MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY (MCPS)

Module Code	Module Name	Description
MCPS510	Psychophysiology	This module provides an overview of the principles, theory, and applications of using physiological measures to study mental processes. This module also illustrates how the use of psychophysiological measurements can enhance our understanding of brain/mind/behaviour relationships.
MCPS511	Ethics and Professional Practice	This module introduces students to legal, ethical and professional issues and standards related to the practice of Clinical Psychology. Legislation relevant to clinical practice in Zimbabwe is discussed and explored. Students will also be familiarised with codes of ethics and ethical guidelines that govern the profession of psychology. This includes ethical codes in Zimbabwe and international ones including APA codes. This is meant to ensure students have an appreciation of the global standards applicable. Five major areas to be covered include legal and ethical frameworks, ethical decision-making, standards of practice, supervision and consultation. The learning process adopts a seminar format with special emphasis on the student’s thorough preparation for, and active participation in, class discussions. It is hoped that this course will assist students in their future daily work as professional psychologists and will facilitate decision-making and consultation skills when faced with ethical dilemmas.
MCPS512	Advanced Research Methods and Data Analysis	The module seeks to help students acquire an of conceptual understanding of the rationale and technique of different qualitative and quantitative approaches in research methodology; and of the rationale and technique of advanced statistical inference approaches, using linear models and other techniques. The module also helps students understand, generate, and critically evaluate results of advanced statistical analyses and outputs of statistical software, as they would be reported in applied and basic psychological literature, and be able to communicate observations to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
MCPS513	Advanced Psychopathology	The module covers complex mental disorders, delving into etiology, classification (like DSM-5), diagnosis, and evidence-based treatments, integrating biological, psychological, and social factors across the lifespan, with modules on anxiety, mood, psychotic, personality, and neurodevelopmental disorders, emphasizing critical analysis, case formulation, and research application through case studies and literature reviews.
MIDSB501	Information Digital Skills for Postgraduates (University Wide)	The module introduces students to the use of information technologies and their application in academic research.
MSSRM501	Advanced Social Science Research Methods (Faculty Wide)	The module aims to provide advanced skills in research methods for graduate students. It enhances postgraduate students’ knowledge and skills for conducting, analysing and interpreting research in the field of sociology, anthropology and gender studies. The module focuses upon both qualitative and quantitative techniques and the knowledge gained, will be useful for conducting research and as tools for professional practice. The module will also equip learners with the use of digital technologies in data collection, processing, analysis and management. Students to conduct gender sensitive research for the relevant government institutions, UN agencies, NGOs and communities to inform gender policies and programming.
MCPS514	Advanced Psychotherapy	This module covers diverse theoretical models (CBT, Psychodynamic, Family Systems,Emotion-Focused), complex case formulation, advanced clinical skills and professional practice with a focus on integrating theory and evidence-based practice for complex client needs. The module explores identifying and managing urgencies and emergencies in the therapy room. The module closes with approaches on diagnoses and psychotherapeutic techniques that may not have been covered in other courses or clinical practice settings at this point in students’ training.
MCPS515	Advanced Psychological Assessment	The module equips students with advanced interviewing, risk assessment, interpreting major tests, synthesizing diverse data, culturally sensitive formulation, and advanced psychometric theory, focusing on applying these skills for diagnosis, intervention planning, and ethical practice in clinical settings.
MCPS516	Neuropsychology	The module performs fundamental and applied research on brain-cognition-behaviour relationships. It employs an integrative approach in which brain function, behavioural outcome and the effect of interventions are investigated. The aim is that during the course students gain insight into the work of a neuropsychologist including anamnesis, test compilation, neuropsychological assessment, interpretation of the results, and interventions. On completion of this module students will be able to demonstrate the theoretical underpinnings of clinical neuropsychology and knowledge of the brain structure and functions.
MCPS517	Systemic Approaches and Group Therapy	The module equips students with therapeutic skills to manage problems involving family and social groups. The module focuses on the dynamics and patterns that sustain these problems. By understanding and altering these patterns, students can help their clients create healthier and more supportive relationships. This module helps students understand key techniques and tools used in systemic therapy, and how they may be helpful for their clients
MCPS521	Contemporary Mental Health	The module builds up on the foundations of psychotherapy models based on the traditional and foundational theories. It seeks to facilitate building knowledge and understanding of the dynamic perspectives that are mostly used in modern day therapy given the cultural and contextual considerations made. Students must understand that although traditional modalities mainly focused on the pathology, the contemporary methods include building on strengths of the individuals to foster recovery. Contemporary psychotherapies also look at the holistic approach to treatment, where context and resources available are used to empower individuals to participate in their healing processes. The module seeks to instil a trauma informed approach to therapy and a motivation to build contextually relevant therapies in the Zimbabwean context.
MCPS580	Clinical Placement and Practice	This module orients students with the complexities of integrating and applying theoretical and content knowledge to practice as a clinical psychologist. Through direct client activities, placement activities and supervision, students will progress towards both accreditation competencies and unit learning outcomes focused on evidence-based, ethical and professional practice. This placement will be completed within the University of Zimbabwe Psychological Services and Training Clinic and one of the main hospitals. The module involves placement in appropriate and practical settings through which students can observe and assist with applied practice under supervision.
MCPS570	Dissertation	The dissertation equips students with the competencies required to plan, execute and write an acceptable academic research project in Clinical Psychology. Students will be able to gather, analyse, evaluate and apply knowledge and reason and debate in written format a specific topic, recognizing existing research on the topic and integrate appropriate research methodologies into a project.