Clinical dynamic psychology
Class: LM-51 R -
A study program that reflects the complexity of clinical work and its application contexts, allowing orientation in three perspectives: psychodynamic, constructivist/interactionist, and psychoanalytic. The training, based on student-teacher interaction and classroom exercises, includes courses dedicated to research methodology, theoretical models for understanding the person and their cognitive, emotional, social, and relational functioning, also from a psychopathological perspective; tools for health promotion, and for the design and implementation of clinical interventions. In addition to postgraduate training such as specialization schools or doctoral programs, you will be able to work preferentially (but not exclusively) in clinical, forensic, and rehabilitative fields, both in the public sector (e.g., in NHS facilities, family counseling centres, SerD) and in the private sector in freelance activities.
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Characteristics and objectives
The Master's Degree Programme in Clinical-Dynamic Psychology qualifies graduates to practise as licensed psychologists, in accordance with Law no. 163 of November 8, 2021, and subsequent implementing decrees, upon successful completion of the practical-evaluative internship.
The Programme offers a comprehensive and rigorous educational path, designed to equip students with the theoretical and methodological tools necessary to effectively face the complexities of the psychological profession. While the primary focus is clinical contexts, the course also addresses other fields such as intercultural settings, social deviance, and scientific research. Students acquire the ability to apply their competencies in diverse situations, engaging with individuals and families, as well as within group settings and institutional frameworks.
The well-qualified academic expertise of the teaching faculty ensures the distinctive character of the Clinical-Dynamic Psychology curriculum. The course aims to develop specific theoretical and technical skills by fostering a clinical professional profile rooted in three principal, but not exclusive, perspectives: psychodynamic, constructivist/interactionist, and psychoanalytic. A wide array of in-depth explorations is offered, including the principles and tools of scientific research as applied to these clinical approaches. Some curriculum teachings also integrate and enriche training through additional perspectives, such as the neuroscientific and neuropsychological viewpoint. As such, the educational context combines traditional aspects of clinical psychological training with constantly updated content, including scientifically grounded intervention models (“evidence-based” approaches).
Specifically, the programme's coursework focuses on the following core areas: theoretical clinical models for understanding human functioning on cognitive, affective, and relational levels (e.g., within families) and their developmental trajectories; research methodology; health promotion and well-being, and the prevention of psychological distress; principles, tools, and techniques of psychological assessment; psychological diagnosis in its various and multifaceted forms (e.g., personality style, clinical disorders); planning and implementation of clinical interventions (e.g., supportive or rehabilitative). The clinical-dynamic perspective, which inspires the majority of the teachings, ensures an interpretive framework attentive to the human relational dimension, non-conscious and attribution of meaning related processes.
The teaching staff pays particular attention to emerging social themes such as sustainability and inclusion, ageing and end-of-life issues, digitalisation and globalisation, to which some specific courses are dedicated or inspired to.
An active interaction between students and faculty is promoted throughout the learning process, reinforcing knowledge through a variety of classroom exercises—often involving clinical cases—and participatory discussions. Students have the opportunity to develop clinical and research competencies through a rich array of supplementary educational activities and extra-curricular initiatives, such as cycles of seminars—often involving prominent figures from the national and international landscape— or such as through participation in research activities within the Department to which the Degree Programme belongs, and the completion of practical-evaluative internships in public and private institutions affiliated with the University (for example, Local Health Authorities, hospitals, residential communities), thereby ensuring a solid foundation for effectively addressing the complexities of their future professional practice.
Occupational opportunities
In addition to the theoretical and methodological training that prepares graduates for postgraduate education (e.g., schools of psychotherapy), the Master's Degree in Clinical-Dynamic Psychology opens access to a broad spectrum of professional opportunities.
These include: freelance practice in clinical, forensic, or rehabilitative settings; in the National Health Service (e.g., child and adolescent neuropsychiatry); services for addiction (SerD); in family counselling centres; more in general, in all areas where a clinical psychological care or support relationship—individual or group-based—can be established. Further opportunities exist in the educational context; within institutions that implement prevention programmes; in organisations and associations involved in social assistance and promotion, including those operating in international cooperation.
Additional potential employment areas include scientific research (e.g., PhD programmes) and educational activities within both public and private institutions, at national and international levels.
