Updated November 24, 2022
MSc Psychology or Master of Science in Psychology is a two-year postgraduate program that incorporates studying various facets of clinical Psychology and different treatment procedure. The program’s primary objective is to teach the functioning of normal & abnormal human brains and treat individuals suffering from emotional and mental problems using an objective method.
The minimum eligibility for pursuing an MSc Psychology program includes that candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in any Psychology course from a recognized university with a minimum aggregate of 50% marks. Admission to the course in top colleges is made through the entrances, followed by a round of personal interviews. However, some colleges also grant Merit-based access to the program.
Numerous reputed colleges/universities across India offer MSc Psychology courses. Some top colleges for the course include Mount Carmel College (Bangalore), Kristu Jayanti College (Bangalore), St. Wilfred’s PG College (Jaipur), Jain University (Bangalore), etc. The average tuition fees for the course in India range from INR 20K to 3 Lakh per annum, depending on the institute candidates attend.
Major MSc Psychology Course Details
The table below presents the key highlights of the MSc psychology course, such as course duration, eligibility, admission process, course fee, scopes, jobs, salary, etc.
| Course Name | MSc Psychology |
| Course Level | Postgraduate |
| Full-Form | Master of Science in Psychology |
| Course Duration | Two Year |
| Examination Type | Semester-wise |
| Minimum Eligibility | Bachelor’s degree in any Psychology course from a recognized university with a minimum aggregate of 50% marks. |
| Admission Process | Entranced or Merit Based |
| Average Course fees | INR 20K to 2 LPA |
| Average initial Salary | INR 3 to 9 LPA |
| Areas of Employment | Colleges, Universities, Healthcare Centers, Private Clinics, Hospitals, Counselling Offices, Development Laboratories, etc. |
| Top Job Profiles | Psychologist, Psychiatrist, Research associate, Scientist, Educational Psychologist, Urban Planning Officer, etc. |
MSc in Psychology Admission Process
The admission process for the MSc psychology program shall be either merit-based or entrance based, depending on the institution candidates select to attend. Discussed below are the complete admission process for the MSc psychology degree program.
- Candidates must check the eligibility criteria for the course and ensure that they meet all the required conditions.
- Candidates must fill out the application form of the university/institutes to which they want admission.
- Once candidates are done with registration, they are required to appear for the entrance exam in case the university demands it.
- The university then assesses all the candidates and shortlists them based on their performance in the entrance test or on a Merit obtained in the previous degree.
- And finally, the selected candidates must submit all the required documents with admission fees for registering for the respective academic session.
M.Sc. in Psychology Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for the MSc Psychology degree are more or less similar in every college/university offering this PG course. Factors that are considered while making the eligibility criteria include the candidate’s age, scores in the previous degree of study, scores in the entrance exam, etc. Candidates meeting all the required conditions for the course are allowed to participate in the admission process, while the rest are exempted. Candidates can check out the complete MSc psychology eligibility criteria below.
- Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in psychology (like BSc Psychology) or other related degrees such as B.Sc. psychology, B.Sc. chemistry, and BSc Biology.
- They must have scored at least 50% of aggregate marks in their graduation degree from a recognized university.
- The minimum age of the candidates should be 21 years at the time of admission.
- Candidates who hold other bachelor’s degrees, such as a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), B.A. Sociology, B.Sc. Home Science, B.A. Philosophy, etc., are also eligible for the MSc Psychology program.
Popular MSc Psychology Entrance Exams
Various institutes/universities across India grant entranced-based access to the program. Some most common entrance tests conducted for admission to an MSc Psychology program are listed below.
- DUET (Delhi University Entrance Test)
- OUCET (Osmania University Common Entrance Test)
- IPU CET (Indraprastha University Common Entrance Test)
- JNUEE (Jawaharlal Nehru University Entrance Examination)
- BHU PET (Banaras Hindu University Post Graduate Entrance Test)
- BITSAT (Birla Institute of Technology and Science Admission Test)
M.Sc. Psychology Colleges/Universities in India
Universities/institutes offering MSc Psychology Courses in India are innumerable. Some most reputed colleges in India offering the program are listed below.
- NIMS University, Jaipur
- Jain University, Bangalore
- Christ University, Bangalore
- St. Wilfred’s PG College, Jaipur
- Presidency University, Chennai
- Kristu Jayanti College, Bangalore
- Mount Carmel College, Bangalore
- Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
- SDM College Ujire, Dakshin Kannada
- Justice Basheer Ahmed Sayeed College for Women, Chennai
Master of Science in Psychology Syllabus
The M.Sc. Psychology syllabus incorporates a wide range of theoretical and practical learnings, which provide students with complete knowledge of human behavior. The semester-wise break-up of the MSc Psychology syllabus is in the table below. Candidates can check the complete M.Sc. psychology syllabus as per the semester in the table below.
Particulars of MSc Psychology Syllabus
| Semesters | Subjects/Topics/Practical works |
| Semester I | Seminar |
| Practical | |
| Neuro-Psychology | |
| Cognitive Psychology | |
| Statistics in Behavioral Science | |
| Research methods in Psychology | |
| Semester II | Seminar |
| Practical | |
| Psychometrics Theory | |
| Cognitive Psychology II | |
| Neuro Psychology Theory | |
| Experimental Designs Theory | |
| Semester III | Synopsis |
| Systems and Skills | |
| Personality Theory | |
| Applications of Psychology | |
| Psychology of Social Behavior Theory | |
| Semester IV | Dissertation |
| Self and Positive Psychology | |
| Applications of Psychology II | |
| Systems and Skills Intervention | |
| Dynamics and Interpersonal Behavior Theory |
After Completing M.Sc. in Psychology Scope
Graduates of M.Sc. Psychology have a wide range of career options per their skills and interests. After completing the program, graduates can explore job opportunities in various areas of employment such as Colleges, Universities, Healthcare Centers, Private Clinics, Hospitals, Counselling Offices, Development Laboratories, etc. They can work in capacities such as Psychologist, Educational Psychologist, Psychiatrist, Research associate, Scientist, Urban Planning Officer, etc., and can expect a handsome salary.
Besides professional career options, graduates can also opt for higher studies after completing the MSc Psychology program. Some top career options in terms of higher degree education include MPhil in Psychology and Ph.D. in Psychology
MSc Psychology Jobs and Career Options
Candidates with MSc degrees in Psychology can work as consultants with top corporate executives and as medical counselors in hospitals. Psychology graduates’ most popular career options include Social Service and Mental Health careers. The demand for professionals in these fields is immense, so they can expect to earn a handsome income. Some top job profiles candidates can aspire to after completing MSc in Psychology. The demand for professionals in these fields is immense, so they can expect to earn a handsome income.
- Scientist
- Psychiatrist
- Psychologist
- Staff Recruiter
- Social Psychologist
- Research Associate
- Urban Planning Officer
- Educational Psychologist
Graduates of MSc Psychology Salary in India
Graduates’ salary after completing M.Sc. in Psychology depends on various factors such as the job profile, skill sets, experience, job locations, recruiter, etc. However, the average initial salary offered to graduates in India ranges from 3-9 lakh per annum, depending on the expertise of the graduates. Listed below are some top profiles after MSc Psychology with average salary trends.
- Psychologist:- INR 9 Lakh Per Annum
- Staff Recruiter:- INR 3 Lakh Per Annum
- Social Psychologist:- INR 6 Lakh Per Annum
- Urban Planning Officer:- INR 6 Lakh Per Annum
- Educational Psychologist:- INR 3 Lakh Per Annum
FAQs on Master of Science in Psychology Course
Ans:- No, Clinical Psychologist does not come under the Doctor category. The professionals in this field are regarded as Psychiatrists. However, after earning a Master’s degree in Psychology from regular/distance and getting a license, you can practice in Hospitals as an assistant with the doctors.
Ans:- MSc Psychology or Master of Science in Psychology is a two-year postgraduate program that incorporates studying various facets of clinical Psychology and different treatment procedure. The primary objective of the program is to teach the functioning of normal & abnormal human brains and treat individuals suffering from emotional and mental problems using an objective method.
Ans:- Yes, the M.Sc. Psychology is an excellent course to be pursued. The program is hugely beneficial to students in the arts and humanities streams. Graduates with a master’s in psychology have significant job prospects because the MSc Psychology degree covers various social issues and concerns.
Ans:- The answer to this question is subjective because it depends on the interest and abilities of the candidates. However, in general views, Psychology is one of the most challenging degrees, and many of your assignments will require you to cite your sources and back up many of your arguments.