International Competences for Undergraduate Psychology: a constructive shift for psychology?

The International Collaboration on Undergraduate Psychology Outcomes (ICUPO) project developed the International Competences for Undergraduate Psychology (ICUP) Model to offer a globally relevant framework to provide a reference point for reflection and development of foundational undergraduate psychology programs across diverse international settings. The project, guided by the ICUPO 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 & Methods, and five psychology-relevant categories: Values & Ethics, Cultural Responsiveness & Diversity, Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving, Communication & Interpersonal Skills, and Personal & Professional Development. The ICUP 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 ICUP 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.