Becoming a psychologist is not as difficult as you may think. It is a lot of hard work, and you need to be passionate about the field, but it is a realistic goal. If you love understanding people and the human mind and are willing to work hard, you have the essential qualities needed to be a psychologist. This blog will look at the different steps you need to take to become a psychologist and everything you must know about this degree, including why you would want to choose this as a career.
What is Psychology?
Psychology is the scientific study of human behaviour and mental processes. Psychologists analyse a person’s reactions, emotions, and behaviour, and then use what they’ve learned to address the resulting behavioural issues. Psychologists are in charge of identifying psychological, emotional, and behavioural concerns and diagnosing specific disorders, using data gathered from patient interviews, tests and records, and medical reference sources. The psychologist’s role also includes developing an individualised treatment plan for each patient and modifying it over time.
How to Become a Psychologist in India?
The following are the prerequisites for becoming a licenced psychologist:
- Pass the 10+2 exam, preferably with Psychology as a subject.
- A Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degree is required in Psychology. The curriculum focuses on personality development, psychotherapy, stress management, and neuro-psychology.
- Postgraduate specialisation is available, with an MA or M.Sc. in Psychology, Social Work, or Counselling.
- PhD or M.Phil degrees are also offered for further specialisation at the doctoral level.
Top Colleges in India to Become a Psychologist
Universities in India
Location
Fees Structure (USD) 2022
Christ University
Bangalore
2 L-11 L
Jamia Millia Islamia
Delhi
19.4 K – 24 K
University of Mysore
Mysore
37.39 K – 1.9 L
IGNOU
Delhi
3.5 K – 18.6 K
LPU
Jalandhar
83 K – 3.6 L
Manipal College of Health Profession
Manipal
2.1 L – 7.36 L
University of Hyderabad
Hyderabad
52.1 K – 81.31 K
Ashoka University
Delhi
25.25 L
FLAME University
Pune
19.85 L
Symbiosis School of Liberal Arts
Pune
16.3 L
Top Universities Abroad to Become a Psychologist
Universities in Abroad
Country
QS Ranking
Fees Structure 2022
Harvard University
USA
1
51,904 USD per academic year
Stanford University
USA
2
$52,857 per year
University of Oxford
UK
3
£31,030
University of Cambridge
UK
4
£35,517
University of California (UCB)
USA
5
$15,000 per semester
University of California (LA)
USA
6
$2275.00/month
Yale University
USA
8
$84,525
University of Michigan
USA
10
$28,317
MIT
UK
9
$53,450 annually
UCL
UK
7
£22,200
Eligibility Criteria for Psychology Abroad & Admission Process
Undergraduate
Suppose you are looking for a bachelor’s degree in Psychology overseas. In that case, you should ideally have two things: a thorough comprehension of Science and Mathematics and a broad perspective and foundation in social sciences. There is currently no such requirement.
The academic requirements for undergraduate studies are roughly classified by the type of degree offered by the university. FOR EXAMPLE, a B. A. (Bachelor of Arts) would prefer a student with a background in Arts and Humanities. In contrast, a BSc or Bachelor of Science in Psychology would choose Science disciplines such as Biology, Organic Chemistry, and Mathematics.
Masters
- Secondary schooling in your own country must be completed.
- A strong interest in psychology.
- Test results for English language skills that are satisfactory.
- A bachelor’s degree, typically in psychology or a related discipline, is required for postgraduate studies.
The application process for studying abroad is time-consuming, and applicants must begin preparing well in advance of their expected start date. Because application deadlines are sometimes established long before the semester, it is crucial to start the admissions process as soon as possible.
Admission process
- Choosing a country, university, and field of study
- Request application forms from universities.
- Taking the necessary tests
- Essays and recommendation letters must be organised and prepared.
- Completing and submitting application forms and required papers such as visas, appropriate finances, test scores, etc.
- Reporting different test scores to universities, such as TOEFL, PTE, or IELTS, and your prior education scores.
Cost to Study Psychology Abroad
Degree
Country
Fees
Master’s
Australia
32,000 AUD to 50,400 AUD
Undergraduate
USA
$25,905
Graduate
USA
$19,122
Master’s
UK
20,000 to 50,000 GBP
Bachelor’s
Canada
20,000 CAD to 60,000 CAD
Master’s
Canada
18,000 CAD to 48,000 CAD
Master’s
New Zealand
31,000 NZD to 44,500 NZD
Undergraduate
Germany
€1,500 per annum
Graduate
Germany
€1,500 per annum
Role of Psychologist Abroad
International psychology combines practical and theoretical elements to provide interventions for individuals and organisations working across several cultural and international contexts. Those who get a degree in international psychology can learn to be global leaders who comprehend different cultures. In an increasingly globalised environment, an international psychology degree can also lead to a profession promoting social justice. International psychologists can serve as counsellors to support patients and build future mental health treatment plans. Counsellors typically deal with their patients on daily decision-making, health difficulties, relationships, and job decisions.
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Career Opportunities and Salary Abroad
Social worker: A social worker helps people going through difficult times in their lives. Divorcing couples, children in foster care, the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and victims of abuse or crime may all benefit from the services of a social worker.
Educationalist Psychologist: Psychologists use their understanding of how the brain works to help children with unique needs. Psychologists excel in the educational industry due to detecting students’ subtleties and gestures.
Organisational psychologist: International psychologists can apply their specialised knowledge in broader organisations.
Counsellor: International psychologists can serve as counsellors to support patients and build future mental health treatment plans.
Psychotherapist: A psychotherapist works with people, families, and couples to assist them in managing marital problems, divorce or separation, job and family stress, and addictions.
Careers After Pursuing Psychology
Career
Average Salary
Psychiatrist
$216,090
Industrial-Organisational Psychologist
$102,530
Neuropsychologist
$90,460
Forensic Psychologist
$59,440
Clinical Psychologist
$81,330
Engineering Psychologist
$79,818
Counselling Psychologist
$72,540
School Psychologist
$58,360
Sports Psychologist
$55,000
AECC Global can assist you in pursuing your dreams where you can get end-to-end assistance from choosing the right place to visa services.
FAQs About How to Become a Psychologist
How much does a Psychologist earn in India?
The average salary of a Psychologist in India with 3 years of experience is around 30k per month.
Is being a Psychologist a good career in India?
Yes. Being a Psychologist is a good career choice in India. There are many subdivisions in Psychology which are Clinical, Counseling, Industrial, Educational and Forensic Psychology. Among the above, Clinical Psychology is the best established Psychology in India.
What is the minimum qualification to become a Psychologist in India?
To become a Psychologist in India, aspirants must have completed the Bachelor of Science degree with a specialisation in Psychology.
Is MBBS required to become a Psychologist?
No. MBBS is not required to become a Psychologist. A Bachelor degree in Psychology followed by a Masters in Psychology would be more than enough to become a professional Psychologist.
Every now and then, we face many struggles and are required to fight our own battles independently. The toughest of them all is to fight with the demons of mental illness. In this fast-paced era, people often find it difficult to identify the root cause of mental and emotional stress and are thus not able to reach out for help when needed the most. In such cases, the Psychologists/Psychiatrists turn out to be the knight in the shining armor! Though both aim at treating mental illness, there is a significant difference between psychologists and psychiatrist. So, when it comes to psychologists, through various techniques and methodologies, these therapists counsel people and pull them out from the hollow mental zones they are sinking into. Therefore, if you want to know about how to become a Psychologist in India after class 12th then here is a blog that will elucidate the process in a step-by-step way!
What is Psychology?
The study of human health and behaviour as it is influenced by the mind is known as psychology. Psychology courses are available in India at various levels, i.e. Psychology diploma courses, psychology certificate courses, psychology bachelor degree courses, and psychology postgraduate degrees are all available. There are also several research-level courses in Psychology, as well as part-time or online courses in Psychology. While psychology is a large field in and of itself, every course that involves studying Human anatomy and related disciplines includes fundamental ideas of psychology in its course curriculum. Psychology is commonly taught in counselling programs, physiotherapy therapeutic programs, and other medical programs. A psychology course entails studying and comprehending human brain development, consciousness, behaviour, and personality, as well as other related areas.
What Does a Psychologist Do?
Humans are amongst the most complex creatures which require an understanding of the various elements that affect our mind a behaviour. To answer many complicated questions and deal with our daily stresses, psychologists study the human mind scientifically. It is the perfect subject for those with an inquisitive mind, and a passion for helping people. The following are a few things psychologists do as a part of their career or research.
- Psychologissts who are inclined to research conduct researches and experiments to understand the various process in our brain and behaviour.
- Psychologists help people deal with their stresses, identify behavioral and emotional patterns in clients, diagnose disorders, make treatment plans, and help people overcome those disorders.
- Psychologists also gain specializations in a particular field that helps them narrow down the options for research and study. A few common specializations in psychology include Industrial, Counseling, Clinical, Environmental, Social, Sports, etc.
Step 1: Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree
If you are pondering about how to become a psychologist in India, the foremost step towards this is to pursue an undergraduate degree in the domain. A bachelor’s degree like BA Psychology or BSc Psychology not only builds a strong foundational knowledge of the field but also improves competencies like communication skills.
Numerous Psychology Courses are offered by a majority of esteemed institutions in the country. You can choose the variant as per your choice but it is important to note that the career prospects will vary based on the course. Let us have a look at some of the prominent options available in the country.
- BA Psychology
- BSc Psychology
- BA in Applied Psychology
- BA in Journalism, Psychology, and English
Step 2: Gain Some Professional Experience
If a person is interested in Experimental Psychology, they can get experience by assisting a professor with their research project as an intern. Working with physically challenged children and promoting social awareness are both beneficial in terms of acquiring experience. If you want to take the Developmental Psychology course, you must first volunteer at a mental health hospital or clinic. Every year, workshops on themes ranging from hypnosis to dream analysis are held. This differs from one college to the next. If a student obtains experience while studying psychology, he or she may find it simpler to find work after graduation.
Step 3: Pursue A Specialised Course
Upon successfully completing your bachelor’s program in Psychology, you should consider pursuing a master’s degree as it will help gain advanced knowledge of the field. Since Psychology is a vast field, one can find scores of areas in which they can specialize through enticing programs like MSc Psychology, MA Psychology, MSc Clinical Psychology, etc. Those who have not studied the subject at the bachelor’s level can also enroll in a master’s degree by qualifying for an entrance examination. On the contrary, students who have graduated in Psychology can directly get admitted based on marks secured at the bachelor’s level [admission criteria can vary based on the university you are applying to]. As it is a higher-level degree, it is necessary to choose a specialization in the master’s program. Following are some of the options that you can consider:
A postgraduation degree in this field is a very crucial step to build your career in Psychology. On the journey of your 2-year course, you will get to study Counselling theories, research methods, social and cultural diversity issues in counselling, etc. In the final year of your course, you will have to submit your dissertation project which counts as an important criterion of receiving your degree.
Step 4: Pursue a Doctorate Degree
The majority of disciplines in Psychology require students to earn a doctorate degree like PhD in Psychology. A PhD in Psychology is a doctoral-level program that provides intensive research training for people interested in pursuing a career as an academician or as a clinical psychologist. The course covers a wide range of topics in psychology, including cognition, perception, neuroscience, and behaviour. This curriculum generally lasts 4 years for full-time students and 7-8 years for part-time students.
Step 5: Do Internships
It is always advisable to do as many internships as possible to ace in a given field of study and to build a successful career. Generally, it is advisable that students must complete at least a two-year internship. Many students will benefit from this experience since they will receive on-the-job training. A student will also learn whether or not the specialty is right for them. During this time, the applicant will profit from the joy of serving others. Internships in clinical and counselling psychology may require approval from some reputable organizations since positions in mental health facilities may require an authorized internship.
Step 6 Get Certified
Those who have earned a degree from the university which is affiliated with the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI), will receive certification as soon as you complete your program. There is an alternate way as well for those who have pursued Psychology courses from the non-affiliated institutes. Such graduates need to apply for the certification under RCI.
Note: Those who have graduated with MSc in Clinical Psychology degree must complete a Master in Philosophy (MPhil) in Clinical Psychology in order to get certified by the RCI.
Skills Required to Become a Psychologist
Since psychology is an interdisciplinary blend of medical science as well as sociological and other related aspects, there are certain skills that you will need to become a successful psychologist. Here’s a list of the major skills you must inculcate and imbibe in yourself in order to follow the career path of a Psychologist:
- Analytical skills to diagnose the issues and problems faced by a patient.
- Excellent communication skills to counsel and advice patients on their mental and behavioural issues.
- You must be empathetic towards understanding the struggles and challenges pertaining to mental and psychological health.
- Observational skills to keenly perceive, detect and note the patient’s behaviour and thus detecting the issues they are tackling.
- Compassionate and kind towards understanding the struggles of mental health for every individual.
- Advanced knowledge of psychological theories, counselling and treatment.
- Keen interest in human behaviour, thought process and related aspects.
- Brilliant listening and questioning skills.
Top Colleges in India to Become a Psychologist
Selecting an institution for UG and PG education is the most vital part of your career. This is because a good institution will not only equip you with the career skills related to the field of Psychology but will also impart practical and theoretical knowledge comprehensively. So, if you are wondering how to become a psychologist in India then have a look at some of the famous institutions from where you can pursue a degree in Psychology:
- Lady Shri Ram College for Women, New Delhi
- Christ University, Bangalore
- Presidency College, Chennai
- Keshav Mahavidyalaya, New Delhi
- Ashoka University, Sonepat
- DAV College, Chandigarh
- St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai
- Fergusson College, Pune
- Indraprastha College for Women, New Delhi
- Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi
- Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
- Modern College of Arts Science and Commerce, Pune
- Aligarh Muslim University
- Tata Institute of Social Sciences
- Jesus & Mary College, New Delhi
Career Opportunities and Salary
After obtaining a degree in Psychology, an array of employment opportunities opens up. To kick start your career as a Psychologist in India, it is mandatory to complete an internship with an organization of your choice. Interning in the field will help you gain professional experience and will give insights into the job responsibilities. Dwelling upon your chosen field of specialization, you can pursue a career in Community Psychology or any other sub-field. Further, if you want to enter academia, you can go for a PhD in Psychology. Below mentioned are some of the top job profiles that you can explore:
- Clinical Psychologist: These are medical practitioners who treat patients through various therapies. A clinical psychologist helps people cure their mental illness o disease through various methods and activities. Along with mental issues, clinical psychologists also treat patients with behavioural or emotional illnesses. All the treatments made by clinical psychologist does not involve any sort of medications, instead relies completely on activities, methods, and therapies.
- Counselling Psychologist: Such professionals treat patients who seek help for mental problems that are not chronic in nature and can be treated easily through counselling sessions. A counselling psychologist will help you in getting rid of the disturbing mental thoughts and will equip you with some ways to stay focused on your future goals. Counselling psychologists also guide the patients in decision-making by evaluating the possible aspects of an upcoming decision.
- Industrial/Organizational Psychologist: Industrial or Organizational Psychologists help people maintain a perfect balance between their personal and professional life. Often people lead lives with an improper balance between their work and normal living. In such cases, consulting an industrial psychologists is one of the most beneficial solutions. Organizational Psychologists will also help you in tackling the stressful scenarios at your workplace.
- Educational Psychologists: They help educational institutes understand the varied aspects of human learning and devise ways to improve different learning methods for students. As the process of learning is two-way based, it is the role of an educational psychologist to advise the schools and universities with ways and approaches via which they can make learning engaging. Along with this, he educational psychologists also assists students in taking the right decision by making them analyze their interests and choices.
Other than the above-mentioned profiles, here are some other jobs you can opt for:
- School Counsellor
- Social Worker
- Community Psychologist
- Teaching and Research
- Health Psychologist
After reading all the above information and important steps pertaining to how to become a psychologist in India, it is equally important to further know about the salary scope and prospects of this industry or chosen field. Mainly, a psychologist’s salary will vary as per their qualifications, area of expertise, professional experience, and skills. To explore higher-level opportunities in Psychology, the major qualification you must have is MPhil and PhD in Psychology and you can get a handsome salary package. Further, you can also establish your own private practice which will need investment in the beginning. The initial and starting package for a Psychologist is somewhere between 1.80 LPA to 6.50 LPA (indicative) and with more work experience, you can aim for a higher salary package as well.
Top Universities Abroad to Become a Psychologist (BONUS)
Among the many study abroad programs, choosing to study psychology abroad is the best option as it opens you up the opportunity of studying a much wider range of programs. This will also give your studies an international perspective that can give you an edge in your future career. The following are the top universities across the world for psychology.
FAQs
How much does a psychologist earn in India?
In India, the average starting salary of a Psychologist ranges around INR 4-5,00,000.
How Can I Become a Psychologist?
If you are thinking about how to become a psychologist in India, then you must begin by earning the right UG degree, PG degree, join an internship and then earn your license. Once you complete all of the above steps, you are good to go.
Is Psychology a good career in India?
Psychology is one of the most pursued career fields in our country. It offers an array of career options along with growth opportunities and worthy pay packages. After earning a degree in the choice of specialization in psychology, you can kick-start your career in the field.
Is MBBS required to become a psychologist?
Psychological testing is not included in the MBBS curriculum. You may become a psychologist without completing an MBBS. However, in order to become a psychiatrist, you must first complete your MBBS. Counseling is permitted in Psychology, but pharmaceutical prescriptions are not.
Does it take 12 years to become a psychologist?
In most situations, it might take as little as eight years or as much as twelve years to become a certified psychologist. If you are thinking about a career in psychology, you should be aware of all of the educational and training requirements for becoming a licensed psychologist.
Does psychology need mathematics?
As experts have mentioned, you’ll need some basic arithmetic abilities. You must be familiar with algebra and the sequence of operations, but most importantly, you must be willing to study math. At the undergraduate level, most psychology programs need a rudimentary introduction to statistics.
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Thus, we hope that this blog on ‘How to Become a Psychologist in India’ has helped you gain insight into the important details pertaining to the field which will help you formulate a plan towards a successful career! Psychology is a broad field with a number of branches available. Needless to say, choosing a stream that aligns with your professional goals can be tedious. Reach out to our experts at Leverage Edu who will guide you in selecting the most suitable sub-branch using our comprehensive psychometric test!
