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M-SC in Clinical Psychology at SRM Institute of Science and Technology
Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is Clinical Psychology at SRM Institute of Science and Technology Chengalpattu?
This M.Sc Clinical Psychology program at SRM Institute of Science and Technology focuses on developing comprehensive expertise in diagnosing, assessing, and treating mental health conditions. It emphasizes a strong theoretical foundation coupled with extensive practical training, preparing students for the evolving demands of mental healthcare in India. The curriculum integrates contemporary psychological theories with culturally relevant therapeutic approaches to foster holistic development.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for psychology graduates holding a B.A. or B.Sc. degree with a minimum 50% aggregate, seeking to build a professional career in clinical psychology. It attracts individuals passionate about mental health, strong in analytical thinking, and committed to evidence-based practice. Fresh graduates aspiring to contribute to psychological well-being and those seeking specialized training for advanced clinical roles will find this program highly beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue career paths as clinical psychologists, counselors, therapists, or researchers in hospitals, private clinics, rehabilitation centers, and academic institutions across India. Entry-level salaries can range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience to INR 8-15+ LPA for senior roles. The program aligns with the professional standards required for licensure and practice in India, ensuring career readiness.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Foundational Knowledge through Active Learning- (Semester 1-2)
Consolidate core concepts in advanced general psychology, research methods, biological psychology, and psychopathology. Engage actively in lectures, participate in discussions, and form study groups to clarify complex theories. Utilize university library resources and online academic journals to deepen understanding beyond textbooks and gain diverse perspectives.
Tools & Resources
SRMIST Library, PubMed, ResearchGate, Academic journals, Peer study groups
Career Connection
A strong theoretical foundation is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment, laying the groundwork for all future clinical practice and research roles in mental healthcare.
Master Psychological Testing and Assessment Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Gain proficiency in administering, scoring, and interpreting a wide range of psychological tests through dedicated lab sessions. Practice with various intelligence, personality, and neuropsychological assessments. Focus on understanding the psychometric properties and ethical considerations for each test, ensuring accurate and responsible application.
Tools & Resources
SRMIST Psychology Lab, Standardized test manuals, R/SPSS for basic statistical analysis
Career Connection
Competence in psychological assessment is a fundamental skill for clinical psychologists, essential for accurate diagnosis, effective treatment planning, and evaluating intervention effectiveness in various clinical settings.
Engage in Early Clinical Observation and Case Discussions- (Semester 1-2)
Seek opportunities for early exposure to clinical settings through observation if available, or participate actively in case discussions during psychopathology and developmental psychology courses. Learn to formulate initial hypotheses based on symptoms and theoretical frameworks, fostering critical thinking and diagnostic reasoning from the outset.
Tools & Resources
Case study materials, Departmental seminars, Faculty office hours, Guest lectures by clinicians
Career Connection
Early exposure to clinical scenarios builds intuition and diagnostic reasoning, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, which is vital for future clinical roles.
Intermediate Stage
Excel in Clinical Practicum and Case Formulation- (Semester 3)
Dedicate significant effort to Clinical Practicum – I, focusing on comprehensive case history taking, mental status examinations, and diagnostic formulation. Actively seek feedback from supervisors, document cases meticulously, and engage in reflective practice after each clinical encounter to refine diagnostic and intervention skills.
Tools & Resources
Clinical Practicum supervision, DSM-5/ICD-10/11, Electronic health record systems (if available), Case presentation templates
Career Connection
High-quality practicum experience is paramount for developing direct clinical skills and building a robust portfolio, which is essential for future employment, RCI registration, and licensure in India.
Specialize in Psychotherapeutic Techniques- (Semester 3)
Deep dive into various psychotherapeutic modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic, and humanistic therapies. Practice core techniques through role-plays, simulations, and supervised application during practicum. Understand the underlying principles, indications, and cultural adaptations for each approach, enhancing versatility.
Tools & Resources
Therapy manuals, Video demonstrations, Mock client sessions, Peer feedback, SRMIST counseling center observation
Career Connection
Mastery of diverse therapeutic techniques allows for tailored and effective interventions, significantly enhancing your credibility and employability as a future therapist in a varied client population.
Develop Research Skills for Dissertation- (Semester 3-4)
Begin conceptualizing a dissertation topic early, focusing on a clinically relevant area with strong Indian context. Systematically conduct literature reviews, refine research questions, and develop a robust methodology. Utilize statistical software for data analysis and seek guidance from faculty advisors regularly to ensure high-quality research.
Tools & Resources
Mendeley/Zotero, SPSS/R, SRMIST research ethics committee guidelines, Faculty mentors, Google Scholar
Career Connection
A strong dissertation demonstrates research competency, opening doors to academic careers, advanced studies, and roles in evidence-based practice and mental health policy formulation in India.
Advanced Stage
Refine Advanced Diagnostic and Therapeutic Skills- (Semester 4)
In Clinical Practicum – II, handle more complex cases, refine diagnostic accuracy, and implement advanced therapeutic strategies under intensive supervision. Focus on long-term case management, interdisciplinary collaboration, and managing challenging clinical presentations, preparing for independent professional responsibilities.
Tools & Resources
Advanced psychometric tools, Intensive supervision sessions, Inter-departmental case conferences, Specialized therapy modules
Career Connection
This stage rigorously prepares you for independent and ethical practice, enabling you to manage diverse clinical populations and contribute effectively to mental health teams in hospitals and private practice.
Network and Explore Career Opportunities- (Semester 4)
Actively attend psychology conferences, workshops, and seminars both within SRMIST and nationally. Network with established clinical psychologists, faculty, and alumni to learn about career paths, internship opportunities, and job openings in India. Prepare a professional CV tailored specifically to clinical psychology roles.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional psychology associations (e.g., Indian Association of Clinical Psychologists), Career fairs, SRMIST Alumni network
Career Connection
Networking is critical for professional growth, mentorship, and securing competitive placements or higher education opportunities, accelerating your career trajectory in the Indian mental health sector.
Prepare for Licensure and Professional Practice- (Semester 4)
Familiarize yourself with the requirements for practicing as a clinical psychologist in India, including Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) guidelines and state-specific regulations. Develop a comprehensive portfolio showcasing your practicum experience, assessments, and therapeutic skills, along with ethical reflections.
Tools & Resources
RCI website, Professional ethics guidelines, Supervision documentation, Mentorship from RCI-registered professionals
Career Connection
Understanding and fulfilling licensure requirements is essential for legal and ethical practice in India, ensuring a smooth and compliant transition into your professional clinical psychology career.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.A. / B.Sc. degree in Psychology from any recognized University with minimum 50% aggregate marks.
Duration: 2 years / 4 semesters
Credits: 96 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCP21101 | Advanced General Psychology | Core | 4 | Nature of Psychology, Biological bases of behavior, Sensory processes, Perception, Learning and Memory, Motivation and Emotion |
| PCP21102 | Research Methodology and Statistics | Core | 4 | Scientific research in psychology, Research designs, Sampling techniques, Data collection methods, Statistical inference, Hypothesis testing |
| PCP21103 | Biological Psychology | Core | 4 | Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology, Sensation and Perception, Movement control, Emotional behavior, Learning and Memory, Neurological disorders |
| PCP21104 | Psychopathology and Mental Health | Core | 4 | Concepts of mental health and illness, Classification of mental disorders, Etiological factors, Anxiety disorders, Mood disorders, Schizophrenia |
| PCP21105 | Developmental Psychology | Core | 4 | Theories of development, Prenatal and Infancy development, Childhood and Adolescence, Adulthood and Aging, Cognitive development, Social and Emotional development |
| PCP211L1 | Psychological Testing (Practical) | Lab | 4 | Principles of psychological testing, Test administration, Scoring and interpretation, Intelligence tests, Personality inventories, Aptitude tests |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCP21201 | Cognitive Psychology | Core | 4 | Nature of cognition, Perception and attention, Memory systems, Language processing, Problem solving, Decision making |
| PCP21202 | Personality | Core | 4 | Theories of personality, Psychodynamic approaches, Humanistic theories, Trait theories, Behavioral and social learning theories, Assessment of personality |
| PCP21203 | Social Psychology | Core | 4 | Nature of social psychology, Social perception and cognition, Attitudes and persuasion, Group dynamics, Interpersonal attraction, Aggression and Prosocial behavior |
| PCP21204 | Health Psychology | Core | 4 | Biopsychosocial model of health, Stress and coping, Health behaviors, Chronic illness management, Pain management, Health promotion |
| PCP212E1 | Professional Ethics and Law in Psychology | Elective | 4 | Ethical principles in psychology, Professional boundaries, Confidentiality, Informed consent, Legal aspects of practice, Ethical decision making |
| PCP212L2 | Cognitive Assessment & Behavior Modification Lab (Practical) | Lab | 4 | Cognitive assessment techniques, Neuropsychological tests, Behavior modification principles, Reinforcement strategies, Cognitive restructuring, Behavioral interventions |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCP21301 | Clinical Assessment | Core | 4 | Diagnostic interviewing, Clinical observation, Mental status examination, Personality assessment, Neuropsychological assessment, Behavioral assessment |
| PCP21302 | Clinical Psychopharmacology | Core | 4 | Basic neurochemistry, Psychotropic medications, Antidepressants, Anxiolytics, Antipsychotics, Mood stabilizers |
| PCP21303 | Psychotherapeutic Techniques | Core | 4 | Psychodynamic therapies, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Humanistic therapies, Family therapy, Group therapy, Crisis intervention |
| PCP21304 | Rehabilitation Psychology | Core | 4 | Concepts of rehabilitation, Psychological aspects of disability, Vocational rehabilitation, Neurorehabilitation, Psychosocial rehabilitation, Therapeutic interventions |
| PCP213E2 | Child and Adolescent Psychopathology | Elective | 4 | Developmental psychopathology, Neurodevelopmental disorders, Disruptive behavior disorders, Mood and anxiety disorders in children, Eating disorders, Intervention strategies |
| PCP213P1 | Clinical Practicum – I | Project/Practicum | 4 | Case history taking, Mental status examination, Diagnostic formulation, Psychometric assessment, Report writing, Clinical observation |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCP21401 | Advanced Psychopathology | Core | 4 | Schizophrenia spectrum disorders, Bipolar and related disorders, Depressive disorders, Anxiety, OCD and trauma-related disorders, Personality disorders, Substance-related disorders |
| PCP21402 | Forensic Psychology | Core | 4 | Introduction to forensic psychology, Criminal behavior, Eyewitness testimony, Competency to stand trial, Psychological profiling, Correctional psychology |
| PCP21403 | Dissertation | Project | 8 | Research proposal development, Literature review, Data collection and analysis, Thesis writing, Presentation, Ethical considerations in research |
| PCP214P2 | Clinical Practicum – II | Project/Practicum | 8 | Advanced diagnostic assessment, Therapeutic interventions, Case management, Supervision, Ethical practice in clinical settings, Interdisciplinary collaboration |
