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M-A in Psychology at SRM Institute of Science and Technology
Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is Psychology at SRM Institute of Science and Technology Chengalpattu?
This M.A. Psychology program at SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chengalpattu, focuses on developing comprehensive psychological knowledge and practical skills. It provides a robust foundation in core areas like cognitive, social, and abnormal psychology, integrated with research methodologies and statistical analysis essential for the Indian psychological landscape. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical understanding and applied aspects, preparing students for diverse roles in mental health, research, and organizational settings.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for psychology graduates seeking advanced theoretical and practical training. It caters to fresh graduates aiming for entry-level roles as counselors, researchers, or clinical assistants, as well as professionals looking to deepen their expertise or transition into specialized psychological fields within India. Aspiring academics and those interested in mental health advocacy and community work will also find the curriculum highly relevant.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue various India-specific career paths, including clinical psychologist, counseling psychologist, industrial-organizational psychologist, researcher, or academician. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning INR 7-15 LPA or more. The program aligns with requirements for pursuing M.Phil. in Clinical Psychology or Ph.D., enhancing growth trajectories in Indian healthcare and corporate sectors.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Conceptual Foundations & Analytical Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on thoroughly understanding core psychological theories and statistical concepts. Actively participate in lectures, engage in critical thinking about psychological phenomena, and practice statistical problem-solving using real datasets. Form study groups to discuss complex topics and clarify doubts.
Tools & Resources
SPSS software, research papers from Indian psychology journals, academic textbooks, online psychology encyclopedias
Career Connection
A solid foundation in theory and statistics is crucial for accurate diagnosis, research design, and data interpretation, which are fundamental to any psychological career in India.
Develop Practical Assessment & Diagnostic Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Pay close attention during practical sessions involving psychological testing and case history taking. Seek opportunities for extra practice in administering and scoring tests, conducting mental status examinations, and writing comprehensive reports. Volunteer for departmental activities involving psychological outreach to gain early exposure.
Tools & Resources
Standardized psychological tests, case study examples, ethical guidelines for psychological practice in India
Career Connection
Proficiency in assessment and diagnosis is paramount for roles in clinical, counseling, and school psychology, enabling accurate identification of issues and effective intervention planning.
Cultivate Research Acumen & Ethical Awareness- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with research methods coursework, focusing on experimental design and ethical research practices relevant to the Indian context. Start reading research articles beyond coursework to understand current trends and develop critical evaluation skills. Attend research seminars to grasp diverse methodologies.
Tools & Resources
Online research databases (PubMed, PsycINFO), university library resources, Indian Association of Clinical Psychologists (IACP) ethical guidelines
Career Connection
Strong research skills are essential for academic pursuits, roles in R&D, and evidence-based practice, ensuring ethical and scientifically sound approaches in psychological interventions.
Intermediate Stage
Specialize through Electives & Applied Learning- (Semester 3)
Strategically choose elective subjects that align with specific career interests (e.g., CBT for clinical, I/O for corporate). Seek out opportunities to apply classroom learning through mini-projects, role-plays, or simulations related to your chosen specialization. Network with faculty working in your area of interest for mentorship.
Tools & Resources
Specialized journals in chosen fields (e.g., Health Psychology, I/O Psychology), professional associations in India (e.g., NAOP), online courses for specific therapeutic techniques
Career Connection
Early specialization and applied learning make students more attractive to employers seeking specific skill sets, enhancing job prospects in niche areas within the Indian psychology sector.
Engage in Peer Learning & Case Discussions- (Semester 3)
Actively participate in case discussions, role-playing scenarios, and group problem-solving exercises during practicals and core subjects. Share insights, critique approaches, and learn from diverse perspectives. Organize informal peer study groups focused on applying therapeutic techniques or I/O interventions.
Tools & Resources
Case study books, clinical manuals, ethical dilemma scenarios, online forums for psychology students
Career Connection
Collaborative learning hones communication, teamwork, and critical thinking skills, all highly valued in multidisciplinary mental health teams and organizational settings in India.
Seek Initial Field Exposure & Observation- (Semester 3)
Actively look for short-term observational internships, shadowing opportunities, or volunteer roles in mental health clinics, NGOs, or corporate HR departments. Gain firsthand experience of professional psychological practice and observe senior practitioners. This helps in understanding the real-world application of theories.
Tools & Resources
University placement cell, professional networking events, alumni connections, local mental health centers
Career Connection
Early exposure helps solidify career choices, builds a professional network, and provides practical context to theoretical knowledge, making internship and project work in the final semester more impactful.
Advanced Stage
Maximize Project Work & Internship Learning- (Semester 4)
Choose a research project or internship site that offers in-depth experience in your area of interest. Dedicate significant effort to your research, data analysis, and thesis writing, or immerse yourself fully in your internship duties. Proactively seek feedback from your supervisor and apply it.
Tools & Resources
Statistical software (SPSS, R), academic writing guides, internship diaries, professional mentors
Career Connection
A well-executed project demonstrates research capability, while a strong internship provides invaluable real-world experience and potential job offers, critical for immediate employment in India.
Develop Professional Communication & Interview Skills- (Semester 4)
Refine your resume and cover letter, tailoring them to specific job roles. Practice interview skills, including behavioral questions and case-based scenarios relevant to psychology careers. Participate in mock interviews and presentation workshops organized by the career services cell.
Tools & Resources
Career services workshops, LinkedIn, professional psychology associations for job postings, online interview preparation platforms
Career Connection
Polished communication and interview skills are crucial for securing placements and presenting oneself as a competent professional, leading to successful career transitions post-graduation.
Plan for Advanced Studies & Professional Certification- (Semester 4)
Research further educational opportunities like M.Phil. in Clinical Psychology or Ph.D. programs, considering their entrance exam requirements and application timelines. Explore professional certifications (e.g., RCI registration for clinical psychologists) and start preparing for them early to ensure professional readiness.
Tools & Resources
UGC guidelines for M.Phil./Ph.D., RCI website, coaching institutes for entrance exams, academic advisors
Career Connection
Strategic planning for advanced studies or certifications opens doors to specialized and regulated roles in psychology, ensuring long-term career growth and professional credibility in India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor''''s degree with Psychology as one of the subjects or a B.A/B.Sc. in Psychology from any recognized University with a minimum of 50% marks.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 86 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PPY23101 | COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY | Core | 4 | Introduction to Cognitive Psychology, Perception and Attention, Memory Systems, Language Acquisition and Processing, Problem Solving and Decision Making |
| PPY23102 | THEORIES OF PERSONALITY | Core | 4 | Introduction to Personality, Psychoanalytic Theories, Humanistic and Existential Theories, Trait Theories, Social-Cognitive Theories |
| PPY23103 | STATISTICS IN PSYCHOLOGY | Core | 4 | Introduction to Statistics, Descriptive Statistics, Probability and Inferential Statistics, Hypothesis Testing, Non-parametric Statistics |
| PPY23104 | PSYCHOPATHOLOGY | Core | 4 | Concepts of Abnormality, Anxiety Disorders, Mood Disorders, Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders, Personality Disorders |
| PPY23105 | PRACTICAL-I (STATISTICS AND COGNITION) | Lab/Practical | 2 | Data analysis using SPSS, Cognitive experiments (attention, memory), Interpretation of statistical results, Report writing, Experimental design |
| PPY23106 | PRACTICAL-II (PERSONALITY AND PSYCHOPATHOLOGY) | Lab/Practical | 2 | Administration of personality tests, Case history taking, Mental Status Examination, Psychodiagnostic assessments, Report writing |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PPY23201 | SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY | Core | 4 | Introduction to Social Psychology, Social Cognition, Attitudes and Persuasion, Group Processes, Prosocial and Aggressive Behavior |
| PPY23202 | RESEARCH METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY | Core | 4 | Scientific Research Process, Research Designs, Sampling Methods, Data Collection Techniques, Ethical Considerations in Research |
| PPY23203 | PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTING | Core | 4 | Principles of Psychological Testing, Test Construction and Standardization, Reliability and Validity, Intelligence Testing, Personality Assessment |
| PPY23204 | COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGY | Core | 4 | Fundamentals of Counselling, Therapeutic Relationship, Major Counselling Approaches (Person-Centered, CBT), Counselling Skills, Ethical Issues in Counselling |
| PPY23205 | PRACTICAL-III (RESEARCH METHODS AND SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY) | Lab/Practical | 2 | Design and execution of experiments, Data analysis of social psychology studies, Survey research methods, Report writing, Literature review |
| PPY23206 | PRACTICAL-IV (COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTING) | Lab/Practical | 2 | Administering and scoring psychological tests, Interpretation of test results, Practice counselling sessions, Case study analysis, Ethical considerations in assessment |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PPY23301 | HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY | Core | 4 | Foundations of Health Psychology, Stress and Coping, Health Behaviors, Chronic Illness and Pain, Health Promotion and Intervention |
| PPY23302 | INDUSTRIAL & ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY | Core | 4 | Introduction to I/O Psychology, Personnel Selection and Placement, Training and Development, Work Motivation and Job Satisfaction, Leadership and Organizational Culture |
| PPY23303 | LIFE SPAN DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY | Core | 4 | Theories of Development, Prenatal and Infancy Development, Childhood and Adolescence, Adulthood and Aging, Socio-emotional Development |
| PPY23304 | PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND PSYCHOLOGICAL INTERVENTIONS | Core | 4 | Advanced Psychopathology, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Family Therapy, Group Therapy |
| PPY23EL01 | POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY (Elective I Option) | Elective | 3 | Introduction to Positive Psychology, Well-being and Happiness, Strengths and Virtues, Resilience and Post-Traumatic Growth, Positive Interventions |
| PPY23EL02 | COGNITIVE BEHAVIOR THERAPY (Elective I Option) | Elective | 3 | Principles of CBT, Cognitive Restructuring, Behavioral Activation, Exposure Therapy, Case Conceptualization in CBT |
| PPY23EL03 | ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR (Elective I Option) | Elective | 3 | Foundations of Organizational Behavior, Individual Behavior in Organizations, Group Dynamics, Organizational Structure and Design, Organizational Change |
| PPY23EL04 | SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY (Elective I Option) | Elective | 3 | Role of School Psychologist, Learning Disabilities, Behavioral Problems in School, Assessment in School Settings, Intervention Strategies |
| PPY23EL05 | SPORTS PSYCHOLOGY (Elective I Option) | Elective | 3 | Introduction to Sports Psychology, Motivation in Sports, Anxiety and Stress in Performance, Mental Skills Training, Team Dynamics |
| PPY23EL0X | ELECTIVE II | Elective | 3 | Refer to Elective I options, students choose two electives in total for Semester 3. |
| PPY23305 | PRACTICAL-V (HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY) | Lab/Practical | 2 | Health behavior assessment, Stress management techniques, Case studies in developmental psychology, Data collection from different age groups, Intervention planning |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PPY23401 | PSYCHOMETRICS | Core | 4 | Classical Test Theory, Item Response Theory, Factor Analysis in Psychometrics, Advanced Reliability and Validity, Test Bias and Fairness |
| PPY23EL06 | CHILD & ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH (Elective III Option) | Elective | 3 | Childhood Disorders, Adolescent Psychopathology, Assessment of Child Mental Health, Intervention Strategies for Youth, Family-Centered Approaches |
| PPY23EL07 | FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY (Elective III Option) | Elective | 3 | Introduction to Forensic Psychology, Criminal Behavior, Psychological Profiling, Eyewitness Testimony, Legal and Ethical Issues |
| PPY23EL08 | APPLIED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY (Elective III Option) | Elective | 3 | Applications in Health, Law, Environment, Conflict Resolution, Persuasion and Social Influence |
| PPY23EL09 | COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE (Elective III Option) | Elective | 3 | Brain Structure and Function, Neuropsychological Assessment, Cognitive Disorders, Brain Imaging Techniques, Neural Basis of Cognition |
| PPY23EL10 | ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND CHANGE (Elective III Option) | Elective | 3 | Theories of OD, Change Management, Intervention Strategies, Leadership in Change, Organizational Culture and Climate |
| PPY23EL0X | ELECTIVE IV | Elective | 3 | Refer to Elective III options, students choose two electives in total for Semester 4. |
| PPY23PR01 | PROJECT WORK & VIVA VOCE | Project | 8 | Research Proposal Development, Data Collection and Analysis, Thesis Writing, Presentation Skills, Viva Voce Examination |
| PPY23IN01 | INTERNSHIP | Practical | 4 | Field Placement Experience, Application of Psychological Knowledge, Professional Skill Development, Report Writing, Presentation |
