What can I do with a Degree in Community psychology?
Aug 04, 2009
I was admitted to Makerere University for a Bachelor’s degree in community psychology but I do not know what the course involves and which opportunities or qualifications one can take to increase the chances of getting a job. Can I do it at masters leve
Dear Sir,
I was admitted to Makerere University for a Bachelor’s degree in community psychology but I do not know what the course involves and which opportunities or qualifications one can take to increase the chances of getting a job. Can I do it at masters level, and if not, what related courses can I study? Lastly which jobs can I do once I have completed the course? Please advise
Keneth
COMMUNITY psychology deals with the relationship of the individual and the wider society. Community psychologists seek to understand the quality of life of individuals, communities, and society.
Paul Nyende, a lecturer in the department of mental health and community psychology at Makerere University, says this discipline seeks to intervene in social and psychological problems of people in the community.
Its goal is to prevent the mental health problems and interpersonal conflict as may be reflected in stress and depression.
Nyende says community psychologists target people in large groups — families, schools and other such groups.
The course takes three years and admits students with science and arts backgrounds. It is available on both day and evening programmes. At the moment, the course is not offered by the university at Masters level. However, you can pursue a master’s degree in related disciplines like organisational psychology, counselling psychology and clinical psychology at Makerere.
About employment, Nyende says community psychologists can work with marginalised people like those living with HIV/AIDS, war victims and children in difficult circumstances. In this case, Non Government Organisations are ideal places.
He adds that even government and private companies need community psychologists to work in their counseling, administration and capacity building departments.
Compiled by Stephen Ssenkaaba
ssenkaaba@newvision.co.ug
I was admitted to Makerere University for a Bachelor’s degree in community psychology but I do not know what the course involves and which opportunities or qualifications one can take to increase the chances of getting a job. Can I do it at masters level, and if not, what related courses can I study? Lastly which jobs can I do once I have completed the course? Please advise
Keneth
COMMUNITY psychology deals with the relationship of the individual and the wider society. Community psychologists seek to understand the quality of life of individuals, communities, and society.
Paul Nyende, a lecturer in the department of mental health and community psychology at Makerere University, says this discipline seeks to intervene in social and psychological problems of people in the community.
Its goal is to prevent the mental health problems and interpersonal conflict as may be reflected in stress and depression.
Nyende says community psychologists target people in large groups — families, schools and other such groups.
The course takes three years and admits students with science and arts backgrounds. It is available on both day and evening programmes. At the moment, the course is not offered by the university at Masters level. However, you can pursue a master’s degree in related disciplines like organisational psychology, counselling psychology and clinical psychology at Makerere.
About employment, Nyende says community psychologists can work with marginalised people like those living with HIV/AIDS, war victims and children in difficult circumstances. In this case, Non Government Organisations are ideal places.
He adds that even government and private companies need community psychologists to work in their counseling, administration and capacity building departments.
Compiled by Stephen Ssenkaaba
ssenkaaba@newvision.co.ug