Now a fully qualified and registered clinical psychologist, working with Hillmorton Hospital鈥檚 anxiety disorders service in 艑tautahi Christchurch, McLeod is proud to be joining a wh膩nau of over 144,000 engaged and empowered UC alumni around the world.
To become professionally qualified in Clinical Psychology at UC requires a seven-year commitment, involving an undergraduate degree followed by specialist postgraduate study. McLeod completed his Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology in February 2023 and is the only student in his year to receive this award with distinction.
He completed his Master of Science in Psychology in 2022 and is looking forward to having both qualifications conferred at UC鈥檚 graduation celebrations this month.
McLeod鈥檚 postgraduate research, which focused on the nutritional intake of women who binge eat, delivered useful findings in helping to understand and reduce the physical and mental burden for people with eating disorders.
The UC听Clinical Psychology Training Programme听also saw him gain a breadth of clinical experience through two six-month internship placements with听听补苍诲听.
鈥淢cLeod was a highly valued team member during his internship at Te Whatu Ora Waitaha,鈥 says听Associate Professor Eileen Britt, of UC鈥檚 Te Kura Mahi 膩-Hirikapo | School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing.
鈥淗e rose to the challenge of working in a difficult area and delivering psychological assessment and treatment to a wide range of complex clients. McLeod quickly demonstrated a real strength in connecting with people, building strong rapport with his clients that facilitated positive therapeutic outcomes. Te Whatu Ora were eager to employ him after he completed his qualification, and he continues to be an asset to the service and to the clients he works with.鈥
Now celebrating its 150th听anniversary, UC is committed to producing graduates who both lead and support our communities. McLeod says his studies at the University, including clinical placements, have prepared him well for continued learning, and making a difference in people鈥檚 lives.
