The Internship program of the Department of Psychology at the University of Western Macedonia is a mandatory component of the Department’s Psychology curriculum. Its purpose is to familiarize students with the professional work of psychologists through the observation of professional psychologists in real working conditions and the basic practice of professional activities under the supervision of a certified psychologist (or psychiatrist) supervisor.
The Internship Program (IP) aims to optimize the practical application of theoretical knowledge and skills acquired by students during their studies. It also aims to promote and cultivate teamwork skills in professional environments. These experiences are expected to contribute to the creation of a constructive and beneficial initial contact with the profession of psychology, substantially influencing their subsequent professional and educational choices and decisions.
The Internship for students of the Department of Psychology takes place in Applied Psychology Organizations operating as Legal Entities of Public or Private Law, of non-profit character, approved by and/or collaborating with public entities. For this purpose, a list of organizations is prepared where students will undertake their Internship.
The Internship Program started operating in the academic year 2021-2022, following European standards for internships in undergraduate psychology programs (Tuning Europsy). It is equivalent to 16 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) and 7 LC (Learning Credits).
Specifically, it includes the following:
(a) The mandatory course in the 2nd semester, “Υ011 Psychological Assessment – Practicum Preparation” (5 ECTS, 4 ECTS)
(b) Mandatory attendance and participation in the courses “Ψ-ΠΑ1 Practicum I” (6 ECTS, 3 ECTS) (preparation for practicum) and “Ψ-ΠΑ2 Practicum II” (10 ECTS, 4 ECTS) (supervisory meetings with the Academic Supervisor)
(c) Internship in an applied psychology organization, under supervision, with a total duration of 200 hours, which constitutes the practical part of the course “Ψ-ΠΑ2 Practicum II.”
The Internship is evaluated qualitatively (“pass” or “fail”). Although it is not considered in the overall degree grade, successful completion is a prerequisite for obtaining the degree.
1. Modes of Internship Completion
Students have two options for the Mandatory Internship: (a) Internship in Greece with funding according to the provisions of the respective legislative framework. (b) Internship abroad funded by Erasmus+.
2. Participation Requirements
Only students in the 8th semester (or higher) who have successfully completed all (22) mandatory courses and received a “pass” grade in the course “Ψ-ΠΑ1 Practicum I” can participate in the Internship.
The selection of students takes place in the winter semester of each academic year, following the submission of applications by interested students. The Evaluation Committee, responsible for evaluating applications, selecting students, and compiling the list of choices and the provisional selection table, carries out the selection process.
3. Duration and Responsibilities
The duration of the Internship in an Applied Psychology Organization is 200 hours, conducted within a period of 2 months or 8 calendar weeks, with a five-day workweek. The Internship takes place during or after the last semester of studies (8th semester in the fourth year). The Internship is continuous, without interruptions, until the student completes the designated 200 hours. Overtime is not allowed, and the nature of employment should not deviate from the declared and agreed-upon terms with the Organization.
Students are entitled to take up to 2 days off per month from the hosting Organization. If additional absences are necessary due to unforeseen circumstances, they must be compensated in consultation with both the Organization and the Academic Supervisor of the Internship at the Department.
In the context of the Internship, students are obligated to:
The Internship is carried out in accordance with the prevailing legislation and circulars governing extraordinary measures for the protection of public health from the further spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus throughout the country.
4. Academic Coordination and Supervision of the Internship
The Internship Committee is responsible for the academic coordination of the Internship. Specifically, it evaluates student applications for the Internship, coordinates activities, organizes courses related to student internships, resolves issues, prepares and submits an annual report on the implementation and evaluation of the internship program to the Department Assembly. Additionally, it submits proposals for modifying the Curriculum regarding internship matters. Lastly, the Internship Committee holds an informative meeting with students at the end of the academic year.
The Scientific Supervisor oversees the general supervision of the internship within the curriculum, coordinates Internship Supervisors, Employment Organizations, and presides over the Internship Committee. Student supervision is carried out by the Academic Supervisor responsible for guiding and supporting students throughout the internship, communicating with the Employment Organizations to achieve learning outcomes, and keeping the Scientific Supervisor and the Internship Committee informed. The Academic Supervisor recommends the initiation or termination of cooperation with specific Organizations, manages issues arising during the internship, and assists the Organization Supervisors in matters related to student internships.
The Organization Supervisor, a psychologist or psychiatrist employed by the Organization, is responsible for overseeing the student’s internship, signing monthly attendance records, and completing the intern’s Practicum Report after the internship. Subsequently, the Organization’s Responsible Party completes the Internship Completion Certificate, and all documents are submitted by the student to the Academic Supervisor of the Internship.
For Mandatory Internships, the Department of Psychology signs a tripartite agreement with the respective Organization, titled “Private Agreement for Student Internships – Department of Psychology.” This contract is issued in triplicate and signed by all three parties (Department Chair, Organization, and intern).
Students interested in internships in European countries should contact the Departmental Erasmus+ Program Coordinator to learn about the application, evaluation, monitoring, and completion process of internships abroad. After completing the internship, the Erasmus+ Program Coordinator informs the Department Secretary for record-keeping.
This funded program aims to adequately prepare students to apply their knowledge effectively in a work-related context. Students in their 8th semester, having successfully completed all mandatory courses, can participate in the Extended Internship Program as part of the elective course “Ψ-EE621 Extended Internship”. During this program, students are supervised by a designated professor. Participants receive compensation and insurance coverage. The selection criteria are determined by the specifications of the funded program, approved by the Department Assembly
