About Us

Master of Clinical Mental Health & Psychotherapy

Application Period

1 February – 1 May 2025

Interview Period
July 2025

Application Outcome
August – September 2025

Duration
Full-time: 18 months (Jan 26 – May 27)
Part-time: 30 months (Jan 26 – May 28)

Fees
Description Fee (SGD)
Application fee S$54.50 (incl. 9% GST)
Tuition fee S$67,400 (incl. 9% GST)

Application for January 2026 intake will open in February 2025

* indicates required
Programme Overview

The Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health and Psychotherapy is a comprehensive, applied, and skill-based academic training programme, providing a robust foundation in mental health conditions, psychology interventions, psychotherapy & counselling, and case & care coordination.

It aims to provide higher education and specialised clinical training for the growing and evolving post-graduate learning needs of mental health professionals, practitioners and counsellors in Singapore and the region.

Clinical mental health practitioners require a diverse set of therapy skills to effectively address the needs of their clients. The programme encompasses research, screening and assessment for common mental health disorders, cognitive behaviour therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, mindfulness, parenting, group psychotherapy, social skills training, and behavioural interventions.

Curriculum

MCMHP classes will be delivered through lectures, clinical integration tutorials, workshops, and symposiums. 

Career Prospects

This programme aims to equip our students with the necessary skills in counselling and psychotherapy, to help those with mental health conditions in clinical and community settings. There is currently a need for trained mental health practitioners in Singapore. It is expected that graduates will be able to secure posts upon graduation.

Clinical Placements

Students will undertake two 20-weeks clinical placements at one of the reputable placement sites sourced by the programme.

These placements will occur in public hospitals, community settings, or private clinics. During this period, students will gain exposure to a total of 120 hours of practicum, along with 40 hours of individual clinical supervision and 40 hours of group supervision.

The placement modules are designed to offer concentrated exposure to two distinct modalities, which encompasses both observation and active participation in sessions led by seasoned clinicians.

Who is this for?

The MCMHP programme offers a pathway to becoming a highly skilled and knowledgeable mental health practitioner or counsellor. With advanced clinical skills training in mental health, students will be equipped to serve individuals and communities in diverse locations and settings to make a difference in people’s lives.

The programme is suitable for social service and healthcare professionals looking to pursue specialised training in mental health.

Non-clinically trained individuals may consider the stackable certificates pathway

Application Requirements

All candidates must demonstrate readiness for graduate study and meet the following minimum requirements:

            • Hold a relevant Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university with at least an Honours or its equivalent (High grade Pass degree) in Psychology, Medicine, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Allied Health, Social Work.*
            • Have at least 1-3 years in providing direct care to persons with mental health issues.
            • A good pass degree will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Interview
            • Pass an admission interview by the core programme faculty.

Referee
            • Provide two professional referee reports on their character and professional competency are required to complete the application. The referees can be their academic mentors, current employers or previous employers.

Minimum English Language Proficiency Requirements (For International Applicants)
            • Applicable for all international applicants EXCEPT those whose undergraduate/graduate degrees are from Singapore autonomous universities or English-medium institutions in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Applicants from other institutions may provide documentary proof that their degrees were taught entirely in English.
            • Provide evidence of a minimum International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 7 or a TOEFL Internet-Based Test (iBT) score of 94 (with minimum of 23 for the writing section) to establish proficiency in English if this is not their first language, for international candidates.
            • All IELTS / TOEFL tests must have been taken not earlier than 2 years before the proposed date of admission.
            • Pass any preparatory modules as indicated by the core programme staff on a case-by-case basis.

* Preference will be given to candidates with an honours degree, appropriate work experience, and a relevant background in the aforementioned subjects.

Tuition Fees
Jan 2026 Intake:
 S$67,400 (incl. 9% GST)

Tuition fee stated above covers the whole duration of the programme (18-months full-time; 30-months part-time).
This is a self-funding programme. Students can apply directly to the sponsoring organisations for various scholarships.

Scholarships

The Yeo Boon Khim Mind Science Centre (YBK MSC) full and partial scholarships will be awarded to outstanding students who are enrolled in a full-time programme and are Singapore Citizens.

Institutional staff members are encouraged to inquire with their respective organisations regarding their eligibility to access institutional scholarships or funds.

Certification

Upon completion of the 50-unit course, the graduates will be awarded Master of Clinical Mental Health and Psychotherapy (MCMHP).

Programme Directors

A/Prof John Wong Chee Meng
Programme Director & Education Director
MBBS (S’pore), MMed (Psych), FAMS (Psych), MSc (Child & Adolescent Mental Health) (UK), PPA(P)

Dr Rathi Mahendran
Deputy Programme Director & Education Director (Psychiatry)
MBBS (S’pore), MMed (Psych), MMEd Ed (Dundee), FAMS (Psych)

Dr Pearlene Ng
Deputy Programme Director & Education Director (Psychology)
D.Clin.Psy (UK), B.Soc.Sci. (Hons.) (S’pore)

FAQ
  1. Who is this for?
    Social service and healthcare professionals who are seeking specialised clinical training in mental health and psychotherapy, or who wish to develop skills and knowledge as a mental health counsellor.

  2. Can I defer admission?
    No, unless candidates can present strong justifications for deferring admission. Candidates are encouraged to apply for the academic year they would like to commence.

  3. How often will MCMHP be offered?
    We will offer MCMHP on a yearly basis.

  4. Is MCMHP open for full-time and part-time students?
    Yes, we welcome both full-time and part-time students.

  5. Is there housing available for master’s students?
    Full-time NUS Graduate students may apply for a place in selected Student Residences. The Residences offer independent living in a communal setting with opportunities for cross cultural interaction. For more information, visit https://nus.edu.sg/osa/student-services/hostel-admission/graduate

  6. Do I have access to NUS libraries?
    Yes, both full-time and part-time students with an NUS matriculation card have access to NUS libraries.

  7. I’m having issues with the application portal. Whom should I reach out to for assistance?
    For further inquiries and assistance, please contact course administrator: MSC Education Team |  Email: msc_edu@nus.edu.sg

  1. How do I apply for the master’s programme?
    Applications are submitted online through the NUS Graduate Admission System (GDA2) portal: https://inetapps.nus.edu.sg/GDA2/Home.aspx Follow the application guideline for a step-by-step guide. Please refer to the application checklist to ensure that you have all the supporting documents before starting your application. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; hence we recommend submitting your application early as application volume increases significantly near the application closing deadline.

  2. The application portal requires me to upload proof of affordability. What kind of documents should I submit?Prospective international students are required to provide supporting documents for financial backing, such as a confirmation letter from a sponsor, a bank statement, or proof of a scholarship or other awarded funds. The financial documentation should demonstrate a minimum amount of SGD$65,400 and expenses of living in Singapore.

  3. Is there a guideline for writing the Personal Statement?
    Please include the following prompts in your personal statement:

a. Why do you wish to undertake this training program? (300-400 words)
b. Explain how your experiences have made you ready to start this training program now. (300-400 words)
c. Explain how you have managed to cope with a stressful interpersonal situation using your personal qualities/strengths. What did you learn from this? (300-400 words)

    1. Is clinical or work experience required for admission?
      Preference will be given to candidates who have at least 1-3 years of experience in providing direct care to persons with mental health issues. Candidates without relevant clinical or work experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Non-clinically trained individuals may consider the stackable certificates pathway.

    2. Is there any age limit?
      No. Individuals of any age are encouraged to submit their applications.

    3. Will recent Psychology graduates with a strong academic record but limited work experience be considered, or is the program exclusively intended for mid-career professionals?
      Yes, fresh graduates in Psychology with a strong academic track record and limited work experience will be considered for the program. The application process involves a case-by-case evaluation and an admission interview conducted by the core program faculty.

      Fresh graduates who demonstrate exceptional academic achievements, a solid track record, and receive positive recommendations from academic references are encouraged to apply.

    4. I am a mid-career switcher, can I apply to MCMHP?
      Relevant professional experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Non-clinically trained individuals may consider the stackable certificates pathway.

    5. I do not have an Honours Bachelor’s degree. Can I apply to MCMHP?
      Candidates are welcome to apply for the course even if they do not have an Honours Bachelor’s Degree. The application process includes a case-by-case evaluation.

      To enhance your application, it is recommended that you provide evidence highlighting your relevant experience in the field. This additional information will be taken into consideration during the evaluation process.

    1. What is the tuition fee for the master’s programme?
      S$67,400 (incl. 9% GST)

      Tuition fee stated above covers the whole duration of the programme (18-months full-time; 30-months part-time). This is a self-funding programme. Students can apply directly to the sponsoring organisations for various scholarships.

      • For self-funding students, tuition fee is payable in equal instalments at the start of each semester. For students who are sponsored by organisations, full tuition fee is payable at the commencement of the programme.

      • Kindly note that there is a compulsory Miscellaneous Student Fees payable per semester on top of the tuition fees.

    2. Are there scholarships / subsidy / financial aid available?
      The Yeo Boon Khim Mind Science Centre (YBK MSC) full and partial scholarships will be awarded to outstanding students who are enrolled in a full-time programme and are Singapore Citizens. Institutional staff members are encouraged to enquire with their respective organisations regarding their eligibility to access institutional scholarships or fund.

      Please indicate in your application form if you would like to be considered for the scholarship. You would be required to submit additional documents should your application be shortlisted. 

    3. Is the course eligible for SkillsFuture Credits?
      Our course is not eligible for SkillsFuture funding. However, Singapore Citizens aged 25 and above can use their SkillsFuture Credit to offset our master’s and graduate certificate course fees. Visit the SkillsFuture Credit website for instructions.

    4. I am an NUS Alumni. Am I eligible for the 10% tuition fee rebate
      No. Our course is currently not eligible for NUS Alumni tuition fee rebate. We will closely monitor and re-evaluate this alternative in the future.

    1. Are there opportunities for clinical placements?
      Students will undertake two 20-weeks clinical placements at one of the reputable placement sites arranged by the programme. These placements will occur in public hospitals, community settings, or private clinics. During this period, students will gain exposure to a total of 120 hours of practicum, along with 40 hours of individual clinical supervision and 40 hours of group supervision.

      The placement modules are designed to offer concentrated exposure to two distinct modalities, which encompass both observation and active participation in sessions led by seasoned clinicians.

    2. Are the clinical placements limited locally?
      Course-arranged clinical placements are for local accredited sites with accredited supervisors. We would be happy to consider if students need to be sited overseas, on a case by case to be reviewed by the Curriculum Panel.

    3. For placement supervision, will the supervisors be psychotherapists, psychologists, psychiatrists or from other professions?
      Yes, our supervisors are qualified as psychotherapists, psychologists, counsellors, systemic therapists and family therapists.

    1. What is the class size for MCMHP?
      The cohort for the first batch is 20 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) students.

    2. What is the learning model for MCMHP?
      MCMHP classes will be delivered both physically on campus and online through lectures, clinical integration tutorials, workshops, and symposiums.

    3. What is the assessment method for MCMHP modules?
      Students will be assessed through diverse methods, including class participation, quizzes, written examinations, Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), capstone projects, and clinical placements.

      1. Can I transfer credits from another institution?
        Credit transfers will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Kindly contact our course administrator to share your transcript & relevant module descriptions for review.

      2. Is there a possibility of module/credit exemptions if I have attended a similar course?
        Module/credit exemptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Kindly contact our course administrator to share your transcript & relevant module descriptions for review.

      1. Is it possible to convert from full-time to part-time or vice versa?
        We strongly advise students against switching, as specific modules are available only in certain semesters. Requests for a switch will only be considered in exceptional circumstances, and if a switch is deemed necessary, it must be done at the end of a semester, not midway. https://www.nus.edu.sg/registrar/academic-information-policies/graduate/candidature-matters

      1. What do MCMHP graduates label themselves with a professional title?
        MCMHP graduates can call themselves Mental Health Practitioners and/or Mental Health Counsellors.

      2. How will the MCMHP graduates fit into the current mental health network?
        The programme aims to train graduates to practice at Tier 2-3 level of the National Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2023.

      3. What is the career prospects for MCMHP graduates?
        The MCMHP programme aims to equip our students with the necessary skills in counselling and psychotherapy, to allow them to practice competently in the field. There is currently a need for trained mental health practitioners in Singapore. It is expected that graduates will be able to secure posts upon graduation.

      4. Will graduates be considered as Psychologists?
        No, MCMHP graduates would not be considered as Psychologists as the training is not an applied Psychology post-graduate training programme.

      5. Can graduates register for counselling or psychotherapy memberships?
        To register as a counsellor or psychotherapist, please consult the websites provided below. Kindly approach them directly, as we are unable to offer guidance on their behalf.
        – Singapore Association for Counselling (SAC): https://sacsingapore.org/
        – Association of Psychotherapists and Counsellors Singapore (APACS): https://apacs.org.sg/

      1. What is the stackable certificates pathway?
        The MCMHP programme is stackable to cater to the different backgrounds and interests of potential students, especially for non-clinically trained professionals and mid-career switchers. Students can transfer credits from the following graduate certificates and executive certificate taken within 5 years. Beside completing and passing the 3 certificates, students would also need to complete and pass the remaining modules (ie. workshops, symposium, 2 clinical placements and a capstone project) to meet the graduation requirements of the MCMHP programme.

      2. When will the Stackable Certificates be offered?
        The Graduate Certificate in Clinical Mental Health (GCCMH) will be launched in January 2026 (2 terms).

        The Executive Certificate in Public Mental Health (ECPMH) will be launched in August 2026 (2 terms).

        The Graduate Certificate in Psychotherapy (GCP) will be launched in January 2027 (2 terms).

      3. What are the similarities and differences between the Master’s programme and the stackable certificates?
        Students selecting the stackable pathways will engage with identical modules as those in the MCMHP program, aligning with the three curriculum pillars: clinical mental health, public mental health, and psychotherapy skills. Upon successful completion of the three certificates, they have the option to supplement their studies with the remaining modules if they wish to pursue a Master’s degree. The flexible nature of stackable certificates permits students to spread their coursework over a maximum period of five years to fulfil all necessary module requirements.

      4. Do I need to apply for the Stackable Certificates separately if I want to pursue the Master’s programme?
        Candidates who are interested to do the MCMHP programme offers a stackable pathway will need to attend an admission interview. If accepted, you will be approved to take the three certificates plus additional modules that comprise the full degree. However, it’s important to note that you will need to apply separately for each certificate, as they are considered distinct programmes. This means that even after being accepted to the overall programme, you’ll still need to complete individual application processes for each component.
      1. Is the MCMHP programme open to international students?
        Yes, international students are welcome to apply for the MCMHP programme. However, please note that international applicants must secure admission to a full-time course in Singapore in order to be eligible to apply for a Student Pass.

      1. Are there scholarships available for international students?
        The scholarship offered is currently open only to Singapore Citizens. However, there is a possibility of extending eligibility to Singapore Permanent Residents and International Students in the future.

      2. I am an international student. What is the estimated living cost in Singapore?
        Please refer to this website for the estimated annual cost of living in Singapore: https://www.nus.edu.sg/oam/financial-aid/moe-tuition-grant-tuition-fees-and-cost-of-living/cost-of-living

      For further enquiries, please contact course administrator:
      MSC Education Team 
      Email: msc_edu@nus.edu.sg