Master of Psychology (Clinical)

With mounting international awareness of the impact of mental disorder on public health, clinical psychology is a growing field in Singapore. Currently, there is a widespread demand for clinical psychology services. The Ministry of Health - National Mental Health Blueprint - has prioritised the development of mental health manpower as a key focus area for Singapore for 2007 to 2011.

The Master of Psychology (Clinical) degree in NUS Department of Psychology is a two-year 24-month full-time coursework programme based in Singapore. It provides entry level training for graduates who seek a professional career in Clinical Psychology.

This programme is based on the scientist-practitioner approach, builds on up to date theoretical and empirical knowledge, and aims to provide opportunities to develop core competencies necessary for clinical practice. It is taught through coursework, research, and practical placement components.

Our programme aims to:

1. Meet the psychological welfare needs of the healthcare service, community ministries and private sector;

2. Provide entry level training for graduates seeking a professional career in clinical psychology based on the scientist-practitioner model

3. Strengthen clinical psychology as a professional discipline of psychology in Singapore and Asia; and

4. Act as a hub for graduate level training and research for local clinical psychologists

The programme has an annual intake in August of every year. Completion of the programme requirements will be recognized with a Master of Psychology (Clinical) degree.

More than 100 interns have graduated from our Master in Psychology (Clinical) programme and are qualified, practicing clinical psychologists since we started in August 2008!

Why Pursue a Career in Clinical Psychology?

Clinical psychologists are psychologists with specialized training and knowledge in the assessment, diagnosis, biopsychosocial formulation and psychological treatment of a range of psychological difficulties and mental health conditions.

They work in different settings, including hospitals, general medical practices, community health centres and other community or VWO services, private practice, universities and other settings.

Clinical psychologists work with children, adolescents, adults and older adults. They are also involved in designing and implementing a wide range of prevention and mental health promotion programmes, and in clinical research, consultation and leadership.

The contribution that a professionally trained clinical psychologist can make to the health and quality of life of a large number of individuals affected by mental health issues across the life span can be significant.

Course Structure

• Coursework Component
  Seven coursework courses will be required for all students. Coursework will be conducted over two semesters, each lasting 13 weeks (August-December and January-April). 

• Practical Component (Clinical Placements)
  Students will be required to undertake three placements under the supervision of qualified clinical psychologists, with each placement lasting 6 months (January-June and July-December).

• Research Component
  The research component of the programme entails a graduate research methods course (PLC5008), a research proposal (PLC5009) submitted towards the end of the first year, and the research thesis (PLC5010) submitted towards the end of the second year. Students will work on their research project under the supervision of a member of the NUS psychology faculty. All three components are examinable and students are expected to successfully complete them.

Key Admission Requirements

All applicants must demonstrate readiness for full-time graduate study for a period of two years full-time (4 semesters) and must meet the following minimum requirements:

• General academic achievement

1.1 Hold a good Honours degree (second class and above) or equivalent (e.g. a four-year Bachelor's degree with at least an average grade of B or equivalent) in psychology or a closely related discipline (e.g. counselling, applied psychology, etc.) from a recognized university. Honours degree completed in 3 or 4 years will be considered.

OR

1.2 Hold a good Masters in a sub-discipline of psychology or a closely related discipline (e.g. counselling, applied psychology, etc.) from a recognized university. In such instances, we may consider the applicant, even if they have a second lower Honours degree.

• Research experience

Successful completion of an Honours research thesis, demonstrating evidence of core research skills and ability to complete a research project. Candidates without an Honours thesis will need to provide other essential evidence of research experience and competencies (i.e. conducted independent research study, worked subsequently as a research assistant; published research work in peer-reviewed journals; completed a research project/thesis in a subsequent postgraduate course; etc.), which will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

• Referee Reports/Letters

Other than the 2 academic referee reports required on the FASS website, you are also required to obtain a third referee report/letter commenting on your professional/clinical/research skills.

Highly desirable for applicant to possess

Relevant Work experience (in the past 5 years)

A minimum of at least two years (does not have to be continuous employment) of relevant psychology practical/applied and/or relevant research experience (i.e. working as a psychologist, assistant or associate psychologist, therapist, learning support assistant, research assistant or researcher etc.; in psychology, psychiatric, special needs, social service or VWO settings), ideally supervised by a Psychologist/Clinical Psychologist. Both the duration and quality of the work undertaken are considered in the overall evaluation.