The Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) is a professionally oriented doctoral program designed for advanced psychological practice and applied research. The program integrates psychological science with professional competencies required in clinical, counseling and institutional environments. The study program supports the development of advanced diagnostic skills, evidence-based psychological interventions and professional decision-making in complex contexts of psychology and mental health.
Programme Overview
The Psy.D. program is designed as a professional doctoral degree intended primarily for psychologists and qualified professionals working in mental health, counseling and related fields. The program combines advanced theoretical preparation, applied psychological practice and research-oriented professional development. Students develop competencies in psychological assessment, intervention strategies, applied research methodology and professional leadership within psychological services.
Programme Duration
The standard duration of the Doctor of Psychology program is two and a half years. The program is structured into five semesters. The first four semesters focus on advanced academic coursework, professional seminars and methodological preparation. The fifth semester is dedicated primarily to the development and completion of the doctoral dissertation project under academic supervision.
Programme Structure
The curriculum integrates advanced psychological theory, professional training and applied research competencies.
The first semester introduces advanced foundations of psychological science and professional practice. Students study advanced foundations of clinical psychology, psychological assessment and diagnostic formulation, research methodology in applied psychology, professional ethics in psychological practice and academic writing for doctoral research.
The second semester develops applied competencies in psychological interventions and diagnostic work. Courses include evidence-based psychological interventions, counseling psychology and therapeutic communication, quantitative and qualitative research methods in applied psychology, developmental psychopathology and psychology in institutional and educational settings.
The third semester focuses on advanced professional competencies and interdisciplinary collaboration in mental health practice. Students study advanced psychodiagnostics and case conceptualization, trauma and crisis intervention, supervision and reflective practice, program evaluation in applied psychology and participate in the first doctoral dissertation seminar.
The fourth semester is devoted to advanced professional integration and preparation of the doctoral research project. Students participate in courses focused on integrated clinical and counseling approaches, interdisciplinary collaboration in mental health services, leadership and professional decision-making in psychology, doctoral research seminar and individual research consultation.
The fifth semester is dedicated to the development and completion of the doctoral dissertation project. Students work under the guidance of an academic supervisor and participate in individual consultations and research supervision leading to the final submission and defense of the doctoral dissertation project.
Doctoral Dissertation Project
The final stage of the program consists of the preparation and defense of a doctoral dissertation project. The project demonstrates the candidate’s ability to address a complex professional or research problem using appropriate theoretical, methodological and analytical approaches. The doctoral dissertation project is expected to provide an original contribution to applied psychological practice or research within the field of psychology.
Graduate Profile
Graduates of the Psy.D. program develop advanced competencies in psychological assessment, evidence-based intervention strategies and professional decision-making within psychological and mental health services. The program prepares graduates for leadership roles in professional psychological practice, counseling services, educational institutions and applied research environments.
Accreditation
The Doctor of Psychology program is individually accredited within the university’s international quality assurance framework. The program is recognized through external accreditation and certification bodies including the International Education Society (IES) and the American Association for Higher Education & Accreditation (AAHEA). Further information regarding accreditation can be verified through the official websites of these organizations.
