MSc Psychology course is a two-year postgraduate degree programme that deals with the study of different treatments and procedures for a variety of mental health issues. Those pursuing the course will learn the normal and abnormal brain functioning, while also understanding the steps of using objective methods to provide mental health treatment. Admission to the MSc in Psychology course will either be merit-based or entrance-based, depending upon the offering college’s discretion. However, those with an undergraduate degree in Psychology from a recognised degree will find themselves qualified for admission to the highly sought-after course.
The four semesters in the MSc in Psychology course will cover a range of subjects and topics dealing with extensive knowledge and understanding of human behaviour and brain functioning. The MSc Psychology syllabus and subjects include topics such as Cognitive Psychology, Neuropsychology, Systems and Skills, Self and Positive Psychology, Dissertation, Psychometrics Theory, Personality Theory, etc. Upon graduation, the career prospects will be immense and dynamic, ranging from working in hospitals and clinics to opening up businesses to even working at private firms. Moreover, graduates will also be qualified for highly lucrative job options, where they may work as Child Psychologists, Psychologists, Psychotherapists, Psychometrics, Clinical Psychologists, etc. with an average starting salary of INR 6-9 LPA. This page discusses everything about semester-wise MSc Psychology syllabus and subjects, best reference books, course structure, and more.
Check out the MSc Psychology course highlights given in the table below:
Particular | Detail |
---|---|
Name | MSc Psychology Course |
Full Form | Master of Science in Psychology |
Degree Type | Master’s |
Duration | 2 years |
Eligibility Criteria | A BSc degree with a minimum score of 50% aggregate marks in the field of psychology or a similar discipline is required. |
Admission Process |
|
Average Annual Course Fee | INR 20,000 to 1,40,000 |
Entrance Exam | BHU PET, CUET PG, BIT SAT, JNUEE, etc. |
Average Salary | INR 6-7 LPA |
Job Profiles | Family Therapists, Child Psychologists, Psychologists, Psychotherapists, Psychometrics, Clinical Psychologists, Psychometric Testing, etc. |
Top Recruiters | Colleges, Universities, Healthcare Centres, Private Clinics, Hospitals, Counselling Offices, etc. |
Mental health difficulties are a top priority in today's society, as many people of all ages suffer from melancholy, anxiety, bipolar affective disorder, paranoia, behaviour and emotional disorders, and other challenges. These issues are now being addressed, and professional psychologists and counsellors are in high demand. MSc Psychology may assist people in need by advising, guiding, and counselling them so that they can better their decision-making, stress management, and behaviour control. Furthermore, there are a variety of MSc Psychology specialisations available, ranging from careers as Clinical Psychologists to Counsellors to Child Psychology.
The MSc Psychology degree programme has a variety of advantages and reasons to study it. The practicality of this degree as a professional path is influenced by several things as listed in the infographic below.
The following are a few reasons to choose the MSc Psychology course:
The distance or online MSc in Psychology is a two-year postgraduate course that emphasises advanced concepts in Psychological Science and their implementation in real-world contexts. Through the charting of intricate human behaviour, interactions, language, and health, this course aids in your expertise advancement. You would study many personalities with a range of traits during the degree. Also, you will gain experience with case studies to strengthen your ability to think logically and analyse arguments. With an online MSc in Psychology degree, you will be able to propose creative strategies to combat misunderstandings about religion and ethics that cause social problems.
The eligibility criteria for this distance course is an undergraduate degree in Psychology or a closely related discipline with at least 50% aggregate marks from a recognised institution. Either direct admission based on merit or entrance exams such as BITSAT, CUET, and IPU CET determine the admission process. In India, some popular colleges that offer an Online MSc in Psychology degree are IMTS Institute, Jain University, Karnataka State Open University, IGNOU, Annamalai University, Madras University, and more.
For candidates to grasp the differences between an MSc Psychology course and an MA Psychology programme, the table below provides the following information:
Parameters | MSc in Psychology | MA in Psychology |
---|---|---|
Full-Form | Master of Science in Psychology | Master of Arts in Psychology |
Course Overview | A master's degree in psychology (MSc Psychology Course) focuses on the science and research of the brain, behaviour, and psychological processes. | The study of liberal arts and theories of psychology is the focus of an MA in Psychology. |
Duration | 2 years | 2 years |
Eligibility | Students must be from a science stream. | Students must be from a Humanities stream. |
Average Annual Fees | INR 3,000 to 2,00,000 | INR 5,000 to 1,50,000 |
Average Salary | INR 4-15 LPA | INR 3-11 LPA |
Colleges | MSc Psychology Colleges: Amity University, Banaras Hindu University, Mount Carmel College, Bangalore etc. | MA Psychology Colleges: Amity University, Banaras Hindu University, Mount Carmel College, Bangalore etc. |
Gender Ratio | 1:3 | 1:2 |
Future Prospects | An academic MSc Psychology career includes a significant amount of research and information. | Working in hospitals, schools, or industries as a professional. |
As a highly sought-after postgraduate course in India, universities and colleges across the nation offer the MSc Psychology course in different modes. From full-time courses to distance learning modes, there are several different types of MSc in Psychology courses that all aspirants must check out before applying. The following is a discussion about the various types of MSc Psychology courses offered.
A full-time course takes roughly two years with an average course fee ranging from INR 20,000 to 3,00,000 per annum. This type of programme involves both practical and theoretical knowledge. The study of conscious and unconscious phenomena, as well as feelings and thoughts, is included in the two-year postgraduate degree.
For students who cannot commit to the full-time programme or who are working in their professions full-time, there is a part-time MSc in Psychology course available. The part-time programme lasts nearly three years. Some top colleges and universities offering part-time MSc Psychology courses in India are Sister Nivedita University (SNU), Madurai Kamaraj University (MKUDDE), Tamil Nadu Open University (TNOU), Kanoria PG Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Sri Sri University, and more.
Most public universities provide this degree full-time at the post-graduate level, although a few private universities also offer it via distance education. This type of distance supports diversity in a group with a lot of it. Students opting for this type of programme are not required to go to college or attend classes regularly. Once or twice a week, these classes are held. Let us have a look at some MSc Psychology course key points concerning it:
To pursue the course at any institution or university, an applicant must meet the following MSc Psychology eligibility criteria. While most universities will individually define the two-year postgraduate course's admission requirements, aspirants must also qualify for the following general requirements.
Note: As noted above, each university will individually structure the admission requirements, therefore, aspirants must read through those requirements and ensure they satisfy all the qualifying criteria before submitting the application form.
Much like other professions, every individual, either pursuing an MSc in Psychology or graduating from one, should possess the skills that will help them provide the best services to patients. While working towards attaining the degree, students should also take the initiative to instil in themselves the skills that not only make them the best in the field but also set them apart from the crowd. Listed below are some of the required skills for MSc Psychology graduates in India:
As outlined above, admissions to some MSc in Psychology courses, especially those offered by highly reputed and highly demanded universities, are done based on entrance test scores. Many universities conduct such entrance exams to sift through the sea of application forms they receive every for the course. Therefore, candidates wishing to enrol in the two-year postgraduate course offered by one of the top universities in the country must prepare and attempt the entrance test as directed. Among the popular entrance exams for MSc Psychology include the following outlined in the table:
Entrance Exam | Description |
---|---|
JNUEE Exam | The JNUEE (Jawaharlal Nehru University Entrance Examination) is an All India Level Entrance Examination for admission to JNU. For all programmes of study, excluding M. Phil., the final selection of candidates will be based on their performance in the computer-based test. |
BHU PET | The Banaras Hindu University Postgraduate Entrance Exam (BHU PET) is a university-level Postgraduate Entrance Exam for Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. It is held to determine eligibility for admission to General, Professional, Special, and Vocational Programs. The National Testing Agency is conducting the exam for the first time (NTA). |
IPU CET | Every year, the Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University holds the IPU CET exam for admission to UG and PG programmes in Engineering, Medicine, Dentistry, Law, and Management. GGSIPU offers courses such as MBA, BTech, MTech, LLB, and MCA. |
OUCET | OUCET, or Osmania University Common Entrance Test, is a postgraduate eligibility test administered by Osmania University. Osmania University, Palamuru University, Mahabubnagar; Mahatma Gandhi University, Nalgonda; and Telangana University, Nizamabad each have over 19,000 seats. |
BITSAT Exam | On March 14, 2022, the Birla Institute of Science and Technology (BITSAT) 2022 will be hosted at the Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani. Candidates may be admitted to integrated degree programmes if they pass the BITSAT entrance exam. |
Note: Apart from these popular MSc in Psychology entrance exams, students may find that several universities across the nation require candidates to clear an entrance test as part of the eligibility criteria.
Admissions to an MSc Psychology course will be determined by the university or institute offering the two-year postgraduate course. However, aspirants will be asked to participate in either a merit-based admission process or an entrance exam-based admission process. Most universities will only consider the academic merit of the student for selection processes, however, the popular universities may require students to attempt an entrance test, most likely conducted by the university itself followed by a personal interview round. In general, the MSc Psychology admission process will look as outlined in the infographic below and explained further:
The course fees for MSc in Psychology will vary from university to university and even from specialisation to specialisation. Moreover, several parameters like the type of institution offering the course, the demand for the course at the specific institution as well as the reputation of the institution, among other parameters, affect the overall course fees. For instance, government colleges are often comparatively cheaper than private colleges, on the other hand, the popularity of the course at a particular institute may lead to increased tuition fees as well. Tabulated below are the MSc Psychology course fees in India.
Type of Institute | Average Annual Fee (in INR) |
---|---|
Government College | 20,000 to 50,000 |
Private College | 30,000 to 1,40,000 |
As detailed above, universities and colleges will cover a similar subject list when it comes to an MSc in Psychology degree, however, this pertains only to the core subjects. However, students will also be required to choose a range of elective subjects as part of their curriculum along with research projects and a final dissertation project. Detailed in the table below are some MSc Psychology subjects and syllabus that any aspiring psychologist will have to study under the two-year postgraduate degree programme.
MSc psychology courses are offered by several private colleges in India. Due to their excellent placements, industrial exposure, and curriculum, certain colleges are likewise becoming more well-liked among students. In the table below, you can find the list of the best private MSc in Psychology colleges in India:
Institute Name | Average Annual Course Fee (in INR) |
---|---|
Women's Christian College, Chennai | 1,00,000 to 2,00,000 |
1,50,000 | |
Stella Maris College, Chennai | 1,80,000 |
Mount Carmel College, Bangalore | 1,30,000 to 3,30,000 |
Mithibai College of Arts, Mumbai | 1,00,000 |
Kristu Jayanti College, Bangalore | 1,00,000 to 2,00,000 |
Christ University, Bangalore | 1,00,000 to 12,00,000 |
Bhagwan Mahavir University, Surat | 80,000 to INR 1,02,000 |
Amity University, Noida | 5,55,000 |
Alliance University, Bangalore | 15,00,000 |
Note: The MSc Psychology fee mentioned above is sourced from the official websites of the respective universities which may vary from one year to the next at the authority’s discretion.
The MSc in Psychology course is offered by numerous government colleges in India. Candidates usually prefer government colleges over private ones because of their lower tuition and exposure to the business world. Students can review the following table, which lists the top government MSc Psychology colleges in India:
Institute Name | Average Annual Course Fee (in INR) |
---|---|
Sophia College, Mumbai | 35,000 |
Ramanujan College, University of Delhi | 50,000 to 75,000 |
PSG College of Arts and Science (PSGCAS) | 21,000 |
Lakshmibai College, University of Delhi | 41,000 |
Lady Shri Ram College for Women, University of Delhi | 57,000 |
Kishinchand Chellaram College, Mumbai | 78,000 |
Indraprastha College for Women, University of Delhi | 432 to 540 |
Gargi College, University of Delhi | 24,000 to 49,000 |
Daulat Ram College, University of Delhi | 40,000 to 52,000 |
Bharati College, Delhi | 540 |
Note: The MSc Psychology fee mentioned above is sourced from the official websites of the respective universities which may vary from one year to the next at the authority’s discretion.
The career options and job prospects after MSc Psychology courses are immense as skilled and qualified professionals in the discipline are high in demand across the medical sector. Hospitals, clinics and other medical institutions across India offer a range of opportunities for graduates of this course.
The following are some popular job options after completing the MSc Psychology course:
On completion of the course, a graduate can expect to earn an average MSc Psychology starting salary of INR 6-7 LPA on average. Increased profits can be attributed to years of experience as well as the quality of one's work. They can expect to earn a good living and have the opportunity to work directly with patients suffering from mental diseases and other ailments after graduating from an MSc Psychology course in India. Different work profiles, as well as recruiters, have different salary packages. Given below is an estimated starting salary for MSc Psychology course graduates.
Job Profile | Average Salary (in INR) |
---|---|
Psychologist | 9 LPA |
Educational Psychologist | 3 LPA |
Social Psychologist | 6 LPA |
Urban Planning Officer | 6 LPA |
Staff Recruiter | 3 LPA |
Several different governmental and private medical professions in India provide jobs after earning this degree. The following is a list of top MSc in Psychology recruiters that hire graduates of this course:
In recent years, the MSc in Psychology course has become one of India's most popular programmes to study. The course allows students to dig into the different elements of the subject such as Cognitive Psychology, Statistics in Behavioural Science, Neuropsychology, and Psychometrics Theory, thus, leading to dynamic career prospects. MSc Psychology’s scope is constantly expanding.
One can pursue higher education or work in a respectable position. It is entirely up to you whether you choose to work after completing your MSc Psychology course or continue your education. Listed below are some degree programmes one may prefer to pursue after completing an MSc Psychology course.
PhD in Psychology: After completing an MSc in Psychology, students should consider pursuing a PhD in Psychology. It is always suggested to continue your education after completing this programme, as your earned skills will not be practised otherwise.
MPhil in Psychology: It is a two-year full-time graduate programme that is broken up into four semesters. This course builds on the knowledge from the MSc Psychology course and aids students in understanding the mind and conduct of individuals. A successful career in academia is further facilitated by this degree.
Yes, graduates of an MSc Psychology degree can earn INR 1 lakh per month, however, this may be slightly difficult to achieve right after graduation. Students can achieve this goal by opening their own clinic and offering their services as a psychologist or therapist, however, students may need to gain significant experience and expertise in the field before being able to achieve the target.
Yes, you can open your own clinic after completing an MSc in Psychology course. Many MSc Psychology graduates often choose to pursue a career in a company or a medical healthcare facility to gain some experience. However, those interested in opening their own clinic after completing their two-year degree programme can do so, however, it may require a significant investment.
There are several skills that are important for an MSc Psychology graduate such as critical and analytical thinking, qualitative and quantitative research abilities, excellent problem-solving, brilliant communication skills, empathy and patience, an ethical outlook, a passion to help others in distress and more. The more skills and abilities a graduate instils, the better their career prospects become.
The average salary of an MSc Psychology graduate in India will depend on a number of factors including the job role they have applied for, the prior experience they hold and more. However, on average, an MSc Psychology graduate can earn anywhere from INR 5 LPA to 6 LPA after graduation. This will only increase with further experience and better opportunities.
There are several reasons why studying an MSc Psychology is the perfect option for students right now as the nation has been witnessing a rising demand for mental health professionals, the variety of specialisations and topics still left to be unveiled properly, the room for growth and development, the highly rewarding nature of the field, and much more.
MSc Psychology can be a tough subject for students to clear as a result of the complex topics and subjects that are being covered under the degree programme. However, those with a strong base in the subject might find MSc Psychology easy, since the degree programme is designed to build on top of the existing knowledge and understanding of the different topics.
No, MSc Psychology graduates are not called doctors as they do not pass the minimum requirements to carry the prefix as per academic standards. If you wish to add the suffix “Dr” to your name as a Psychologist, it is important to apply for a PhD and clear the programme, following which you will be qualified to add the suffix.
Yes, there is an immense scope after MSc in Psychology across various sectors and job roles, which may increase even more if you choose to pursue a specialisation as well. From medical healthcare facilities to schools and even multinational organisations, MSc Psychology graduates will be able to create a lucrative career path for themselves.
There is a variety of job roles that you can take up after MSc Psychology such as becoming a Family Therapist, Child Psychologist, Psychologist, Psychotherapist, Psychometric, Clinical Psychologist, Psychometric Testing, Counseling, Educational Psychologist, Urban Planning Officer, and more. Graduates can also look into further academics such as pursuing a PhD in Psychology after MSc in Psychology.
The MSc Psychology course is a two-year undergraduate degree programme.
No, entrance exams are not compulsory for MSc Psychology, however, some universities may require students to attempt entrance tests. This requirement will vary between universities and is usually seen at some of the more popular and prestigious universities. In most universities, students will be able to enrol in an MSc in Psychology course based solely on their academic merit.
Yes, MSc Psychology is a good career choice, especially if you wish to pursue a lucrative career as a therapist or psychologist. The MSc in Psychology degree trains and qualifies individuals for a range of jobs in the medical sector in roles like Psychologist, Educational Psychologist, Social Psychologist, Urban Planning Officer, Staff Recruiter and more.
No, you can not study MSc Psychology after 12th since the primary admission requirement to study the course is to hold a valid bachelor’s degree in the discipline. Any candidate wishing to study MSc in Psychology must either hold a BA or BSc in Psychology from any recognised university in India. Additionally, students must satisfy other requirements to qualify for admission to the course.
As per MSc Psychology eligibility criteria, candidates must have a BA or BSc Psychology degree from a recognised university with an aggregate of at least 50% marks to be considered for admission to the MSc Psychology course. Students with any other degree, such as a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), a Bachelor of Sociology, or a Bachelor of Science (BSc), are not eligible.
The full form of MSc Psychology is Master of Science in Psychology, or MSc in Psychology. The degree programme is a two-year postgraduate course dealing with the diagnosis and treatment of different mental illnesses and human behavioural challenges. Being a technical course, the focus of the degree programme will be on research-based learning.
An MSc Psychology degree is a two-year postgraduate degree programme covering a range of subjects and topics dealing with the diagnosis and treatment of various mental illnesses. An MSc in Psychology course will train and qualify individuals for a life in either clinical or administrative job roles dealing in the provision of mental healthcare across different sectors and industries.
Depending on the institution or university you are applying to, you may have to clear an entrance exam for MSc Psychology. Some of the universities that conduct entrance tests for MSc in Psychology include Delhi University Science, Jammu University Entrance Test, Delhi University Arts, Delhi University Arts, Delhi University Science and more.
The average tuition fee for MSc Psychology courses in India is estimated to be around INR 50,000 per year. However, a number of factors such as the type of institution offering the course, the type of degree programme selected, the popularity of the course and/or the university, etc. also affect the tuition fee for an MSc in Psychology course in India.
The are various specialisations available for MSc in Psychology including Addiction Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Counselling Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Forensic Psychology Educational Psychology, Environmental Psychology, Physiological Psychology, Health Psychology, Neuropsychology, Cognitive Psychology, School Psychology, Organisational Psychology, Biopsychology, Sports Psychology, Social Psychology, and much more. The variety in specialisations for MSc in Psychology further increases if you choose to study abroad.
The duration of an MSc Psychology course in India is usually 2 years, however, the type of degree programme selected will also define the duration of the course. For instance, students will have to invest more time if they choose to pursue an MSc in Psychology through distance learning or part-time, compared to full-time courses.