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M-SC in Counselling Psychology at CHRIST (Deemed to be University)
Bengaluru, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Counselling Psychology at CHRIST (Deemed to be University) Bengaluru?
This M.Sc Counselling Psychology program at CHRIST, Bengaluru, focuses on developing skilled professionals for diverse mental health roles in India. It integrates theoretical knowledge with practical skills, preparing students to address psychological well-being challenges across various populations and settings in a rapidly evolving societal context. The curriculum emphasizes ethical practice and evidence-based interventions.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for psychology graduates seeking to specialize in counselling, fresh graduates aspiring for a career in mental health, and professionals looking to transition into the counselling field. It suits individuals passionate about helping others, those with strong interpersonal skills, and those committed to continuous personal and professional development in psychology.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates can pursue careers as school counsellors, corporate counsellors, family therapists, mental health practitioners, or independent practitioners. Entry-level salaries in India typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing to INR 8-15 LPA with experience. The program equips students with skills aligned with national mental health initiatives and professional certification bodies.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Psychological Theories and Statistics- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate significant time to understanding foundational psychological theories (e.g., psychodynamic, CBT) and statistical concepts. Form study groups to discuss complex topics, practice problem-solving, and clarify doubts, focusing on application rather than rote memorization.
Tools & Resources
University library resources, Online psychology journals, NPTEL courses on research methods, Statistical software tutorials (e.g., SPSS, R for beginners)
Career Connection
Strong theoretical grounding and analytical skills are essential for effective case conceptualization, research, and evidence-based practice, which are critical for any counselling role.
Develop Foundational Counselling Skills through Experiential Learning- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in all practical sessions for Counselling Skills-I and II. Practice active listening, empathy, rapport building, and basic intervention techniques with peers. Seek regular feedback from faculty and supervisors to refine your approach and build confidence in client interactions.
Tools & Resources
Role-playing scenarios, Peer feedback sessions, Video recording/review of practice sessions, Self-reflection journals, Professional supervision
Career Connection
These fundamental skills are the bedrock of effective counselling. Early mastery directly impacts your ability to establish therapeutic relationships and provide initial support to clients during internships and future practice.
Engage with Professional Literature and Ethical Guidelines- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond prescribed texts, read contemporary research articles and review the ethical guidelines set by Indian professional bodies (e.g., Indian Association of Clinical Psychologists). Discuss ethical dilemmas in class and understand their practical implications in counselling scenarios.
Tools & Resources
Google Scholar, PubMed, University subscription databases (JSTOR, PsycINFO), Indian Association of Clinical Psychologists (IACP) guidelines, American Psychological Association (APA) ethics code
Career Connection
A deep understanding of ethical practice is non-negotiable in counselling, ensuring client welfare, legal compliance, and professional integrity, crucial for building a reputable career.
Intermediate Stage
Deepen Clinical Understanding and Diagnostic Acumen- (Semester 3)
Focus on integrating psychopathology with diagnostic frameworks like DSM-5. Critically analyze case studies presented in class, participate actively in discussions on differential diagnosis, and start conceptualizing intervention plans based on clinical assessment.
Tools & Resources
DSM-5 manual, Clinical case studies, Guest lectures from practicing clinical psychologists, Supervision sessions
Career Connection
Proficiency in psychodiagnostics and therapeutic interventions is vital for effective treatment planning and specialized roles in clinical or hospital settings.
Pursue Meaningful Internships and Field Experience- (Semester 3)
Actively seek and maximize your internship experiences. Go beyond basic tasks; observe senior counsellors, engage in case discussions, maintain detailed case notes, and actively participate in group supervisions. This is where theoretical knowledge meets real-world application.
Tools & Resources
Internship placement office, Professional networks, Christ University''''s affiliated institutions, Field supervision, Case documentation templates
Career Connection
Internships are crucial for gaining practical exposure, building a professional network, and often lead to pre-placement offers or strong recommendations, setting the stage for entry into the field.
Develop Specialized Skills in Family/Industrial Counselling- (Semester 3)
Given the options in Semester 3, delve deeper into either Family Counselling or Industrial and Organizational Psychology. Attend workshops, webinars, or read specialized literature related to your chosen area to build a niche skill set that can set you apart in the job market.
Tools & Resources
Specialized journals (e.g., Journal of Family Therapy, Journal of Applied Psychology), Online certification courses in specific modalities (e.g., CBT for Families), Professional association memberships
Career Connection
Specialization helps in targeting specific job roles (e.g., family therapist, HR consultant, organizational development specialist) and can lead to higher earning potential and job satisfaction.
Advanced Stage
Master Advanced Interventions and Professional Practice Management- (Semester 4)
Focus on integrating advanced counselling techniques (e.g., trauma-informed, addiction specific) with sound ethical practice. Understand the legal and administrative aspects of setting up a practice or working in an organization, including informed consent, record keeping, and referral networks.
Tools & Resources
Advanced therapy training workshops, Legal consultation for private practice, Professional indemnity insurance information, Networking with senior practitioners
Career Connection
This prepares you for independent practice or leadership roles, ensuring you are competent and compliant with professional standards, enhancing your marketability and credibility.
Undertake a High-Quality Dissertation/Research Project- (Semester 4)
Invest significant effort in your Dissertation Phase II. Choose a topic relevant to current Indian mental health challenges, conduct rigorous research, analyze data meticulously, and present your findings professionally. Aim for a publishable quality output.
Tools & Resources
Statistical software (SPSS, R), Academic writing guides, Plagiarism checkers, University research mentors, Research ethics board, Academic conferences
Career Connection
A strong research project demonstrates critical thinking, analytical skills, and expertise in a specific area, invaluable for future academic pursuits, research positions, or evidence-based practice.
Network and Prepare for Career Entry- (Semester 4)
Attend career fairs, professional conferences, and alumni events. Tailor your resume and cover letter to specific counselling roles. Practice interview skills and mock counselling sessions. Build relationships with faculty and mentors for guidance and referrals.
Tools & Resources
University career services, LinkedIn, Professional association events (e.g., counselling psychology conferences), Mock interview platforms, Mentorship programs
Career Connection
Proactive career preparation significantly increases placement chances, helps in securing desired roles, and builds a supportive professional community for long-term career growth in the Indian mental health sector.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.A. / B.Sc. in Psychology / Applied Psychology, Counselling Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Child Psychology, or B.A. / B.Sc. / B.S.W. with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks from any recognized University in India or abroad.
Duration: 2 Years / 4 Semesters
Credits: 88 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50% (Continuous Assessment - CA for theory), External: 50% (End Semester Examination - ESE for theory)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPSY131 | Advanced General Psychology | Core | 4 | Schools of Psychology, Cognitive Processes, Motivation and Emotion, Personality Theories, Stress and Coping Mechanisms |
| CPSY132 | Theories of Counselling | Core | 4 | Psychodynamic Counselling, Humanistic Approaches, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Family Systems Theory, Multicultural Counselling |
| CPSY133 | Statistics for Psychological Research | Core | 4 | Descriptive Statistics, Inferential Statistics, Hypothesis Testing, Parametric Tests, Non-Parametric Tests |
| CPSY134 | Assessment in Psychology | Core | 4 | Principles of Psychological Testing, Intelligence Assessment, Personality Assessment, Projective Techniques, Neuropsychological Assessment |
| CPSY141 | Counselling Skills-I (Experiential Learning) | Skill Based | 4 | Basic Listening Skills, Empathy and Rapport Building, Confrontation and Immediacy, Ethical Practice Foundations, Case Conceptualization Basics |
| CPSY151 | Yoga and Holistic Health | Elective | 3 | History and Philosophy of Yoga, Asanas and Pranayama, Meditation Techniques, Stress Management through Yoga, Holistic Well-being Principles |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPSY231 | Psychopathology | Core | 4 | Diagnostic Classification Systems (DSM-5), Anxiety and Mood Disorders, Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders, Personality Disorders, Trauma-Related Disorders |
| CPSY232 | Life Span Developmental Psychology | Core | 4 | Theories of Human Development, Development in Infancy and Childhood, Adolescence and Identity Formation, Adulthood and Aging, Developmental Tasks and Challenges |
| CPSY233 | Research Methods | Core | 4 | Research Design Principles, Sampling Techniques, Data Collection Methods, Qualitative Research Approaches, Report Writing and Dissemination |
| CPSY241 | Counselling Skills-II (Experiential Learning) | Skill Based | 4 | Advanced Interviewing Techniques, Crisis Intervention Strategies, Group Counselling Dynamics, Family Counselling Skills, Specific Therapeutic Techniques |
| CPSY261 | Internship | Core | 2 | Field Placement Experience, Clinical Observation and Shadowing, Case Documentation and Reporting, Supervision and Feedback, Professional Ethics in Practice |
| CPSY271 | Positive Psychology | Elective | 4 | Foundations of Positive Psychology, Well-being and Happiness, Strengths and Virtues, Positive Emotions and Cognitions, Resilience and Post-Traumatic Growth |
Semester 3
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPSY431 | Health Psychology | Core | 4 | Stress and Illness, Health Beliefs and Behaviors, Coping with Chronic Diseases, Health Promotion Strategies, Psychological Aspects of Palliative Care |
| CPSY432 | Addiction Counselling | Core | 4 | Models of Addiction, Substance Use Disorders, Behavioral Addictions, Intervention Strategies and Techniques, Relapse Prevention Programs |
| CPSY441 | Advanced Counselling Skills | Skill Based | 4 | Trauma-Informed Care, Grief and Bereavement Counselling, CBT for Specific Disorders, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Art and Play Therapy Techniques |
| CPSY481 | Dissertation Phase II | Core | 8 | Data Collection and Organization, Advanced Data Analysis, Comprehensive Report Writing, Research Presentation and Defense, Publication Ethics and Guidelines |
