MASTER OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY

Taylor’s University offers a comprehensive Psychology programme designed for individuals passionate about making a meaningful impact in the field of mental health. Our two-year Master of Clinical Psychology programme prepares you for a specialised profession in Clinical Psychology, blending academic learning with clinical experience.

This programme equips you with the core skills and knowledge needed to support individuals facing psychological disorders. From psychological assessment and diagnosis to psychotherapy, intervention, clinical research, and mental health prevention—you’ll build practical skills tailored to real-world clinical practice.

The programme adheres to the standards set by the Malaysian Allied Health Professions Council, the Allied Health Professions Act 2016, and the Malaysian Society of Clinical Psychology (MSCP). Graduates are eligible to register as Clinical Psychologists under the Malaysian Allied Health Professions Council.

The programme's thorough syllabus focuses on preparing you with the skills, knowledge, attitude, mindset, and clinical training necessary to diagnose and treat individuals for a fulfilling career in Clinical Psychology.

Primary Modules

Year 1

• Adult Clinical Psychology
• Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychology
• Psychological Assessment and Diagnosis
• Psychological Interventions and Therapies
• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
• Intermediate Research Methods
• Intermediate Psychological Statistics 
• Clinical Neuropsychological Assessment
• Biological Psychology and Psychopharmacology
• Professional and Ethical Practice (Clinical) 
• Clinical Practicum and Seminar I

Year 2

• Research Project I
• Research Project II
• Clinical Practicum and Seminar II

PROGRAMME SYNOPSIS

CORE MODULES

• ADULT CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY
  The module introduces current perspectives on the conceptualisation, assessment and treatment of adult psychopathology and psychological disorders.
  
   
• PROFESSIONAL AND ETHICAL PRACTICE (CLINICAL)
  Students are exposed to ethical codes, professional conduct, laws, issues and ethical dilemmas in the practice of Clinical Psychology. Topics covered include ethical issues in research, professional practice, assessment and testing, personal and professional self, and ethics codes and laws in clinical practice.
  
   
• BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY AND PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
  The aim of this module is to develop knowledge on general principles of neuropsychology, psychopharmacology and biopsychosocial aspects of health. Students are introduced to the scientific study of the relationship between the brain and behaviour, the effects of drugs on mood, sensation, thinking and behaviour, as well as the study of psychological and behavioural processes in health, illness and healthcare.
  
   
• PSYCHOLOGICAL INTERVENTIONS AND THERAPIES
  This module focuses on the psychological interventions and psychotherapies used in the field of clinical psychology. Students learn about various types of psychological intervention strategies and psychotherapy approaches targeted towards various types of psychological issues.
  
   
• INTERMEDIATE RESEARCH METHODS
  This module aims to develop students’ abilities in research methods in psychology to an intermediate level as part of a continuation from their undergraduate training. Students will be trained to acquire intermediate-level research methods for their master-level research project. 
• INTERMEDIATE PSYCHOLOGICAL STATISTICS
  This module aims to develop students’ abilities in psychological statistics to an intermediate level as part of a continuation from their undergraduate training. Students will be taught to analyse and interpret data using statistical applications and systems at an intermediate level.
  
   
• CHILD AND ADOLESCENT CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY
  The module introduces current perspectives on the conceptualisation, assessment and treatment of child and adolescent psychopathology and psychological disorders.
  
   
• COGNITIVE BEHAVIOUR THERAPY
  Students are taught regarding the concepts, knowledge, skills and techniques in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT). Topics covered include case formulation, negative automatic thoughts, thought challenging, core beliefs, maladaptive thought patterns, cognitive distortions, problem solving, behavioural activation, and the use of CBT in different populations.
  
   
• PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT AND DIAGNOSIS
  The aim of the module is to develop knowledge on the process of psychological assessments and theories and to be able to utilise a combination of techniques to derive an appropriate diagnostic decision. The focus of the assessments centres on assessing students’ ability to employ psychological assessment tools to derive an appropriate hypothesis or diagnostic decision as a Clinical Psychologist.
  
   
• CLINICAL NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
  The module provides student with comprehensive understanding of the principles, techniques, and applications of neuropsychological assessment. Neuropsychological assessment is a vital component of clinical practice, enabling psychologists to evaluate cognitive functioning and identify potential neurological disorders or impairments. 

PRACTICUM

• Clinical Practicum and Seminar I
  The module emphasises on the “clinical practice” in the field of clinical psychology. Students are placed in clinical settings to conduct psychological assessments and interventions and accumulate practicum hours before graduating from the programme. This module allows the student to apply their learned knowledge into real-life settings.
• Clinical Practicum and Seminar II
  The module is a continuation from Clinical Practicum and Seminar I.

RESEARCH PROJECT

• Research Project I
  This module focuses on the first part of research project in the programme. Students are required to carry out an intermediate-level research project as part of the criteria to graduate from the Master of Clinical Psychology programme.
• Research Project II
  Continuing from the first part of the research project, students are required to justify the selection of applications and systems relating to their research project, and construct an original research project writing that fulfils the master's degree by coursework level.

FUTURE CAREERS

When you’ve successfully completed this programme, you could advance to any of these exciting careers, including:

• Clinical Psychologist
• Academician
• Researcher
• Mental Health Practitioner
• Psychology Consultant/Officer
• Employee Assistance Programme Consultant
• Corporate Consultant
• International Aid/Development Worker

Note: Graduates can work in the government sector (hospitals, universities, and clinics), private sector (hospitals, universities, corporate companies, clinics, and centres), and Non-Governmental Organisations.

Requirement

• A Bachelor’s degree in Psychology (Level 6, MQF) with a minimum CGPA of 2.75 or its equivalent as accepted by the HEP Senate; OR
• A Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minimum CGPA of 2.00 and not meeting a CGPA of 2.75, can be accepted subject to rigorous internal assessment.* OR
• Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree (non-psychology, Level 6, MQF) with a minimum CGPA of 2.75 with a minimum 45 credits of prerequisites modules in Psychology or a graduate diploma in Psychology or its equivalent as accepted by the HEP Senate; OR
• Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree (non-psychology, Level 6, MQF) with a minimum CGPA of 2.75 and a Master’s degree in Psychology with a minimum 45 credits of prerequisites modules in Psychology or a graduate diploma in Psychology or its equivalent as accepted by the HEP Senate OR
• Other relevant equivalent qualifications recognised by Malaysian government as equivalent to the above requirements. 

Additional Requirement

1. Personal statement (no more than 500 words) which outlines why the applicants wish to be considered for the course and their relevant skills. While clinically relevant work/volunteer experience is not a course entry requirement, applicants who have undertaken relevant work/volunteer experience may wish to include this as part of their personal statement.
2. Minimum two confidential referee reports 
   • 1 academic referee - research supervisor is highly encouraged;
   • 1 professional referee outside academic context) to be submitted; and
3. Pass Candidate Selection Interview arranged by Taylor's University (short-listed applicants only)

English Requirement

1. For International students: IELTS 5.0 / TOEFL 40 (Internet Based Test) (May join IEN preparatory course and achieve the IELTS score) The validity of the IELTS or equivalent is within 2 years from the date of the examination.
   
    
2. For Malaysian students (if their undergraduate or postgraduate degree qualifications [whichever more recent] were done outside of Malaysia, and were not undertaken in the English language):
   IELTS 5.0 / TOEFL 40 (Internet Based Test) (May join IEN preparatory course and achieve the IELTS score) The validity of the IELTS or equivalent is within 2 years from the date of the examination.

Note

1. Terms and conditions apply.
2. *Rigorous internal assessment may include independent panel interview, GRE psychology examination, and relevant extensive experience. 
3. In the event the programme has available seats due to unforeseen circumstances:
   • The candidates who have attended and passed the candidate selection interview for that semester but were moved to the subsequent semester due to lack of seats in the upcoming semester will be given first priority to join that semester.
   • The remaining candidate(s) with the highest CGPA and relevant industry experience but who have not been interviewed yet will be given second priority to be interviewed for that semester.
4. All information is subject to change. The above entry requirements serve as a guideline. Readers are responsible to verify the information by contacting the university's Admissions Department.

STUDENT PASS / VISA REQUIREMENTS (INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS)

All international students who plan to study full-time in Malaysia are required to obtain a Student Pass (Student Visa) before starting their studies.

• You must receive an official Offer Letter from the university before applying for a student pass

• The university will submit your Student Pass application through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) on your behalf

• A Visa Approval Letter (VAL / eVAL) is required before travelling to Malaysia

• Studying on a tourist or social visit visa is not permitted

• Your passport must be valid for at least 18 months from your intended intake date

• Visa processing time depends on EMGS and Malaysian Immigration approval

• After arriving in Malaysia, all students must complete a medical check-up at an EMGS-registered clinic

• Your Student Pass will be issued only after medical clearance and document verification

• Continuing students must renew their Student Pass before it expires

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR STUDENT PASS APPLICATION

The following documents are commonly required for all international students:

• Valid passport (clear scanned copy of all pages, including blank pages)

• Passport-size photograph with a white background

• Official Offer Letter from the university

• Academic certificates and transcripts related to your programme

• English language proficiency certificate (IELTS / TOEFL or equivalent), if required

• Proof of acceptance or tuition fee payment (if requested by the university)

• Student Pass / Visa processing fee as determined by EMGS

• Completed EMGS Health Declaration Form (if applicable)

Please note: All documents not originally in English must be submitted together with certified English translations.

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS (IF APPLICABLE)

Some students may be asked to provide extra documents depending on their situation:

• Release Letter and Visa Cancellation Letter (for students transferring from another institution in Malaysia)

• School Leaving Certificate (for foundation or diploma applicants)

• Sponsorship or Scholarship Letter (if your studies are funded)

• Proof of financial support to cover tuition fees and living expenses

• Statutory Declaration (if there are name differences across documents)

• Resume or Character Reference Letter (commonly required for applicants above 23 years old)

• Police Clearance Certificate (if requested by EMGS or embassy authorities)

• Copy of previous Malaysian visa or Resident Pass (if applicable)

AFTER ARRIVING IN MALAYSIA

Once you arrive in Malaysia, you will need to:

• Complete a medical examination at an EMGS-approved clinic

• Submit your passport for Student Pass endorsement

• Receive a temporary Special Pass (if applicable) while your Student Pass is being processed

• Collect your Student Pass and complete university registration

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

• Student Pass requirements are set by Malaysian Immigration and EMGS and may vary by nationality
• The university’s International Office will guide you through each step of the process
• Students are strongly advised to prepare documents at least 2–3 months before intake
• Requirements may change, so always follow the latest instructions provided by the university