Aspirants’ Guide to Study MPhil in Psychology

If you wish to work as a Psychologist, a programme like the MPhil in Psychology will help you achieve your ambition. It is a research-oriented postgraduate degree that emphasises ‘practical approach and practice.’ The MPhil degree in Psychology exposes students to use their knowledge in the actual world once they have mastered the theories and principles of the subject. If you’re aspiring to pursue a degree in MPhil in Psychology, then here’s a complete guide that will enlighten you with all the necessary information about the same. 

Course Name	MPhil in Psychology
Course Level	Postgraduation
Full-Form	Master of Philosophy in Psychology
Duration	1-2 years
Examination Type	Semester-based
Eligibility	Master’s degree with minimum 50% – 60% aggregate marks
Admission process	Merit-based + Entrance exams
Job Profiles	Child Psychologist, Psychologist, Psychology Consultant, Health Educator, Rehabilitation Specialist, etc
Areas of Employment	Youth guidance centres, Defense forces, Media / TV Channels, Rehabilitation centres, Welfare organizations, Hospitals, Community and Mental Health centres, Colleges and educational institutes, etc.

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What is MPhil in Psychology?

Master of Philosophy in Psychology (MPhil in Psychology) is a two-year advanced postgraduate programme in psychology. This course is a rigorous two-year curriculum that includes thorough theoretical knowledge and hands-on clinical experience to give students the necessary clinical psychology abilities. Some institutions that are not RCI-accredited, as well as universities in other countries, offer a 1-year MPhil in Psychology programme. The focus of the course is on a thorough examination of the fields of psychology, behaviour science, and mental processes. It is a job-oriented education that provides graduates with several prospects.

MPhil in Psychology vs MPhil in Clinical Psychology

An MPhil degree in Psychology focuses on the science of behaviour and mental processes. Candidates for the MPhil in Clinical Psychology degree must possess abilities such as communication, information technology, data and statistics management, problem-solving, and the capacity to work in a team. The following are the distinctions between these two postgraduate degrees that are often treated as the same:

Differences	MPhil in Psychology	MPhil in Clinical Psychology
Full-Form	Master of Philosophy in Psychology	Master of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology
Overview	This course covers all aspects of psychology, including clinical psychology as well as other areas such as addiction, behavioural science, and so on.	This is a specialised course that focuses solely on Clinical Psychology, a sub-branch of Philosophy. Mental illness, behavioural disorders, phobias, depression, and other problems are covered.
Duration	1-2 years	1-2 years
Eligibility	Master’s degree in Psychology with a minimum of 55% from a recognized institute/university	MA/MSc in Psychology from a recognized institute/university
Admission Process	Merit-based and/or Entrance Exam	Merit-based and/or Entrance Exam
Job Profiles	Child psychologist, Psychologist, Psychology Consultant, Health educator, Rehabilitation specialist, etc.	Clinical Psychology Teacher, Clinical Psychologist, Clinical Manager, Clinical Data Analyst, Psychologist, Counselling officer, etc.
Areas of Employment	Youth guidance centres, Defense forces, Media and TV Channels, Rehabilitation centres, Welfare organizations, Hospitals, Community and mental health care centres, Colleges, etc.	Prisons, Government Hospitals, Psychiatric Centers, Clinics and Health Centers, Research Institutes & Medical Colleges, Community Mental Health Centers, etc.

MPhil in Psychology vs. PhD in Psychology

PhD stands for Doctor of Philosophy, whereas MPhil stands for Master of Philosophy. Despite the fact that both MPhil and PhD programmes are research-based, they are not the same and cannot be utilised interchangeably. MPhil is a thesis-based programme that serves as a bridge between masters and doctoral studies. Despite certain similarities, a PhD is regarded to be a higher and more profound level of research. MPhil in Psychology comes with its own set of benefits and significance. A person can only receive a licence to operate as a clinical psychologist in India after completing an MPhil from an RCI accredited institute in India, however, after completing a PhD in Psychology, a person can only get a doctoral degree, not a licence.

Important Note: On June 22, 1993, Parliament passed the RCI Act, making it a Statutory Body. In 2000, Parliament revised the Act to make it more broad-based. The Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) is an apex government agency established by an Act of Parliament to oversee training programmes and courses for differently-abled, underprivileged, and special education need groups. It is critical for every clinical psychologist to have. The Act also prescribes punitive action against unqualified persons delivering services to persons with disabilities.

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Top Universities Abroad Offering MPhil in Psychology 

Here are some world-class and renowned universities abroad that are offering the MPhil course in Psychology to aspirants:

Universities	Location
University of Portsmouth	UK
University of Essex	UK
University of Exeter	UK
University College London	UK
University of Melbourne	Australia
Australian National University	Australia
Columbia University	USA
University of York	UK
University of Manchester	UK

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Top Colleges in India Offering MPhil in Psychology 

Here are some of the most renowned colleges in India that are offering MPhil programs in Psychology to students: 

Name of the College	Location
Savitribai Phule Pune University	Pune
Jamia Millia Islamia	New Delhi
Institute of Human Behaviour & Allied Sciences	New Delhi
Bharathiar University	Coimbatore
University of Madras	Chennai
Calicut University	Calicut
Mumbai University	Mumbai
Maharshi Dayanand University	Rohtak
Kurukshetra University	Kurukshetra
National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences	Bangalore
Christ University	Bangalore

Eligibility Criteria 

Although the eligibility criteria to pursue MPhil in Psychology will be different in different countries and will also vary from one university to another, given below is a general eligibility outlook that is being provided for aspirants to have a brief idea: 

• Candidates must be having a first-class or second-class honours undergraduate degree and postgraduate degree. 
• Candidates must have a minimum of 55% in their master’s degree in Psychology from a recognised university.
• The Common Entrance Test is used by several colleges in India and overseas to admit students. As a result, candidates must pass the test in order to be accepted into that institution or university. Many institutions hold their own entrance examinations, which candidates must pass in order to continue with the admissions process.
• Candidates who have passed the written test will be invited to participate in an interview.
• Research work at the postgraduate level (which must include some research training) is undertaken for the equivalent of at least one year full-time.
• Students are required to submit scores of the IELTS or TOEFL test for Language proficiency. A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 overall or 90 in TOEFL (iBT) is required. 
• Research proposal for the programme.

Documents Checklist

Students are required to submit a long list of documents that will secure their entry into the MPhil in Psychology programs overseas. The essential documents are as follows:

• An updated CV in the correct format
• A research proposal of at least 1000 to 1500 words
• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Certificate of English proficiency – IELTS/TOEFL/PTE Test/Duolingo 
• Personal Statements
• Reference Letters
• A formal application form
• Student visa 

MPhil in Psychology Syllabus

The MPhil in Psychology syllabus is nearly the same in all Indian colleges, however, it may differ in universities abroad. The table below lists frequent subjects and subjects that are included in the organised syllabus:

1st Year 

Semester I	Semester II
Statistics	Research Methodology B
Research Methodology A	Psychological Testing B
Philosophy Of Research	Psychological Foundations Of Behaviour B
Qualitative Research Methods	Understanding Psychological Problems B
Psychological Testing A	Psychiatry B
Psychological Foundations Of Behaviour A	–
Understanding Psychological Problems A	–
Psychotherapy	–
Psychiatry A	–

2nd Year

Semester III	Semester IV
Biological Foundation of Mental Health	Community Mental Health
Psychotherapy and Counselling	Biological Foundations of Mental Health
Behavioural Medicine	Research Dissertation
Research Dissertation	–

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Career Opportunities

Following the completion of an MPhil in Psychology degree, the degree bearer will have a plethora of work prospects. In the industry, one can work in the following positions post successful completion of this research degree:

• Psychology Consultant
• Child Psychologist
• Psychology Lecturer 
• Psychologist
• Rehabilitation Specialist
• Community Relations Officer
• Health Instructor 
• Teacher & Lecturer     
• Clinical Psychologist
• Behavioural Health Counsellor
• Associate Professor

Top Recruiters

These individuals can work at universities, private enterprises, clinics, and hospitals, among other places. They also have the option of working for government agencies that deal with social welfare. They can also work in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, Child/Youth Guidance Centers, Research Establishment Centers, and a variety of other settings. They can create their own consulting company if their interests and financial circumstances allow. Because of the growing need for mental health services, all health care facilities, hospitals, social health services, and schools will see an increase in employment in the psychology profession.

Average Salary

Applicants who have finished their MPhil in Psychology study may establish a name for themselves and pursue a career as a psychologist in a variety of disciplines, with an annual starting income of INR 5 lakhs per annum that can rise to INR 15 lakhs per annum in India.

Future Scope

The MPhil in Psychology offers a wide range of applications in areas such as work, family, relationships, sports, industries, and organisational settings. Candidates after completing their MPhil in Psychology programme get a deeper understanding of the human mind and behaviour. This information will prepare students to work in fields such as forensic psychology, counselling psychology, clinical psychology, and organizational/industrial psychology, among others. Furthermore, individuals interested in continuing their education can pursue a PhD in Psychology after finishing their MPhil. During their PhD programme, students will be able to perform more advanced research in the subject of psychology.

Building a career in psychology is a long road with several stops along the way, with MPhil being one of the most crucial. Obtaining an MPhil degree will undoubtedly serve as a springboard for joining the field and beginning a career as a psychologist. If you are planning to study psychology abroad in 2022, then reach out to our experts at Leverage Edu on 1800572000 and allow them to kickstart your journey of becoming a psychologist in no time!