Sunway alumna to pursue dream
AN alumna of the Sunway University BSc (Hons) Psychology programme has been accepted by the University of Melbourne, Australia, to study in the Master of Psychology programme, specialising in clinical neuropsychology.
Clinical neuropsychology is a niche area of study in Malaysia, according to Associate Professor Dr Alvin Ng, Head of the Department of Psychology, School of Science and Technology, Sunway University.
“Magdalene Rose de Rozario will be one of Malaysia’s pioneers who holds a professional doctorate in this specialised field upon completion of her studies,” he said.
The Master of Psychology (Clinical Neuropsychology) programme at the University of Melbourne has an excellent international reputation.
According to the American Psychological Association, clinical neuropsychology is a specialty in professional psychology that applies principles of assessment and intervention based on the scientific study of human behaviour.
The specialty is dedicated to enhancing the understanding of brain-behaviour relationships and the application of such knowledge to human problems.
Born in Petaling Jaya, Magdalene interned at Brightstars during her undergraduate years at Sunway. Brightstars is a life-skill centre for children with learning disabilities. Working as a therapy assistant at the centre, she experienced the holistic management of children with learning disabilities and was exposed to the basics of Applied Behavioural Analysis therapy.
“My experience at Brightstars encouraged me to pursue my ambition to work in clinical neuropsychology.”
Magdalene, who graduated in 2016 with First Class Honours, was active in extra-curricular activities. She worked as a research assistant under Dr Yong Min Hooi, a senior lecturer in the Department of Psychology.
Upon graduation, she worked as a teaching assistant under the department for a year. She later worked as a research assistant with Associate Professor Dr Lin Mei-Hua, helping Dr Lin on her research project entitled “Exploration of National Differences in Leadership Selection Based on Trustworthiness”.
Of her experience at Sunway University, Magdalene said the university played an important role in her personal growth.
Thanking both her parents and the university for their support, Magdalene said: “It was in university that I discovered the passion for learning. I want to thank my parents for allowing me to pursue my studies in a programme I am passionate about, and Sunway University for nurturing and providing me the opportunity to continue learning after my graduation. Sunway University will always have a special space in my heart.”
Dr Alvin, who was Magdalene’s lecturer for Behaviour Modification and Learning Disabilities units, is proud of her achievement.
Clinical neuropsychologists are scientistpractitioners who update research literature with new clinical discoveries in the field.
A gateway to a variety of career prospects, the BSc (Hons) Psychology programme also paved the pathway for students like Magdalene to specialise in other areas of psychology.
The three-year degree programme allows students to gain an in-depth understanding of how human learn, think, feel and adapt to social environment. The programme includes supervised fieldwork, where students apply their n knowledge and understanding in real-world settings.
Validated by Lancaster University, students are awarded two certificates upon completion of the programme, one from Sunway University and another from Lancaster University.