |
|
Masters in Medicine (Psychiatry) |
|
Top Universities to Study Psychiatry in Malaysia 2022
#1 Taylor's University
Programme | Bachelors of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBSS) |
Duration | 5 years |
Intakes | January, March, August |
Indicative fees (2022) | Local students: RM399,750 |
For more information about the programme structure, entry requirements, and fees, do not hesitate to contact us now!
#2 MAHSA University
Programme | Bachelors of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBSS) |
Duration | 5 years |
Intakes | January, March, August |
Indicative fees (2022) | Local and international students: RM435,300 |
For more information about the programme structure, entry requirements, and fees, do not hesitate to contact us now!
Entry Requirements to Pursue Psychology Study in Malaysia
Programme | Requirement |
Bachelor Degree |
|
Masters of Clinical Psychology |
|
Top Universities to Study Psychology in Malaysia 2022
To be qualified as a psychologist, the candidate would have to begin with a degree in psychology. The duration for this would take up to three years and another two to three years pursuing postgraduate studies to become a certified psychologist.
#1 University of Nottingham
Programme | BSc (HONS) Psychology |
Duration | 3 years |
Intakes | September |
Indicative fees (2022) | Local students: RM39,500 |
For more information about the programme structure, entry requirements, and fees, do not hesitate to contact us now!
#2 Monash University Malaysia
Programme | Bachelor of Psychological Science |
Duration | 3 years |
Intakes | February, July, October |
Indicative fees (2022) | Local students: RM36,977 |
For more information about the programme structure, entry requirements, and fees, do not hesitate to contact us now!
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Karisse Hannah
Journalism and Advertising major. Passionate about reading and writing, and an advocate for the truth.
