India, like many other developing nations, faces an escalating mental health crisis exacerbated by rapid urbanization, globalization, and significant socio-economic changes. The pressures of modern life—stemming from factors such as poverty, migration, inflation, social violence, and increasing aspirations—have intensified psychological challenges. At the same time, the demands of urban living, including stress and work-life imbalance, continue to strain individual well-being. In this context, individuals often struggle to adapt to the increasing demands of their environments, which has led to a growing gap between the resources available to them and the expectations placed upon them.
According to the National Mental Health Survey of India 2015-16, around 13.7% of the adult population suffers from some form of mental disorder, yet a staggering 70-92% of those in need do not receive adequate treatment due to a shortage of mental health professionals. The current infrastructure for mental health care produces very few clinical psychologists and counselors relative to the population's needs. This highlights the urgent demand for well-trained, competent professionals who can offer effective psychological support and interventions.
To address these pressing issues, the MSc in Clinical and Counselling Psychology has been designed with the goal of equipping future professionals with the tools they need to meet the mental health needs of individuals across various social contexts. This course aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of clinical and counseling practices, focusing on primary prevention, therapeutic interventions, and resilience-building techniques. Combining a strong theoretical foundation with practical training, the program prepares students to work with diverse populations while promoting overall well-being, mental health, and quality of life.
By integrating research with practice, students will develop a nuanced understanding of psychological theories and therapeutic techniques while engaging in fieldwork and internships. This practical exposure, guided by experienced mentors, ensures that graduates are not only theoretically proficient but also adept in applying their knowledge in real-world settings.
The program's curriculum is designed to embrace diversity, encouraging an understanding of the socio-cultural factors that influence mental health. It offers a dynamic blend of academic rigor and hands-on training, preparing students to address mental health challenges with sensitivity, competence, and scientific acumen.
On successful completion of the M.Sc. Psychology specialization in Clinical and Counseling Psychology the student will be able to :
Semester 1 |
Theories of Personality |
Psychological Tests and Assessments |
Motivation & Emotion |
Practical: Tests |
Health Psychology OR Navigating Interpersonal Relationships |
Research Methods |
Semester 2 |
Neuropsychology |
Statistics in Psychology |
Lifespan Developmental Psychology |
Practical: Experiments |
Forensic Psychology OR Psychological First Aid |
On Job Training |
Semester 3 |
Psychopathology - I Cognitive Psychology |
Practical: Neurological Assessments |
Counselling & Psychotherapy I |
Human Computer Interaction OR Positive Psychology |
Research Project |
Semester 4 |
Psychopathology II |
Counselling & Psychotherapy II |
Practical: Clinical & Counselling Tests |
Rehabilitation Psychology OR Behavioural Medicine |
Research Project |