Head of department: Dr. Elisabeta Kafia
The Department of General Psychology, part of the Faculty of Social Sciences at Albanian University, has its beginnings in 2006 when it also hosted the first generation of students.
The Department offers first and second cycle study programs as following:
- Bachelor in “General Psychology”
- Professional Master in “School Psychology”
- Professional Master in “Clinical Psychology”
- Master of Science in “Clinical Psychology”.
The Department of General Psychology has as its main mission the preparation of skilled professionals from the theoretical and practical point of view in terms of psychology issues and linking these issues to the psycho-social well-being of the individual and the community. Furthermore, this department has the mission of educating communities with special needs as well as providing contemporary models to promote and empower citizens.
For the achievement of its mission, the Department of General Psychology carries out the process of teaching, research and providing community services in the framework of fulfilling social responsibility.
Specific research activities include a variety of areas of psychology such as clinical psychology, cognitive, work, health, social, developmental and educational processes. Starting from this multidisciplinary perspective, the study of behavior and cognitive functions is realized through research perspectives and different methodologies, depending on the specialization of academic staff and researchers who are part of the Department of General Psychology.
The Psychology Department’s teaching programs are based on US and European psychology education curriculum models and are designed taking into account the latest developments in psychology science as well as the demands of the Albanian labor market.
Bachelor Degree in “General Psychology”
The Bachelor study program in “General Psychology” was licensed with the approval of the Ministry of Education and Science no. 8981, dt. 27.12.2005 and accredited by Order no. 541, dt. 01.12.2010.
This program has as its mission the preparation of a new generation of professionals in the field of psychology, capable of understanding and dealing with professionalism, ethics, respect for human dignity and integrity, psychosocial problems faced by individuals and the Albanian society. The Bachelor program in “General Psychology” extends to 3 years of study, which includes subjects of general training, additional courses, elective courses and vocational training courses that students will wish to attend in the degree of second studies cycle. The teaching practice is realized during the second semester of the 3rd year.
Possible employment sectors with the completion of the Bachelor program are:
- Public and private hospitals and clinics for children and adolescents;
- Non-profit organization.
Master’s Degree in “School Psychology”
The Master’s Degree Program in “School Psychology” is licensed by Order No.202, dated 28.05.2013, accredited by VBA No. 44, dated 19.05.2017.
This program aims to provide genuine and comprehensive vocational education and training for the application of theories, knowledge, skills and psychological competence in the school system. The study program was built in order to forming school psychologists who would be able to provide the most appropriate service to the school community.
Possible employment sectors at the completion of this program are:
- Pre-university education and public and private pre-schooling;
- Community Centers providing psycho-social services for children and adolescents;
- Public institutions that draft policies for children and adolescents;
- Non-profit organization;
- Institutions and organizations dealing with the protection of juvenile rights, etc.
Master’s Degree in “Clinical Psychology”
The Master’s Degree Program in “Clinical Psychology” was licensed with the DCM. No.89, dated 10.02.2010 and accredited by the Order of the Minister of Education and Science No.327, dated 07.08.2012.
This program is designed to respond to the need of many psychologists to get acquainted with the most effective methods of addressing various psychological problems. Clinical psychologists intend to provide their service based on knowledge and skills based on contemporary theoretical and practical models of psychology. The purpose of this study program is to present to the students the modes of treatment including traditional ones such as various psychotherapeutic interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, family therapy, group therapy, and so on. The student’s attention will be directed to the latest developments in the treatment of psychological symptoms and consequently the improvement of mental health. Such interventions include psychotherapeutic, bio and neurofeedback exercises, hypnosis, meditation, and so on. Clinicians are led to the ongoing construction and use of treatment protocols, which also envisage the multidisciplinary treatment of the patient.
Possible employment sectors with the completion of this program are:
- Different research institutions, such as universities, agencies, organizations or foundations of research;
- Free practitioners providing counseling, therapy, assessment and consultation to individuals, families, groups and organizations;
Master of Science in “Clinical Psychology”
The study program of Master of Science in Clinical Psychology was licensed by DCM No. 597, dated 28.05.2009, supplemented by the MoES Order No. 308, dated 08.06.2010, accredited by the MoES Order No.327, dated 07.08. 2012, as well as re-accredited by Decision of the Accreditation Board no. 85, dt. 07/12/2018.
This program aims to provide students with an in-depth assessment of clinical evaluation and intervention techniques. The study program is based on the model of biopsychological systems of human behavior understanding and this program offers students a detailed overview of the clinical tasks and capabilities that are the foundations of the clinical psychologist’s work. Students will be provided with expanded information on research methods, ethics issues, cultural diversity, assessment, psychotherapy, and practical skills in each of the above issues. This program will help students understand deeply the clinical practice of the clinical psychologist.
Different employment opportunities, contemporary methods of clinical assessment and treatment as well as legal and ethical issues that regulate the profession of clinical psychologist will fully cover the study program.
Possible employment sectors with the completion of this program are:
- Different research institutions, such as universities, agencies, organizations or research foundations;
- Free practitioners providing counseling, therapy, assessment and consultation to individuals, families, groups and organizations;
- Facilities or centers that provide mental health care services such as psychiatric hospitals, supported homes, community mental health centers, non-profit institutions and organizations with the focus of providing support and rehabilitation of individuals (children, adolescents, adult, elderly) with mental health problems;
- Non-profit organization;
- Public and private hospitals and clinics for children and adolescents;
- Facilities or centers that provide mental health care services such as psychiatric hospitals, supported homes, community mental health centers, non-profit institutions and organizations with the focus of providing support and rehabilitation of individuals (children, adolescents, adult, elderly) with mental health problems.
