REYKJAVIK UNIVERSITY
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN PSYCHOLOGY
OVERVIEW
Psychology
School of Business
2013
Master of Science in Psychology
2
Department of Psychology
School of Business
Reykjavík University
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN PSYCHOLOGY
Overview
The MSc in Psychology program provides essential professional training in the main areas
of work performed by psychologists in Iceland. The course is distinctive in that it
combines these foundational areas of clinical psychology with the major evidence-based
approaches of cognitive-behaviour therapy and applied behaviour analysis. Through the
provision of high quality knowledge, skills, and competence, the MSc in Psychology
program aims to produce well-rounded and capable psychologists, thoroughly prepared
professionally and ethically for work within a wide range of human-service settings in
Iceland and abroad.
Philosophy and Orientation of the Program
Consistent with priorities of the Icelandic Ministry of Education, the MSc in Psychology
program encourages lifelong learning, whereby graduates have a sustained personal, civic,
social, and professional commitment to improving their own and others’ knowledge, skills,
and competence. The program subscribes to the Scientist-Practitioner Model of education
and training, which emphasises an evidence-based approach to professional practice.
Students are encouraged to evaluate and appraise information openly and with an enquiring
mind, and to always seek evidence in relation to the theory-practice nexus.
Quality and Standards
The Quality Framework
The MSc in Psychology is based on principles contained in the Icelandic Quality
Enhancement Framework. These founding principles address the quality of the student
learning experience and the maintenance of standards of academic learning.
Governance and Administration
The full-time Program Director, an academic with high-level qualifications and experience,
has day-to-day operational responsibility for the program, and is a member of the MSc in
Psychology Advisory Board, Quality Council, and Program Council.
Master of Science in Psychology
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Advisory Board. The Advisory Board consists of the Program Director, Program
Administrator, one or more faculty, and representatives of stakeholders external to
Reykjavík University. The Advisory Board provides a forum for senior representatives of
major service providers and employers to directly influence policy direction and long-term
planning, with particular reference to the needs of the service community and society.
Program Council. The Psychology Program Council consists of the Program Director,
Program Administrator, and one or more faculty teaching in the program. The Program
Council is responsible for strategy; advises in relation to content, structure, and
organisation; monitors day-to-day operations; and oversees implementation of new
elements. The Program Council is responsible for conducting a review of the MSc in
Psychology at least every three years.
Quality Council. The MSc in Psychology Quality Council consists of the Program
Director, Program Administrator, core faculty teaching in the program, and one student
representative from each of the two years of the program. The Quality Council monitors
overall quality of the program, including student affairs, and provides feedback and advice
on program strategy and development.
Periodic program review. Periodic reviews of the MSc in Psychology conducted by the
Program Council encompass structure, intended learning outcomes, curriculum,
resourcing, and program rules. Important stakeholders, including faculty, students, alumni,
and prospective employers representing diverse fields of professional psychology
participate in the reviews, which are documented and a report is sent to the Faculty Council
for discussion.
Student Admission
Application for admission to the MSc in Psychology program is advertised, and selection is
based on a competitive application process. Admission is limited to persons possessing a
BA or BSc degree in psychology, such as the Bachelor of Science in Psychology from
Reykjavík University, or equivalent. The selection process involves a written application
describing the applicant’s qualifications and experience, supported by referee reports.
Short-listed candidates will be interviewed by a selection panel. Students completing the
MSc in Psychology have the necessary qualification, underpinned by wide ranging
professional knowledge, skills, and competencies, to practice as psychologists in Iceland.
Syllabus Overview of the Master of Science in Psychology
The program consists of three core components: A. Coursework, B. Research Thesis, and
C. Supervised Practical Experience.
Master of Science in Psychology
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A. Coursework
72 ECTS (1,800-2,160 study hours; 60% of the MSc in Psychology program)
The coursework component includes adult clinical psychology, child and adolescent
psychology, intellectual disabilities and other specialist areas of practice such as older
adults, neuropsychology, health psychology, and forensic psychology. These foundational
areas of clinical psychology are combined with the major evidence-based approaches of
cognitive-behaviour therapy and applied behaviour analysis. Course content is
benchmarked against similar programs available internationally, including the Cand Psych
degree of the Nordic region, and other similar programs throughout Europe, North
America, and elsewhere. Courses are delivered by both Icelandic and international faculty
in either Icelandic or English.
The United States Behavior Analyst Certification Board has approved the Reykjavík
University MSc Psychology behaviour analysis course sequence as meeting the
coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Examination. Course approval is listed at the BACB official Web page:
http://www.bacb.com/index.php?page=100358. This is the only course in Iceland having
such approval. Applicants for Board Certification will have to meet additional practice
requirements to qualify for Board Certification, but those who provide verification that
they have completed the RU approved course sequence will not have to provide
coursework documentation.
B. Research Thesis
30 ECTS (750-900 study hours; 25% of the MSc in Psychology program)
The Research Thesis is an empirical investigation relevant to the broad discipline of
clinical psychology and must involve human participants. Under supervision, the thesis is
formulated and initiated in Semester 2, thesis data collection is completed in Semester 3,
and data analysis and write-up are completed in Semester 4.
C. Supervised Practical Experience
18 ECTS (450-540 study hours; 15% of the MSc in Psychology program)
One supervised clinical placement is completed in each of Semesters 2, 3, and 4 under the
supervision of experienced psychologists. The first placement for all students is in the adult
area. The ordering of the second and third placements (child, adolescent, and family; and
intellectual disability/neuropsychology/rehabilitation) will be according to availability as
advised by participating service providers.