MA/MS in Clinical Health Psychology

General Description: Objective(s) of a study programme: The programme aims to prepare competent psychologists with good knowledge in health, health disorders and health care systems characteristics, being able to work in interdisciplinary teams, to use scientific arguments and effectively apply suitable methods in fields of clinical health psychology. Learning outcomes: Will have psychology and biomedical sciences knowledge necessary for clinical health psychology professional, and will be able to apply them interpreting psychology-related health and health impairment issues and working in interdisciplinary teams. Will be able to perform scientific research in the field of psychology, using appropriate sample, study type and methods. Will be able to analyse and evaluate research data using appropriate quantitative or qualitative analysis methods and present their results. Will be able to identify customer needs and develop a psychological intervention plan, specific to individual spheres of health psychology. Will be able to perform psychological and neuropsychological evaluation, selecting methods appropriate for specific clinical health psychology area and evaluation circumstances, interpret results and prepare conclusions. Will be able to perform appropriate to professional situation and scientifically based intervention Will be able to will be able to properly organize their professional career and assess efficiency of own activities. Will have ability to communicate effectively with clients and their close persons in counselling and psychoeducational service provision. Will be able to adequately represent the profession of psychologist, to present the psychologist's practical activities and scientific research to the public. Knows and will be able to apply ethical principles and legal acts regulating the activities of psychologists and the health care system. Will be able to search and critically evaluate information, independently expand their knowledge and abilities. Activities of teaching and learning: 1. Usual educational activities (lectures, seminars, consultations, practical and tutoring sessions, etc.); 2. Individual tasks and work with a group (simulations, creative tasks, discussions, etc.); 3. Observation and introspection activities (reflection, practice diary, analysis of video material, modeling in practical situations, etc.); 4. Critical analysis and assessment activities (problem solving, case analysis, search and analysis of information and documents, etc.); 5. Research and experimentation (conducting qualitative and quantitative research, experiments, etc.); 6. Interpersonal skills development activities (role games, experiential tasks, etc.). Methods of student achievement assessment: Oral exam, written exam, testing, preparation of an individual task, preparation of a group task, case analysis, essay, presentation in a group, practice diary, feedback from the practice supervisor, preparation and defense of term papers and final papers. Framework: Study subjects (modules), practical training: Programme is total 120 ECTS. 84 ECTS are subjects of psychology field: Behavior, stress and health, Psychological counselling in health care, Clinical psychological assessment, Research in clinical health psychology, Psychotherapy and psychopharmacotherapy, Specialization in clinical health psychology, Master thesis. Professional practice 30 ECTS Elective courses 6 ECTS Specializations: Students have opportunities to specialize in oncopsychology, neuropsychology, rehabilitation psychology or child and family psychology. A particular specialization is carried out if a minimum number of 5 students choose it. Optional courses: The student is given the opportunity to choose the topic of the thesis, the place of practice; as well as elective study courses. Examples of Electives: Health project management; Art therapy methods in health care; Basics of neuroscience and modern research methods; Basics of law for psychologists; Perinatal psychology; Ethics in the work of a psychologist; Psychologist career management; Lithuanian language Distinctive features of a study programme: The LSMU Clinical Health Psychology master's degree program has been developed taking into account the needs of the health care system and Lithuanian and European psychologist education standards. In the programme students study psychological counselling and assessment, the possibilities of cooperation with other health care system specialists. The LSMU study program differs from the second-cycle psychology programs offered at other universities in that, in addition to a wide range of knowledge and practical skills in clinical health psychology, students here also acquire special competencies. By choosing a specialization in the field of oncopsychology, neuropsychology, child and family psychology or rehabilitation psychology, they obtain a specialization certificate. Students study largest institution of higher education for biomedical sciences in Lithuania and have the opportunity to perform professional practice in the largest clinical base in Lithuania. The teachers of the program apply advanced, student-oriented study methods, multidisciplinary problem analyses, reflective learning, independent research and group studies are combined, great attention is paid to the practical and applied aspects of theoretical knowledge. Access to professional activity or further study: Access to professional activity: Graduates of the clinical health psychology program get the master's degree in social sciences (psychology). Graduates of this program are especially valued in health care institutions, which preventively strengthen personal health and treat health disorders. Access to further study: Graduates can apply for PhD studies.