Does McMaster University accept Psychology HL?

💡Expert's Take

“SOLID TRANSFER CREDIT – PSYCHOLOGY HL IS GENUINELY VALUABLE

The Good News: McMaster commonly grants IB Psychology HL (grade 5+) as equivalent credit to PSYCH 1X03 + PSYCH 1XX3 (6 units total). This is based on documented student reports and represents actual, functional credit—not a "ghost credit."

What This Means:

✅ You can skip the mandatory two-course intro psychology sequence

✅ Frees up 6 units of elective space in your first year

✅ Allows you to take more advanced Level II courses sooner (if prerequisites allow)

✅ Reduces first-year course load (real workload reduction, not just units)

The Caveat: If you plan to pursue Honours Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, be aware that the program requires a grade of B- or higher in PSYCH 1XX3 taken AT McMaster. Transfer credit may not satisfy this requirement because it wasn't earned at McMaster. If Honours Psych is your goal, confirm with your advisor whether you need to take PSYCH 1XX3 at McMaster anyway.

For Everyone Else: This is one of the cleanest transfer credits you can get—it actually saves you time and work.

Next Steps:

Confirm your IB Psychology HL score (need 5+)

After admission, verify via Mosaic that you receive the PSYCH 1X03 + 1XX3 credits

If pursuing Honours Psych, clarify with your advisor whether you still need the McMaster grade

Bottom Line: This credit is real, functional, and worth celebrating. Unlike many other IB credits, it actually reduces your workload.”