Programme Aims
This is a one-year Master's level programme for graduates with a psychology major who are looking for systematic training in the latest advances in assessment and practice methods applicable in various professional psychology settings.
The programme aims to provide a well-balanced foundation in functional competencies in assessment, intervention, research and evaluation. Over 1 or 2 years, a solid identity as an applied psychologist with professional skills and knowledge will be built up.
Characteristics
The teaching faculty members from the Department of Applied Social Sciences have enjoyed a long history of being both active in leadership roles in the Hong Kong Psychological Society and as recipients of a number of successive multi-year and territory-wide research and consultancy programmes of policy priority in Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland. This background has made it possible for the development of a unique curriculum to include direct and innovative instructional strategies, and in some cases first-hand exposure to experimentation in large-scale successfully implemented programmes in education, health and social care.
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
The programme is composed of Foundational Competencies and Functional Competencies. Core and Elective Subjects are grouped under two major study areas.
Foundational Competencies
Core Subject
- Foundational Competencies (includes practicum)
Functional Competencies
Psychological assessment, research and evaluation competencies: Advanced Psychological Assessment (APA)
Core Subjects
- Psychometric Theory & Scale Construction
- Use & Dissemination of Psychological Instrumentation in Research & Service Context
- Advanced Research Methods: Mixed Methods in Research
Elective Subjects
- Psycho-socio-educational Programme Development & Evaluation
Psychological intervention competencies: Advanced Practice Methods (APM)
Elective Subjects
- Cognitive Behavioural Intervention
- Expressive Psychotherapy
- Nurturing the Gifted & Talented: Instructional Models & Professional Practices
- Parenting & Parent Development
- Career Counselling: Theories & Practice
- Workplace Counselling
- Attentional Control & Social Adaptation
Knowledge and enterprising competencies
Core Subject
- Cognitive Neuroscience Methods in Applied Settings
Elective Subject
- Psychology of Exceptional Children