PhD Psychology - Eligibility, Admission, Syllabus, Institutes, Scope

Psychology is the science of behavior and the mind and its functions, particularly those that influence behavior in various situations. Psychology is a large field with many different areas where students can specialize and conduct research. The PhD Psychology is a three-year full-time doctorate in psychology. Candidates learn a total of nine subjects in this three-year program, three in each year. The course focuses primarily on clinical psychology, and it examines various psychological treatments and methods. The program, which concludes with a dissertation, lays the groundwork for theoretically grounded research and knowledge development in the fields of personality, motivation, learning, emotion, and behavior.

A PhD in Psychology is a program that focuses on mental health and behavioral issues. Students study the human brain, memory, consciousness, attitude, and behavior, among other topics. This is the highest graduate degree in the field of psychology that a student can obtain. After completing the degree, students are eligible for a variety of job opportunities, including educational psychologists, lecturers, clinical psychologists, and many others.


PhD Psychology: An Overview

In the below table, are some of the major highlights of the PhD Psychology course.

Level of CourseDoctorate
Duration of Course3 years
Type of ExaminationSemester System
Eligibility CriteriaMaster’s degree with 50% aggregate marks in science.
Process of AdmissionCounselling after qualification of entrance examination
Fee for CourseINR 2,000 to 1 lakh
Average Salary in the BeginningINR 1 to 12 lacs
Top Areas of Recruitment Universities, Healthcare Centers, Colleges,Counselling Offices, Private Clinics, Hospitals, etc.
Positions of JobEducational Psychologist, Industrial Psychologist, Professor, Clinical Psychologist,Research Psychologist, Lecturer, and others such.

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PhD Psychology Eligibility

Candidates for the PhD in Psychology program must meet the following basic criteria:

  • A postgraduate degree in psychology from a recognized institute or university is required.
  • At the post-graduation level, a minimum aggregate score of 55 percent (50 percent for SC/ST candidates) or equivalent grade is required.
  • At least 5 years of senior-level teaching, industry, or professional experience
  • M.Phil. in Psychology is often preferred in some cases.

PhD Psychology Syllabus

The course syllabus is broken down by year in the table below.

First Year Second Year Third Year
Advanced psychopathologyPsychotherapeutic MethodsClinical psychology I
Psychometric assessment methodsPracticumClinical psychology II
PracticumClinical PsychologyInternship in clinical psychology

PhD Psychology Admission Procedure

  • Choose a university or college: The very first step is to look for universities or colleges that offer a PhD in psychology. Examine the fees, available seats, and the course’s eligibility requirements. Fill out an application for the course:
  • Application: After learning about the university that offers the program, fill in all of the required information and pay the registration fee. Because the application forms are only available for a limited time, the candidate should be aware of the details well ahead of time.
  • Admissions Method: Universities hold entrance exams for PhD admissions or accept UGC NET scores if students meet the minimum requirements. Students can apply for a JRF or SRF scholarship through the UGC-NET. After passing the entrance exam, students must attend a personal interview (PI), during which they must also present their thesis as well as a synopsis in their field of specialization. The merit list is made up of selected and qualified candidates. To be eligible for admission, the student must achieve a desired rank and percentage.
  • Counseling: The candidate must attend a university-sponsored counseling session to reserve a seat, submit documents, and pay fees in order to be admitted.

PhD Psychology: Focus Areas

  • Perception, comprehension, attention, emotions, intelligence, relationships, behavior, personality, and even the subconscious are all studied in psychology as an academic discipline.
  • The study of mental processes and behavior is known as psychology.
  • Psychologists study both individual and group behavior in the hopes of better understanding human behavior, treating mental illnesses, and counseling people to achieve emotional stability.
  • Psychology is linked with the social sciences and humanities in many ways, including anthropology and philosophy, because it is concerned with social behavior.
  • They employ similar research methods to those in these disciplines, such as conducting interviews and watching people’s behavior.
  • Psychologists evaluate a person’s behavioral and mental health, as well as how people interact with each other and machines, and work to improve these relationships.

PhD Psychology: Suitable candidates for the Course

  • The course is appropriate for students interested in psychology, problem-solving, and data manipulation; it would provide effective tools for careers in law enforcement, healthcare, finance, IT, and research.
  • The program prepares psychologists to work as researchers, college and university instructors, and professional research psychologists.
  • Applicants must have excellent communication skills, the ability to work with people from various social and cultural backgrounds and patience.
  • Candidates should be sensitive and caring, as well as able to comprehend people from various backgrounds and upbringings.
  • This course is for aspirants who have a postgraduate degree in psychology, such as an MA or MSc in psychology.
  • The PhD in Psychology Program is for aspirants who would like to pursue careers in research and development.
  • Candidates interested in pursuing a career as a professor or associate professor of psychology should enroll in the course.
  • Candidates who are interested in learning more about criminal psychology should enroll in the course.
  • Candidates who want to become entrepreneurs and open their own practice should enroll in the program.
  • Candidates who have had an interest in psychology since childhood should definitely enroll in the program to pursue their dream.
  • It is advantageous for a candidate pursuing a PhD in Psychology to have someone close who is knowledgeable in the field. A PhD degree also necessitates a great deal of guidance, which is made easier if the applicant can find someone like that close to home.

PhD Psychology Structure of Fee

The cost of a PhD in psychology is subjective and varies from university to university. Some universities charge lower fees as a result of government or private-sector funding. However, a reasonable guess of the average fee structure for a PhD in psychology program is between Rs. 1 lakh and Rs. 3 lakh for the entire program.


PhD Psychology: Distance Courses

Individuals can study for his or her PhD remotely. Let’s take a closer look at the PhD Distance Learning mode’s distance admissions process.

  • IGNOU is the only institution in India that offers a PhD in Psychology via distance learning.
  • The course is designed to be completed in three years, but it can be extended to six years.
  • The course has been approved by the Indian Distance Education Board and the University Grants Commission.
  • The cost of the course is INR 16,800.
  • The IGNOU conducts a national level entrance test that determines admission.
  • Candidates must have earned a minimum of 55 percent on their master’s degree in the required field.
  • A 5% relaxation is allowed for applicants from the reserved categories.

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PhD Psychology: Top Universities and Colleges

The following is a list of some of the best institutes in the country that offer the course, as well as the places and fees charged by colleges.

Institute NamePlaceAverage Fees
(Annually)
Allahabad UniversityAllahabadINR 70,000
Amity University of Behavioral Health And Applied ScienceNoidaINR 55,000
Amity UniversityLucknowINR 33,500
Awadhesh Pratap Singh UniversityMadhya PradeshINR 24,000
Banaras Hindu UniversityVaranasiINR 1,00,000
Banasthali UniversityRajasthanINR 1,17,000
Bharath Ratna Dr. B.R. Ambedkar UniversityDelhiINR 16,000
Bhavnagar UniversityGujaratINR 22,000
Central University of KarnatakaGulbargaINR 19,000
Dr. Annasaheb GD Bendale Mahila MahavidyalayaMaharashtraINR 25,000
Gauhati UniversityGuwahatiINR 31,850
Gokul Das Hindu Girls CollegeMoradabadINR 80,000
Government College for WomenThiruvananthapuramINR 2,90,000
Gulbarga UniversityGulbargaINR 3,960

PhD Psychology: Important Skills Required

DedicatedPassionate
StudiousEmpathetic
ReasonableLogical
Avid ReaderGood Communication Skills
EnthusiasticEager
AssertiveConfident
DecisivePatient
Strong MindedDetermined

PhD Psychology: Top Foreign Institutes

There are a number of universities around the world that offer PhD programs in psychology. Candidates frequently wish to pursue their preferred subjects abroad due to improved infrastructure, research opportunities, and other factors. However, there are a few things that aspirants should consider prior to actually taking this step.

  • Candidates must hold a master’s degree from a recognized educational institution in the relevant field.
  • Candidates may be required to take an entrance exam, which may include the GRE exam.
  • Candidates must demonstrate their English proficiency through the TOEFL or IELTS exam.
  • Candidates must also show their mark-sheets from previous examinations, letters of referral, a purpose statement, work experience, and a medical certificate, among other things.

PhD Psychology: Institutes in Australia

InstituteAverage Fees
Swinburne University of TechnologyINR 20,00,000
Flinders UniversityINR 22,00,000
University of CanberraINR 21,00,000
University of SydneyINR 20,00,000
University of New EnglandINR 18,00,000

PhD Psychology: Institutes in UK

Examine the top universities in the United Kingdom that offer PhD in Psychology programmes.

InstituteAverage Fees
Manchester UniversityINR 470,000
Birmingham UniversityINR 21,00,000
Newcastle University
University of BristolINR 27,00,000

PhD Psychology: Institutes in Canada

Examine the best universities in Canada that offer PhD in Psychology programs

InstituteAverage Fees
Ontario Tech UniversityINR 46,00,000
University of AlbertaINR 16,00,000
York UniversityINR 54,00,000
Simon Fraser UniversityINR 14,00,000
University of British ColumbiaINR 22,00,000

PhD Psychology: Institutes in USA

The top universities in the United States that offer a PhD in Psychology program are listed below.

InstitutesAverage Fees
Pace UniversityINR 110,000
University of San FranciscoINR 120,000
University of ArizonaINR 26,00,000
University of MarylandINR 85,0000
University of UtahINR 33,00,000

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PhD Psychology: Important Job Profiles

Candidates with a Ph.D. in Psychology can choose from a variety of options after completing the program. They have the option of pursuing careers in Social Service or Mental Health, that are two of the best options for psychology graduates. Experts in these fields are in high demand, and they can assume to earn a good living while working directly with patients suffering from severe mental illness and other ailments.

  • Private Clinics
  • Counseling Offices
  • Clinical Psychologist
  • Social Psychologist
  • Colleges & Universities
  • Research psychologist
  • Educational Psychologist
  • Industrial Psychologist
  • Healthcare Centers
  • Hospitals

Many entry-level career positions require a master’s degree in psychology; however, most of the best jobs go to mental health professionals with a doctoral degree in psychology.

Some of the most promising career paths for these postgraduates are listed below, along with the salaries offered for the various positions..

Position of JobDescription of JobAverage Annual Salary in INR 
Clinical PsychologistsClinical psychologists are experts in diagnosing, treating, evaluating, and preventing mental illnesses. They also employ the greatest number of people in the field of psychology. They work in hospitals, and private practice, mental health clinics, among other places. Their work experience has a significant impact on their pay.3,71,000
Social PsychologistAttitudes, group behavior, public perception, and leadership are some of the social tendencies studied by social psychologists. They may also work in areas such as system design, marketing research, and organisational consulting. They might be able to find teaching and research positions in the Department of psychology at universities and colleges. They conduct most of their research in the field or in school settings. Social Psychologists are also employed by government agencies and private businesses as researchers, political strategists and managers,2,48,000
Industrial PsychologistsIndustrial psychologists apply their distinct knowledge and skills to help public companies and organisations of all types improve workplace efficiency and productivity. Product design, performance testing, developing corporate training programs, and recruiting skilled employees and managers are just a few of the things they do. Individuals with a bachelor’s degree in psychology are qualified for entry level positions in industrial and organizational psychology, but advancement in the field requires a doctorate.1,44,000
Educational PhysiologistEducational psychologists and school psychologists are frequently confused, but they are two distinct fields of psychology. Individual students’ behavioral and emotional issues are assessed, diagnosed, and treated by school psychologists. Educational psychologists are able to see the importance quality of education, as well as the structure and content of courses and programs for all students. They research how students are learning and collaborating with parents, teachers and school administrators to enhance academic results for a whole class of students.2,70,000
Research PsychologistHuman and animal participants are used in research studies and experiments by research psychologists. They are frequently employed by private companies, universities, or government agencies. Their research could cover a variety of topics in the field, such as cognition psychology, development, neuroscience, personality, and social behavior.12,00,000

PhD Psychology: Top Hiring Firms

  • Indian Spinal Injuries Center
  • GD Goenka University
  • Varta Health
  • Metro Group Of Hospitals
  • AajiCare Home Health Services Pvt. Ltd
  • Jesseena Marine Services Private Limited
  • Oloop Technology Solutions Private Limited
  • Zeeboombaa Manpower
  • Sahayam
  • Shanthi Hospital & Research Center Pvt Ltd
  • FutureHeights Training and Consultant Pvt. Ltd.
  • Inception rehab

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PhD Psychology: Top Private Institutes

Different private academic institutions in India offer Doctor of philosophy in psychology degree programs, and some of these colleges are particularly well-liked by students because they provide high-quality education and research opportunities to PhD students. The following is a list of some of India’s best private Doctor of philosophy in psychology colleges:

St Joseph University, DimapurShri Kushal Das University, Hanumangarh
Ashoka University, SonepatAmity University, Jaipur
Shri Vaishnav Vidyapeeth Vishwavidyalaya, IndoreBhagwant University, Ajmer
Sri Satya Sai University of Technology and Medical Sciences, SehoreKK University, Nalanda
SRM University AP, AmaravatiIIS University, Jaipur

PhD Psychology: Expected Average Salary

Income after accomplishing a PhD in psychology varies depending on a candidate’s skills, knowledge, and job profile. A psychologist with little about a year of expertise can expect to earn between Rs. 7 lakh and Rs. 10 lakh per year on average. The average earnings for a PhD in doctoral student increases from Rs. 15 lakh to Rs. 18 lakh per year after three years of experience. A psychologist candidate with at least 5 years of experience can expect to earn around Rs. 24 lakh per year at the top level.


PhD Psychology: Benefits and Scope

There are numerous reasons and benefits to pursuing a PhD in Psychology. Take a look at the list below.

  • Candidates are able to earn anywhere between INR 1.8 and INR 6.8 per Annum after having completed the PhD program. Aside from that, candidates will be eligible for bonuses and other benefits such as provident funds, deferred compensation, retirement benefits, and medical insurance.
  • In the field of education, a Doctorate is the highest degree that can be earned. A PhD in Psychology would provide a person with extensive knowledge in the field. After completing the Doctoral program, candidates will be able to assist people in recovering from stress or gain a better understanding of the human psyche and the underlying problem.
  • Research and Development – A PhD allows a person to conduct ongoing research and development in the field in which he is interested. A doctorate in psychology will enable individuals to explore and continue to study different facets of the subject matter, like mental stress, self-confidence, decision-making, and so on.
  • Choose from a variety of specializations – If you would like to pursue a PhD in Psychology, you will have a variety of disciplines to pursue your specialization in.  Sports Psychology, School Psychology, Engineering Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Neuro-psychology ,Social Psychology, Human Factors Psychology, Educational Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Health Psychology, and Developmental Psychology are all examples of this type of psychology.
  • Begin Your Own Practice – A PhD degree will also assist you in starting your own practice. You can start practicing as soon as you open your consultancy. A Psychologist can charge anywhere from INR 500 to INR 2000 per session.
  • You can assist people in recovering from mental illnesses – The most compelling reason to pursue a PhD in Psychology is to assist others in recovering from mental illnesses. You can help people who are suffering from a variety of mental illnesses, including anger, stress, mental fatigue, and depression. Aspirants can pay attention to them and suggest effective solutions.
  • Students can make a contribution to the field of work through autonomous learning, scholarship, and research in this course.
  • The goal of the program is to provide mentoring for the increasing number of clinical psychologists who want to work in clinical research settings such as universities, hospitals, specialty research foundations, and government agencies.
  • Candidates are prepared for positions at universities and colleges, research and governmental organisations, business and industry, clinics and hospitals, and as professional psychologists in both academic and applied settings.
  • Many jobs, such as those as a licensed clinical psychologist or counselling psychologist, require a doctorate-level degree in psychology.

FAQs

What does a PhD in psychology entail?

In the medical field, the scope of a PhD in psychology is really broad. Following the completion of a PhD in psychology, candidates will have a plethora of job opportunities.

How much time does it typically take a person to complete a PhD program in Psychology?

It usually takes five to seven years to complete a PhD in Psychology. During this time, candidates must also complete a one-year internship program.

What is life like for a psychologist with a PhD?

A PhD-holding psychologist’s main responsibility is to design and conduct scientific research as well as to carry out professional practice.

Is psychology a good profession to pursue?

Psychology is an excellent career choice, especially in this day and age when so many people suffer from mental illnesses. It is a lucrative and highly rewarding field of study. Psychologists also earn a good salary, which varies depending on their area of specialization, qualifications, and other factors.

Is it true that psychologists practice medicine?.

No. Psychologists do not have a medical degree and thus are unable to prescribe medications to their patients. They can only assist patients in recovering from mental illnesses by employing effective techniques

What are the basic requirements for obtaining a PhD in Psychology?

Those interested in pursuing a PhD in Psychology must have a bachelor’s degree as well as extensive training in psychology, including lab, research, statistics, and so on.

Between a PsyD and a PhD, which is the better option?

PsyD (Doctor of Psychology) and PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) are both worthwhile pursuits. Both degrees prepare students to practice psychology in a variety of healthcare settings. The main distinction between these programs is that the PsyD focuses more on clinical work, whereas the PhD focuses more on research.

Is it difficult to get a PhD in Psychology?

Obtaining a PhD in Psychology is unquestionably challenging. A candidate seeking this program must put in a lot of effort and dedication, and must complete coursework, pass knowledge exams, participate in various internships, and so on.

Is it possible to work and study for a PhD in Psychology at the same time?

Yes. Someone can certainly strike a balance between the two. It is possible to pursue a PhD degree while working full-time, and so many people do so. However, doing a part-time job whilst still pursuing a PhD is recommended, as juggling a full-time job and pursuing a PhD can be difficult, and can sometimes affect learning.

Is it true that almost all psychologists do have PhD?

The majority of psychologists hold a doctoral degree. Only a few psychologists work with only a master’s degree. They do have certification and licencing in addition for that, though.

What are among the most common job roles after earning a doctorate in psychology?

After earning a PhD in psychology, you can work as a scientist, psychologist, psychiatrist, or research associate, to name a few.

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