Cambodia's recent traumatic history of war, political tension, natural disaster and rapid economic change has resulted in a large number of people requiring psychological assistance. As a result, there is a great demand for people trained in psychology in both rural and city areas.

The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree provides solid training in psychology for individuals who wish to alleviate the many social and mental problems prevalent in Cambodia. Graduates find work as counselors at mental health and community clinics, schools, rehabilitation centers, and non-government organizations. They also work for the government in areas such as the Ministry of Women's Affairs or Social Affairs. Some graduates continue their studies at the National Institute of Education and become teachers.

Background

The Department of Psychology was established in 1980 as a combined Psychology and Teacher-Training unit under the name of Faculty of Psycho-Pedagogy. From 1994, a psychology-specific degree was inaugurated, in keeping with international standards. Students who wished to become teachers at the end of their degree studied for an extra year at the National Institute in Education.

The Department of Psychology has developed links with many international and non-government organizations. The curriculum has been developed with the assistance of Monash University, Australia. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) also assists by offering funds for graduate work in Siem Reap. The Department has also developed practical links with many non-government organizations in Cambodia. These organizations offer practicum and work placements to students and graduates, and provide guest lecturers to the department. These organizations include:

• Transcultural Psychosocial Organization (TPO);
• World Vision Cambodia;
• Center for Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CCAMH);
• Agir pour les Femmes en Situation Précaire (AFESIP);
• Social Services of Cambodia (SSC);
• Cambodian Women's Crisis Center (CWCC);
• Preah Sihanouk Mental Health Clinic;
• Phsar Doeum Thkov Psychological Rehabilitation Center;
• Pour un Sourire d' Enfants (PSE);
• Cambodian Health Committee (CHC);
• Maddox Chivan Children's Center;
• Jane Lopacka Counseling and Mediation Services;
• Maryknoll Organization;
• Jeannine's Children's Association (JCA);
• ADRA Organization;
• Cornerstone Orphanage Cambodia (COC);
• Cambodian HIV/AIDS Education and Care (CHEC);
• Medecins du Monde (MDM);
• Palm Tree Foundation Organization;
• Save the Children Australia (SCA);
• Italian Association for Aid to Children (CIAI);
• Trauma Recovery Project;
• Hope and Peace ADP;
• Mercy Teams International Cambodia;
• The Cambodia Center for Protection of Children's Rights (CCPCR);
• Working Group for Weapons Reduction (WGWR);
• Bhrahmavihara Organization;
• Social Business Khmer (SBK);
• CRC (Children's House); and
• Friends Organization (Mith Samlanh).

Admission

Admission to the degree of Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) is administered by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, based on sound results in the High School Certificate subjects of Mathematics and Biology.

Assessment

Students are assessed by regular class-based and formal examinations. The final exam at the end of each subject is worth 50% of the assessment grade. In year four, top-ranking students are offered the opportunity to write a thesis on a subject of particular interest, and take a free elective course, instead of attending regular classes and sitting final exams. Students are required to maintain a high level of attendance and participation.

Curriculum

*Explanation: The code a(b-c) indicates the study load and number of credits. In this example: 'a'= number of credits, 'b' = number of lecture hours, and 'c' = number of tutorial or practical hours.

*Note: English language, run by ELSU, runs on a variable course code system, ENG001- ENG 412 depending on students' skill level.
Total Minimum Requirements: 132 Credits

Contact Info

Head of Department:
Mr Phan ChanPeou
Tel: (855) 12 603 017
Email: chanphan2002(at)yahoo.com
Office: Room 310, Building A