Arteveldehogeschool launches new Applied Psychology programme
23/03/2023
Arteveldehogeschool will launch the new bachelor's programme in Applied Psychology next year. The demand for psychological counsellors in Flanders is very high. The course starting from September 2023 hopes to meet that demand. "With more than 600 hours of internships, we ensure that students have both feet in the work field," says director of the expertise domain Man and Society Christel Verhas.
High need for psychological counsellors
The psychological well-being of Belgians is not doing well. For instance, one in three are personally confronted with mental disorders in their lives. Even more are affected indirectly, for instance because they are partner, friend, family member or colleague of someone with a mental vulnerability.
Almost a third of absenteeism in Flanders is due to mental health problems. In March 2022, about one in four people had an anxiety disorder and/or a depressive disorder. Based on an open survey, the Flemish Youth Council concluded that, on average, 31.4% of young people between 14 and 25 are not feeling well.
Preventively addressing mental health and making mental health services accessible is clearly a strong societal challenge. And this is where psychological counsellors have a crucial role to play.
Training unique in East Flanders
"We are extremely proud to be able to launch this training programme, and it is the only one in East Flanders," says Christel Verhas. "During the programme, students learn how human behaviour works and how to improve people's psychological well-being. In doing so, they work both helpfully and preventively."
Psychological consultants support, for example, clinical psychologists, clinical remedial educationalists and psychiatrists in the healthcare, welfare, education, forensic and HR sectors. The course stands out for its many hours of practical experience. Christel: "The programme has no less than 600 hours of internship. This is how we ensure that students have both feet firmly planted in the professional field."
Focus on innovative technologies
"The programme is unique because we have a strong focus on digitisation and accessibility," adds programme head Sofie De Backer. "We notice that there are a lot of challenges, opportunities and questions within the sector around online assistance, digitalisation and low accessibility. Together with the field, we want to work on these. Our goal? To make graduates pioneers in the field of accessibility and innovative technologies. In this way, they will ensure better psychological well-being in Flanders and beyond."
The programme will start from the 2023-2024 academic year at Campus Brusselsepoortstraat. Interested parties can register for the info days on 11 March, 22 April, 24 June or 6 September to get to know the programme up close.
More info
https://www.arteveldehogeschool.be/opleidingen/bachelor/toegepaste-psychologie