How to Become a Psychologist? Understanding Overseas Clinical Psychology Programs and Career Paths

​​成為心理學家需要經過一系列的教育、實習和專業訓練。隨著心理學領域的發展範疇越趨廣泛，持續學習和進修是成為心理學家的必要條件之一。本文將探討​​如何成為心理學家​​，助同學了解更多關於外國及本港​​臨床心理學家課程​​及​​出路​​的資訊。​

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What does it take to become a psychologist? The first step is to pursue an undergraduate degree in psychology. During a bachelor's program, students will gain foundational knowledge across various areas of psychology, such as Clinical Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Social Psychology, and Cognitive Psychology. They will also learn how to design and conduct psychological research. 

After completing a bachelor's degree, further postgraduate education is required to become a professional psychologist. The choice of postgraduate programme depends on the type of psychologist you wish to become, such as a Clinical Psychologist or Educational Psychologist. Postgraduate courses can be divided into two main categories: 

A master’s degree is suitable for those aiming to enter non-clinical fields, such as academic research or educational psychology. A master’s programme typically takes around two years to complete. 

There are two main types of master's programmes in psychology, catering to different backgrounds and objectives: 

1. Conversion Master’s in Psychology: 

This programme usually lasts 1 to 2 years, depending on the country and institution. It is designed for students whose undergraduate background is not in psychology, offering them a pathway to transition into the field. The programme equips students with fundamental knowledge and skills in psychology, including core theories, research methods, and various subfields. For those seeking a career change, it serves as an ideal route into the psychology profession.   

2. Professional Master’s Program: 

Programmes such as a Master of Philosophy in Psychology (MPhil) generally last around three years and are more specialised. These are intended for students with a psychology-related bachelor's degree or equivalent background and aim to deepen knowledge in specific fields like Clinical Psychology, Neuropsychology, or Counselling Psychology. These programmes often include clinical practice training, making them highly beneficial for students aspiring to become licensed psychologists. In addition to coursework, students will design and conduct original research projects and gain hands-on experience through clinical placements, which enhance their professional skills. 

For those aspiring to become Clinical Psychologists or pursue psychology research, a doctoral degree—such as a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)—is often required. A PhD focuses on research, while a PsyD emphasises clinical practice. Doctoral programmes typically take five to seven years to complete. 

If your goal is to become a Clinical Psychologist or Counselling Psychologist, clinical internships are essential during your doctoral studies. These internships provide valuable hands-on experience, helping you develop skills in diagnosing and treating mental health issues while building a solid foundation for professional practice.

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In terms of overseas clinical psychology programmes, according to the 2024 QS World University Rankings by Subject, three of the top five universities are in the UK, and two are in the US. These include Harvard University, the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, Stanford University, and University College London (UCL). 

Taking Harvard University, ranked first globally in psychology, as an example, the institution offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programmes in psychology. These programmes not only cover fundamental psychological knowledge but also provide research opportunities in areas such as clinical science, social psychology, developmental psychology, cognition, brain science, and behavioural science. 

In Hong Kong, six universities offer undergraduate degrees in psychology: 

How to Become a Psychologist in Hong Kong? To become a clinical psychologist, students must pursue a master’s degree in clinical psychology. However, only HKU and CUHK offer clinical psychology programs in Hong Kong. With limited places available, the competition for these programs is exceptionally fierce. 

To qualify as a clinical psychologist in Hong Kong, students must meet educational and professional requirements progressively. Obtaining a Graduate Membership from the Hong Kong Psychological Society (HKPS) is one of the prerequisites for applying to the clinical or educational psychology master’s programs at HKU or CUHK. Once students secure membership, they can apply for these master’s programmes and subsequently pursue professional licensing in psychology. This qualification opens pathways to clinical psychology, educational psychology, counselling psychology, and other related fields, equipping students with the academic foundation needed for future career development.

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Division Membership of the Hong Kong Psychological Society 

To become a clinical psychologist in Hong Kong, it is necessary to obtain Division Membership from the Hong Kong Psychological Society (HKPS) or achieve the status of a Registered Psychologist. HKPS has several professional divisions covering various psychology specialisations, including clinical, educational, and counselling psychology. Division Membership signifies expertise and qualifications in a specific field. 

In addition, the title of Registered Psychologist is a critical qualification for legally practising psychology in Hong Kong. This title is managed and accredited by the HKPS. Once students obtain this qualification, they can legally provide psychological services, including clinical treatment, educational assessments, and counselling, and use the title Registered Psychologist in their professional practice. 

The main differences between Division Membership and Registered Psychologist qualifications are as follows:

Clinical psychologists abroad have diverse career opportunities, which vary depending on the educational systems, licensing requirements, and market demands of different countries. Common career paths include: 

Clinical psychologists can work in academia, engaging in teaching and research. Many psychologists at universities and research institutions focus on areas such as clinical psychology, psychotherapy methods, and mental health policy, publishing academic papers in the process. 

Some clinical psychologists pursue roles abroad, such as working for multinational organisations or international NGOs. These positions often involve post-disaster counselling or public health initiatives, addressing global psychological needs. 

As awareness of mental health issues grows in Hong Kong, career opportunities for clinical psychologists are becoming increasingly diverse. Major career paths include: 

One of the primary career paths for clinical psychologists in Hong Kong is within the public healthcare system, particularly at public hospitals under the Hospital Authority. Clinical psychologists in these institutions provide psychological assessments, therapy, and counselling services to patients dealing with mental health issues such as psychiatric disorders, emotional distress, and addiction. 

Due to the high academic pressure faced by students in Hong Kong, clinical psychologists play a significant role in primary, secondary, and tertiary educational institutions. They support students in managing academic stress, interpersonal challenges, and emotional difficulties. 

The above provides an overview of clinical psychology programmes and related career paths, helping students better understand how to prepare for a career as a psychologist. 

If you have additional questions, feel free to contact us, and we will provide you with more detailed information.

References:

​​1. QS Top Universities：QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024 Psychology​ 

https://www.topuniversities.com/university-subject-rankings/psychology 

​​2. University of Oxford：Psychology (Experimental)​ 

https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/courses/course-listing/psychology-experimental 

​​3. University of Oxford：Psychology, Philosophy and Linguistics​ 

https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/courses/course-listing/psychology-philosophy-and-linguistics 

​​4. The University of Hong Kong：Master of Social Sciences in the field of Clinical Psychology​ 

https://psychology.hku.hk/admission-master-of-social-sciences-in-the-field-of-clinical-psychology/ 

​​5. The Chinese University of Hong Kong：MA in Psychology​ 

https://www.psy.cuhk.edu.hk/index.php/graduate/ma-in-psychology 

​​6. The Hong Kong Psychological Society：What are the qualifications required to be a Clinical Psychologist to practice in Hong Kong?​ 

https://hkps-dcp.org.hk/en/for-public-en