Master of Science Degree In Clinical Psychology

Overview

The main objective of this programme is to develop competent personnel to meet the demands of clinical psychologists in the 'psychiatric team'.  This will ensure effective and efficient care of the psychologically disordered in Kenya, the adjacent geographical region and beyond.

Philosophy of the programme

The programme philosophy is based on experiential learning that comprises fieldwork and hands-on experience in real-life environments. The philosophy is in line with the University’s philosophy that is guided by the need to connect and inspire individuals, to provide leadership and stewardship and to give hope and faith to the East African society that it can excel in whatever it chooses to do with passion, moral responsibility and a strong sense of patriotism.

Rationale of the programme

Mental health is an important component of health universally. Mental health problems are now recognized as causes of serious morbidity and disability internationally. Neuropsychiatric disorders account for about fourteen per cent (14%) of the global burden of disease, with depression being among the leading disorders.

In a transitional society, with ever-increasing levels of stress and lifestyle disorders related to the demands of modern living and rapid dissolution of traditional systems of coping, there is a call for alternative modern ways of promoting mental health at all levels of society. This programme produces competent Clinical Psychologists that are an essential component of a mental health team and contribute to the delivery of mental health services at the community level.

There is currently a huge gap in the provision of mental health services with an estimated eighty (80) Psychiatrists that strive to meet the endless needs of a population estimated at forty (40) million. Efficient delivery of mental health services, easily accessible to all requires a multidisciplinary approach at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels.

Similarly, there is an increasing demand for clinical psychological services in the delivery of other forms of health services like child and maternal health, HIV/AIDS care and support, and, outside of the health services in other sectors such as education, correctional and rehabilitation services, disaster and relief services etc. There is indeed a very high demand for clinical psychologists in society today in various sectors.

 

Goal of the programme

The main purpose of this programme is to train competent personnel to meet the demands of clinical psychologists in a mental health service delivery team, other health services delivery teams, and in the community, to meet the rising demands for mental health services in all sectors of the community. This will ensure the promotion of good mental health in Kenya and the adjacent geographical region. The specific objectives of the programme are:

  1. To train competent personnel to meet the increased demand for mental health workers in Kenya and the adjacent geographical region.
  2. To produce researchers in clinical psychology and mental health to develop culturally and socially appropriate research-based interventions.
  3. To produce teachers and educators in the area of mental health to meet the rising demand for tertiary level educators.
  4. To educate competent leaders and managers to run mental health services, educational programs and research programs to narrow the current mental health gap.
    1. Expected learning outcomes

By the end of the programme, the learner should be able to:

  1. Describe the psychopathology, neuropsychology, socio-psychology aspects  and related disorders;
  2. Diagnose psychological problems and disorders using the psychotherapeutic approaches;
  3. Apply knowledge, skills and attitude to administer bio-psycho-social therapeutic interventions related to various social groups such as children, adolescents and families;
  4. Analyze the theoretical basis of different psychotherapeutic models and their applications in practice;
  5. Use appropriate research approaches to research and expand existing knowledge and improve professional practice in clinical psychology.

 

Structure

The programme comprises a Part 1 of 10 theory courses, a Part II of 5 compulsory practicals and a Part III of a dissertation.  Core courses Code HPS 901, HPS 902 and HPS 903 shall be taken first.

The programme covers two academic years consisting of 6 semesters of 15 weeks each. 

A candidate may remain registered in the programme for a period of upto 18 semesters.

A candidate may take a minimum of 2 courses and a maximum of 5 courses per semester.

MODE OF DELIVERY

1.  Face-to-face mode

This will include formal lectures and demonstrations, clinical learning, seminars and workshops, case conferences and research presentations as well as self-directed learning.

2. Open distance and e-learning mode

This will be offered using a multi-media approach that includes self-instructional print and electronic study materials.

3. Blended mode

The blended combines online learning with synchronous, asynchronous and face-to-face methods

Admission Requirements

The following shall be eligible:

Candidates with a minimum qualification of a first degree in human medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, nursing  and veterinary medicine from the University of Nairobi or any other institution recognised by the Senate of the University of Nairobi.

Candidates with a minimum of an upper second class degree from the University of Nairobi (or any other institution recognised by the Senate of the University of Nairobi) majoring in Psychology, Counseling Psychology, Sociology or Social work.

Candidates with a minimum pass degree from the University of Nairobi (or any other University recognized by the Senate of the University of Nairobi), majoring in Psychology, Counseling psychology, Sociology or Social work provided they have acquired relevant work experience.

Candidates who have fulfilled entry requirements for a Masters Degree in any other Department and on the recommendation of that Department wish to register for a specific course unit.

 

Schedule of Intakes:

The program commences every September. Enrollment is continuous. More information on the application can be obtained from application system.

Application Information:

Click here to apply

Contact of Support Person

For any assistance contact the Secretary, Office of the Chair, Department of Psychiatry

Telephone: 0204915052

E-mail: dept-psychiatry@uonbi.ac.ke 

or pay us a visit at Kenyatta National Hospital Campus, University of Nairobi, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Psychiatry. https://psychiatry.uonbi.ac.ke/

Career Prospects & Attachment Opportunities

Clinical Psychologist can advance as Substance Abuse psychologist,
Human Resources Position, Family / Marriage psychologist,
Forensic Psychologist, Child Psychologists or Learning Disabilities
Specialist.

Notable Alumni

Click here to see notable alumni

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY - H547          
   YEAR 1     YEAR 2     
   SEMESTER 1   SEMESTER 2   SEMESTER 1   SEMESTER 2   TOTALS 
TUITION                      192,000.00             192,000.00                 192,000.00                     192,000.00              768,000.00
EXAMINATION (PER UNIT @1000)                          3,000.00                  3,000.00                     3,000.00                         3,000.00                12,000.00
MEDICAL FEE (PER YEAR)                          6,500.00                               -                       6,500.00                                      -                  13,000.00
ICT SERVICES - (PER YEAR)                          7,000.00                               -                       7,000.00                                      -                  14,000.00
REGISTRATION (PER SEMESTER@2250)                          2,250.00                  2,250.00                     2,250.00                         2,250.00                  9,000.00
ACTIVITY-( PER YEAR)                          2,000.00                               -                       2,000.00                                      -                    4,000.00
LIBRARY (PER YEAR)                          5,000.00                               -                       5,000.00                                      -                  10,000.00
ID CARD ( PER YEAR)                          1,000.00                               -                       1,000.00                                      -                    2,000.00
CAUTION - (ONCE)                          5,000.00                               -                                    -                                        -                    5,000.00
STUDENT ORGANISATION(PER YEAR)                          1,000.00                               -                       1,000.00                                      -                    2,000.00
THESIS EXAMINATION                                       -                                      -                         30,000.00                30,000.00
Totals         224,750.00   197,250.00     219,750.00        227,250.00   869,000.00