The Top 5 Psychology Schools in Canada

If you are wanting to study Psychology in Canada, you will probably want to get the best possible Education for the time spent through your degree. Using data on reputation and research citations, the following Canadian Universities were ranked in the QS World Rankings By Subject, in the subject of Psychology and are ranked as the top five Psychology schools in Canada. Study amongst the best Psychology educational institutions in Canada in the following Universities – even though these are ranked as the top 5, remember there are tons of other Psychology schools throughout Canada depending on where you live / want to study.

1. University of Toronto

Province: Ontario

The University of Toronto, founded in 1827, is one of the oldest universities in Canada and one of the world’s leading research centres.

The scientific study of psychology has a long and illustrious history at the University of Toronto, beginning with J. Mark Baldwin’s founding of the tenth psychology laboratory in North America in 1891. Psychology gained department status at the University’s St. George campus in 1927, and was later expanded with the addition of the Scarborough (1964) and Mississauga (1966) campuses. The three campuses offer independent undergraduate programs but a common, integrated graduate program.

Presently, there are more than 60 full-time and 20 cross-appointed faculty at the three campuses, with many of the latter based at affiliated hospitals and research institutes. The combined expertise of our faculty spans all major areas of psychology and reflects a wide range of approaches to the study of mind, brain, and behaviour.

With a diverse and internationally recognized faculty, first-rate laboratory facilities, and a tradition of cutting-edge, collaborative research in an inspiring intellectual atmosphere, the department has for over a century been a top choice for those pursuing a career in psychological research.

Learn more or apply to the University of Toronto.

Learn How to Become a Psychologist in Ontario

2. McGill University

Province: Quebec

With some 300 buildings, more than 38,500 students and 250,000 living alumni, and a reputation for excellence that reaches around the globe, McGill has carved out a spot among the world’s greatest universities [McGill About].

McGill is a large sized University with a population of under 30 000 and ranked as the 20th best Psychology University in the World according to the QS rankings.

According to the McGill Department of Psychology Homepage –

Students from over 150 countries come to McGill because of

• A strong academic reputation. McGill’s 21 faculties and professional schools offer programs in some 300 areas of study.
• An outstanding faculty bring the latest research directly to their students.
• The Montreal setting has it all. Lively and cosmopolitan, Montreal is the second largest French-speaking city in the world. Although McGill is an English university, over 20% of our students are francophone.
• The name McGill sparks recognition worldwide and our graduates are prominent in every field of endeavour.
• There is an active alumni network provides graduates with contacts around the globe.

McGill’s international reputation for teaching and research attracts the best and the brightest students and faculty from around the world. Choosing McGill is an excellent step in ensuring a successful future for yourself!

Learn more or apply to McGill University

Learn How to become a Psychologist in Quebec

3. University of British Columbia

Province: British Columbia

Psychology was initially introduced as a single course and was offered by the Department of Philosophy in 1915. Over the years the number of courses and instructors grew until the University of British Columbia Psychology Department officially became the Department of Psychology in 1958. The Kenny Building was specifically designed and built to house the Psychology Department during the time that Peter Suedfeld was Department Head. He would go on to become Dean of the Graduate Faculty, and the Department moved into the building in 1984. The departments present home is named for Dr. Douglas T. Kenny, a developmental psychologist who was elected as the Head of the Department of Psychology in 1964, served as Dean of the Faculty of Arts from 1970-1975, and was President of UBC from 1975-1983.

UBC’s Department of Psychology advances the study and understanding of psychology to improve individual and societal well-being. We do this by creating a stimulating and collaborative research environment with a unique focus on enhanced teaching and learning.

UBS claims they are Canada’s top-ranked psychology department and are ranked 12th globally. The 51 faculty members and 115 full-time graduate students conduct research across the spectrum of psychology, representing eight sub-disciplinary specializations: Behavioural Neuroscience, Clinical, Cognitive Science, Developmental, Health, Learning Enhancement, Qualitative Methods, and Social/Personality.

The most popular undergraduate Major at UBC, Psychology currently has over 1700 students working toward their BA degree and over 120 studying for their BSc. During the 2013 academic year, more than 13,500 UBC undergraduates took at least one of our 52 courses (comprising 180 sections). Psychology was initially introduced as a single course and was offered by the Department of Philosophy in 1915. Over the years the number of courses and instructors grew until we officially became the Department of Psychology in 1958 [About UBC Psychology].

Learn more or apply to the university of British Columbia

Learn How to Become a Psychologist in British Columbia

4. Western University

Province: Ontario

The Department of Psychology at the University of Western Ontario offers a comprehensive undergraduate program in general psychology. The Graduate Program in Psychology allows students to further pursue individual studies in seven areas of research excellence.

Western University delivers an academic experience second to none. From its home in London, Canada, outward across every continent, Western prepares future leaders to succeed. Western appeals to students with a broad world view: those seeking to study, engage with, and lead in the global community. Students from more than 115 countries share in classroom experiences broadening perspectives and understanding. Beyond campus, students engage in study-abroad, research and volunteer opportunities. Western students strike a balance between high academic achievement and athletic, volunteer and social engagement, fostering a strong sense of pride and community. The community extends to a a network of 260,000 alumni across more than 150 countries. Western researchers collaborate with colleagues across the campus, country and globe to inform policy and share knowledge on the world stage. Western is home to many world-renowned research centres including the Rotman Institute of Philosophy, the Boundary Layer Wind Tunnel, the Brain and Mind Institute, The Africa Institute, Canada-U.S. Institute, and Centre for Environment and Sustainability. Considered Canada’s most beautiful campus, Western is situated on 480 hectares of green space containing traditional and modern architecture. Our home, London, Canada, is a safe, welcoming community of more than 366,000 people [topuniversities.com].

Learn more or apply to Western University

Learn How to Become a Psychologist in Ontario

5. York University

Province: Ontario

York University is helping to shape the global thinkers and thinking that will define tomorrow. York is Canada’s third largest university with a commitment to excellence which reflects a rich diversity of perspectives and a strong sense of social responsibility that sets us apart.

A York U degree empowers graduates to thrive in the world and achieve their life goals through a rigorous academic foundation balanced by real-world experiential education.

As a globally recognized research centre, York is fully engaged in the critical discussions that lead to innovative solutions to the most pressing local and global social challenges. York’s 11 faculties and 28 research centres are thinking bigger, broader and more globally, partnering with 288 leading universities worldwide. York’s community is strong — 55,000 students, 7,000 faculty and staff, and more than 250,000 alumni.

Learn more or apply to York University

Learn How to Become a Psychologist in Ontario

Other Psychology Schools in Canada

If you are interested in becoming a Psychologist in Canada and are interesting in attending a school somewhere else in Canada, then check out the Psychology Schools page where you can explore all of the Psychology schools throughout Canada by Province, City or Town, Program Type, Degree Type and Specializations. Even though the above top 5 rated Canadian Psychology Universities are amongst the top in Canada, there are many other great educational schools throughout the Country that can provide a wonderful experience.

The above Universities were taken from the top five Universities in the subject of Psychology using their QS World University rankings for 2014,  filtered down to the Country Canada. If you would like to see the most up to dat rankings as the years go on, you can see them at topuniversities.com – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2014 – Psychology.