IJN University College (IJNUC) has taken a significant step in expanding its academic offerings by signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), establishing a strategic partnership to offer the Bachelor of Psychology (Hons) programme. The collaboration marks a shared commitment by both institutions to strengthen academic excellence and address the growing importance of psychology within Malaysia’s healthcare sector.
Under the agreement, UPSI will serve as the awarding body for the degree, while IJNUC will lead programme delivery. Leveraging its strong academic foundation and clinically immersive learning environment, IJNUC aims to produce psychology graduates who embody competence, compassion, and industry readiness. The MoA was formalised through the signing ceremony between Prof. Emerita Durrishah Idrus, Vice-Chancellor of IJNUC, and Prof. Dato’ Dr. Md Amin bin Md Taff, Vice-Chancellor of UPSI.
Prof. Emerita Durrishah emphasised that the partnership is aligned with IJNUC’s ongoing efforts to broaden its academic portfolio beyond the traditional clinical sciences. She highlighted the crucial role psychology plays in healthcare, noting that understanding human behaviour and mental wellness is essential for holistic patient care. “This collaboration with UPSI opens an exciting new chapter for IJNUC. Psychology is deeply intertwined with healthcare, as understanding human behaviour and mental wellness is crucial in treating patients holistically. By combining IJNUC’s strengths in healthcare education with UPSI’s academic excellence, we are preparing future professionals who can serve with both competence and compassion, a vital balance in today’s healthcare landscape,” she said.
Echoing this sentiment, Prof. Dato’ Dr. Md Amin bin Md Taff noted that the initiative underscores UPSI’s mission to broaden its impact through partnerships that connect academic knowledge with real-world applications. He highlighted the timeliness of integrating psychology into healthcare as Malaysia continues to prioritise mental health and emotional well-being. “UPSI is proud to work alongside IJNUC in nurturing graduates who not only possess psychological knowledge but also the ability to apply it effectively within healthcare settings. This initiative is a step forward in producing a new generation of psychologists who are ready to contribute meaningfully to society,” he added.
The Bachelor of Psychology (Hons) programme will offer students a multidisciplinary curriculum that blends theoretical knowledge, clinical exposure, and hands-on learning within healthcare environments. This integrated approach will strengthen their understanding of psychological dimensions in patient care and better prepare them for diverse professional pathways across the health, education, and community sectors.
The signing of the MoA represents another important milestone in IJNUC’s journey to advance healthcare education through strategic collaborations with reputable institutions. It reinforces the institution’s role as a leading centre for teaching, research, and professional development in Malaysia. Pending approval from the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), the programme is expected to welcome its first cohort in September 2025.