The Maldives National University (MNU) commenced teaching for its Master of Science in Clinical Psychology programme in February 2024, marking an important step towards strengthening the country’s mental health workforce through advanced local training.

The introduction of the programme generated significant interest among psychology graduates. Following a competitive selection process based on academic performance and interviews, 15 students were selected for the inaugural cohort.

According to Mariyam Ifshan Ahmed, Lecturer at MNU’s Faculty of Health Sciences, the programme was introduced with the aim of increasing the number of mental health professionals in the Maldives and providing opportunities for psychology graduates to advance their professional development.

The programme also responds to the growing need for specialised mental health professionals in the country. More than 170 students have completed bachelor’s-level psychology programmes at MNU, creating a substantial pool of graduates seeking opportunities for further professional education and specialisation.

Through advanced education and supervised professional training in clinical psychology, the programme is expected to contribute to the development of locally trained professionals equipped to provide psychological assessment, evidence-based interventions and specialised mental health services.

The growth of a skilled clinical psychology workforce can also support multidisciplinary collaboration across health services and strengthen the capacity of mental health services to identify and respond to psychological difficulties. In the longer term, increasing the availability of locally trained specialists can contribute to a more sustainable mental health workforce and expand the range of psychological services available to communities across the Maldives.

The programme reflects MNU’s commitment to developing health professionals who can respond to national workforce needs while creating pathways for graduates to pursue advanced professional education within the country.

The MSc in Clinical Psychology therefore represents an important opportunity for psychology graduates to build specialised knowledge and professional competencies while contributing to the continued development of mental health care in the Maldives.