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M-A in Psychology at Regional College of Professional Studies & Research
Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Psychology at Regional College of Professional Studies & Research Bareilly?
This M.A. Psychology program at Regional College of Professional Studies & Research, Bareilly, focuses on developing a comprehensive understanding of human behavior, mental processes, and psychological principles. It equips students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills highly relevant to India''''s burgeoning mental health and organizational sectors, preparing them for diverse roles in a rapidly evolving professional landscape.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for psychology graduates aspiring to build a career in clinical, counseling, organizational, or academic psychology within India. It also suits working professionals, such as teachers or HR personnel, seeking to deepen their psychological insights for career advancement, or individuals passionate about understanding human mind and contributing to societal well-being.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as counselors, psychologists, HR specialists, researchers, or educators. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 to 5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. The program fosters critical thinking and analytical skills essential for growth in Indian organizations and contributes to professional development.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Psychological Theories- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to thoroughly understand fundamental theories in Cognitive, Social, and Developmental Psychology. Utilize textbooks, reference books from the college library, and reputable online academic resources to build a strong theoretical base. Form study groups to discuss complex concepts and engage in critical analysis.
Tools & Resources
College Library resources, NCERT Psychology books (for basic concepts), OpenStax Psychology online textbook, Psychology Today articles
Career Connection
A solid theoretical foundation is crucial for effective diagnosis, counseling, and research, directly impacting professional credibility and problem-solving abilities in future psychological practice.
Develop Strong Research and Statistical Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with Research Methodology and Statistics papers. Practice data analysis using statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R). Participate in departmental workshops on research design and statistical inference. Understand the ethical guidelines for psychological research in the Indian context.
Tools & Resources
SPSS software (if available in college lab), Online tutorials for basic statistics, ResearchGate for exploring research papers
Career Connection
These skills are indispensable for any psychology career, enabling data-driven decision-making, contributing to evidence-based practice, and opening avenues in academic research or market analysis.
Cultivate Self-Awareness and Observation Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Engage in self-reflection and practice observing human behavior in various contexts (with ethical boundaries). Maintain a reflective journal. Participate in group discussions and role-playing exercises to understand interpersonal dynamics. This aids in developing empathy and therapeutic presence.
Tools & Resources
Reflective journaling apps/notebooks, Mindfulness exercises, Peer feedback sessions
Career Connection
Enhances emotional intelligence and communication skills, vital for client-facing roles in counseling, clinical psychology, and HR, leading to more effective professional interactions.
Intermediate Stage
Gain Practical Exposure through Internships/Fieldwork- (Semester 3)
Actively seek and complete the mandatory internship/fieldwork in reputable hospitals, NGOs, schools, or counseling centers. Focus on observing experienced professionals, assisting in assessments, and participating in case discussions. Document experiences meticulously for the project report.
Tools & Resources
College Placement Cell, Internshala for internship listings, LinkedIn for professional networking
Career Connection
Directly links theoretical knowledge to real-world application, builds a professional network, and significantly boosts employability by providing practical experience and a tangible project for the resume.
Specialize through Elective Choices and Workshops- (Semester 3-4)
Carefully choose elective subjects (e.g., Health, Educational, Environmental, Sports Psychology) that align with long-term career goals. Supplement classroom learning by attending external workshops, webinars, or certificate courses related to the chosen specialization to gain deeper insights and specific skills.
Tools & Resources
Coursera/edX for specialized courses, Professional psychology associations in India (e.g., ICP, IACP) for workshops
Career Connection
Develops niche expertise, making students more competitive for specialized roles in specific psychological fields and potentially higher earning potential.
Participate in Academic & Co-curricular Activities- (Semester 3-4)
Present papers at college seminars, participate in inter-college psychology fests, and join relevant clubs or societies. Engage in debates or quizzes related to psychological topics. This enhances communication skills, critical thinking, and academic confidence.
Tools & Resources
College debate clubs, Psychology departments of other universities for events, Public speaking practice groups
Career Connection
Improves public speaking, critical thinking, and networking skills, which are crucial for academic success, future leadership roles, and effective client communication.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Comprehensive Dissertation/Project- (Semester 4)
Choose a research topic of personal interest or professional relevance early on. Work closely with a faculty supervisor to design, execute, analyze, and write a high-quality dissertation or project. Focus on original contribution and thorough data interpretation.
Tools & Resources
Mendeley/Zotero for referencing, Google Scholar for literature review, Statistical software (SPSS, R)
Career Connection
Showcases advanced research capabilities, critical thinking, and problem-solving, making candidates highly attractive for research roles, academia, or positions requiring analytical rigor.
Prepare for Professional Certifications & Placements- (Semester 4)
Research relevant professional certifications (e.g., RCI registration for clinical psychologists if applicable for future doctoral studies). Polish your resume and cover letter, practice interview skills, and attend campus placement drives or job fairs. Network with alumni and industry professionals.
Tools & Resources
RCI (Rehabilitation Council of India) website, Naukri.com, LinkedIn Jobs, College career services
Career Connection
Directly prepares students for immediate entry into the workforce, ensuring they are placement-ready and aware of the necessary professional accreditations for various psychological roles in India.
Develop Advanced Intervention and Therapeutic Skills- (Semester 4)
Engage deeply with the ''''Psychological Interventions / Therapies'''' paper. Seek additional training or workshops in specific therapeutic modalities (e.g., CBT, DBT) if interested in clinical practice. Practice role-playing therapy sessions and ethical decision-making scenarios.
Tools & Resources
Online courses on specific therapy types (e.g., Udemy, APA), Supervised practice sessions (if available)
Career Connection
Equips graduates with specialized therapeutic techniques, making them competent and confident for roles in counseling centers, hospitals, and private practice, thereby enhancing their career prospects in mental health.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.A. with Psychology as a major/minor subject or B.Sc. in Psychology or equivalent degree from a recognized university.
Duration: 2 Years (4 Semesters)
Credits: 68 (approx. based on 4 credits per theory paper and 8-12 for dissertation/project) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSY-101 | Cognitive Psychology | Core | 4 | Introduction to Cognitive Psychology, Perception and Attention, Memory Systems and Processes, Language and Thought, Problem Solving and Decision Making |
| PSY-102 | Research Methodology & Statistics in Psychology – I | Core | 4 | Fundamentals of Psychological Research, Variables and Hypothesis Formulation, Research Designs, Measures of Central Tendency and Variability, Correlation and Regression |
| PSY-103 | Social Psychology | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Social Psychology, Social Perception and Cognition, Attitudes and Attitude Change, Group Dynamics and Intergroup Relations, Prosocial and Aggressive Behavior |
| PSY-104 | Psychopathology | Core | 4 | Concepts of Abnormality and Mental Disorders, Anxiety and Mood Disorders, Schizophrenia and Psychotic Disorders, Personality Disorders, Childhood and Adolescent Disorders |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSY-201 | Life-Span Developmental Psychology | Core | 4 | Theories of Development, Prenatal and Infancy Development, Childhood and Adolescence, Adulthood and Aging, Socio-emotional and Cognitive Development Across Life-Span |
| PSY-202 | Research Methodology & Statistics in Psychology – II | Core | 4 | Sampling Techniques, Hypothesis Testing, Parametric and Non-Parametric Tests, ANOVA and Chi-Square, Report Writing and Ethics in Research |
| PSY-203 | Theories of Personality | Core | 4 | Psychoanalytic Theories (Freud, Jung), Humanistic Theories (Rogers, Maslow), Trait and Type Theories, Social-Cognitive Theories, Personality Assessment Methods |
| PSY-204 | Psychodiagnostics and Psychological Testing (Practical) | Core | 4 | Principles of Psychological Testing, Intelligence Testing, Personality Assessment, Aptitude and Achievement Tests, Ethical Issues in Testing |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSY-301 | Counseling Psychology | Core | 4 | Foundations of Counseling, Counseling Process and Techniques, Theories of Counseling, Group Counseling, Ethical Issues in Counseling |
| PSY-302 | Organizational Behavior | Core | 4 | Introduction to Organizational Behavior, Individual Behavior in Organizations, Group Behavior and Teamwork, Leadership and Motivation, Organizational Culture and Change |
| PSY-303 (Elective I - Choice A) | Health Psychology | Elective | 4 | Introduction to Health Psychology, Stress and Coping, Health Behaviors and Lifestyle, Chronic Illness and Pain Management, Health Promotion and Intervention |
| PSY-303 (Elective I - Choice B) | Educational Psychology | Elective | 4 | Theories of Learning, Motivation in Education, Intelligence and Creativity, Classroom Management, Assessment in Education |
| PSY-304 | Internship / Field Work / Project Report - I | Project/Practical | 4 | Practical Application of Psychological Concepts, Data Collection and Observation, Case Study Formulation, Preliminary Report Writing, Ethical Considerations in Fieldwork |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSY-401 (Elective II - Choice A) | Positive Psychology | Elective | 4 | Foundations of Positive Psychology, Well-being and Happiness, Character Strengths and Virtues, Resilience and Post-Traumatic Growth, Positive Interventions |
| PSY-401 (Elective II - Choice B) | Indian Psychology | Elective | 4 | Historical Roots of Indian Psychology, Yoga and Meditation Psychology, Concepts of Self and Consciousness in Indian Thought, Karma, Dharma, and Rebirth, Applications in Modern Contexts |
| PSY-402 | Psychological Interventions / Therapies | Core | 4 | Behavioral Therapy Techniques, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic Approaches to Therapy, Humanistic and Existential Therapies, Family and Group Therapies |
| PSY-403 (Elective III - Choice A) | Environmental Psychology | Elective | 4 | Human-Environment Interaction, Perception of Environment, Crowding and Personal Space, Environmental Stressors, Conservation and Pro-Environmental Behavior |
| PSY-403 (Elective III - Choice B) | Sports Psychology | Elective | 4 | Introduction to Sports Psychology, Motivation and Arousal in Sports, Anxiety and Stress in Athletes, Team Cohesion and Leadership, Mental Training Techniques |
| PSY-404 | Dissertation / Project Work | Project | 8 | Problem Identification and Literature Review, Research Design and Methodology, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Dissertation Writing, Presentation and Viva-Voce |
