Areas of Psychology Specialisations in India: Types and Courses Offered

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Updated on Oct 18, 2023 17:47 IST

Psychology is a vast field and there are various exciting specialisations one can opt for and make a career in. From Clinical Psychologists to Counsellors to Child Psychology, there are various specialisations one can opt for. Check out the various psychology specialisations which are offered and which field you can make a successful career in.

Psychology is one of the modern subjects which is being taken up by students all over as its field, not only benefits society, but also has a bright scope and future. Psychology is taught in various colleges and Universities and courses are offered in all programmes such as undergraduate, postgraduate, MPhil, PhD and postgraduate diploma courses. Psychology is a vast field and there are various exciting specialisations one can opt for and make a career in. From Clinical Psychologists to Counsellors to Child Psychology, there are various specialisations one can opt for and excel in.

In today’s time, mental health problems are being taken as the utmost priority as numerous people, from all ages suffer from mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, bipolar affective disorder, paranoia, behaviour and emotional disorders and many more problems. Such problems are now being addressed and the need for professional psychologists and counsellors are in dire need. Psychology can help people in need by advising them, guiding them, counselling them in order to people to improve their decision making, stress management and control their behaviour. Example, Anger/Rage is an emotion which causes major health problems that not only causes harm to one's state of mind but also affects others.

Also Read: Top MSc Psychology Colleges in India: Admission Process, Eligibility & Fees

Psychology Highlights

Psychology enables people to have a better understanding of how the body and mind interact. This understanding can aid in decision-making and the avoidance of stressful circumstances. It can aid in time management, goal setting, achievement, and living more effectively. Psychology courses will enable students to increase chances of their career growth and better relationships with people.

Psychology is a study that can benefit students in many ways. The below table enlists the key features of Psychology courses.

Particulars	Details
Course Level	Graduation, Post Graduation, MPhil, Doctoral
Course Duration	Graduation : 3 Years Post Graduation : 2 Years MPhil : 1-2 Years Doctoral : 3 Years
Eligibility	Graduation: Should have passed class 12 from a recognised board and secured a minimum of 50% Post Graduation: Should have graduated from a recognised board and secured a minimum of 45%
Admission Process	Entrance Exams, Interviews
Entrance Exams	JUET, DUET, CUET, YCMOU, etc.
Fees	INR 21,000 - INR 13 lakh
Average Annual Salary	INR 1.1 lakh - INR 8 lakh
Job Profiles	Clinical Psychologists, Consultants, Psychotherapists, Therapists, Practitioners, Counsellors, etc.
Top Recruiters	Amity University, T & A Solutions, Fortis Healthcare, Shiv Nadar University, Roots and Routes Counselling & Psychotherapy Centre, ACRO, Pearson, etc.

Psychology Specialisations

There are various specialisations in Psychology one can take up and pursue their career in. First, let us take a look at the Psychology courses which are offered.

Course	Duration	Eligibility Criteria
BA in Psychology	3-Years	The candidate needs to have done their Class 12 from a recognised board in any stream and should have secured a minimum of 45% aggregate.
BSc in Psychology	3-Years	The candidate needs to have done their Class 12 from a recognised board in the Science stream and should have secured a minimum of 45% aggregate.
MA in Psychology	2-Years	The candidate needs to have done their Graduation from a recognised University in BA or BA Psychology or any similar subject and should have secured a minimum of 50% aggregate.
MSc Psychology	2-Years	The candidate should have done their BSc in Psychology or any similar subject in their graduation from a recognised University and should have secured a minimum of 50% aggregate.
MPhil in Psychology	2-Years	The candidate should have done their MA or MSc in Psychology in a specialized discipline from a recognised University and should have secured a minimum of 55% aggregate.
PhD	2 to 4 Years	The candidate should have done their MA/MSc/MPhil in a specialised discipline from a recognised University and should have secured a minimum of 60% aggregate.
Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology Counselling	1-Year	The candidate should have done their graduation in a Psychology or a similar field from a recognised University and should have secured a minimum of 50%,

Areas of Specialisations in Psychology

Students are taught a bit of everything in their undergraduate courses, where students can develop an interest in a specialized field. From there on, students can go on to pursue their postgraduation in a specialized field or subject, through which their skills are refined and become more proficient and knowledgeable in the area. The types and areas of psychology specialisations are as follows.

Clinical Psychology

This is one of the specialisations where professionals assess and treat people through medical practices. Professionals can be therapists that deal with psychology crises such as grief, anxiety, depression and also treat individuals who suffer from chronic psychiatric disorders. Psychologists work in clinics, hospitals, rehab centres, health centres or private practice. People who are interested in building a career in Clinical Psychology will have to do their MPhil or PhD in order to be a successful practitioner.

Cognitive Psychology

Cognitive Psychology which is a specialisation where people study human mental processes from a scientific perspective. It is the study of the mind as an information processor. Psychologists study topics such as memory, perception, language, problem-solving skills and more. Basically, Neuroscientific techniques are used such as brain scanning. People who aim to pursue a course in Cognitive Psychology generally have to do their Mathematics in their Science stream.

Development Psychology

Development Psychology deals with the study on how individuals, group and societies develop intellectually, socially and emotionally over a lifespan. The field can cover children or adolescence. Psychologists do their research work and generally apply their theories and help other psychologists in their practices. People act as consultants, advisors or be a part of social service agencies and can also go on to do their PhD and teach as professors and lecturers.

Counselling Psychology

This specialisation is one of the common practices where Psychologists focus on people with adjustment problems. Psychologists acts as counsellors at various organisations, companies, be in the Human Resources department, in Schools, Universities, health centres and can have private practices as well. Psychologists counsel people and guide them with their problems and troubles. They study the pattern of behaviour and how one can overcome problems in a simple and positive way.

Educational Psychology

Psychologists in this field attempt to develop techniques to enhance learning processes and start with schools, colleges, universities, institutes, academies, etc. Educational Psychologists help students develop new techniques to present their skills, open up, become from attentive and help them with issues which affect them in school and personal life. Psychologists use theories which study the pattern and behaviour of children from all ages, be it age 7 to age 16. By using various techniques and methods, Educational Psychologists help children with various learning processes.

Forensic Psychology

Here Psychologists use their skills to deduce and analyse crime investigations and help the law in criminal investigations. Psychologists are practised in the field and are required to participate in prison counselling or rehabilitation programmes. Forensic Psychologists help lawyers and teams involved with criminal prosecutions. One of the most exciting and thrilling careers out there which is as realistic as it can get.

Social Psychology

Social Psychologists study how behaviours, beliefs, feelings are affected by others. Psychologists deal with behaviour patterns such as attitude formation and change, aggression, prejudice and interpersonal attraction. Psychologists work in social service centres, their methods are used in organisations, companies, where generally such emotions are brought out.

Colleges Offering Psychology Courses in India

Candidates interested in pursuing the course can refer the table below to know about colleges offering Psychology courses in India.

Lady Shri Ram (LSR) College	IGNOU
St. Paul’s College	Amity University
NIMS University	SGT University
Jain University	Delhi University
University of Mumbai	>> Check More Colleges