Clinical Psychology is a scientific discipline that aims to understand, prevent, and relieve psychological distress and dysfunctions, as well as to promote well-being and personal development. Clinical Psychologists are mostly employed in hospitals, government sectors (e.g. Department of Health, Social Welfare Department etc.) , counseling services units and voluntary organisations. Daily duties of clinical psychologists include conducting psychological assessment, psychological intervention and counseling, giving public educational talks, providing staff training and consultation, as well as conducting scientific research. The Department of Psychology of HKU offers three postgraduate programmes in clinical psychology, including the Master of Social Science in the field of Clinical Psychology Programme, The Doctor of Psychology in the field of Clinical Psychology Programme and the PhD with Specialization in Clinical Psychology Programme.

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in the field of Clinical Psychology programme, established in 2004, integrates research, coursework and clinical specialty training. It aims to train psychologists who will be expert researchers and clinical specialists. Graduates are expected to lead clinical and research development in the profession, and bridge applied research findings with evidence-based clinical practice.

The curriculum of Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in the field of Clinical Psychology extends over a minimum of twenty-four months of full-time study or thirty-six months of part-time study. Candidates are expected to complete satisfactorily the required courses and a thesis as set out below. The courses cover theoretical and applied aspects of clinical psychology.