International Competences for Undergraduate Psychology (ICUP): A constructive shift for psychology?

Abstract

The International Collaboration on Undergraduate Psychology Outcomes project developed the International Competences for Undergraduate Psychology model to offer a globally relevant framework to provide a reference point for reflection on and development of foundational undergraduate psychology programs across diverse international settings. The project, guided by the International Collaboration on Undergraduate Psychology Outcomes Committee and advisory group members (120 across 47 nations), was inspired by the concepts of psychological literacy and global citizenship and informed by reviews of both overarching and specific competence frameworks. The model emerged through systematic, inclusive processes of scholarship, collaboration, consultation, analysis, and synthesis. It comprises 24 foundational competences across two core categories, psychological knowledge and psychological research methodologies and methods, and five psychology-relevant categories: values and ethics, cultural responsiveness and diversity, critical thinking and problem solving, communication and interpersonal skills, and personal and professional development. The International Competences for Undergraduate Psychology model, the first of its kind, addresses the need of stakeholders to understand how graduates of foundational psychology programs can contribute meaningfully to personal, work, and community contexts. It responds to epistemic imbalances, geographic biases, and the urgent need for culturally inclusive and contextually relevant educational frameworks at a critical time for psychology. Moreover, the model provides a foundation for a shift in the discipline of psychology toward more globally inclusive and impactful processes and outcomes. Rather than prescribing uniform standards, the International Competences for Undergraduate Psychology model offers an adaptable framework that can complement existing national or regional competence models. This approach ensures foundational psychology education aligns with current and future societal needs. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).