Understanding psychological medicine for psychosis at HKU

Psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia, are one of the top ten causes of disability. This complex condition, caused by a number of genetic and environmental factors, has a community prevalence of up to three to four per cent. Treatment of psychosis is complex and depends on skillful integration of biomedical and psychosocial approaches.

To fill the existing gap in the provision of specialist care for patients of psychotic disorders, the University of Hong Kong’s (HKU) Department of Psychiatry delivers the Master of and Postgraduate Diploma in Psychological Medicine (Psychosis Studies) programme. It is the only taught postgraduate programme locally, offering in-depth focus in psychotic disorders in Hong Kong with medical, scientific, sociological and psychological perspectives.

The two-year part-time programme is divided into master’s and postgraduate diploma levels. The faculty are leaders in the field and professionals from backgrounds including psychiatry, nursing, psychology, research, occupational therapy and social work.

This programme aims to provide opportunities for graduates with relevant backgrounds to be equipped with the required knowledge and skills for practising in the active field of psychosis. It will also enable students to critically contemplate the knowledge base in psychosis, and to derive information, ideas and insight that could contribute to clinical service, education, public awareness, and research in the field of psychosis.

The master’s programme consists of two core courses, eight elective courses and a capstone project, covering pathological causes and development, neurocognitive dysfunctions, cognitive-behavioural therapy and pharmacological interventions, among many specialised areas in the treatment of psychosis.
It is anticipated that those completing the study will be ready to serve effectively in clinical, research, service development and public awareness roles, and develop into future leaders in respective fields, such as early intervention, rehabilitation and case management.

Application is now open till March 31 at noon. Degree holders of medicine, psychology, occupational therapy, nursing, social work and other related disciplines with Second Class Honours or above, or other qualifications of equivalent standard recognised by HKU, are welcome to apply.

Master of Psychological Medicine (Psychosis Studies) University of Hong Kong

Tel: +852 2255 3818 / 6746 0005

Email: psymed@hku.hk

Website: https://psymed.hku.hk