Clinical psychology is one of the important subfields of psychology that examines the mental, behavioral and emotional disorders of the individual. In addition to frequently using psychotherapy methods, it is also engaged in research, teaching and program development. As a specialty, clinical psychology seeks to solve the problems individuals as well as families and diverse communities encounter through their lives. Psychotherapy practices can only be carried out by psychologists who have a master's degree in clinical psychology. The number of clinical psychologists who have received their specialization according to international academic and practical training criteria in our country is still insufficient to meet the needs of the field. IKU  Clinical Psychology Master's Degree Program aims to educate clinical psychologists who are aware of professional ethical principles and qualified with theoretical and practical knowledge and skills. The services provided by clinical psychologists may differ from each other, and these differences require separate specialization. Therefore, IKU  Clinical Psychology Master's Degree Program focuses on different areas of clinical psychology and includes adult, child-adolescent, couple-family therapy sub-branches to be opened by determining needs in academic terms. The first semester of the program consists of intensive theoretical education, and the second semester consists of practical internships and thesis studies. Clinical Psychology Master's Degree students are given the opportunity to experience psychological assessment and psychotherapy skills. It is also aimed that prospective specialist students will be able to turn scientifically supported approaches (such as cognitive, cognitive/behavioral, behavioral, dynamically oriented) into practice in the field of clinical psychology.

Assoc. Prof. Melis Seray ÖZDEN YILDIRIM 
The Head of the Department

Apply Now

 

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICATION TO THE THESIS PROGRAM

During the application of the candidates,

• Photocopy of Diploma or Temporary Graduation Certificate
• Photocopy of transcript
• Photocopy of ALES Certificate (for Thesis Program)
• Military Status Certificate (For male candidates)
• 2 Passport-Site Photos
• Photocopy of Identity Card

During the final registration,

• Approved copy of Diploma or Temporary Graduation Certificate
• Transcript approved copy
• ALES Certificate (Receiving the output at the Institute)
• Original of the Military Status Certificate (For male candidates)
• 6 Passport-Site Photos
• The first installment of the Tuition Fee

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICATION TO THE THESIS-FREE PROGRAM

During the application of the candidates,

• Photocopy of Diploma or Temporary Graduation Certificate
• Photocopy of transcript
• Military Status Certificate (For male candidates)
• 2 Passport-Site Photos
• Photocopy of Identity Card

During the final registration,

• Approved copy of Diploma or Temporary Graduation Certificate
• Transcript approved copy
• Original of the Military Status Certificate (For male candidates)
• 6 Passport-Site Photos
• The first installment of the Tuition Fee

The Program with Thesis
The Without-Thesis Program

 

Lecturer	Position
Assoc. Prof. Melis Seray Özden YILDIRIM	Chairperson of the Quality Commission
***	Quality Commission Member
***	Quality Commission Member

 

FULL-TIME FACULTY MEMBERS

• Assoc. Prof. Melis Seray Özden Yıldırım    
• Assoc. Prof. Ayhan Erbay   
• Assist. Prof. Ece Naz Ermiş        

CLINICAL SUPERVISORS

• Prof. Dr. Özay Özdemir  
• Assist. Prof. Ece Naz Ermiş

What is clinical psychology?

Clinical psychology is concerned with ‘normal’ and ‘abnormal’ human behaviour. The research feature is basically human behaviour, and the information obtained through research is integrated and applied in practice. An important feature of this field is the measurement and evaluation function. Clinical psychologists collect information through various methods in order to base their decisions on the people they observe and analyze, and generally help people or groups with psychological problems, distress, and stress. They are also involved in preventive mental health from time to time. Although these characteristics suggest that they have overlapping aspects with other specialities, what is important is their clinical attitudes and approaches. It is among the duties of clinical psychologists not only to learn what the nature of behaviour is but also to know what and how to do with this information and to develop skills in this regard. It is important for the field of clinical psychology to conduct research and measurements to define the problem and the situation in order to distinguish normal and abnormal behaviour. To become a clinical psychologist, you must have at least a master's degree in this field. Master's programs in this field are offered in the psychology departments of universities. The courses offered in these programs must include courses such as psychopathology, psychotherapy, research methods, statistics, personality and intelligence tests, and cognitive processes. In addition to these courses, supervised child and adult clinic internships and a thesis based on specific research in the field are also required.

What kind of graduation degree will I have after completing this program?

Students who successfully complete this program are entitled to receive a Master of Arts degree in CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY (Turkish, Thesis/Non-Thesis).

What are the career opportunities for graduates of the program?

In which branches do clinical psychologists specialize? The number of specialized clinical psychologists in Türkiye is well below the identified need. Clinical psychologists can work with psychiatry in severe disorders such as depression and schizophrenia, as well as life events and problems related to periods such as emotional, mental, and behavioural problems, adolescent problems, self-esteem problems in adulthood, old age problems, and losses. Their research interests range from psychotherapy to personality traits, from the development of phobias to the causes of schizophrenia. Clinical psychologists can work in academic settings as well as in the health sector in mental health units / departments of private or public hospitals, psychotherapy or psychological counselling centers, rehabilitation centers and special education institutions, non-governmental organizations providing clinical services, clinical research institutions, workplaces, primary, secondary, and higher education institutions that employ clinical psychologists, nursing homes, legal and judicial fields (family courts, probation offices, prisons), and public health centers.

What are the evaluation criteria for accepting students to the program?

Student selections to the program depends on two criteria:
1) Application file 
2) Scientific exam (determined according to each application period) 
After the evaluation of each question asked in the application file and each document requested, an application file score is given. Those whose application file is found adequate are taken to the next stages. 

What are the criteria of work experience to be accepted to the program?

No specific experience is required. Clinical experience is considered as a positive effect. 

Does having work, internship and/or education experience in the field of psychology constitute a priority for admission?

Activities directly or indirectly related to clinical psychology and/or social responsibility are motive to prefer. 

Can I get information about the science exam?

The science exam includes the subjects of psychology undergraduate courses. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions. The exam duration is 1 hour. Wrong answers do not have a negative effect on correct answers. No more than one choice should be marked. The total score of the exam is 100 points and the passing grade is 50. Each question has equal value. Applicants who do not succeed in the science exam will not be taken to the interview exam. 

Can I apply even if I cannot receive the official transcript from my department within the allocated time for application?

Yes, however, if you are accepted into the program, you must provide this document by the time of registration.

Do I need to include the original documents of the results of exams such as ALES in the application file?

You can include photocopies of these documents in the application file, but the originals are required at the registration stage. 

What is your application calendar like and does it change every year?

The application period is announced about 1 month in advance every year. You can follow the announcement of this period from the University’s website or the institute secretariat. The exact dates are announced on the website.
 
Can I apply if my undergraduate degree is in a field other than psychology?

The program is only open to those who have graduated from 4 or more years of Psychology, and Psychological Counselling and Guidance undergraduate programs of universities. 

Can I apply to the program a second time?

There is no limit to the number of applications, and the application procedure is the same for each application. 

Can I work during the program?

There is a 70% attendance requirement. For this reason, it is foreseen that priority is given to the program. It should be taken into consideration by the applicants that the courses may be held during the day and/or in the evening. Due to the structure of the program, students are required to devote a few days a week to full-time education. 

What are the scholarship/discount opportunities, amounts, and conditions?

Scholarship/discount rates are determined every year. The list of program recipients is based on the order of success, independent of scholarship requests. Scholarship distribution is based on success and need criteria. We recommend that candidates explore the possibility of receiving postgraduate scholarships from public or private institutions such as TÜBİTAK. Additionally, institutions where the candidate is employed may provide support for the program fee through their advanced education support programs provided to the personnel of that institution, if the candidate is enrolled in the postgraduate program.

Related link: https://enstitu.iku.edu.tr/tr/ogrenci/indirimler

What are the differences between clinical psychology master's programs with and without thesis?

Our master's program is carried out with project and thesis. At the admission stage, candidates are assigned to either the thesis or non-thesis track based on their position in the success list. While continuing the program, those who are deemed appropriate at the end of the first year can switch to the thesis department if they wish. The theoretical and practical courses in both tracks are similar, however, students in the thesis program are required to attend an additional one-hour thesis seminar each week. However, the thesis in particular is based on a more comprehensive, labor-intensive, time-consuming and rigorous research than the project. For students who plan to continue to a PhD program, the thesis track is more suitable. The project track is recommended for those who do not intend to pursue a PhD and prefer to work predominantly as clinicians.

Can I transfer from non-thesis program to thesis program? 

Yes. Your Master's Degree GPA must be above 3.00 and your ALES Equal Weight Score must be above 55.

Does Your Program Have a Theoretical or Clinical Orientation?

It is a holistic program that includes theoretical and supervision training in psychoanalytic school and cognitive-behavioral school with its descriptive and analytical structure, as well as different elective courses such as Sexual Therapies, Trauma-Focused Therapy, and Couple and Family Therapy. The primary approach of all faculty members and clinical supervisors emphasizes integrated, descriptive, and supportive features. The aim is to update psychotherapy research and develop theoretical knowledge and skills in most of the basic psychotherapies. Recognizing the therapeutic relationship as the most critical healing and transformative factor, we place particular emphasis on cultivating our students’ theoretical and practical awareness. In the training provided, which takes into account the personal orientations of our students, it is also essential to develop fundamental clinical foundations and skills that extend beyond the theoretical and clinical frameworks.

 

 

İstanbul Kültür University Institute of Graduate Studies
	(0212) 498 41 41
	enstitu@iku.edu.tr
Bakırköy Campus Ataköy Building E5 Highway 34158 Bakırköy/İSTANBUL