The PsyD-CoP programme aims at producing competent counselling psychologists who can assume leadership positions within the professional psychology community locally and internationally. The competent doctoral-level counselling psychologist in this context is one who can:

1. Perform advanced level of multicultural and ethical competence in psychotherapy, assessment, and research;
    
2. Minister to the short- and long-term mental health needs of the Hong Kong population;
    
3. Contribute to the development of counselling psychology in Hong Kong through continuous engagement in clinically-based research;
    
4. Support the fostering of future counselling psychologists through provision of clinical supervision and professional training; and
    
5. Assume major leadership roles in the profession of counselling psychology in Hong Kong and nearby regions.

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The PsyD-CoP programme adopts a scientist-practitioner training model in three dimensions: knowledge, research, and practice.

The total number of credits required for graduation is 60 (*75 maximum; See Entrance Requirements), and the credit distribution is as follows:

• Knowledge Dimension – 9 (*15)
• Practice Dimension – 27 (*36)
• Research Dimension – 24

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Students are advised to work closely with their mentor to plot an optimal path of progression. The following is thus suggested only as a prototype. (*See Entrance Requirements)

Applicants must:

1. Possess a Bachelor’s degree or a postgraduate conversion degree in Psychology from a recognized local or overseas university;
2. Possess a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology#, Clinical Psychology# or Counselling* from a recognized local or overseas university;
3. Have earned a GPA of 3.3 or above, or its equivalent, from the aforementioned programmes of study; and
4. Be currently registered or be eligible to register with the Hong Kong Psychological Society (HKPS) as a Counselling or Clinical Psychologist;

# Applicants with a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology and Clinical Psychology will be required to complete 60 credits before graduation.

* Applicants without a Master's degree recognized by the Division of Counselling Psychology (DCoP) of the HKPS must have completed at least one year of supervised post qualification experience in counselling practice after obtaining the Master’s degree in Counselling. They will be required to complete the following courses to fulfil the membership requirement of DCoP: a) CP615 Clinical Practice IV b) Three courses (a total of 9 credits) at Master’s level offered by the University related to assessment, psychotherapy and counselling psychology practice (i.e., CP519 Assessment & Evaluation for Counselling Psychology I, CP522 Professional Practice and Ethical Issues in Counselling Psychology, and one Clinical Practicum/Seminar course). Students are required to pay the additional credit fees. The courses required will be decided on a case-by-case basis. The maximum number of credits required is 75.

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PsyD-CoP Doctoral Studentships

A limited number of studentships are offered to outstanding applicants each year. The amount of each studentship is HKD90,000 per academic year, paid at the rate of HKD15,000 per month for two 3-months semesters. Those awarded studentships are expected to assist in research projects and teaching activities at the Bachelor or Master level assigned by the Programme Director.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be the Year 1 or Year 2 PsyD-CoP programme students with research experiences in the field of Social Sciences.

Application Periods

Year 1: Applicants must indicate clearly their intention to apply for studentships on their application forms.
Year 2: Studentships are open for applications in early July of the year.

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2021 PsyD-CoP Graduates 

[Left: Dr. Phoebus TSUI; Dr. Lan-Sze Pang (Associate Professor); Right: Dr. Edmond PONG]

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