Why do people behave the way they do? How do our emotions shape us? How does our brain make decisions? If these questions are on your mind, psychology is the field for you! Studying psychology and behavioral sciences in Turkey will satisfy your curiosity and offer you a great career. Let’s take a look at what’s available in this world of well-established universities, hands-on courses and affordable costs!
In the process of this education, students take courses in various sub-disciplines to understand individuals’ thinking processes, emotional reactions, social interactions and mental health. At the same time, they are oriented to field studies and scientific research, focusing on the research methods and ethical rules of psychology.
Graduates of the psychology department can have the chance to work in different professional groups such as clinical psychologists, academicians, human resources specialists, and educational counselors by turning to various fields of specialization.
What Courses Are Available in the Department of Psychology?
The psychology undergraduate programs offered at universities in Turkey include core and specialization courses. While students usually take basic psychology courses in the first two years, in the third and fourth years they have the chance to focus on more specific areas and receive hands-on training. Here are the basic courses of psychology education:
1. General Psychology
Considered as an introductory course to psychology, General Psychology covers the basic concepts of understanding the human mind and behavior. In this lesson students will:
- History and development of psychology
- Emotions, perceptions and cognitive processes
- Learning theories (Pavlov’s classical conditioning, Skinner’s operant conditioning)
- Theories of personality and individual differences
introduces topics such as psychology. This basic knowledge plays a critical role in understanding other subfields of psychology.
2. Developmental Psychology
Developmental psychology is the study of the mental, emotional and physical changes that humans undergo from pre-birth to old age. Course Content:
- Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive Development
- Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development
- Psychological changes in childhood, adolescence and adulthood
- Aging and changes in cognitive function
Such topics are covered. This course is especially important for students interested in child and adolescent psychology.
3. Clinical Psychology
Clinical psychology is a field that covers recognition, assessment and treatment of psychological disorders. Within the scope of this course students will be able to:
- Mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia
- Therapeutic approaches (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychoanalytic Therapy, Gestalt Therapy)
- Psychotherapy techniques and case studies
They learn topics such as. These courses provide a basic foundation for students who wish to become clinical psychologists.
4. Industrial and Organizational Psychology
Industrial and organizational psychology is a branch of psychology that studies human behavior in the business world and aims to increase productivity. In this field:
- Employee motivation and performance evaluation
- Leadership and organizational behavior
- Workplace stress and burnout syndrome
- Psychological assessment methods in recruitment processes
Such topics are covered. This course is especially important for students interested in human resource management and organizational psychology.
5. Cognitive Psychology
Cognitive psychology studies the information processing processes of the brain. Students in this field:
- Perception and attention processes
- Memory systems (short-term memory, long-term memory)
- Problem solving and decision making mechanisms
- The relationship between language and thought
They work on topics such as. For students interested in a career in neuropsychology or the connections between artificial intelligence and the human mind, this course is highly beneficial.
6. Behavioral Sciences and Neuropsychology
Behavioral science combines disciplines such as psychology, sociology and anthropology to understand the behavior of individuals and groups. Neuropsychology studies the connection between the brain and behavior. Course Content:
- Structure and functioning of the brain
- Nervous system and psychological functions
- Brain damage and cognitive impairment
- The relationship between neuroscience and psychology
is addressed. In recent years, interest in neuropsychology has increased with advances in brain imaging techniques.
7. Research Methods and Statistics
Psychology is a discipline based on scientific research. Therefore, psychology students are trained in statistical analysis and design of experiments. In this lesson:
- Hypothesis formulation and experimental research methods
- Data collection techniques (questionnaires, observation, experiments)
- Correlation and regression analysis
- SPSS and other statistical programs
Such topics are covered. This course is critical for psychology graduates to take part in scientific studies and academic research.
Practical Applications of Psychology Education in Turkey
Psychology students not only receive theoretical education, but also put their knowledge into practice through internship programs, laboratory studies and field research.
- Internship Programs: Offers the opportunity to gain experience in places such as hospitals, therapy centers, human resources departments of companies, etc.
- Laboratory Studies: Provides the opportunity to conduct experiments in the fields of cognitive psychology and neuropsychology.
- Practical Classes: Offers the chance to practice therapy techniques and psychological testing by working on real cases.
These practices help graduates to be better equipped for their professional life.
For more details about psychology education in Turkey, you can check The official website of the Council of Higher Education (YÖK).
Universities Providing Psychology Education in Turkey
The psychology department is taught at many universities in Turkey. Here are some of the most prestigious and high quality universities:
State Universities
- Boğaziçi University – English medium, internationally recognized program
- Orta East Technical University (METU) – Research-oriented and English-language education
- Istanbul University – One of the oldest psychology departments in Turkey
- Hacettepe University – Strong academic staff in clinical psychology
Foundation Universities
- Koç University – International academics and advanced laboratory facilities
- Sabancı University – Research and practice-based psychology education
- Bilkent University – English language education, international exchange opportunities
For more information about these universities, you can check out their websites.
Career Advantages of Psychology Education in Turkey
There are many career options for psychology graduates. Here are the most popular professions:
- Clinical Psychologist – Provides individual counseling services in hospitals, therapy centers.
- Industrial and Organizational Psychologist – Works on human resources and employee psychology in companies.
- Academician / Researcher – Teaches at universities and conducts scientific research.
- Educational Psychologist – Works on student psychology in schools and educational institutions.
- Judicial Psychologist – Provides psychological analysis for courts and prisons in the legal system.
You can get information about the conditions for working as a psychologist in Turkey and the process of obtaining a license from the website of the Turkish Psychological Association.
Scholarship and Support Opportunities for Psychology Education in Turkey
There are several scholarships and financial support available in Turkey for students who want to study psychology:
🎓 YÖK and KYK Scholarships – State-funded scholarships and student loans
🎓 University Scholarships – Merit scholarships offered by private foundation universities
🎓 TÜBİTAK Research Grants – Funds provided by TUBITAK
🎓 Private Foundation and Association Scholarships – Scholarships from NGOs and institutions that support education
Keeping track of scholarship opportunities and paying attention to the application process can greatly reduce the cost of your education.
Does it make sense to study psychology in Turkey?
If you want to understand human behavior, help people and conduct scientific research, studying psychology in Turkey can be a very good option. You can receive quality education at the country’s well-established universities and consider different career paths.
Are you thinking of studying psychology in Turkey? Apply Now!contact us for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best psychology universities in Turkey?
Boğaziçi, METU, Koç, Bilkent and Istanbul University have the strongest academic staff and research facilities in psychology.
Who is the best psychologist in Turkey?
The “best” psychologist depends on the individual’s area of expertise; Prof. Dr. Doğan Cüceloğlu and Prof. Dr. Acar Baltaş are prominent names in the field.
What does a basic psychology certificate do?
Gains introductory knowledge in psychology, aims to understand human behavior and improve communication skills, makes a difference in the resume.
How much TL does a psychologist earn?
Psychologist salaries in Turkey vary depending on the institution; new graduates can earn an average of 25,000-35,000 TL, while experienced specialists can earn 50,000 TL and above.