Clinical Psychology is a scientific discipline that aims to understand, prevent, and relieve psychological distress and dysfunctions, as well as promote well-being and personal development. Clinical Psychologists are mostly employed in hospitals, government sectors, counseling services units and voluntary organisations. Common duties of clinical psychologists include conducting psychological assessment, psychological intervention and counseling, giving public educational talks and workshops, providing staff training and consultation, as well as conducting scientific research.
The MSocSc in the field of Clinical Psychology Programme of The Department of Psychology is the first postgraduate programme offering training to meet the entry level of professional qualification for the practice of clinical psychology in Hong Kong. The programme is recognized by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications (HKCAAVQ) and the Division of Clinical Psychology of the Hong Kong Psychological Society (HKPS). The programme aims to train competent and professional clinical psychologists and has an emphasis on science-based practices. The programme admits a cohort of students every other year. Since its inception in 1971, the programme has had over 200 graduates. Our graduates are eligible to become registered clinical psychologists of the HKPS.
Our graduates are represented in different professional settings, including the Hospital Authority, Social Welfare Department, Department of Health, Correctional Services Department, Hong Kong Police Force, Non-Government Organizations, Student Counselling Centres and private practice.
Careers
Clinical Psychologists enjoy a high level of professional prestige in Hong Kong. Most of our graduates are employed as clinical psychologists in hospitals, clinics, government departments and voluntary agencies. Significant professional growth of clinical psychology in Hong Kong is expected to continue in the foreseeable future. The typical activities of clinical psychologists include:
- Psychological assessment
- Psychotherapy and counselling (individual, family, and group)
- Health and competence promotion
- Scientific research
- Consulting in programme development and evaluation
Graduates can also choose to pursue further study in higher degree programmes. The Department of Psychology offers two doctoral level degrees in clinical psychology, i.e. the Doctor of Psychology in the field of Clinical Psychology (PsyD) Programme and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) with Specialization in Clinical Psychology Programme. The PsyD in Clinical Psychology programme, established in 2004, is a first-of-its-kind programme offered in Hong Kong. Its primary aim is to provide further specialized training for experienced clinicians who hold a MSocSc degree in Clinical Psychology or equivalent. Our PhD in Clinical Psychology is designed to train clinical scientists who are interested in an academic career.
