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M-PHIL-CLINICAL-PSYCHOLOGY in General at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research
Chennai, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is General at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research Chennai?
This M.Phil. Clinical Psychology program at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research focuses on equipping students with advanced diagnostic and therapeutic skills essential for mental health practice. In the Indian context, the demand for qualified clinical psychologists is burgeoning, driven by increasing mental health awareness and a significant treatment gap. This program distinguishes itself through its rigorous clinical training, evidence-based psychotherapeutic approaches, and strong emphasis on research, preparing professionals to address diverse mental health challenges across various settings. It addresses a critical need in India''''s healthcare landscape.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for postgraduate students holding an M.A. or M.Sc. in Psychology (or related fields) who aspire to become RCI-registered clinical psychologists in India. It caters to fresh graduates seeking entry into advanced clinical practice and research, as well as mental health professionals looking to formalize their training and gain specialized expertise. Candidates with a strong academic background in psychology, a keen interest in psychopathology, and a commitment to patient care are particularly well-suited for this intensive program.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue rewarding careers as clinical psychologists in hospitals, mental health centers, private practice, academic institutions, and NGOs across India. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3.5 to 6 lakhs per annum, with experienced professionals earning upwards of INR 8-15 lakhs, depending on location and expertise. The program aligns with RCI guidelines, facilitating professional registration crucial for practicing in India, and offers strong growth trajectories in both clinical leadership and academic research roles.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Diagnostic & Assessment Tools- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on developing proficiency in administering, scoring, and interpreting a wide range of psychological tests including intelligence, personality, and neuropsychological assessments. Actively participate in practicum sessions, seek regular feedback on case formulations, and practice writing comprehensive psychological reports.
Tools & Resources
DSM-5, ICD-10, Standard psychological test manuals (e.g., WAIS, Rorschach), Hospital''''s psychodiagnostic lab
Career Connection
Strong diagnostic skills are foundational for accurate patient assessment and treatment planning, making graduates highly valuable in clinical settings and RCI-mandated requirements.
Build Strong Research Foundations- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply with research methodology and statistics coursework. Participate in departmental research activities, attend seminars on clinical psychology research, and critically analyze published studies. Start identifying potential research interests for your dissertation early.
Tools & Resources
SPSS, R (for statistical analysis), PubMed, Google Scholar, Institutional library databases
Career Connection
A strong research background is crucial for evidence-based practice, contributing to academic roles, and understanding clinical efficacy, which is vital for professional credibility.
Cultivate Ethical Clinical Practice & Empathy- (Semester 1-2)
Thoroughly understand RCI and APA ethical guidelines for clinical psychologists. Actively participate in discussions on ethical dilemmas, engage in self-reflection on biases, and develop empathetic listening and communication skills during field work and case discussions.
Tools & Resources
RCI Code of Conduct, APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists, Supervision sessions, Peer group discussions
Career Connection
Ethical conduct and empathy are non-negotiable for building trust with clients and colleagues, preventing malpractice, and ensuring long-term professional success in a sensitive field.
Intermediate Stage
Advanced Stage
Excel in Supervised Clinical Interventions- (Semester 3-4)
Maximize learning from supervised therapy sessions and field placements (Field Work III & IV). Take initiative in case conceptualization, treatment planning, and delivering interventions under expert guidance. Regularly review session recordings, engage critically in supervision, and refine psychotherapeutic techniques.
Tools & Resources
Clinical supervisors, Case conference meetings, Institutional psychological therapy units, Video review platforms
Career Connection
Hands-on experience under supervision is critical for developing independent clinical competence, building a robust case portfolio, and preparing for RCI registration.
Conduct Impactful Dissertation Research- (Semester 3-4)
Systematically progress on your dissertation project, from literature review and methodology design to data collection, analysis, and thesis writing. Seek regular mentorship from your research guide, aim for ethical clearance, and prepare a strong defense for your viva-voce.
Tools & Resources
Research mentors, Statistical software (SPSS), Academic writing guides, Institutional ethics committee, Peer review
Career Connection
A high-quality dissertation demonstrates critical thinking, research acumen, and a contribution to the field, enhancing prospects for further academic pursuits or research-oriented clinical roles.
Network & Prepare for RCI Registration- (Semester 3-4)
Actively network with clinical psychologists, faculty, and alumni during conferences, workshops, and departmental events. Understand the complete process for RCI registration, gather necessary documentation, and ensure all academic and clinical requirements are met well before graduation.
Tools & Resources
RCI website, Professional associations (e.g., Indian Association of Clinical Psychologists), Alumni network, Career services cell
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to job opportunities and mentorship. RCI registration is mandatory for practicing as a clinical psychologist in India, making this a crucial step for professional legality and career launch.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- M.A. / M.Sc. Degree in Psychology / Clinical Psychology / Applied Psychology / Counselling Psychology with a minimum of 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC non-creamy layer) from a University recognized by UGC and RCI. Must have studied Psychology in all parts of the qualifying examination.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 84 Credits
Assessment: Internal: Theory: 25%, Practicals/Field Work/Dissertation: 50%, External: Theory: 75%, Practicals/Field Work/Dissertation: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPHCPY-101 | Psychodiagnostics – I | Core Theory | 4 | Clinical Interviewing, History Taking, Mental Status Examination, Personality Assessment, Projective Techniques, Intelligence Testing |
| MPHCPY-102 | Psychopathology & Mental Health Care | Core Theory | 4 | Classification Systems (ICD-10, DSM-5), Adult Psychopathology, Child & Adolescent Psychopathology, Etiology of Disorders, Treatment Modalities |
| MPHCPY-103 | Research Methods & Statistics | Core Theory | 4 | Research Designs, Sampling Techniques, Hypothesis Testing, Parametric & Non-parametric Tests, Qualitative Research Methods |
| MPHCPY-104 | Psychodiagnostics – II | Core Practicum | 4 | Administering Psychological Tests, Scoring & Interpretation of Tests, Intelligence & Personality Assessment, Neuropsychological Assessment, Report Writing |
| MPHCPY-105 | Field Work – I | Core Field Work | 4 | Case History Taking, Mental Status Examination Practice, Observation Skills, Clinical Report Writing, Interdisciplinary Teamwork |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPHCPY-201 | Psychotherapeutics – I | Core Theory | 4 | Principles of Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Humanistic & Psychodynamic Approaches, Family & Couples Therapy |
| MPHCPY-202 | Neuropsychology & Rehabilitation | Core Theory | 4 | Brain-Behavior Relationships, Neuropsychological Assessment, Cognitive Rehabilitation, Dementia & Neurodegenerative Disorders, Aphasia & Apraxia |
| MPHCPY-203 | Community Mental Health & Psychiatric Social Work | Core Theory | 4 | Epidemiology of Mental Disorders, Community Mental Health Programs, Prevention & Promotion Strategies, Rehabilitation Models, Role of Psychiatric Social Worker |
| MPHCPY-204 | Psychotherapeutics – II | Core Practicum | 4 | Case Formulation & Treatment Planning, Intervention Strategies, Role-plays & Simulated Sessions, Supervised Therapy Sessions, Therapeutic Relationship Skills |
| MPHCPY-205 | Field Work – II | Core Field Work | 4 | Clinical Rotations in Various Settings, Advanced Report Writing, Case Presentations, Interdisciplinary Team Meetings, Ethical Considerations in Fieldwork |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPHCPY-301 | Dissertation / Research Project – I | Core Research Project | 8 | Research Proposal Development, Extensive Literature Review, Methodology Design, Data Collection Planning, Ethical Clearance Procedures |
| MPHCPY-302 | Field Work – III | Core Field Work | 12 | Advanced Clinical Rotations, Supervised Interventions in Specialty Clinics, Crisis Intervention Techniques, Specialized Assessment Practice, Complex Case Management |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPHCPY-401 | Dissertation / Research Project – II | Core Research Project | 12 | Data Analysis & Interpretation, Thesis Writing & Structuring, Referencing & Citation, Thesis Submission, Viva-Voce Preparation |
| MPHCPY-402 | Internship / Field Work – IV | Core Internship/Field Work | 12 | Independent Clinical Practice, Professional Ethics in Practice, Advanced Therapeutic Skills, Supervision & Mentorship, Professional Development & Registration |
