CIIHE School of Psychology, launches programmes aimed at producing globally employable psychology professionals to capacity building in psychological services in the region
View(s):CIIHE School of Psychology, the leader of psychology education in South Asia with the broadest portfolio of qualifications, equipped with a state-of-the-art facilitated campus where most number of students study psychology in a mono-discipline faculty,has been able to make history again in Sri Lankan psychology education and training,by introducing four different postgraduate qualifications in psychology.
With the launch of these four master’s degrees in the fields of counseling, child and clinical psychology, a long standing issue in Sri Lankan higher education – the serious lack of opportunities for students to study at postgraduate level with the goal of practicing as a psychologists is now provided with a comprehensive solution.
Except for one programme offered by a state university with a limited intake,there were no opportunities for Sri Lankan students to obtain a qualification that meets international criteria in terms of the content, duration and supervised practice hours for training professional psychologists. As a result, many students who are passionate about becoming counseling, child or clinical psychologists had no option but to go abroad to obtain the qualifications and the training they need. Postgraduate programmes in psychology in UK and Australia are among some of the most expensive courses and this resulted in large amount of money draining out of the country. The ones who could not afford to go abroad either resorted to other fields changing their career or joined postgraduate programmes that doesn’t provide them the required knowledge or skills resulting in limited employability following completion.
The serious lack of practicing psychologists and psychotherapists in Sri Lanka was highlighted many a times in local and international forums. Many mental health professionals, researchers and policy makers have emphasized the need to have sufficient psychology professionals to work with psychiatrists to support them in their effort the battle the increasing number of individuals with mental health issues. Lack of qualified and professionally trained psychologists results in unnecessary increase of the work load on psychiatrists, where people seek consultations even with the issues that could be managed with counselling or psychotherapy. This also results in increasing number of admissions to the mental health facilities leading to overcrowding and restriction of resources which in turn leads to poor quality of life for the patients adding a huge financial burden for the government.
The need for psychologists is increasing throughout the world and the same applies to Sri Lanka as well. WHO has predicted that mental health issues will soon dominate the health issues affecting people and thus, the need for capacity building is essential. Event at a time where countries with established psychological services such as UK as struggling to provide services due to the increase in mental health issues, the situation in South Asia, including Sri Lanka is critical.
The idea that psychologists are required only for people with mental illnesses is no longer valid as most of the people who seek help from psychologists actually have life & relationship issues, psycho-social issues and work stress related problems due increased mental pressure and conflicts they encounter on a daily basis owing to the modern life style. It was found that the main cause even for physical conditions such as heart diseases is the high levels of life or work related stress. And with almost 20% – 25% of the population suffering from diabetes, the need for health psychologists to help people with life style modification will only rise with time.
As a result, one could without a doubt say that psychology related professions are one of the most demanded at the moment and this is likely to have far higher demand in the future. But the key factor is that psychology is a field where an individual should ideally have a postgraduate qualification and training, if they are to be eligible to be employed in these high expertise level professions. Demand for psychology professionals is high not only in Sri Lanka but also throughout the world.Therefore, obtaining a qualification and a training that is internationally recognized would allow them to work anywhere in the world. Psychology professions are among the highest paid jobs and are considered prestigious, rewarding and satisfying careers, especially for those who gain satisfaction by healing and helping others.
With all these facts taken in to consideration, the launch of these new programmes is a very important step that would lead to capacity building in the field of mental health in Sri Lanka, providing our students to become globally employable in a field where there is a definite and an obvious future demand, paving way for Sri Lanka to save the money that is spent by students seeking foreign education.
For this new programme students will be selected based on a strict entry criteria and including an interview by an expert panel, to decide the eligibility of the students not only with regard to academic qualifications but also on other factors such as language proficiency and communication skills, ethics and attitudes required to work with vulnerable people and capacity to undergo the training. The number of students per intake is limited due to the need to provide qualified supervisors and placement sites. Furthermore due to the responsibility and ethical obligation as the leader in South Asia for psychology education, CIIHE School of Psychology has reserved few places for the students from the regional countries.
Delivery of a programme range of this nature requires highly qualified and experienced psychologists and academics, learning resources and training facilities. To do the teaching and training of students in these programmes CIIHE School of Psychology has recruited six internationally reputed and recognized psychologists by appointing them as visiting professors at CIIHE. Most of them are former chairs of Clinical psychology who have managed and trained students in Doctoral training programmes in top British Universities. They will be staying in Sri Lanka during the delivery of their modules and engage in first hand training as of the students.Students at CIIHE will be able to obtain their knowledge and skills from apanel professors of the highest caliber which wouldn’t have been the case, even if they studied in the most of the international universities.
Training will take place in different sites that provide different exposure. CIIHE has recently upgraded its own therapeutic center relocating it to a new facility. Apart from the therapeutic center, CIIHE has recently established counseling centers within several corporate organizations, for example the CIIHE Counseling and Therapy center established at Sri Lankan airlines premises in Katunayake. For clinical psychology exposure, CIIHE is working in collaboration with several private hospitals and therapeutic facilities run by NGO’s.
Students have the option of selecting a course based on their level of qualifications and the field of reference. Some courses are aimed at training practicing psychologists and some are not clinical practice oriented programmes but would produce administrators and researchers in psychology and mental health. Duration of the programmes are based on the number for the modules and credits each programme covers and training requirements.
Master of Science in Applied Psychology
MSc Applied Psychology is a postgraduate qualification aimed at empowering individuals who aspire to develop a career in psychology related to administration and management in mental health, research and academic field, community psychology, child psychology or forensic and criminal psychology.
Core modules cover essential knowledge and skills in research methods and train students on professional and ethical standards in practicing in various different fields of applied psychology. These modules would prepare you to become a professional with the up to date international standards in research rigor in terms of conducting research as well as using research data for their applications. A thorough knowledge in research is a must if you plan to work as a professional in mental health promotion, advocacy, policy making, administration and coordination of mental health or to become an academic who would go on, join a university to become a lecturer or a researcher.
This programme offers a range of electives that allows the students to specialize their knowledge in selected areas that they wish to become an expert. By selecting the most suitable electives you could sub-specialize your masters in either mental health promotion, working with children and teenagers, working with offenders and rehabilitation of criminals or individuals who are traumatized by natural or man-made disasters. Psychometric module is especially included to provide you with skills to conduct testing and assessments that would be a very useful tool in any field of psychology.
The most interesting part of the programme is the dissertation where you will be working with your supervisor to conduct and report the findings of a research project related to your preferred area of expertise. We encourage students to publish their work that meets expected standards to gain academic credibility and recognition in the field as they start their professional work following graduation.
This is not a programme aimed at clinical practice therefore if you wish to take up a career as a practicing clinical, child, counseling or forensic psychologist please refer to the other masters programmes we offer or talk to one of our student advisors.
MSc in Child & Adolescent Psychology Practice
Child & Adolescent Psychology Practice is a postgraduate qualification designed to train professionals qualified and skilled to function as psychologists working with children and adolescence to provide them with counseling and therapeutic support to overcome psychological problems.
Program also provides the opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills in psychological support for learning problems and psychological applications for school and community support for children, making it an excellent additional qualification for administrators, educators and managers in pre-schools and schools. Individuals working with vulnerable children and teenagers such as child protection and child care services could gain the psychological training they need to enhance their effectiveness through this programme as well.
This programme will provide knowledge through class room based teaching and improve skills essential in counseling and working with children through supervised training.
This is an ideal qualifications that combines academic and professional skills required to function as a child / developmental psychologist with the possibility of specializing your expertise in special needs education, Counseling related to schools and communities, Health & Life Style modification, Family and group therapy, counseling & rehabilitating teenage offenders and psychological support for child victims of trauma through the range of electives provided to the students.
Core modules cover essential knowledge and skills in research methods and train students on professional and ethical standards in practicing counseling and working with children in different roles.
These modules would prepare you to become a professional with the up to date international standards in research rigor in terms of conducting research as well as understanding and using research data and findings in your practice as a child psychologist. A thorough knowledge in research is a must if you plan to work as a professional practitioner which allows you to update your knowledge and skills regularly to provide the best care for children. Furthermore, if you plan to offer your services as a university lecturer or a supervisor on a part time basis while working as a child psychologist, completing these core modules will be an added advantage.
Apart from the modules covering research and professional skills, program includes three core modules directly aimed at providing you the necessary knowledge and skills required to become a child psychology practitioner. “Psychological disorders of Children & Adolescents” is a module where students gain a thorough knowledge about the symptoms and causes of main psychological disorders followed by the module ”Counseling Children & Adolescents” that provides the necessary theoretical basis and core skills in counseling techniques. Upon completion of these modules students will undergo 250 hours of supervised training where students are expected to acquire, develop and establish skills in counseling children and teenagers, assessing children, record keeping and report writing and other essential professional skills.
MSc in Child & Adolescent Psychology Practice offers a range of electives that allows the students to specialize their skills in selected areas such as mental health promotion and prevention, working with schools and community and family and group therapy which is demanded in many government and international non-government organizations. Psychometric module is especially included to provide you with skills to conduct testing and assessments that would be a very useful tool in practice
Another interesting part of the program is the dissertation where you will be working with your supervisor to conduct and report the findings of a research project with related to your preferred area of expertise. We encourage students to publish their work that meets expected standards to gain academic credibility and recognition in the field as they start their professional work following graduation.
Master of Science in Counseling Psychology
MSc Counseling Psychology is a postgraduate qualification aimed at training individuals who aspire to develop a career as professionals in therapeutic psychological counseling. This program will provide knowledge through class room based teaching and improve counseling skills through supervised training in a therapeutic setting.
This is an ideal qualifications that combines academic and professional skills required to function as a psychotherapist and/ or a counseling psychologist with the possibility of specializing your expertise in Counseling related to Health & Life Style modification, Family and group therapy, counseling & rehabilitating offenders & criminals and psychological support for victims of trauma through the range of electives provided to the students.
Core modules cover essential knowledge and skills in research methods and train students on professional and ethical standards in practicing counseling in various different therapeutic settings. These modules would prepare you to become a professional with the up to date international standards in research rigor in terms of conducting research as well as understanding and using research data and findings in your practice as a counseling psychologist. A thorough knowledge in research is a must if you plan to work as a professional practitioner which allows you to update your knowledge and skills regularly to provide the best care for your clients. Furthermore, if you plan to offer your services as a university lecturer or a supervisor on a part time basis while working as a counseling psychologist, having completed these core modules will be an added advantage.
Apart from the modules covering research and professional skills, program includes three core modules directly aimed at providing you the necessary knowledge and skills required to become a practitioner in counseling. “Psychological disorders of adults” is a module where students gain a thorough knowledge about the symptoms and causes of main psychological disorders followed by the module ”Core competencies in Counseling Psychology” that provides the necessary theoretical basis and core skills in counseling techniques. Upon completion of these modules students will undergo 250 hours of supervised training where students are expected to acquire, develop and establish skills in counseling and psychotherapy, assessing clients, record keeping and report writing and other essential professional skills.
MSc in Counseling Psychology offers a range of electives that allows the students to specialize their counseling skills in selected areas such as life style counseling, faith based counseling, counseling offenders and individuals who are traumatized by natural or man-made disasters. Psychometric module is especially included to provide you with skills to conduct testing and assessments that would be a very useful tool in practice
Another interesting part of the program is the dissertation where you will be working with your supervisor to conduct and report the findings of a research project with related to your preferred area of expertise. We encourage students to publish their work that meets expected standards to gain academic credibility and recognition in the field as they start their professional work following graduation.
Master of Science in Clinical & Counseling Psychology
MSc Clinical & Counseling Psychology is a postgraduate qualification aimed at training individuals who aspire to develop a career as professionals as Clinical Psychologists or Clinical Child Psychologists and other professional in Clinical and therapeutic psychology. This program will provide knowledge through class room based teaching and improve therapeutic skills through supervised training in a clinical setting.
This is an ideal qualifications that combines academic and professional skills required to function as a psychotherapist and/ or a clinical /Clinical Child psychologist with the possibility of specializing your expertise in Mental health related to Health & Life Style modification, Mental Health promotion and prevention, Clinical Child Psychology, Family and group therapy, counseling & rehabilitating offenders & criminals and psychological support for victims of trauma through the range of electives provided to the students.
Core modules cover essential knowledge and skills in research methods and train students on professional and ethical standards in practicing counseling in various different therapeutic settings. These modules would prepare you to become a mental health professional with the up to date international standards in research rigor in terms of conducting research as well as understanding and using research data and findings in your practice as a psychologist. If you plan to work as a professional practitioner who regularly to provide the best care for your clients, a thorough knowledge in research is a must. Furthermore if you plan to offer your services as a university lecturer or a supervisor on a part time basis, while working as a psychologist completing these core modules will be an added advantage.
Apart from the modules covering research and professional skills, program includes nine more core modules directly aimed at providing you the necessary knowledge and skills required to become a practicing psychologist.” Fundamentals in Clinical Psychology’ “Psychological disorders of adults” and “Psychological disorders of Children & Adolescents” are module where students gain a thorough knowledge about the symptoms, diagnosis and causes of main psychological disorders in both children and adults.
Modules ”Psychological Assessment of Adults & Children” , “Therapeutic Models in Clinical Psychology” and Core competencies in Counseling Psychology” provides the necessary theoretical basis and clinical skills in assessing and clinical therapeutic techniques. Upon completion of these modules students will undergo 500 hours of supervised training in clinical practice where students are expected to acquire, develop and establish skills in counseling and psychotherapy, clinical techniques, assessing clients, record keeping and report writing and other essential professional skills.
MSc in Clinical and Counseling Psychology offers a range of electives that allow the students to specialize their skills in selected areas such as Mental health promotion, life style counseling, faith based counseling, family and group therapy, counseling offenders and individuals who are traumatized by natural or man-made disasters.
Another interesting part of the program is the dissertation where you will be working with your supervisor to conduct and report the findings of a research project with related to your preferred area of expertise. We encourage students to publish their work that meets expected standards to gain academic credibility and recognition in the field as they start their professional work following graduation.
These programs are aimed at producing professionals who are eligible to practise as clinical psychologists and therefore it is a must that the students complete the required number of hours of supervised clinical practice and pass the face to face interview by the Faculty Board for Certification for Practice (FCBC) at the end of the supervision. Except for acquiring the knowledge and skills required to practice, ethical and moral standards and good character is essential to be certified by the FCBC.
For more information, talk to one of our Student Counsellors on 0112 507071 / 2, visit our campus at No. 230, Galle Road, Colombo 04 and talk to one of them personally, or ‘Like’ us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ciiheSrilanka, or even email us on info@ciihe.com and we will be more than happy to help you get going on your path to a successful future.