Clinical Psychology Course Details - Fees, Subjects, Syllabus, Duration, Eligibility, Career Scope
Degrees offered: M.Sc., Ph.D, B.Sc.(Hons), M.A., B.Sc.
What is Clinical Psychology
Clinical Psychology is a field concerned with the assessment and monitoring of psychological, cognitive, and mental disabilities. Difficulty in learning, drug addiction, mental illnesses, insomnia, and depression are only some of the common disorders which can be treated. Clients consult with a clinical psychologist to identify behavioural, mental, and emotional issues and concerns.
In India, somewhere around 34 educational institutes offer this course. A course in Clinical Psychology typically encompasses comprehensive training in both theoretical and practical aspects of psychological assessment and therapy. Students are introduced to various psychological theories, research methodologies, and therapeutic techniques. Some of the popular degrees include BA, B.Sc, MA, and M.Sc.
Clinical psychologists are employed in a variety of places, including academic institutions, private offices, hospitals, and mental health clinics. They work with patients with a lot of psychological and mental health problems. Apart from providing therapy, they also carry out research, offer advice, and participate in the creation of public health regulations.
Graduates in clinical psychology are offered job profiles like Neuropsychologist, Child Psychologist, Medical Psychologist, and Clinical Psychologist. The average salary offered is Rs. 6.5 LPA. Top recruiters in the field of clinical psychology are The Mind Clinic, Mind Care Centre for Counselling, Institute Of Psychiatry, Over a Cup of Tea - Psychological Wellness Centre, and Central Institute of Psychiatry.
Highlights- Clinical Psychology
Particulars | Values |
Branch Name | Clinical Psychology |
Degree | |
Duration | B.A/B.Sc.: 3 years M.A/M.Sc.: 2 years |
Eligibility | UG: 10+2 in any stream PG: Bachelor’s degree in relevant discipline |
Admission Process | Admission Examination/ Direct Admission |
Entrance Exam | UG: CUET UG PG: CUET PG |
Course Fees | Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 2 Lakhs |
Job Profiles | Neuropsychologist, Child Psychologist, Medical Psychologist, Clinical Psychologist, Forensic Psychologist |
Average Salary | Rs. 4.6 LPA (for a Clinical Psychologist) |
Recruiting Companies | The Mind Clinic, Mind Care centre for counselling, Institute Of Psychiatry, Over a Cup of Tea - Psychological Wellness Centre, Central Institute of Psychiatry |
Specialisation or Similar Ones
There are a variety of Clinical Psychology specialisations and similar fields to choose from. After graduation, students can opt for various career options depending on their specialisations. Choosing the correct specialisation is important for the students as it helps define the career path. In the table below, we have mentioned the popular specialisations.
Trauma Psychology | Psychological Medicine |
Industrial-Organisational Psychology |
Top Colleges in India Offering Clinical Psychology with Fees
Many colleges in India offer Clinical Psychology courses and their specialisations. To pursue Clinical Psychology a student has to select a very good and reputed college. Here are a few top colleges where a student can get admission into Clinical Psychology.
Colleges | Fee Structure |
- | |
Rs.2.45 Lakhs | |
- | |
- | |
NIMS School of Humanities and Social Sciences, NIMS University, Jaipur | Rs. 90,000 |
School of Allied Health Sciences, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha | - |
Rs. 80,000 | |
Rs. 1.15 Lakhs | |
Post Graduate Institute of Behavioural and Medical Sciences, Raipur | - |
Rs. 3.39 Lakhs |
Note: The fee structure provided above can be for any particular Clinical Psychology course (Diploma/ Degree/PGD).
Top Private Clinical Psychology Colleges in India with Fees
In India, several private Clinical Psychology colleges offer students a good education with skilled faculty. The fee is significantly higher in private Clinical Psychology colleges compared to the government. A few top private Clinical Psychology colleges are mentioned in the table below:
Colleges | Fee Structure (Entire Course) |
Rs. 8.16 Lakhs | |
Rs. 6.50 Lakhs | |
Rs. 1.34 Lakhs | |
Rs. 6.27 Lakhs | |
University Institute of Liberal Arts and Humanities, Chandigarh University, Chandigarh | Rs. 2.64 Lakhs |
- | |
Rs. 4 Lakhs | |
Rs. 2.10 Lakhs | |
Rs. 75,000 | |
Rs. 2.25 Lakhs | |
Rs. 25,000 |
Top Government Clinical Psychology Colleges in India with Fees
Studying Clinical Psychology at a government institute is a great choice because it is more affordable than a private institute and also offers quality education. In the table below, we have mentioned the top government colleges in India offering Clinical Psychology courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Colleges | Fee Structure |
- | |
Ranchi Institute of Neuro Psychiatry and Allied Sciences, Ranchi | - |
- | |
- | |
University College of Science, Technology and Agriculture, Kolkata | - |
Rs. 95,000 | |
- | |
Gwalior Mansik Arogyashala, Gwalior | - |
Eligibility Criteria (UG & PG) of Clinical Psychology
The qualifying requirements for Clinical Psychology have been discussed in this section. It may vary depending on the institute and the level of education. Candidates can find the eligibility requirements on the official website of the college or the programme brochure.
Eligibility Criteria for UG Courses
Candidates interested in pursuing Clinical Psychology courses at an undergraduate level can choose the specialisation of their choice. They should ensure that they have met the required qualification requirements of the course. Mentioned below are the eligibility details of UG degrees in Clinical Psychology.
- Candidates should complete their 10+2 examination from a recognised board in India.
- They should score at least 45 per cent aggregate score or as specified by the institute. For candidates belonging to the reserved categories, there may be some relaxation.
- Some colleges also require English as a compulsory subject.
Top Entrance Exams for UG Courses
Applicants must appear for certain entrance examinations to get admission. Some colleges may also conduct their university-level entrance examinations. In the table below we have mentioned the details of CUET UG. It is one of the most important national-level examinations for degrees such as BA and B.Sc.
Exam Name | Level | Conducting Body | Exam Schedule |
National | National Testing Agency |
Eligibility Criteria for PG Courses
To pursue postgraduate degrees in Clinical Psychology, students can apply to a variety of institutions. They should meet the qualification requirements before applying for admission. Listed below are the important eligibility guidelines that a student must meet.
- Candidates having a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised university in India are eligible for admission.
- A minimum of 50 per cent aggregate marks is required for admissions.
- Aspirants who are in their final year or are awaiting their results are also eligible to apply for admission.
- Students who completed their psychology degree by distance learning or through the Open University are also eligible. Universities hold general entrance exams and interviews to select eligible candidates for admission.
Top Entrance Exams for PG Courses
Candidates who have done their undergraduate in a related field and wish to pursue their postgraduates in the same field should appear for a list of entrance examinations. Clearing these examinations would enable aspirants to be admitted into their colleges of choice.
Exam Name | Level | Conducting Body | Exam Schedule |
National | National Testing Agency |
Scope of Clinical Psychology in India and Abroad
A Clinical Psychology student should be familiar with human behaviour and psychological values. Students interested in pursuing a career in Clinical Psychology should be able to deal with a variety of issues.
This course is appropriate for students who have a good understanding of the human mind and are interested enough to conduct research. Abroad, the field of clinical psychology is well-established with extensive opportunities in various settings, including healthcare facilities, academic institutions, research centres, and private practice.
With global recognition of the importance of mental health, clinical psychologists are increasingly sought after to address diverse psychological issues, making it a promising career choice both in India and internationally.
Course Fees Clinical Psychology
Minimum Fees | Maximum Fees | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Private | Government | Private | Government | |
UG | ||||
PG | ||||
DOCTORAL | ||||
DIPLOMA |
Course Subjects
The syllabus of the Clinical Psychology courses differs based on the institute and the level of education. Candidates can check the official website or the programme brochure to find the syllabus. Mentioned below is the syllabus of UG and PG level degrees in Clinical Psychology.
Clinical Psychology Syllabus for UG Courses
The Clinical Psychology syllabus at the undergraduate level depends on the preferred institute. However, some of the core subjects remain the same for every syllabus. In the table below we have provided the syllabus of BSc. Clinical Psychology offered by Mahatma Gandhi University of Medical Sciences and Technology:
First Year | |
General Psychology | Biological Psychology |
Abnormal Psychology | - |
Second Year | |
Social and Cultural Psychology | Experimental Psychology |
Statistics and Research Methodology | - |
Third Year | |
Psychological Measurements and Tests | Foundation of Psychotherapy and Counselling |
Psychological Measurements and Tests | - |
Clinical Psychology Syllabus for PG Courses
The postgraduate syllabus of Clinical Psychology provides in-depth knowledge of clinical psychology and its various aspects. It also includes a thesis to equip students with the necessary research skills and knowledge. We have provided the syllabus of M.A. in clinical psychology of St. Xavier’s College Ahmedabad below:
First Semester | |
Cognitive Psychology-I | Health Psychology |
Social Psychology-I | Research Methodology-I |
Psychological Testing-I | - |
Second Semester | |
Cognitive Psychology-II | Psychology of Wellbeing |
Social Psychology-II | Research Methodology-II |
Psychological Testing-II | - |
Third Semester | |
Emergence of Psychology | Contemporary Applied Psychology |
Clinical Neuropsychology | Internship |
Fourth Semester | |
Counselling Techniques | Psychotherapy |
Research Methodology-III | Dissertation |
Careers in Clinical Psychology
Students of the clinical psychology programme have opportunities to work in both the commercial and public sectors in a variety of professions. They operate in a variety of settings, including educational institutions, businesses and hospitals. Social workers, sales representatives, recruiters, teachers, and clinical psychologists are just a few of the available positions.
Job Profiles | Job Descriptions |
Neuropsychologists are a psychologist who specialises in the study of the physical brain's interaction with behaviour. They treat patients with illnesses related to the nervous system. | |
Child Psychologists are responsible for treating children and adolescents. They focus on how children think and behave in different situations. Child Psychologists are also responsible for the children’s mental, physical and moral development. | |
Medical Psychologist | Medical Psychologists are professionals who focus on the relationship between a patient's behaviour and its impact on their physical health. They aim to promote healthy life choices and the importance of disease prevention. |
Clinical Psychologists use psychological information to diagnose and treat various psychological disorders. They also offer therapy to individuals facing mental health issues and difficulties. |
Upcoming trends
The field of Clinical Psychology is evolving with many upcoming trends and developments. Clinical Psychologists use various techniques to avoid psychological distress and ensure they have access to medical treatments. Some of the upcoming trends in the field of Clinical Psychology are mentioned below.
- Cultural Competence and Diversity
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Focus on Preventive Mental Health
- Holistic and Integrative Approaches
- Integration of Artificial Intelligence
- Telepsychology and Digital Mental Health
Job Profiles and Top Recruiters
Clinical Psychology provides many diverse career paths that cover many aspects of mental health care, research and education. Graduates can work as therapists, diagnosing and treating various mental, emotional, and behavioural disorders. Some of the areas they can specialise in are child and adolescent psychology, neuropsychology, or psychological medicine.
Many companies are on the lookout for Clinical Psychology graduates. The job profile and the salary depend on the experience and skills of the candidates. Some of the popular companies recruiting graduates are listed below.
Top Recruiters:
- Vcare Counseling Centre
- Veda Rehab and Wellness Private Limited
- The Mind Clinic
- Mind Care centre for counselling
- Institute Of Psychiatry
- Over a Cup of Tea - Psychological Wellness Centre
- Central Institute of Psychiatry
Average Salary
Candidates have a variety of options to choose from after graduation in Clinical Psychology. The average salary of a graduate depends on various factors such as the location of the company, the skills and experience of the candidate, and the job profile chosen. In the table mentioned below, we have mentioned the average salary of some of the popular career options in Clinical Psychology.
Job Profiles | Average Expected Salary |
Clinical Psychologist | Rs. 4.6 LPA |
Child Psychologist | Rs. 3.1 LPA |
Neuropsychologist | Rs. 5 LPA |
Health Psychologist | Rs. 4.4 LPA |
Source: Glassdoor and Ambition Box
The salary figures mentioned anywhere in these articles are just for reference purposes. Please treat them as such. Actual salaries may vary depending on respective candidates, employer, job location and numerous other factors.
Required Skillset for Clinical Psychology
Clinical Psychology is a highly practical discipline. Candidates interested in pursuing a career must have an interest in psychology and various disorders. They also require a specific set of attributes which will help them in their careers. Some of the important skills necessary for Clinical Psychology are listed below.
- Communication skills
- Analytical skills
- Research skills
- Empathy and Sympathy
- Good observation skills
- Problem-solving
- Critical Thinking
- Emotional Stability
Course Curriculum for Clinical Psychology
The curriculum of Clinical Psychology may vary depending on different institutes, but the core topics covered remain the same. With time, the number of mental health disorders such as depression has increased. Therefore, the curriculum provides information about various disorders, their causes, and treatments.
The course curriculum aims to provide knowledge related to various concepts of clinical psychology and other fields of psychology. It also focuses on different mental health issues and their diagnosis and treatment. Psychological assessments and various evaluation techniques are also included in the syllabus.
Popular Clinical Psychology Entrance Exams in India
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question: Is Clinical Psychology a good career?
Answer :
Yes, a career in Clinical Psychology can be very rewarding. There are many high-paying job roles such as Clinical Psychologist, Health Psychologist, Medical Psychologist, Child Psychologist, and Forensic Psychologist. Students also have an option to pursue M.Sc or PhD degrees if they are interested in studying further.
Question: Who is eligible for a B.Sc Clinical Psychology course?
Answer :
Students who have completed their 10+2 education from a recognised board in India are eligible for admission. They must have scored at least 50 per cent aggregate marks or as specified by the institute. Some colleges may also require English as a compulsory subject.
Question: What is the main focus of clinical psychology?
Answer :
Clinical psychology is a discipline of psychology concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioural disorders. Dyslexia, drug addiction, depression, anxiousness, and eating disorders are among the most common disorders that can be treated.
Question: Can someone become a clinical psychologist without a psychology degree?
Answer :
You can become a clinical psychotherapist with a Master's degree. Most therapists do not have a BS in psychology. However, to become a clinical psychologist (which is a different title than a clinical therapist), you need a doctoral degree, typically a PhD or PsyD in Clinical Psychology.
Question: Is it hard to become a clinical psychologist?
Answer :
Being a clinical psychologist is a rewarding profession. It is indeed difficult and time-consuming, but it's a wonderful experience to see people improve their lives in ways that make them happier and much more hopeful.