

M-SC in Psycho Social Rehabilitation at JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research


Mysuru, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Psycho Social Rehabilitation at JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research Mysuru?
This M.Sc. Psycho Social Rehabilitation program at JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research focuses on equipping professionals with advanced knowledge and practical skills in mental health and rehabilitation. It emphasizes a holistic approach to address psychological challenges and facilitate community integration for individuals with mental illness, aligning with India''''s growing need for specialized care and rehabilitation services. This comprehensive program is officially titled M.Sc. Psychological Counselling and Psychosocial Rehabilitation.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for psychology graduates, allied health professionals, and social workers seeking to specialize in mental health and rehabilitation. It caters to those passionate about community mental health, clinical practice, and policy advocacy. Fresh graduates and working professionals looking to transition into the psychosocial rehabilitation sector in India would find this program highly beneficial and career-enhancing.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in mental health institutions, non-governmental organizations, community rehabilitation centers, and psychiatric hospitals across India. Roles include psychosocial rehabilitation specialists, mental health counselors, and program coordinators. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 lakhs per annum, with significant growth potential as experience accrues in the Indian healthcare and social service sectors.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Theoretical Foundations- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on thoroughly understanding core psychological theories, human development, and clinical principles. Actively participate in lectures, engage in critical discussions, and consistently review foundational concepts to build a robust knowledge base crucial for advanced studies and practice.
Tools & Resources
Textbooks, Academic journals, JSS AHER library resources, Peer study groups, Online psychology encyclopedias
Career Connection
A solid theoretical understanding is crucial for accurate assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based interventions in clinical and rehabilitation settings, directly impacting professional credibility and effectiveness in India.
Develop Core Clinical Assessment Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate significant time to mastering practical skills like case history taking, mental status examination, and administering psychological tests. Seek additional practice opportunities beyond classroom hours, utilizing mock scenarios and supervised clinical exposures to enhance diagnostic abilities.
Tools & Resources
Clinical manuals, Standardized psychological tests, Observation forms, Practical lab sessions, Senior student mentorship
Career Connection
Proficiency in assessment is fundamental for any mental health professional in India, enabling accurate diagnosis and tailored intervention planning, which are critical for securing clinical roles and effective patient care.
Engage in Early Research Exposure- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in departmental research activities or assist faculty members with ongoing projects. Learn basic research methodologies, statistical software (e.g., SPSS), and data interpretation to cultivate analytical thinking and an evidence-based approach from the outset.
Tools & Resources
SPSS, R, Research publications, Methodology workshops, Faculty research groups, University research ethics guidelines
Career Connection
Strong research skills are valued in both clinical practice for evaluating outcomes and in academic/NGO settings for contributing to evidence-based interventions and program development in India, opening diverse career avenues.
Intermediate Stage
Specialize in Psychotherapeutic Techniques- (Semester 3)
Deepen understanding and practical application of various psychotherapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Psychodynamic therapy. Practice therapy skills through role-plays, simulated client sessions, and seek regular feedback from supervisors to refine clinical efficacy and intervention strategies.
Tools & Resources
Therapy manuals, Case studies, Supervision sessions, Video recordings of therapy, Online therapy skill-building platforms
Career Connection
Mastering diverse therapeutic techniques enhances versatility and employability in various mental health settings, allowing graduates to cater to a broader range of client needs and secure specialized roles in India.
Immerse in Psychosocial Rehabilitation Principles- (Semester 3)
Actively engage with the core concepts and practical implementation of psychosocial rehabilitation. Participate in community outreach programs, learn about vocational training, social skills development, and family psychoeducation to understand real-world application and impact.
Tools & Resources
Rehabilitation program guidelines, Community mental health manuals, NGO contacts for volunteering, Field visits to rehabilitation centers, Expert talks
Career Connection
Direct experience in psychosocial rehabilitation is highly sought after by NGOs, government programs, and community mental health initiatives in India, preparing students for impactful community-based roles and policy advocacy.
Network with Industry Professionals- (Semester 3)
Attend workshops, seminars, and conferences related to mental health and rehabilitation. Connect with practitioners, researchers, and policymakers to gain insights into industry trends, potential career paths, and valuable internship opportunities within the Indian context.
Tools & Resources
Professional association memberships (e.g., Indian Association of Clinical Psychologists), LinkedIn, Institutional alumni network, Career fairs, Professional webinars
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to mentorship, internships, and job opportunities, providing a competitive edge in the Indian mental health job market and fostering long-term professional growth and collaboration.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Dissertation and Internship- (Semester 4)
Treat the dissertation as a capstone project, applying all learned research and clinical skills to address a relevant issue. Maximize learning from the internship by actively engaging in supervised practice, seeking feedback, and taking initiative in clinical or rehabilitation settings.
Tools & Resources
Research methodologies software, Academic writing guides, Internship supervisors, Clinical case documentation systems, Professional ethics guidelines, JSS AHER research support
Career Connection
A strong dissertation showcases research capability, while a stellar internship provides invaluable practical experience, both critical for securing advanced roles and demonstrating readiness for professional practice in India.
Prepare for Placement and Licensure- (Semester 4)
Actively seek placement opportunities through the career cell, alumni network, and professional connections. Prepare for interviews, refine your resume/CV, and understand the requirements for professional registration or licensure in India, such as those by the Rehabilitation Council of India.
Tools & Resources
Career counseling services, Mock interviews, Resume workshops, Professional body websites (e.g., RCI), Job portals (e.g., Naukri, LinkedIn), Alumni mentorship program
Career Connection
Proactive preparation ensures a smooth transition from academia to professional practice, leading to successful placements in desired organizations and adherence to regulatory standards for practicing in India.
Cultivate Ethical and Professional Conduct- (Semester 4)
Continuously reflect on ethical dilemmas encountered in clinical practice and rehabilitation settings. Adhere strictly to professional codes of conduct, maintain confidentiality, and prioritize client well-being to build a strong professional identity and ensure responsible practice.
Tools & Resources
Professional ethics codes (e.g., RCI, APA guidelines), Supervision sessions, Peer support groups, Continuous professional development programs, Ethical case studies
Career Connection
Upholding high ethical standards is non-negotiable in mental health. It builds trust, enhances professional reputation, and is essential for long-term career success and making a positive impact in the Indian healthcare landscape.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.Sc. in Psychology/Home Science/Nursing/Speech and Hearing/Medical/Dental/Physiotherapy/Occupational Therapy or any other equivalent degree as approved by the University, with minimum 50% aggregate marks (45% for SC/ST/CAT-1 candidates).
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 104 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSCP-1.1 | Theories of Psychology | Core | 5 | Psychology as a science, Schools of Psychology, Cognitive theories, Humanistic theories, Behavioral theories, Trait and Type theories |
| MSCP-1.2 | Human Growth and Development | Core | 5 | Life span development, Infancy and Early Childhood, Adolescence, Adulthood and Middle Age, Aging and End of Life, Developmental disorders |
| MSCP-1.3 | Clinical Psychology | Core | 5 | Definition and history of Clinical Psychology, Classification of disorders (DSM-5, ICD-10), Assessment methods in clinical psychology, Treatment modalities, Ethical guidelines in clinical practice, Role of clinical psychologist |
| MSCP-1.4 | Research Methodology and Statistics | Core | 5 | Research designs and types, Sampling techniques, Data collection methods and tools, Descriptive and Inferential Statistics, Hypothesis testing and ANOVA, Report writing and ethics in research |
| MSCP-1.5 | Clinical Psychology Practical | Lab/Practical | 3 | Case history taking, Mental Status Examination (MSE), Administration of psychological tests, Interpretation of test results, Clinical observation skills, Report writing for clinical cases |
| MSCP-1.6 | Research Practical | Lab/Practical | 3 | Data entry and management, Statistical software usage (SPSS), Data analysis techniques, Interpretation of statistical output, Graphing and data visualization, Mini research project preparation |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSCP-2.1 | Psychopathology | Core | 5 | Etiology of mental disorders, Anxiety and related disorders, Mood disorders (Depression, Bipolar), Schizophrenia and psychotic disorders, Personality disorders, Substance use disorders and eating disorders |
| MSCP-2.2 | Psychological Assessment | Core | 5 | Principles of psychological assessment, Intelligence testing (e.g., WAIS, Binet), Personality assessment (objective, projective), Neuropsychological assessment batteries, Diagnostic interviews and symptom scales, Ethical considerations in assessment |
| MSCP-2.3 | Counselling Psychology | Core | 5 | Theories of counseling (Rogers, Ellis), Stages of the counseling process, Counselling skills and techniques, Ethical issues in counseling, Crisis intervention and trauma counseling, Career and family counseling |
| MSCP-2.4 | Introduction to Disability | Core | 5 | Models of disability (medical, social), Types of physical and mental disability, Rights of persons with disabilities (RPWD Act), Inclusive practices and accessibility, Rehabilitation services overview, Role of psychology in disability |
| MSCP-2.5 | Psychological Assessment Practical | Lab/Practical | 3 | Administration of intelligence tests, Personality inventories and scales, Neuropsychological screening tools, Diagnostic and symptom rating scales, Scoring and interpretation of results, Comprehensive assessment report writing |
| MSCP-2.6 | Counselling Practical | Lab/Practical | 3 | Role-play and simulated counseling sessions, Active listening and empathy techniques, Interviewing and rapport building skills, Client assessment in counseling, Goal setting and intervention planning, Documentation of counseling sessions |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSCP-3.1 | Psychotherapeutic Techniques | Core | 5 | Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic and Humanistic therapies, Family and Group therapy approaches, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Trauma-focused therapies, Mindfulness-based interventions |
| MSCP-3.2 | Neuropsychology | Core | 5 | Brain structure and function, Cognitive processes (memory, attention), Neuropsychological disorders (dementia, aphasia), Assessment of brain injury and neurological conditions, Neurorehabilitation strategies, Role of neuropsychologist |
| MSCP-3.3 | Psychosocial Rehabilitation | Core | 5 | Principles and models of psychosocial rehabilitation, Recovery-oriented practice, Community mental health programs, Vocational rehabilitation and supported employment, Social skills training and psychoeducation, Family involvement in rehabilitation |
| MSCP-3.4 | Health Psychology | Core | 5 | Stress and coping mechanisms, Chronic illness management, Health promotion and disease prevention, Behavioral interventions for health, Pain management and palliative care, Lifestyle modification and addiction |
| MSCP-3.5 | Psychotherapeutic Techniques Practical | Lab/Practical | 3 | Therapy skill building exercises, Case formulation and treatment planning, Conducting simulated therapy sessions, Session recording and self-reflection, Peer supervision and feedback, Ethical application of techniques |
| MSCP-3.6 | Psychosocial Rehabilitation Practical | Lab/Practical | 3 | Community needs assessment, Designing group activities for rehabilitation, Advocacy and resource mobilization, Vocational skill training techniques, Rehabilitation program implementation, Field visits to rehabilitation centers |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSCP-4.1 | Forensic Psychology | Core | 5 | Psychology and the legal system, Criminal profiling and offender behavior, Eyewitness testimony and memory, Competency to stand trial, Juvenile delinquency and rehabilitation, Victimology and support services |
| MSCP-4.2 | Organizational Behaviour and Human Resource Management | Core | 5 | Organizational culture and structure, Leadership styles and motivation theories, Conflict resolution and team building, Performance appraisal and feedback, Employee well-being and stress management, Recruitment and selection |
| MSCP-4.3 | Social Psychology | Core | 5 | Social cognition and perception, Attitudes and persuasion, Group dynamics and conformity, Prejudice, discrimination, and stereotypes, Aggression and prosocial behavior, Interpersonal attraction and relationships |
| MSCP-4.4 | Dissertation | Project | 5 | Research proposal development, Literature review and conceptual framework, Data collection and analysis (quantitative/qualitative), Thesis writing and formatting, Ethical review and considerations, Oral presentation of findings |
| MSCP-4.5 | Internship | Project/Internship | 3 | Supervised clinical exposure, Case management and client interaction, Documentation and record keeping, Team collaboration and communication, Application of learned skills, Professional development and ethics in practice |
| MSCP-4.6 | Dissertation and Internship Viva Voce | Viva Voce | 3 | Oral defense of dissertation research, Discussion of internship experiences, Q&A on theoretical and practical knowledge, Demonstration of clinical reasoning, Professional communication skills, Overall assessment of applied knowledge |




