Department of Master's and Doctoral Studies
Education Level: Master’s Degree
Direction of personnel training: 7M101 Healthcare
Group of educational programs: М144
Educational Program: 7M10113 Clinical Psychology
Responsible Department: Chair of Psychiatry and Narcology
Language of education: Russian, Kazakh
Duration of Study: 1 year- specialized direction
1. RELEVANCE OF THE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM (EP), ITS GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Justification for the Program.
Modern healthcare in Kazakhstan faces a growing demand for qualified clinical psychological assistance. The rise in mental and behavioral disorders, post-stress conditions, psychosomatic diseases, and the consequences of emergencies and pandemics require a systemic approach to diagnosis, correction, and patient rehabilitation. The existing training system needs a stronger practice-oriented component and deeper scientific approaches, which defines the relevance of this Educational Program (EP).
Alignment with University Strategic Goals and External Requirements.
The program aligns with the University's strategy to train highly qualified, competitive specialists capable of integrating into interprofessional teams. It meets labor market needs for specialists proficient in modern methods of pathopsychological diagnostics, psychotherapy, and psychocorrection, and is aimed at implementing state policy tasks in the field of public mental health in the Republic of Kazakhstan (RK).
Program Goal:
to train highly qualified, competitive personnel possessing professional, social, and personal competencies in clinical psychology, psychotherapy, and psychiatry in accordance with international standards of clinical psychological care, aimed at improving health and the quality of life of the population of the RK.
Objectives:
1) to provide students with in-depth knowledge in pathopsychology, neuropsychology, psychopathology, and psychotherapy;
2) to develop skills for independently conducting pathopsychological research, differential diagnostics, and data interpretation;
3) to teach effective, evidence-based methods of psychotherapeutic and psychocorrectional work with patients of various age groups and pathologies (including crisis and addictive states);
4) to form the ability to work within interprofessional teams and interact effectively with physicians and other staff to achieve the best treatment and rehabilitation outcomes;
5) To develop research skills, critical analysis of professional literature, and the implementation of scientific achievements into practice.
2. LABOR MARKET ANALYSIS
Graduates of the program are in demand at state and private medical centers, Mental Health Centers, crisis centers, rehabilitation centers, hospices, and primary health care (PHC) organizations. There is a steady shortage of qualified clinical psychologists, especially those proficient in modern psychotherapeutic methods (cognitive-behavioral, systemic family therapy, etc.) and capable of working in multidisciplinary teams. The demand for clinical psychology specialists is expected to grow further due to the development of mental health services at the PHC level, the introduction of early intervention programs, and an increase in the number of patients with borderline mental disorders. Employers (medical institutions) note the need to strengthen the practical training of Master's students, particularly in mental/psychological health promotion, addictive behavior, and family counseling—needs addressed in this program through elective modules.
3. INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE IN SPECIALIST TRAINING
The program is developed based on global best practices and standards for training clinical psychologists, including those in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The development included an analysis of programs from leading universities such as:
Harvard University (USA): Clinical Psychology course (doctoral level);
University College London (UCL) (UK): Clinical Mental Health Sciences program;
University of York (UK): MSc Psychology of Mental Health;
York University (Canada): Graduate Program in Psychology.
The National Professional Standard "Clinical Psychology" holds particular significance in the development of this program.
Features of Structure, Content, and Learning Approaches:
Emphasis on evidence-based practice.
Integration of psychiatry, psychopathology, and psychotherapy into unified modules.
Availability of specialized modules (e.g., crisis intervention, addiction counseling, family therapy), allowing students to individualize their professional path.
Use of supervision as a key element of professional development.
4. EXISTING SPECIALIST TRAINING SYSTEM
Analysis of current programs at the University and other HEIs in the RK:
Currently, Kazakhstan offers several programs in clinical psychology. These are often implemented by humanities-focused universities, which have specific characteristics – namely, they do not always fully meet the requirements for integrating psychotherapeutic approaches and intensive clinical practice.
Comparison of curricula, disciplines, and internships:
The proposed EP is distinguished by its modular structure, a wide range of elective disciplines allowing students to choose a specialization (crisis management, family therapy, addictions), and mandatory personal therapy and supervision, which is considered the «gold standard» for clinical psychologist training.
Assessment Approaches:
The assessment focus is shifted toward the demonstration of practical skills (case analysis, technique demonstration in role-plays, clinical case studies, and supervision).
5. GRADUATE PROFILE
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Block
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Descriptors
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Personal Qualities
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Empathy, reflection, emotional stability, responsibility, ethics, stress resistance, and a commitment to continuous self-development.
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General Competencies
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Critical and systemic thinking, interprofessional communication skills (in Kazakh and Russian), ability to work in a team, self-learning, and the ability to mentor others.
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Professional Competencies
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Mastery of pathopsychological and neuropsychological diagnostic methods; ability to develop and implement psychotherapy and psychocorrection programs; conducting supervision; assessment of crisis states and provision of emergency psychological assistance.
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Social Characteristics
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Adherence to the principles of academic integrity and professional ethics, civic engagement, capacity for multicultural interaction, and commitment to the principles of national health protection.
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Mobility and Competitiveness
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Adaptability to changes in the healthcare system, capacity for academic and professional mobility, and competitiveness in both national and international labor markets.
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Career Prospects
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Fields of activity:
Healthcare (Primary Health Care, hospitals), science, education (universities, colleges), and social protection.
Job titles: Clinical psychologist, psychotherapist (as part of a multidisciplinary team), lecturer, researcher, head of psychological services.
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6. TARGET AUDIENCE OF THE PROGRAM
Applicants (previous level of education) may include.
Graduates of Bachelor's programs:
- «Pedagogy and Psychology», «Psychology», «Clinical Psychology», «Medicine» and «Pediatrics»;
- Physicians (interns, specialists) seeking to deepen their knowledge and acquire specialized skills in clinical psychology and psychotherapy.
Characteristics of potential students.
Motivated, reflective specialists with a foundational specialized education who strive for professional growth in providing psychological assistance within medical institutions.
Estimated student body and annual enrollment: 10–15 students per year.
7. COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES OF THE EP
Uniqueness of Content.
A modular structure that allows Master's students to choose a specialization within key areas of modern clinical psychology (Mental Health Promotion, Family Therapy, Addiction Therapy).
Engagement of International Faculty and Employers. The opportunity to invite leading practitioners, clinical psychologists, and psychotherapists to conduct masterclasses and supervision.
Use of Innovative Technologies. Active use of simulation technologies (working with standardized patients), case methods, and distance learning technologies for supervision and training.
Practice-Oriented Approach.
Integration of personal therapy and supervision into the educational process, ensuring a high level of professional training and personal readiness for independent work.
8. RESOURCE PROVISION
Highly qualified teaching staff holding advanced degrees (PhD, Doctor of Medical/Psychological Sciences) with practical experience in clinical psychology, psychotherapy, and psychiatry. Practicing psychotherapists and clinical psychologists from leading medical centers are also involved.
Specialized classrooms for training and group psychotherapy equipped with audio-visual technology for supervision; a simulation center for practicing primary interaction skills; a library with access to international databases (PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, etc.); and a library fund featuring current literature on clinical psychology and psychotherapy.
The teaching complex includes original syllabi, collections of clinical cases, and scenarios for simulation training developed based on contemporary sources.
9. DEVELOPMENT PROSPECTS OF THE EP
Integration of New Disciplines and Content Updates.
Plans include introducing modules on neuropsychology, pediatric clinical psychology, psycho-oncology, and palliative psychology, alongside regular content updates in line with the latest clinical guidelines and scientific research.
Expansion of International Cooperation.
Negotiations are underway with foreign universities and clinics for joint seminars, academic mobility programs, and the invitation of international supervisors.
Dual-Degree Potential and Increased Flexibility. The program is exploring the following opportunities:
Creating a joint (dual-degree) program with one of the foreign partner universities.
Implementing a system of micro-credentials for specific, high-demand psychotherapeutic methods (CBT, Schema Therapy, EMDR, etc.).
Educational Program References
1. National Regulatory Framework (Kazakhstan)
Adilet Legal System: Order/Regulation Reference
2. Harvard University (USA) — PhD in Psychology, Clinical Science Track
This is not a standalone course, but a research-oriented doctoral program (PhD) in clinical psychology that follows the "clinical science" model. The program is accredited by the APA and PCSAS, focusing on the research of severe psychopathology and including mandatory clinical practice.
Official Program Page: psychology.fas.harvard.edu/clinical-psychology
Requirements and PhD Structure: gsas.harvard.edu/policy/psychology
3. University College London (UCL) (UK) — MSc Clinical Mental Health Sciences
A one-year Master's program that integrates biological, psychological, and social aspects of mental health. It is suitable for both psychology graduates and practicing clinicians looking to deepen their expertise.
Official Program Page: ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/taught-degrees/clinical-mental-health-sciences-msc
Program FAQ: ucl.ac.uk/brain-sciences/psychiatry/study/postgraduate-taught/faqs
4. York University (Canada) — Graduate Program in Psychology
Offers a Master’s and Doctoral program in Clinical Psychology accredited by the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA). The training includes intensive preparation, research in psychotherapy and neuropsychology, and internships. The program is focused on training in treatment and diagnostic methods.
Key Characteristics: * Accreditation: CPA accredited (renewed in 2022 for 7 years).
Specializations:
Psychotherapy, neuropsychology, health psychology, and personality.
Practice:
Includes external internships and clinical work at the In-house Psychology Training Clinic.
Research:
Focuses on psychotherapy processes/outcomes and clinical neuroscience.
Official Page: yorku.ca/gradstudies/psychology/
5. University of York (UK) — MSc Psychology of Mental Health
Offers strong psychology programs, including an MSc in the Psychology of Mental Health, with a high research rating (ranked 8th in the UK). The focus is on research and clinical aspects; the university is a member of the elite Russell Group.
Key Aspects:
Programs:
Primary focus on research-based Master’s (MSc) degrees. High research quality (ranked 2nd in the REF 2021 results), which is critical for clinical psychology.
Distinction:
Unlike York University in Canada (which offers a DClinPsych), the University of York (UK) emphasizes the academic understanding of mental health and research methodology.
Official Page: york.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/courses/msc-psychology-mental-health
