BA Psychology vs Applied Psychology - Differences, Career Scope, Fees, Best Choice
People frequently mix up Psychology and Applied Psychology because the terms sound similar. The following article will distinguish between the two courses and their undergraduate programmes.
Basic psychology differs from applied psychology in that it prioritises theory and fundamental understanding over practical problem-solving solutions. Applied psychology focuses on the practical application of these theories in order to better serve the community. Psychology courses have always been popular among students, and top universities compete for them every year. For example, Delhi University and Mumbai University have higher cutoffs for Psychology courses, indicating a high demand. Psychology, Applied Psychology, Clinical Psychology, and other types of courses are available in India. There is a broad range of differences between these courses. The major differences between BA Psychology vs Applied Psychology have been examined in this article. You can also look at the career opportunities for both courses here.
What is the Difference Between Psychology and Applied Psychology?
According to Wikipedia, psychology is the study of conscious and unconscious phenomena, as well as feelings and thoughts. Psychology is defined by the American Psychological Association (APA) as the study of behaviour and the mind. It is divided into several subfields of study, including cognitive processes, social behaviour, clinical, health, sports, and human development.
Similarly, Wikipedia defines Applied Psychology as "the application of scientific psychology findings and psychological methods to the solution of practical problems of animal and human experience and behaviour." Evolutionary psychology, counselling psychology, clinical psychology, forensic psychology, sports psychology, and other areas of applied psychology are well-known.
Also Read: Who should opt for Psychology studies?
BA Psychology vs Applied Psychology - Detailed Comparison
The two degrees can be distinguished from each other in the following aspects -
Name of the Degree | BA Psychology | BA Applied Psychology |
Duration | 03 Years | 03 Years |
Eligibility | Class XIIth qualified students with a minimum of 55% aggregate | Class XIIth qualified students with a minimum of 50% aggregate |
List of Entrance Exams |
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Admission Process | Both entrance based and merit-based admission process | Both entrance based and merit-based admission process |
Average Fee | INR 20,000/- to INR 3,00,000/- per year | INR 40,000/- to INR 2,00,000 per year |
Top Job Roles after Graduating | Social Worker, Recruiter, Career Counsellor, Teacher etc | Development Psychologist, Clinical Psychologist, Educational Counsellor, Forensic Psychologist etc |
Top Recruiting Organisations |
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Career Growth | Psychology jobs are growing every day due to the emergence of various organizations or NGOs where a psychology degree holder can easily make an upward movement | An Applied Psychology degree can easily land a graduate in an opportunity to work with psychologists in business, treatment centres, clinics, hospitals etc |
Highest Salary | INR 7 LPA | INR 10 LPA to INR 20 LPA |
Average Salary | INR 4.84 LPA | INR 6.42 LPA |
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List of Government Jobs |
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Also Read : Not sure about what to do after BA in Philosophy? Click here to read
BA Psychology & BA Applied Psychology - Universities Fee Structure
With the help of the table provided below, the students can find out those universities or Institutions that offer BA in Psychology and Applied Psychology along with their average fee structure:
Universities Offering BA Psychology Fee Structure
University/Institution Name | Average Fee (In INR) |
Lovely Professional University | 2,49,000/- |
University of Delhi | 53,670/- |
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) | 7,200/- |
Parul University | 60,000/- |
Sikkim University | 9,540/- |
Also Read: Check out the list of 10 top DU colleges offering Psychology
Universities Offering BA Applied Psychology Fee Structure
University/Institution Name | Average Fee (In INR) |
University of Delhi | 44,200/- |
Amity University | 1,95,000/- |
Galgotias University, Greater Noida | 1,80,000/- |
Chinmaya Vishwavidyapeeth, Kochi | 87,000/- |
Shri Ramswaroop Memorial University, Lucknow | 1,01,000/- |
Also Read: What after BA Sociology - Career, Higher Education scopes
Admission Process for BA Psychology & BA Applied Psychology
Candidates aspiring for admission in any of these courses must note that there are no entrance exams conducted by various universities or colleges for admission. In most cases, the admission is based on merit where Class 12th marks of the candidates will be considered for admission. However, some universities like DU and Mumbai University may release cutoffs for these courses, and the candidates clearing the cutoff will be granted admission.
BA Psychology v/s BA Applied Psychology Career Scopes
In this section we will talk about various career scopes that open up for Psychology graduates and Applied Psychology graduates:
Career Scopes for BA Psychology Students | Career Scopes for BA Applied Psychology Students |
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Which Course is the Best Choice - BA Psychology vs Applied Psychology?
From the analysis made above, it is evident that BA Psychology & BA Applied Psychology have good career prospects. Graduates of any of these courses have ample score for higher studies or jobs. Therefore, it is up to you on which course to choose for admission.
List of BA Psychology Colleges in India (Region Wise)
Here is the list of region-wise BA Psychology Colleges in India -
List of BA Applied Psychology Colleges in India (Region Wise)
Here is the list of region wise BA Applied Psychology colleges in India -
If you are looking for admission-related assistance, you can fill out the Common Application Form on our website.