Course Details

Clinical Psychology

Masters in Clinical Psychology

A Master's in Clinical Psychology is a graduate-level program that prepares students for careers in mental health, therapy, and counseling. This degree focuses on understanding the psychological, emotional, and behavioral aspects of individuals, with an emphasis on diagnosing and treating mental health disorders.

Course Overview

Why Study Clinical Psychology

Overview

  1. Psychological Theories: You'll study foundational theories in psychology, including cognitive, behavioral, psychodynamic, and humanistic approaches.
  2. Psychopathology: Understanding various mental health disorders, their symptoms, causes, and treatments, is central to clinical psychology.
  3. Assessment & Diagnosis: You’ll learn how to assess and diagnose psychological disorders through interviews, observation, and psychometric tests.
  4. Therapeutic Techniques: The program will cover a range of therapeutic methods, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, and family therapy.
  5. Ethics & Legal Issues: Ethics in psychology, including confidentiality and professional conduct, is crucial in clinical practice.
  6. Research Methods: Many programs involve research training, where you learn how to design studies and analyze psychological data.
  7. Practicum/Internship: Most Master's programs require clinical practicum or internship experience where you work under supervision in real-world settings.

  • Foundations of Clinical Psychology: Overview of clinical psychology, including history, ethics, and practices.
  • Psychopathology: Study of mental disorders and their classification, diagnosis, and treatment.
  • Research Methods in Psychology: Training in research techniques, including design, data analysis, and interpretation.
  • Assessment and Diagnostic Methods: Understanding of psychological testing, interviews, and observation techniques for diagnosis.
  • Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy (CBT): In-depth study of CBT techniques for treating various mental health conditions.
  • Psychological Interventions: Study of therapeutic methods for different psychological issues (e.g., depression, anxiety, trauma).
  • Human Development: Focus on psychological development across the lifespan.
  • Neuropsychology: Understanding the brain-behavior relationship and neurological disorders.
  • Social and Cultural Psychology: Exploring how cultural, social, and environmental factors influence mental health.

2. Specialized Electives

These courses allow students to focus on specific areas of interest within clinical psychology. Possible electives might include:

  • Child and Adolescent Therapy
  • Family Therapy
  • Forensic Psychology
  • Health Psychology
  • Addiction Psychology
  • Trauma and Crisis Intervention
  • Psychopharmacology: Overview of how medications are used in treating psychological disorders.

3. Practical Training

  • Clinical Practicum: Hands-on experience in clinical settings, such as hospitals, private practices, or mental health clinics, under supervision. Students engage in assessments, therapy, and case management.
  • Internships: Longer-term placements, often in a hospital, rehabilitation center, or mental health organization, where students gain more in-depth clinical experience.
  • Supervision: Regular supervision by a licensed psychologist to discuss cases, challenges, and professional development.

4. Research Component

  • Thesis or Research Project:  Students to conduct independent research in a specific area of clinical psychology, culminating in a thesis or research paper. This helps to develop critical thinking, research skills, and understanding of scientific inquiry.
  • Evidence-Based Practice: Emphasis on using research and scientific evidence to guide clinical practice.

5. Ethics and Professional Development

  • Professional Ethics: Training in the ethical and legal aspects of clinical practice, including confidentiality, informed consent, and professional behavior.
  • Cultural Competence: Courses or workshops focused on understanding and working with diverse populations, including issues of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and more.

6. Assessment and Evaluation

  • Psychological Testing and Assessment: Learning to administer, score, and interpret psychological tests, such as intelligence tests, personality assessments, and diagnostic inventories.
  • Clinical Supervision: Regular supervision during clinical placements, often involving case discussions and clinical feedback.

This guide explains the typical entry requirements for a Masters, which includes;

  • An Undergraduate degree in a relevant subject – Depending on the programme and institution, you may need a 2.1 in your Bachelors, but this isn’t always the case
  • Entrance exams – These are only required in certain subject areas and qualifications
  • Professional experience – Some postgraduate programmes may require you to have some professional experience (this is usually the case for PGCEs and Masters in Social Work)
  • Language proficiency – If English isn’t your first language, you’ll need to display a certain ability level, usually through a language test


Tuition fees 

MSc:  Full-time USD 10500. Part-time USD 5100
Postgraduate Diploma:  Full-time USD 7000. Part-time USD 3500

   

Tuition fees for International students 

MSc: Full-time USD 25000
Postgraduate Diploma: Full-time USD 16000


You’ll show your progress through a combination of written essays, problem-solving assignments and presentations.

All students take our core modules, but please note that the availability of optional modules is subject to demand.


A Master's degree in Clinical Psychology can significantly enhance employability in various sectors of mental health and behavioral sciences. Here are key aspects to consider for employment opportunities:

1. Types of Roles Available

  • Clinical Psychologist: Though full licensure may require additional supervised hours or a doctorate, a master’s degree can still allow you to work in clinics, hospitals, or private practices under supervision.
  • Mental Health Counselor: You can work as a counselor or therapist in schools, mental health centers, hospitals, and private settings.
  • Psychological Associate: In some regions, a master's degree can qualify you to work in this role, assisting in diagnostic evaluations and therapy under the supervision of licensed psychologists.
  • Research Assistant: Many clinical psychology master’s graduates work as research assistants, contributing to studies related to mental health, therapy methods, or psychological interventions.
  • Psychiatric Technician or Support Worker: Working directly with patients in hospitals or residential treatment settings, assisting with therapy sessions, medication management, and daily care.

2. Employment Sectors

  • Healthcare: You can work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, mental health facilities, and rehabilitation centers.
  • Private Practice: Some clinical psychology graduates may assist licensed psychologists in private practice settings, even if they cannot independently provide therapy yet.
  • Educational Institutions: Schools and universities may hire master's-level professionals as counselors, educational psychologists, or in student services.
  • Government & Non-Profit Organizations: Many mental health programs and government initiatives hire professionals with a clinical psychology background to work in social services, community outreach, and advocacy.
  • Corporate/Organizational Psychology: Organizations may hire individuals with training in clinical psychology to help with employee mental health, wellness programs, or organizational behavior.
  • Forensic Psychology: Working with legal professionals, contributing to assessments, and providing therapy for offenders or victims.

3. Licensure and Certification

  • Licensure Requirements: While a master's degree can prepare you for some roles, achieving full licensure as a clinical psychologist often requires a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) and completion of supervised clinical hours. However, a master’s degree allows you to pursue roles in mental health under the supervision of licensed professionals.
  • State or National Certifications: Depending on the region, there may be certifications for counselors, therapists, or psychometrists that can enhance employability.

4. Skills in Demand

  • Psychological Assessment: Master’s programs typically provide training in psychological assessments, which are highly sought after by hospitals, clinics, and research settings.
  • Therapeutic Techniques: Knowledge of evidence-based practices like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), or mindfulness-based interventions increases job prospects.
  • Research Skills: Strong research abilities are highly valued, especially if you’re considering roles in academic, research, or clinical trial environments.
  • Cultural Competence: The ability to work with diverse populations is increasingly important in clinical settings.
  • Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Empathy, active listening, and effective communication are essential in therapy and counseling roles.

5. Further Career Advancements

  • Doctoral Studies: If you wish to progress further into independent clinical practice, pursuing a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) may be necessary for full licensure and career growth.
  • Specializations: After obtaining your master’s degree, you could pursue specialized training or certifications in areas like neuropsychology, child psychology, or addiction counseling.
  • Supervisory Roles: With experience, you may be able to move into supervisory roles, overseeing other clinical staff or working as a manager in clinical settings.

6. Job Market Considerations

  • The demand for mental health professionals, especially in clinical psychology, is on the rise due to increasing awareness of mental health and the growing need for psychological services.
  • Geographic Location: Employment opportunities can vary significantly depending on your location. Urban areas may offer more job options, but rural areas may have fewer trained professionals, making it easier to find work in underserved regions.
  • Interdisciplinary Roles: Many psychology graduates diversify their careers by working in interdisciplinary teams, contributing their expertise in psychology to areas like social work, law enforcement, or health psychology.

7. Networking and Internships

  • Internships/Practicum: A strong internship or practicum experience can significantly boost your employability. Building professional relationships during your training often leads to job opportunities.
  • Professional Associations: Joining organizations like the American Psychological Association (APA) or other local psychology networks can provide valuable networking opportunities, career advice, and job listings.


  • Credit 120
  • Course CODE U7760
  • Duration 2 Years
  • Study Mode DISTANCE LEARNING/ AFFILIATE CAMPUS
  • Fee USD 25000
  • Departement SCIENCE