Background of the Partnership
The University of Middlesex, operating in Dubai, recently formalised a strategic collaboration with Sage Clinics, a leading provider of psychological and psychiatric services in the United Arab Emirates. The memorandum of understanding, signed on 21 October 2025 by Pro‑Vice‑Chancellor Professor Cedwyn Fernandes and Clinical Psychologist Dr Bisi Laniyan, is designed to strengthen mental‑health education and open new employment pathways for students across MDX’s campus community.
While the UAE has made significant progress in mental‑health awareness, the demand for trained professionals who understand cultural nuances and clinical practice continues to rise. By aligning an academic program with a real‑world service provider, MDX Dubai is positioning itself as a hub where theory and practice meet.
What the MoU Covers
The agreement lays out a clear framework for integrating Sage Clinics’ clinical expertise into the MDX psychology curriculum. Key elements include:
- Structured internship placements for BSc (Hons) Psychology students across varied clinical settings.
- Co‑developed workshops and seminars covering emerging topics such as body‑image disorders, anxiety management, and digital mental‑health tools.
- Access to Sage’s data‑driven research projects, enabling students to contribute to evidence‑based interventions.
- Joint public outreach initiatives that promote early detection and destigmatization of mental‑health issues in the UAE.
- Continuous evaluation mechanisms that ensure learning outcomes align with industry standards and regulatory guidelines.
For MDX, the MoU is both a pedagogical advance and a branding opportunity, signaling a commitment to impactful education and community service.
Benefits for MDX Dubai Students
Clinical Exposure and Internships
Students enrolled in the BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling Skills program now have guaranteed placement slots in Sage’s network of clinics. This exposure provides hands‑on experience in assessment, therapy, case management, and multidisciplinary collaboration. By working under the supervision of licensed clinicians, students gain confidence in applying theoretical knowledge to real‑world scenarios—a qualification that differentiates them on the job market.
Enhanced Employability in Mental Health
Research indicates that graduate employability drops when academic training is disconnected from workplace realities. The MoU addresses that gap by equipping students with:
- Validated clinical hours that meet professional licensing requirements.
- Direct mentorship from practicing psychologists.
- Professional networking opportunities at Sage’s annual conferences and continuing‑education courses.
- Certificates of completion that can be appended to CVs and LinkedIn profiles.
Graduates are now better positioned to secure roles in hospitals, private practices, community centers, and even governmental agencies that require psychometric and clinical competencies.
Impact on the Mental Health Community
Public Awareness and Early Intervention
MDX and Sage have committed to joint public education campaigns aimed at raising awareness about psychological well‑being among students, teachers, and the broader public. Through seminars, webinars, and social‑media content, the partnership is actively working to reduce stigma and promote early help‑seeking behavior—critical factors in effective mental‑health care.
Research and Innovation
Clinical partnerships create fertile ground for research. The collaboration will facilitate pilot studies into culturally relevant interventions for eating disorders, stress management, and digital therapeutics. Students and faculty will have access to anonymized patient data (under strict ethical guidelines), allowing them to develop, test, and refine new treatment models. These insights could influence policy and practice on a regional scale.
Real‑World Success Stories
Student Wins: Body‑Image Initiative
Two third‑year students, Ankita Sudarshan and Aleeshya Prajeesh, won an innovation competition hosted by Sage Clinics earlier this year. Their research project focused on body‑image anxiety and eating disorders among university students. The prize included an internship at Sage, where the students applied their evidence‑based methods in a therapeutic setting. Their dual success—academic and professional—illustrates the real value of the MoU.
Faculty Leadership and Community Engagement
Associate Professor of Psychology Anita Shrivastava and Dr Lynda Hyland, who lead MDX’s Psychology and Careers & Employability Departments, highlighted the partnership’s significance during the signing ceremony. They emphasized that aligning academic output with industry needs is central to preparing graduates for the future—especially in fields that require both hard science and soft‑skill practice.
How MDX Supports Your Career Path
Career Services and Placement Support
MDX’s Careers & Employability Office provides career mapping, interview preparation, and employer outreach. The office’s recent collaboration with Sage Clinics means that students now have a ready pipeline to mental‑health agencies. Referrals and interview opportunities are facilitated through joint recruitment drives and placement fairs.
Academic Excellence and Faculty Expertise
MDX Dubai’s psychology faculty includes certified clinicians and practicing researchers. Their dual expertise guarantees that lectures are grounded in current practice and that coursework reflects real‑world demands. The curriculum also incorporates ethical discussions, ensuring that graduates can practice with cultural sensitivity and compliance with UAE regulations.
Prerequisites and Eligibility
Academic Requirements
Prospective students should hold a secondary‑school certificate with a strong background in science subjects, including Biology and Mathematics. For international applicants, a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 is required with no component below 6.0.
Application Process
Applications are accepted online through the MDX portal. Applicants must submit:
- Completed application form.
- Academic transcripts and identification documents.
- Statement of purpose outlining interests in mental‑health practice.
- Two references—preferably from academic or professional sources.
Deadlines vary by intake; the next cohort begins in January 2026.
Take Action: How to Get Involved
Apply for a Psychology Program
Interested candidates can review the full list of psychology courses on the MDX website and start the application process today. Apply online now and position yourself for a career that bridges research, practice, and community impact.
Contact Admissions
If you have questions about program offerings, eligibility, or the partnership with Sage Clinics, reach out to the admissions team using the contact form on our website or via email at [email protected]. Our staff will guide you through the next steps.
Share Your Thoughts
We welcome feedback from students, educators, and mental‑health professionals. Please comment below with your experiences or inquiries related to the MDX‑Sage collaboration.
