PhD in Psychology: The Quest for Understanding Human Psyche

According to the survey's outcomes from a study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), there exists a noticeable imbalance in India between the demand for mental health professionals and their availability. The key observations from the report is that there is approximately one psychologist for every 13 lakh individuals.

Indeed, psychology is, first and foremost, an exploration of the human mind. There is a subtle interplay of mental, emotional, and behavioural processes that define our experiences and the way we interact with the world. Psychologists are able to use a variety of concepts and methodologies in order to comprehend the complexities of the human mind and behaviour. Starting from the very beginning but spreading through time till the modern period with corresponding ones like the exploring the possibilities of cognitive psychology, the discipline of psychology has gone through changes, accepting different points of view and ways to get to diverse.

And so, you have been getting very close to choosing this course of life for a Ph.D. in Psychology. Yes, getting into a subject as profound as mental health is not just everybody’s cup of tea, but the strength and breadth of your courage to dig into such areas of life make many to be completely in awe. These are but a few paths, and each of them is still very appealing. True, one can reach the heights of recommended jobs like becoming a psychologist, a professor, or a behavioural health specialist only when one has gone through rigorous learning and understanding starting with a Ph.D. in Psychology.

PhD in Psychology Course Details

Before you actually enrol in the course, gather some important details about the PhD in Psychology course from here.

PhD in Psychology Eligibility

To qualify for enrollment into PhD in Psychology, you must have gained 55% or above in your post-graduation in psychology. Moreover, most of the universities expect you to qualify for some competitive exams such as UGC NET, CSIR UGC NET, IIT JAM, and GPAT.

Yet, there may be a little discrepancy with respect to PhD in Psychology eligibility criteria among different universities. There are several universities in India where the entrants must take part in entrance exams before they are admitted. Apart from that, prepare your dissertation as well.

PhD in Psychology Duration

A PhD in psychology can last for three to eight years, in general, but the actual duration is contingent on certain programme set-ups, such as the nature of the areas of concern and student demographics (i.e. part-time or full-time).

A lot of programmes begin with basic classes of core subjects, and then they move on to several more advanced courses that are structured based on the student's speciality preference. Key features usually include:

  • Core Courses: Cover fundamental theories and methodologies in psychology.
  • Specialisation Courses: Focus on the student’s specific area of interest, such as clinical psychology, cognitive psychology, or health psychology.
  • Research: Involves conducting original research, culminating in a dissertation.
  • Practical Experience: Includes internships or practicums, particularly for clinical psychology tracks.
psychology

Choosing a Specialisation

Selecting a specialisation is a critical step in a psychology PhD program. The choice should align with the student’s career goals and personal interests. Some common specialisations include:

  • Clinical Psychology

Determining and overcoming mental health problems by psychologists is a subject of clinical psychology. For those individuals who specialise in the given field, great importance is attached to the training in therapeutic techniques, which is why they generally participate in clinical practice which is supervised. Graduates commonly join either the hospital, private practice, or the academic field.

  • Cognitive Psychology

This area explores the workings of the human mind, including perception, memory, and problem-solving. Cognitive psychologists often work in research institutions, universities, or tech companies, where they apply their understanding to improve educational methods or develop user-friendly technologies.

  • Positive Psychology/ Health Psychology

Health psychology is the study of biological, social and psychological factors that influence health, illness and and contribute in improving healthcare systems. Health psychologists use their skills and knowledge of psychology to support people living with long-term conditions to improve or maintain quality of life, self-manage their conditions, and adjust to life with an illness, disability or long-term condition.

Career after PhD in Psychology

Usually, it is seen that students complete their doctoral degree in psychology because they wish to advance with practising clinical psychology. Getting a doctorate is one of the essentials for the professional practice of clinical psychology.

Nevertheless, with a doctorate, you can also pursue your career as a forensic psychologist, school psychologist, social psychologist, sports psychologist, and research involved psychologist.

Other Jobs after PhD in Psychology

  • Psychological Specialist
  • Behavioral Health Specialist
  • Addiction Counselor
  • Researcher
  • Psychotherapist
  • Clinical Supervisor
  • Psychometrics Specialist
  • Advertising Director
  • Professor
  • Human Resources Personnel

By now, you know well about PhD in Psychology, what are the benefits of PhD in Psychology, and what it brings to the table. So, what are you waiting for now? Start hunting for the best university from where you would like to complete your PhD degree in psychology.

Learn to Navigate the Human Psyche with a Doctoral Programme in Psychology at SRM University-AP

The Easwari School of Liberal Arts offers a Doctoral Programme in Psychology. The programme provides aspiring researchers with the chance to delve into their specific interests within the psychological domain. Prospective applicants must successfully pass an entrance examination and interview to secure a spot in the programme. Holding a postgraduate degree in psychology (preferably attained through traditional means) and possessing a solid grasp of fundamental research concepts in social/behavioural sciences are prerequisites for admission.

During their initial year, research scholars will undertake intensive coursework. The programme is dedicated to maintaining strong standards in research methodologies (both qualitative and quantitative) and ethical research practices. At present, supervision is available in educational psychology, positive psychology, health psychology, relationship psychology, developmental psychology, and counselling psychology.

To Cut Things Short

Through SRM University-AP, you can join a group of people who are not only interested in their development but also willing to make a positive impact not just at the workplace level but also in the personal lives of the individuals and the community. It is the educational institution that holds the right space to raise the young minds who will be the future psychologists who will work in this field, developing new methods to cope with the changing mental health challenges and real-life problems.

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