MA Psychology- Scope, Fees, Admission, Eligibility, Jobs & Salary

Edited By Gokul GS | Updated on April 10, 2024
  • Duration
    2 years

What is MA Psychology

The Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology postgraduate programme in India is dedicated to advanced psychology study and research. The goal of the course is to give students a thorough understanding of mental processes, human behaviour, and the application of psychological theories and techniques in real-world situations. It covers a range of psychology subfields, including organisational psychology, developmental psychology, clinical psychology, and counselling psychology. The two-year MA in Psychology programme typically consists of coursework, fieldwork, research projects, and the requirement to draft and successfully defend a dissertation or thesis. The coursework covers many psychology topics,... Read More

MA Psychology Admission Criteria

The requirements for getting into a MA in Psychology programme vary from one college to the another. But most colleges and universities have a similar process for letting students in, which includes the steps below:

Educational Qualifications
  • Applicants for the Master of Psychology degree must have a Bachelor’s degree in Economics or equivalent from an accredited university.
Entrance Exams
  • Universities and colleges conduct entrance examinations as part of the admission process for the MA in Psychology programme.
Merit-Based Selection
  • In addition to entrance exams, institutions employ a merit-based selection process. They consider various factors such as academic performance, entrance exam scores, undergraduate marks, and personal interviews. Universities assign weights to these components to evaluate and select candidates for the programme.

MA Psychology Eligibility

The requirements to get a Master of Arts in Psychology degree may be different depending on the institution. But here are some general eligibility requirements:

Eligibility Criteria Description
Educational Requirements Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university or college. The majority of institutions recommend applicants with a bachelor’s degree in economics or related fields.
Minimum Marks Applicants must have gotten at least 50% on their qualifying exam as a whole. But some colleges and universities might have a different minimum grade point average.
Age Limit There is no upper age limit for getting into Economics programmes in India. Some colleges and universities may have a lower age limit.

MA Psychology Entrance Exams

Candidates interested in pursuing the MA Psychology programme in India are required to participate in entrance examinations administered by universities and colleges. The exams are intended to evaluate the candidates' language proficiency, general awareness, and analytical skills. Although it's not a must for all colleges to require entrance exams for MA in Psychology admission, some colleges consider merit-based admission based on the students' academic records. The following are the most popular entrance exams taken by MA in Psychology applicants:

National Level Entrance Exams

NET (National Eligibility Test), GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Psychology).
State Level Entrance Exams

MH-CET (Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test), TANCET (Tamil Nadu Common Entrance Test), APSET (Andhra Pradesh State Eligibility Test), PGCET (Karnataka Postgraduate Common Entrance Test).
University Level Entrance Exams

DUET (Delhi University Entrance Test), BHUPET (Banaras Hindu University Postgraduate Entrance Test), JNU (Jawaharlal Nehru University Entrance Examination), Jamia Millia Islamia Entrance Exam.

MA Psychology Fee Structure

The fee structure for a MA in Psychology varies widely in India. This course costs between Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 95,000 per year, on average. However, the fee may be different depending on things like the type of institution (government or private), its reputation, its location, and the facilities it offers.

Courses after MA Psychology

Candidates who have finished a MA in Psychology can take additional courses to learn more and improve their skills in the field. Here is a list of some of the popular programmes candidates can choose from:
MBA

MBA in Business Psychology, MBA in Organisational Behaviour, MBA in Human Resource Management, MBA in Marketing Psychology, MBA in Consumer Psychology, MBA in Financial Psychology, MBA in Health Psychology, MBA in Leadership Psychology, MBA in Organisational Development.
PHD

PhD in Clinical Psychology, PhD in Developmental Psychology, PhD in Educational Psychology, PhD in Experimental Psychology, PhD in Forensic Psychology, PhD in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, PhD in Neuropsychology, PhD in Personality Psychology, PhD in Social Psychology.

Career Opportunities after MA Psychology

A MA in Psychology programme offers a broad knowledge that can lead to many different careers in psychology. It is a professional master’s programme that trains students to become experts in a wide range of Psychology-related fields. Some common private and public sector jobs for people who finish this programme are:

Position/Role Responsibility Salary
Clinical Psychologist Assess and diagnose mental health disorders, provide therapy and counseling to clients, collaborate with other healthcare professionals Private: INR 3-6 lakhs per annum, Government: INR 4-8 lakhs per annum
Counselor Offer guidance and support to individuals dealing with personal, social, or psychological issues, conduct assessments and develop treatment plans Private: INR 2-5 lakhs per annum, Government: INR 3-6 lakhs per annum
HR Consultant Assist organizations in managing employee relations, recruitment, and training, conduct psychological assessments for hiring and talent development Private: INR 4-8 lakhs per annum, Government: INR 5-10 lakhs per annum
Research Analyst Conduct research studies on various psychological phenomena, analyze data, and present findings, contribute to academic journals and publications Private: INR 3-6 lakhs per annum, Government: INR 4-8 lakhs per annum
Industrial-Organizational Psychologist Apply psychological principles to workplace settings, enhance employee productivity, conduct job analysis and design, develop training programs Private: INR 4-8 lakhs per annum, Government: INR 5-10 lakhs per annum
School Psychologist Assess and support students’ academic and emotional needs, collaborate with teachers and parents, conduct workshops on mental health awareness Private: INR 3-6 lakhs per annum, Government: INR 4-8 lakhs per annum
Forensic Psychologist Work within legal systems, assess criminals’ mental states, provide expert testimony in court, evaluate witness credibility Private: INR 4-8 lakhs per annum, Government: INR 5-10 lakhs per annum
Community Outreach Coordinator Develop and implement community-based programs to address mental health needs, collaborate with local organizations and government agencies Private: INR 3-6 lakhs per annum, Government: INR 4-8 lakhs per annum
Rehabilitation Specialist Help individuals with disabilities or substance abuse issues to reintegrate into society, develop treatment plans and provide counseling Private: INR 3-6 lakhs per annum, Government: INR 4-8 lakhs per annum
Academician/Professor Teach psychology courses at colleges and universities, conduct research, mentor students, publish scholarly articles Private: INR 5-10 lakhs per annum, Government: INR 6-12 lakhs per annum

MA Psychology Scope, Salary & Employers

Scope: An MA in Psychology gives graduates a solid understanding of psychological theories, research methods, and practical skills. This degree can lead to jobs in psychology, counselling, research, teaching, and social work. Graduates can work in hospitals, clinics, schools, NGOs, research organisations, companies, and government agencies. They can also specialise and research psychology.

Salary: MA Psychology graduates’ average salary varies based on experience, specialisation, and industry. Entry-level counselling and therapy jobs pay between ₹2,00,000 and ₹4,00,000 per year. Salaries can reach ₹6,00,000 or more per year with experience and specialisation. Salary can vary based on organisation, location, and expertise.

Employers: Psychology graduates can find jobs in many organisations. Potential employers for mental health professionals include hospitals, clinics, counselling centres, schools, companies with employee assistance programmes, mental health NGOs, research institutes, and government agencies. People with an MA in Psychology can start their own private practise as therapists or consultants.

Required Skills for MA Psychology

Students pursuing a Master of Arts in Psychology programme must possess a combination of hard and soft skills to succeed. Both skill sets are equally important to a MA in Psychology student’s success. Here are some of the essential skills required for a Master of Arts in Psychology:

  • Quantitative Skills
  • Analytical Skills
  • Communication Skills
  • Critical Thinking
  • Problem-Solving Abilities

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I pursue an MA in Psychology after completing a Bachelor's degree in a different field?

Yes, universities offer MA in Psychology programmes for students with a different bachelor's degree. Some universities may have extra requirements for these applicants.

Can I practice as a psychologist after completing an MA in Psychology?

To be a psychologist, you need to get more education and licences from professional organisations like the RCI or IACP.

What is the difference between MA in Psychology and MSc in Psychology?

The main difference is the curriculum focus. MA in Psychology programmes focus on theory, counselling, and applied psychology. MSc in Psychology programmes focus more on research.

Are there any scholarships or financial aid options available for MA in Psychology students?

Universities and government organisations offer scholarships and financial aid for deserving students. Check with universities and funding agencies for specific opportunities.

What research opportunities are available during the MA in Psychology program?What research opportunities are available during the MA in Psychology program?

Psychology MA programmes offer research opportunities through dissertations or research projects. Students can research different topics with faculty guidance.
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