Difference between Basic Psychology and Applied Psychology: Courses, Specialisation, Eligibility, Syllabus
Ever wondered how applied psychology is different from basic psychology? Let's learn on this page.
Basic Vs. Applied Psychology
The Difference Between Basic Psychology and Applied Psychology - Psychology can be defined as the study of mind and behaviour. Psychology courses help students learn how exactly the human mind works. The study of Psychology involves the methods and patterns to study human behaviour through different courses and how to help society excel. There are various specialisations of Psychology that various universities and colleges offer. Students can get a detailed overview of Psychology courses here in the article below. Also, learn the difference between Applied Psychology and Basic Psychology on this page.
- Types of Psychology Courses
- What is Basic Psychology?
- Basic Psychology Course Structure
- What is Applied Psychology?
- Differences between General Psychology and Applied Psychology
- Career Scope after Psychology
- Top Colleges Offering Psychology
- FAQs Related to Psychology
Types of Psychology Courses
The various specialisations in Psychology courses are explained in the table below.
| Specialisation |
Description |
|---|---|
| Clinical Psychology |
Concentrates on the intellectual, emotional, biological, psychological, social and behavioural aspects of human performance through socioeconomic levels. |
| Cognitive Psychology |
This investigates mental processes such as problem solving, memory, learning and language. Concentrates on how people perceive, communicate and remember. |
| Developmental Psychology |
The scientific study which changes people's experiences over a life span. It focuses on children, teenagers and young adults. |
| Evolutionary Psychology |
This looks at how human behaviour has evolved through various adjustments and how people are adaptive in order to survive. |
| Forensic Psychology |
This form involves applying psychology to criminal investigation and the law. It involves assessing the psychological factors which influence a case or behaviour. |
| Health Psychology |
From behaviour to illness to social context influence, this is known as medical psychology where the practitioner focuses on the entire health of a person and what affects them. |
| Social Psychology |
This practice uses scientific methods to understand how social influences impact human behaviour. From social perception to non-verbal behaviour, aggression and prejudice. |
However, when it comes to selecting a course, one should know the difference between a Basic Psychology Course and an Applied Psychology course.
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What is Basic Psychology?
Basic Psychology is the generic term used for Psychology. Students who opt to take up Psychology can go on to specialize in the above-mentioned courses, which are offered by various universities and departments. However, it solely depends on which programme one is taking up. There is a difference between BA Psychology and BSc Psychology. While the Bachelor of Arts (BA) Psychology teaches students right from counselling to the evolution and how sociology has played a major role, a Bachelor of Science (BSc) teaches students about the clinical and research aspects of Psychology that they can use in the field of science and medicine. In basic terms, General/Basic Psychology is a course where one learns about the facets of the mind, various theories which shape the course of personality, learning, cognition and so on.
Basic Psychology Course Structure
The eligibility requirements and the (undergraduate) course structure are explained in the space below.
Psychology UG Courses Eligibility Criteria
-
Aspirants must have appeared or passed the 10+2 exam or equivalent education from the state/national education board in India.
- Candidates must have obtained a minimum of 50 per cent aggregate in the Class 12 Board exam.
-
Aspirants from all streams, i.e. Arts, Science or Commerce, are eligible for admission to Psychology courses.
-
Different colleges/Institutes for psychology courses may have their own set of eligibility criteria.
BA Psychology Syllabus
Students are taught the following subjects in a BA Psychology programme. It must be noted that the syllabus may vary from institute to institute. However, it remains the same largely across institutes.
| First Year |
|
|---|---|
| Introduction to Psychology (Theory + Tutorial) |
Biopsychology |
| English Communication |
|
| Statistical Methods for Psychological Research |
Psychology of Individual Differences |
| Second Year |
|
| Development of Psychological Thought |
Psychological Research |
| Social Psychology |
Understanding Psychological Disorders |
| Statistical Methods for Psychological Research-II |
Applied Social Psychology |
| Ability Enhancement Elective Course (1 & 2) |
General Electives (1 & 2) |
| Third Year |
|
| Understanding and Dealing With Psychological Disorders |
Organizational Behaviour |
| Developmental Psychology |
Counselling Psychology |
| Discipline-Specific Elective (DSE) x 4 |
|
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What is Applied Psychology?
Applied Psychology is the use of psychological principles, concepts and theories which are used in our everyday lives. It ranges from social work to counselling to advising people. Applied psychologists help people manage or resolve their emotional distress, disorders and illnesses. In simple terms, applied psychology helps people cope with their lives using scientific research. Applied psychology applies principles, theories, concepts, strategies, and approaches in areas such as family, health, social perception, school, colleges, clinics, etc.
Applied Psychology Syllabus
The syllabus for Applied Psychology is as follows:
| Semester – I |
|
|---|---|
| Psychology and Its Applications I |
Research Methodology & Statistics I |
| Practicum based on Papers I & II |
Concurrent – Qualifying Language |
| Semester – II |
|
| Psychology and Applications II |
Research Methodology & Statistics II |
| Practicum based on Paper IV |
Concurrent – Credit Language |
| Semester – III |
|
| Applied Social Psychology I |
Practicum based on paper VII |
| Concurrent – Interdisciplinary |
|
| Semester – IV |
|
| Applied Social Psychology II |
Communication Skills |
| Practicum Based on Paper X |
Concurrent – Discipline Centred I |
| Semester – V |
|
| Counselling Psychology |
Clinical Psychology I |
| Practicum based on Paper XII |
|
| Semester – VI |
|
| Optional (a-f) |
Project/Internship |
| Concurrent – Discipline Centred II |
|
Differences between General Psychology and Applied Psychology
The differences between basic and applied psychology courses are detailed in the table below.
|
|
General Psychology |
Applied Psychology |
|---|---|---|
| Duration of UG Course |
3-Years |
3-Years |
| Eligibility Criteria |
The candidate should have done their class 12 from a recognised board from any discipline and should have secured a minimum of 55% in aggregate. |
The candidate should have done their class 12 from a recognised board from any discipline and should have secured a minimum of 55% in aggregate. |
| Admission Process |
Entrance Exam and Merit-Based. |
Entrance Exam and Merit-Based. |
| Focus |
All fields |
Specialised Field |
Career Scope after Psychology
Students of basic and applied psychology can go on to assume the following roles in their professional lives.
| Basic Psychology |
Applied Psychology |
|---|---|
| Social Psychologist |
Social Worker |
| Counselling Psychologist |
Social Psychologist |
| Forensic Psychologist |
Clinical Psychologist |
| Career Counsellor |
Health Psychologist |
| Developmental Psychologist |
Rehabilitation Specialist |
Top Colleges Offering Psychology
Some of the best colleges offering psychology courses in our country are listed in the table below.
| Basic Psychology |
Applied Psychology |
|---|---|
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FAQs Related to Psychology
Q. Which are the top recruiting companies of Psychology course?
A. Candidates can check the table below to know about the top recruiting companies of Psychology course.
| Top Recruiters in Psychology |
|
|---|---|
| Amity University |
Pearson |
| T & A Solutions |
ACRO |
| Fortis Healthcare |
AIIMS |
| Shiv Nadar University |
Public Health Foundation of India |
Q. What are the popular specialisations of Psychology?
A. Some of the specialisations of Psychology course are Clinical Psychology, Counselling Psychology, Educational Psychology, Developmental Psychology,
Social Psychology and Health Psychology.
Q. What are the eligibility criteria for Psychology PG courses?
A. Candidates who have completed Bachelor's degree in Psychology as the main subject are eligible to get admission to this course. The final year papers/subjects should include Psychology as the main subject for calculating aggregate marks. Candidates appearing for the final year examination of their bachelor's degree are also eligible.
Q. Which are the popular colleges for Psychology course?
A. Bharati College, Delhi, Daulat Ram College, University of Delhi, Gargi College, University of Delhi, Indraprastha College for Women, University of Delhi, Kishinchand Chellaram College, Mumbai, Lady Shri Ram College for Women, University of Delhi, Lakshmibai College, University of Delhi, PSG College of Arts and Science - PSGCAS, Ramanujan College, University of Delhi, Sophia College, Mumbai and many more.
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