Study Psychology in USA or in Europe (UK)?

[Michaliskh]

Hey Guys. This questions has been in my mind for some time now. I know that in the States, there is more emphasis on clinical practice and they are more focused on dealing with clients. Moreover, they have a better structured program in psychology that gives the chance to have more experience with clients and to have a better communication with the professors. In contrast, in UK, there is a more emphasis in research and less chances to get more hours with clients.

Im interested in Neuropsychology, and in the states I found many very good universities that have this specialization and they offer practicum on that but in the UK its different. They give more weight on the research part. The thing is that in UK is cheaper and somehow easier to get in because they don't expect to take the GRE's.

More specifically im thinking about Ireland. They offer 1 year masters, then 3 years a ph.D and then I found a one year masters for a specialization in Neuropsychology.

Since is cheaper and more convenient to travel there do you guys thing is a better idea to study there rather in the States?

Why is the so major difference in the education in the states in comparison with UK after all?

[Ennue]

Where do you want to work when you're done? I'd aim to get your PhD in the country where you want to work, because otherwise you'll probably have to take extra courses/exams/internships to get the qualifications in the other country (e.g. if I got a PhD in clinical in the US, and then wanted to work as a clinical psychologist in the Netherlands, I'm pretty sure I'd have to get 'remedial' education to learn the Dutch system of psychological care, and to prove that I know what I'm doing).

Why do you think not having to take the GREs would make it easier to get into? They'll have plenty of other criteria to judge you on!

Oh, and UK is not Ireland. Ireland is not UK. At all. Implying that it is, will probably get you thrown in the 'definitely not' pile when they're choosing applicants

[raybigs92]

I'll be interested in the responses you receive on this. I would agree that it would appear easier to complete your study in the country you intend on becoming licensed in or at the very least be knowledgeable about the licensing requirements for your country prior to starting your course. Is your undergrad from the States? You mentioned Trinity College in another thread, is this the only Neuropsych program in Ireland?

[lewin]

Agree with the above but just wanted to point out that many American programs emphasize research, especially PhD programs. Any program that follows the scientist-practitioner style of training (the boulder model) will train you as a researcher first, practitioner second.

The UK is "cheaper" because they don't require the GRE? All-in-all the GRE will cost you < $500. That's not a lot of money, certainly not worth eliminating the largest education system in the world over.

[carlyhylton]

Thank god Ennue pointed out that Ireland is not in the UK!

I assume, like most neuropsychologists, you would want to enter a clinical program, and then specialize in neuropsych?

Assuming that do.....

When you say 'UK' in your post are you mostly referring to the Trinity program? Because this is not at all the impression I got of 'postgraduate study' in clinical psychology upon my research. In the UK (not Ireland) clinical psych programs are all regulated and funded by the NHS. You have to apply through the 'clearing house'. Not going to explain everything. Review http://www.leeds.ac.uk/chpccp/ and http://www.cpto.co.uk/

Moreover, since programs are funded by the NHS, it is significantly harder for non-UK applicants to get in, and extremely rare that non-EU applicants get in (although your location is set to Cyprus, so it might be possible for you). See the Oxford Institute of Clinical training FAQs (second link)

If you're only referring to Ireland then I suppose you could disregard the above

[carlyhylton]

Anyways, you should be applying broadly, so why don't you apply to schools in Ireland, the UK,and the states?

If I remember correctly, upon my research, there were only a few programs max in Ireland that were suitable anyways (I'm going to apply to clinical neuropsych programs too, in a couple of years)

[Michaliskh]

hey! thanks for your replies! I certainly did not mean that Ireland is in the UK because I know that very well.

The reason that I finally wont reply to the states is that is very expensive for me, and I prefer somewhere closer to my country. I really like Irelands bcz I visited it and I like the energy of Dublin and the power of Trinity College..

I dont want to study for post graduate studies in Cyprus because a different approach to Psychology abroad and I believe I will get a better experience and education abroad..

I would like to go to Scotland for a neuropsychology M.Sc but it is only one year and there is not any practicum there..

I prefer Scotland again for financial reasons, and Ediburgh and Glasgow are on my mind for neuropsychology..

any comments on that ?