FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What are clinical psychologists?
A: Clinical psychologists are specialists in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of psychological problems and mental illness. They are located in private practice, hospitals, universities, general medical practices, community health centers and mental health services. 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 programs. Thus the contribution of a professionally trained clinical psychologist can have a large impact on the health and quality of life of a large number of patients across the life span.
Q: How do I know if clinical psychology is for me?
A: Clinical psychology can be both a demanding and rewarding field. Clinical psychologists need to have excellent communication skills and it helps to have an empathic understanding of others. There may be times when you would be required to work with depressed, distressed and possibly aggressive people. Maturity and the ability to take constructive criticism are necessary attributes for potential clinical students.
Q: How are the NUS Clinical Psychology Programmes structured?
A: As with other countries, the NUS Clinical Psychology Programmes follow a scientist-practitioner model. This means that students will be required to complete coursework, a thesis, and supervised clinical training practicum.
Q: What are the differences between the NUS-only and UM-NUS Clinical Psychology Programmes?
1. Both are two-year fulltime master degree programmes.
2. For the NUS-only degree programme, students complete their coursework, thesis and clinical training practicum in Singapore. For the UM-NUS joint degree program, students take courses in the University of Melbourne during the first year and return to NUS to complete the remaining coursework, thesis and clinical training practicum in the second year.
3.The intake for the NUS-only degree programme is August, while the intake for the UM-NUS joint degree programme is January.
Q: What are the entry requirements for the NUS-only and UM-NUS Clinical Psychology Programmes and how many people will be accepted in each intake?
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A: The Clinical Psychology Programmes will accept a relatively small number of applicants per year and entry will be extremely competitive. The minimum entry criteria are a good honours degree and/or advanced graduate degree in psychology or a closely related discipline.
Q: What can I do to improve my chances of acceptance?
A: Apart from meeting the minimum academic requirements, applicants can greatly enhance their applications through psychology, volunteer or other clinical work experience. Attendance of clinical workshops, observation programmes, and publication in peer reviewed journals and/or other clinically related activities following graduation are also desirable.
Q: Are there any scholarships or financial support to students of the programme?
A: Students are self-funded for the programme. Currently, there is no scholarship or financial support from the University. However, there may be competitive external scholarship opportunities from various ministries and organizations for successful applicants.
A new Healthcare Graduate Studies Award from the MOH Holdings (MOHH) is open for application for successful applicants of the NUS clinical programs. [detail]
Q: What will happen after I submitted my application forms?
A: This is what usually happens:
1. All applicants will be evaluated to ensure minimum admission requirements have been met.
2. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for face-to-face interviews in Singapore.
3. Acceptance/rejection letters will be sent to applicants.
Q: Do the courses meet requirements for practice as a clinical psychologist in Singapore?
A: The courses are designed to meet the forthcoming minimum standards for clinical psychology training currently being considered by the Ministry of Health (MOH).
Q: Are the clinical programmes accredited with the Singapore Psychological Society or other accrediting bodies?
A: Presently there is no formal accreditation of clinical programmes via the Singapore Psychological Society (SPS). Graduates from our clinical programmes are eligible for SPS Full membership & the Singapore Register of Psychologists. The programmes after inception will be eligible for accreditation with the Australian Psychological Society.
Q: Can I do the clinical programmes part-time?
A: At present, the programmes only admit fulltime students.
Q: I have heard that many clinical psychologists now receive a PhD. Can I continue after my training to receive a PhD?
A: Yes, it is possible to enroll for a PhD programme upon completion of the master degree programme.
Q: What is the job market like for clinical psychologists after I graduate?
A: There is currently a large shortage of trained mental health professionals including clinical psychologists in Singapore. It is expected that graduates will be able to secure posts upon graduation.
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