Programme Aims
The specialism in the Master of Applied Psychology programme targets in-service teachers, teaching support personnel, social workers, and related health-care professionals who aspire to support individuals with diverse learning needs. It aims to develop expertise in providing evidence-based support to individuals with diverse learning needs in school and community settings. The programme has the following specific objectives:
- To equip participants with key competencies to develop and implement evidence-based practices, as supported by psychological theories and principles, to address the multitude needs of individuals with diverse learning.
- To equip participants with the situated and multi-faceted knowledge of working with individuals with diverse learnings needs and their family members.
- To equip participants with the knowledge and skills to design and deliver adaptive assessments and interventions for individuals with diverse learning needs.
- To empower participants with the capacity to strategically incorporate multidisciplinary support in services for individuals with diverse learning needs.
- To equip participants with the necessary competencies and skills to conduct quality research and practice review to inform the development of interventional innovations.
Characteristics
- This specialism adopts a multidisciplinary approach that embraces close collaboration with professionals from psychology, education, social work and rehabilitation sciences.
- The professional development framework of the specialism facilitates participants to develop key competencies to examine prevailing and emerging issues in the field of diverse learning needs.
- The programme provides practice-based learning activities and attachments aiming to facilitate the development of competence in making evidence-based decisions in the processes to support individuals with diverse learning needs.
- The professional development framework of the specialism facilitates graduates to pursue a career in the field of diverse learning needs and further training to acquire other recognisable awards and qualifications.
Recognition & Prospects
In principle, the requirements for becoming a Registered Psychologist in Hong Kong are: (1) be a member of the Hong Kong Psychological Society (HKPS), (2) possess a Master's degree in Psychology, and (3) have a minimum of one year of post-master's relevant working experience. It should be noted that this programme is designed to help students in meeting the second requirement.
On successful completion of the programme, students with a membership of HKPS may consider applying for registration upon obtaining at least one year of post-qualification experience in a discipline of psychology deemed acceptable by the HKPS. The final decision on registration is still maintained by the HKPS. All psychologists on the register must observe the Code of Professional Conduct maintained by the HKPS.
Curriculum
MAP Common Core Subjects (9 credits)
DLN Specialism Core Subjects (15 credits)
Elective Subjects (Any 2 subjects, 6 credits)