Clinical -Psychology MSc
What will you learn?
Taught primarily in Icelandic and English. Proficiency in Icelandic is a requirement.
The MSc programme in Clinical Psychology offers students professional training in the primary functions of psychologists. By communicating information, skills, and talents, the programme seeks to prepare students to be versatile psychologists capable of providing various psychological services in Iceland and internationally.
The Primary Topics of Psychology
The programme's content and structure are comparable to clinical psychology studies overseas, particularly in Nordic countries (cand. psych degree). Students receive instruction in adult psychology, child, adolescent, and family psychology, developmental disability, neuropsychology, and rehabilitation. The programme blends the fundamentals of clinical psychology with the most evidence-based techniques in cognitive behavioural therapy.
The Programme
The MSc programme in Clinical Psychology covers two years, comprises 120 credits, and is taught in Icelandic and English. Permanent teachers in RU's Psychology Department educate alongside Icelandic and international psychology professionals. The Ministry of Education and Culture has accredited the programme, and it complies with Icelandic law governing psychologists' activities.
Knowledge After Graduation
Upon graduation, students must know the ethical and professional standards that guide psychologists' science and practice. They should understand the theories, terminology, and concepts of differential and clinical psychology, as well as the theoretical foundations and procedures of cognitive behavioural therapy and behaviour analysis.
How will I learn?
Students complete academic courses, practical training, and a research project. Teaching is conducted in both Icelandic and English.
Practical Training
During the first and second semesters, students learn the fundamentals of clinical work and cognitive behavioural therapy. This training takes place at the University.
During the third and fourth semesters, students receive vocational training at various health and welfare facilities and private clinics.
Vocational training is conducted in three major areas:
- Adult Psychology
- Psychology for Children, Adolescents, and Families
- Developmental Impairments, Neuropsychology, and Rehabilitation
Examples of Internships Placement:
- Landspítali - The National University Hospital of Iceland
- Reykjalundur - Rehabilitation
- Primary Health Care of the Capital Area
- Center for Developmental and Behavioral Health Care
- West Iceland Health, the Healthcare Institution of South Iceland, and Sudurnes Hospital and Health Center
- Counselling and Diagnostic Centre
- The National Agency for Children and Families
- Stuðlar, a treatment centre for children
- Reykjavík’s Service Centre
- Kópavog’s Welfare Services
- Hafnarfjörður’s School Administration and Mosfellsbær School Administration
- The Trauma and Psychiatric Centre
- The Icelandic Center for Treatment of Anxiety Disorders and The Icelandic Center for Treatment of Anxiety Disorders for Children
- Ru’s Psychological Services
- Sálstofan
- Sálfræðihúsið
- Domus Mentis, Mental Health Centre
The assessment is varied and significantly different from what you might be used to, as the primary focus is typically on extensive final exams. You are expected to be in the programme because you are genuinely engaged and thus giving your all.
What next?
The MSc programme in Clinical Psychology leads to a professional qualification as a psychologist. According to the regulation on the education, rights, and obligations of psychologists, a work permit can only be granted after 12 months of practical training under the supervision of a psychologist following the completion of studies.
The Office of the Director of Health is responsible for granting the legally recognised professional title of psychologist.
Following graduation, students must be able to apply best practices in professional and ethical behaviour, understand and address professional and moral issues, conduct independent research in various fields of applied psychology, and promote knowledge within the field through entrepreneurship and knowledge creation.
"Psychology is such a diverse field that I recommend it to anyone curious about other people's behaviour and their thinking. There are also numerous ways to use this knowledge once you start working in the field".
Árni Gunnar Eyþórsson, MSC in Clinical Psychology 2023
Any Questions?
Admission Requirements
Education
Admission to the programme requires a BA or BSc degree in psychology with at least 150 ECTS from a programme recognised by the Ministry of Education and Culture or a comparable programme from another country. The applicant must also have completed at least ten ECTS research projects in psychology.
In exceptional situations, substantial experience in academic research with outstanding outcomes is equivalent to a BSc research thesis. Good knowledge of Icelandic and English is essential.
Application and Supporting Documents
Applicants complete an electronic application and must submit the following supporting documents to the application system:
- A certified copy of the degree certificate and curriculum vitae.
- An overview of academic and professional experience (résumé in English or Icelandic).
- An essay: Why are you applying to the programme, and what are your goals? The essay must be up to 300 words long and submitted in PDF format using the application system.
An evaluation sheet must accompany the application. An evaluation form must be completed by a qualified person who can assess the applicant's ability to cope with the programme. The assessment sheet can be in English or Icelandic and must be delivered directly from the recommender to the programme administrator at bettyr@ru.is. Please have the recommender fill out an evaluation form and email it in PDF format.
Students must provide their criminal records to the school office when they begin their studies. This requirement is necessary because the curriculum includes practical training in areas where individuals with vulnerabilities are present. Typically, hiring anyone convicted of violating Section XXII of the General Penal Code no. 19/1940 is prohibited. This internship is essential to the program and must be completed before graduation. It is not necessary to include a criminal record with your application.
Deadline for an Application
- The application deadline is February 5th to April 15th.
- All data must be provided before the application deadline.
Application Period
Domestic & EU/EEA applicants:
- Applications open: February 5
- Application deadline: April 15
Non-EU/EEA resident applicants:
- N/A
Structure
Organisation
The curriculum comprises academic study, research projects, and practical training.
Course: 68 ECTS
The courses focus on clinical psychology for adults, children, and adolescents, as well as developmental impairments. Other specialised fields of study include neuropsychology, trauma psychology, and forensic psychology. Courses are taught in either Icelandic or English.
Research Project: 30 ECTS
The research project focuses on clinical psychology. In the second half of the first semester, researchers from other community institutions visit RU and present their work to the students. Following these presentations, the students select a project and are assigned a supervisor(s). Work on the research project begins in the second semester and is completed over three semesters: design in the second semester, data collection in the third semester, and data processing and article writing in the fourth semester.
Practical Training: 22 ECTS
Students gain practical experience in clinical work and cognitive behavioural treatment during the first and second semesters. The training takes place in RU.
In the third and fourth semesters, students get training in three major areas at various establishments in the health and welfare system as well as private clinics: 1) Adult psychology, 2) Psychology of children, adolescents, and/or families, and 3) Developmental Disability, neuropsychology, and/or rehabilitation.
Facilities
Practical Teaching in a Variety of Fields
At RU, the emphasis is on practical skills and training, complemented by a solid theoretical foundation. The facilities for practical teaching are exemplary, and psychology students have access to a fully equipped laboratory.
Classrooms and Reading Rooms
Reykjavík University offers excellent facilities for teaching, reading, and group work. Classrooms are well-equipped, and students have access to group work rooms. General facilities are open to students 24/7. For more information, see details about the facilities at RU. (ekkert á bak við linkinn)
Excellent Service
The university building has easy access to study and career counselling, the international office, and technical assistance. The library has excellent and diverse working facilities. The library offers access to books and academic articles, and information scientists have open hours where students can look around and get advice and help with reference work.
Shops and Cafes
At RU, there is Háskólbúðin that sells essentials, a café, a World Class gym, and a Málið canteen.
Teachers
Why Get a Master's Degree in Psychology at RU?
- With a limited class size, teachers can work with each student individually.
- There are several options for individual research and integrative study.