Master of Science in Psychology

The MScP offers 4 distinct specialisation tracks:

• Community Health Psychology: As Singapore’s pioneering track in Community Health Psychology, we train professionals to be catalysts for change. Drive real-world impact in community mental health, with multidisciplinary efforts to advocate for awareness and health promotion, develop strategic interventions for specialised home-based care and community outreach, and lead the enhancement of population-level wellbeing and resilience in society.
  
  
• Neuropsychology: The Neuropsychology track advances brain and cognitive science toward applied practice, with emphasis on clinical neuropsychological principles, neuropsychological assessment in adults and children, and either exposure to school-based neuropsychology or a focused anxiety disorders mini-track in evidence-based assessment and intervention. Together, the track equips graduates with integrated competencies linking brain-based assessment, targeted intervention, and translational research across educational and clinical settings.
  
  
• Thanatology: Asia's first specialised track in Thanatology, the study of dying, death, and grief. Train to become an expert professional, equipped to provide specialised, compassionate support for individuals, families, and communities navigating complexities at the end-of-life (EOL), pre and post-loss grief, and the bereavement experience. In the words of Palliative physician David Kuhl, "Dying is hard work," with this track focusing on the humanistic care we can render to others for life's final journey.
  
  
• Forensic Psychology: A highly specialised track dedicated to Forensic Psychology. Train to apply advanced psychological expertise across complex settings, including legal systems, criminal justice, law enforcement, public safety, and cyber-security.

• Undergraduate degrees (2nd class lower and above) from reputable institutions in psychology or social science-related fields.
• Strong interest in helping others, a dedication to lifelong learning, and a commitment to ethical practice, and demonstrable fit with the programme as evidenced through a personal statement.
• Honours graduates from NTU Psychology who are passionate about helping others and who demonstrate a good fit with the programme may be offered direct entry.
• Competitive GPA and demonstrated relevant coursework and/or experience.
• For international applicants whose medium of instruction at the tertiary level was not in English: an IELTs score of 6.5 and TOEFL internet-based score of 93 (580 for paper-based) 

Documents Required

*Letters of recommendations may be waived for all applicants who applied before the requirement was published on a case-by-case basis and upon critical review of full application package

Application Outcome

1. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an admissions interview.
2. Admission interviews will primarily be conducted via a virtual conference call.
3. Successful candidates will be notified of their admission outcome.
4. Applicants may check their application status via the “Check Status” option on the NTU Coursework Programme Admissions page. Log in using the email address used in your application to access the portal.

5 foundational courses

• Mental Health and Psychopathology Across the Lifespan
  This course provides an in-depth exploration of mental health challenges and mental disorders across the lifespan, encompassing their etiology, symptomatology, diagnosis, and course. 

• Evidence- and Policy-Informed Psychological Intervention
  This course introduces and provides opportunities to practice psychological interventions commonly utilised in community mental health practice. It covers major therapeutic approaches, offering a comprehensive survey of evidence-based psychotherapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), solution-focused therapy, mindfulness-based interventions, and family and group-based therapy.

• Ethical and Multidisciplinary Practice in Psychology
  This course explores the ethical and professional issues that arise in psychological practice. It covers ethical decision-making frameworks, the ethical principles outlined in the Singapore Psychological Society (SPS) Code of Ethics, and the legal and ethical implications of various professional situations. Key topics include confidentiality, informed consent, dual relationships, cultural competence, and professional boundaries.

•  Applied Psychological Research Design
  This course focuses on the principles and methods of research design in applied psychology. It covers key aspects of the research process, including formulating research questions, developing hypotheses, selecting appropriate research methodologies (e.g., experimental, correlational, qualitative), determining sample size and recruitment strategies, and selecting and utilising appropriate data collection and analysis techniques.

•  Psychometrics and Assessment
  This course provides a comprehensive examination of psychological assessment methods. It covers a wide range of assessment tools, including interviews, personality tests, intelligence tests, neuropsychological assessments, and behavioural observations.

Specialisation Track

A. Community Health Psychology

• Chronic and Mental Illness through the Lens of Health Psychology
  This course explores the interplay between psychological factors and chronic physical and mental illnesses within community settings
  

• Community & Digital Approaches to Health and Mental Health
  This course critically examines the intersection of community engagement and digital technologies in promoting health and mental health.
  

• Theories and Techniques of Individual and Social Behavioural Change
  This course focuses on the theoretical foundations and practical techniques for facilitating behavioural change to promote health and mental health at the individual and societal levels.

• Psychosocial Rehabilitation for Physical and Mental Disabilities
  This course explores the principles and practices of psychosocial rehabilitation for individuals with physical and mental disabilities. It emphasises a holistic approach to rehabilitation that integrates psychological, social, and community-based strategies.

B. Neuropsychology

•  Advanced Neuropsychology
  This course delves into advanced topics in neuropsychology, exploring complex neurological conditions and their impact on cognition and behaviour. The course will emphasise the integration of neuroanatomical, neurophysiological, and neuropsychological perspectives.

•  Developmental Neuropsychology
  This course examines the development of brain and cognitive functions across the lifespan, focusing on the interplay between brain development, cognitive functions, and behavioural outcomes.

•  School Neuropsychology and the Science of Learning
  This course investigates the intersection of educational neuropsychology and the science of learning, focusing on how cognitive neuroscience informs educational practices and supports effective teaching and learning strategies. It emphasises the application of neuropsychological principles to enhance educational outcomes in diverse learning environments.

•  Neuropsychological Assessment and Neuroimaging Techniques
  This course provides a comprehensive overview of neuropsychological assessment and neuroimaging techniques used to evaluate cognitive and behavioural functions related to brain structure and activity.

C. Thanatology

• Loss and Grief Across the Lifespan
  This course provides an in-depth examination of grief and loss reactions across the lifespan. It covers normal grief, complicated grief, traumatic grief, and other grief-related phenomena such as anticipatory grief and disenfranchised grief.

• Advanced Thanatological Theory & Practice
  This course delves into advanced theoretical frameworks and clinical applications in thanatology.

•  Grief Therapy & Bereavement Counselling
  This course focuses on the practical application of grief therapy and bereavement counselling techniques.

•  Spirituality and Social Justice in Thanatology
  This course explores the intersection of spirituality and social justice in the context of grief and loss.

D. Forensic Psychology

• Psychology, Law, and Crime
  This course provides a foundational understanding of the intersection between psychology and the legal system.

•  Investigative Psychology
  This course focuses on the application of psychological principles to criminal investigations.

•  Assessment and Treatment of Offenders
  This course examines the psychological assessment and treatment of individuals involved in the criminal justice system.

•  Psychology in the Policy Context of National and Global Security
  This course explores the application of psychological principles to national and global security issues.

Graduation Courses

• Practicum I (250 hours)
  This course marks the commencement of students' practical training with a 250-hour supervised practicum, including 100 hours of directed practice and 45 hours of direct supervision. Students will engage in activities relevant to their chosen track (Community Mental Health, Neuropsychology, Thanatology, or Forensic Psychology). This may include implementing research projects, observing clinical sessions, conducting assessments, interventions, and working directly with clients in relevant settings. This initial practicum aims to provide students with foundational, real-world exposure, fostering a deeper understanding of their field and preparing them for advanced practical training.

• Practicum II (250 hours)
  Building upon the foundations established in Practicum I, students will complete a second 250-hour supervised practicum in this course, inclusive of 100 hours of direction practice experience and 45 hours of direct supervision. Students will continue to develop their practical skills through direct engagement with relevant populations and settings. This practicum will allow for increased autonomy and responsibility, with students potentially taking on more active roles in assessments, interventions, research, or other professional activities. Students are encouraged to integrate their practicum experiences into their independent study, laying the groundwork for a cohesive, impactful final research project.

• Independent Practice Research Study
  This course serves as the culminating academic experience, where students synthesise their practical training and research skills into a comprehensive graduation research study. Students will leverage their two 250-hour practical experiences to inform and enrich their practicum research. Under the guidance of an assigned faculty supervisor, students will formulate a research topic, conduct a thorough literature review, design and execute a research project, and present their findings. This integrated approach, connecting early practical experiences with rigorous research, fosters the development of well-rounded professionals who can contribute meaningfully.

• Community Health Psychology: This track focuses on how social environments and behaviours shape mental health, with an emphasis on prevention, advocacy, and community empowerment. Students learn to design and deliver programmes that address systemic challenges, with a strong focus on disability and rehabilitation. Graduates are prepared for roles in community mental health, hospitals, non-profits, rehabilitation centres, public health agencies, or in programme development and advocacy.
  
  
• Neuropsychology: This track focuses on the cognitive and brain-based foundations of human development and mental health, with an emphasis on neuropsychological assessment and intervention, and applications in educational neuroscience and the science of learning. In line with Singapore’s growing Science of Learning agenda, the track introduces a School Neuropsychology focus. As an alternative, students may select an anxiety disorders mini-track grounded in intention-focused CBT, with hands-on training in the Bergen 4-Day Treatment and potential pathways toward certification. This development addresses key needs identified by Educational Psychology colleagues at the Ministry of Education and prepares graduates for roles across educational institutions, research centres, hospitals, rehabilitation settings, and public and private services involving neuropsychological assessment and intervention.
  
  
• Thanatology: This track focuses on understanding, assessing, and supporting individuals, families, and communities experiencing mortality, loss, grief, and bereavement across the lifespan. Graduates can work in hospices, palliative care units, hospitals, bereavement services, crisis-counselling settings, research, or private practice, offering specialized grief and bereavement support. This is the first specialization of its kind in Asia.
  
  
• Forensic Psychology: This track focuses on the application of psychological principles to legal and criminal justice settings, law enforcement, public safety, and cyber-security industries. Students who graduate from this track may go on to work in correctional facilities, law enforcement agencies, courts, forensic mental health centres, government security agencies.