What is Developmental Psychology: Full Form, Course Duration, Admission 2025, Colleges, Salary & Scope

Updated on Sep 2, 2024 01:53 IST

Developmental Psychology is a specialisation in Psychology education that focuses on how and why humans change over the course of time. These courses help students get the skills to understand the human psyche and study the their nature.

Developmental Psychology Course Highlights

Candidates can check the course details below

Particulars

Details

Levels

Graduation, Post Graduation, MPhil, Doctoral

Duration

Graduation : 3 Years

Post Graduation : 2 Years

MPhil : 1-2 Years

Doctoral : 3 Years

Eligibility

Graduation: Should have passed class 12 from a recognised board and secured a minimum of 50%

Post Graduation: Should have graduated from a recognised board and secured a minimum of 45%

Admission Process Entrance Exams, Interviews

Entrance Exams

JUET, DUET, CUET, YCMOU, etc.

Course Fees 

INR 21000 - INR 13 lakh

Average Annual Salary 

INR 1.1 lakh - INR 8 lakh

Job Profiles

Clinical Psychologists, Consultants, Psychotherapists, Therapists, Practitioners, Counsellors, etc. 

Top Recruiters

Amity University, T & A Solutions, Fortis Healthcare, Shiv Nadar University, Roots and Routes Counselling & Psychotherapy Centre, ACRO, Pearson, etc.

Popular Colleges

Banaras Hindu University, Gargi College, Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Delhi University, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, etc.

Note: The info is taken from other sources and can be different.

 

Q:   What is Developmental Psychology?
A:

Developmental Psychology studies how individuals, groups and societies develop intellectually, socially and emotionally over a lifespan. The field can cover children or adolescents. Psychologists do their research work and generally apply their theories and help other psychologists in their practices. People act as consultants, advisors or a part of social service agencies and can also go on to do their PhD and teach as professors and lecturers.

Developmental Psychologists study topics such as Continuity and Discontinuity, on how behavior and patterns are influenced by society, upbringing and people's culture around them. Nature vs Nurture, is the study of how nature i.e. biological (genes, DNA, hereditary) of a child is similar or common and how to nurture them i.e. the environment, makes an impact. Candidates opting for a course in Developmental Psychology study the history, the various theories, change and stability and much more.

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Q:   What is psychology all about?
A:

Psychology is a broad term. It is the study of the mind and behavior. It is the study of the mind, how it works, and how it affects behavior. There are different types of psychology such as cognitive, forensic, social & developmental psychology. 

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Table of content
  • Why Pursue Developmental Psychology Courses?
  • Development Psychology Courses Eligibility Criteria
  • Development Psychology Courses Best Colleges 2024: Admission Details
  • Popular Private Developmental Psychology Colleges in India
  • Types of Developmental Psychology Courses
  • Popular Developmental Psychology UG Courses
  • Popular Developmental Psychology PG Courses
  • Developmental Psychology Course Syllabus
  • Development Psychology Admission Entrance Exams 2024
  • Developmental Psychology Career Scope: Job Profiles, Average Salary and Top Recruiters
  • Development Psychology FAQs: 2024
View More

Why Pursue Developmental Psychology Courses?

Candidates can see the benefits of pursuing Developmental Psychology below:

  • Gain knowledge about development and behaviour from childhood to maturity.
  • Get insightful advice on fostering growth of kids.
  • Get a deeper understanding and feeling of empathy.

 

Development Psychology Courses Eligibility Criteria

Candidates can see the general outline of the Developmental Psychology eligibility below:

Course Levels

Development Psychology Courses Eligibility Criteria

Undergraduate (UG)

  • Pass the Class 12 Board exam or equivalent education from the state/national education board in India.
  • Secure a minimum 50 per cent aggregate in the Class 12 Board exam. (any stream)
  • Different colleges/Institutes for Development Psychology courses may have their own set of eligibility criteria.

Postgraduate (PG)

  • Complete a Bachelor's degree in Development Psychology as the main subject are eligible to get admission to this course.
  • The final year papers/subjects should include Development Psychology as the main subject for calculating aggregate marks.
  • Candidates appearing for the final year examination of their bachelor's degree are also eligible.

Note: The info is taken from other sources and can be different.
 

Q:   Can I pursue a course in Development Psychology after completing Class 12?
A:

Yes, candidates can apply for Bachelor courses in developmental psychology after class 12th. Meanwhile, for a master's degree in developmental psychology, candidates need to have a bachelor's degree in psychology. The typical requirements for a job in developmental psychology include a bachelor's degree in psychology or a closely related discipline. Nevertheless, after completing your 12th grade, you can begin preparing for a career in developmental psychology by selecting appropriate courses and taking action to establish a solid foundation in psychology and related fields.

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Q:   Can I do Developmental Psychology course after BCom?
A:

Yes, you can pursue a developmental psychology course after pursuing your BCom. You will be eligible to pursue undergraduate level courses such as MA Psychology or MSc Psychology in the colleges that allow any graduate to pursue the course. However, some colleges may require you to complete BA Psychology or BSc Psychology before you pursue master's level course in Psychology:
• Look for universities offering postgraduate programs in psychology.
• Check for prerequisite courses you may need to fulfill.
• Gain relevant experience through volunteering or internships.
• Consider postgraduate study beyond a master's degree.
• Specialize your coursework in developmental psychology.
• Explore career opportunities in research, clinical practice, or education.
• It's possible with dedication and preparation.

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Development Psychology Courses Best Colleges 2024: Admission Details

Candidates can check the list of popular government and private colleges that offer Developmental Psychology courses in India below:

Psychology Courses: Best Private Colleges

Candidates can check the list of popular private colleges that offer Developmental Psychology courses in India below:

Psychology Courses Private Colleges

Psychology Private College Fees (in INR)

Amity University

1.41 L - 13.2 L


Institute of Distance Education, University of Madras

21.75 K - 25.41 K

Fergusson College

38.4 K - 1.8 L

Christ University

2 L - 3.6 L

Mithibai College of Arts, Chauhan Institute of Science & Amrutben Jivanlal College of Commerce and Economics

96.72 K

K J Somaiya College of Arts and Commerce

2.4 K - 11 K

Chandigarh University (CU)

1.44 L - 4.81 L

S K Somaiya Degree College of Arts, Science and Commerce

48.27 K

Note: The fees is taken from other sources and can be different.

Psychology Courses: Best Government Colleges

Candidates can check the list of popular government colleges that offer Developmental Psychology courses in India below:

Psychology Courses in Government Colleges

Psychology Government College Fees (in INR)

Banaras Hindu University

10.23 K - 10.93 K

Delhi University (DU)

4.99 K - 10.89 K

Lady Shri Ram College for Women

60.81 K

PSG College of Arts and Science

30 K

Gargi College

24.16 K - 51.67 K

Note: The fees is taken from other sources and can be different.

2 Courses
3.37 L - 5.37 L
3.2

Development Psychology Applications open. Apply Now

1 Course
1.2 L
28.15 K

Popular Private Developmental Psychology Colleges in India

2 Courses
3.37 L - 5.37 L
3.2

Development Psychology Applications open. Apply Now

1 Course
1.2 L
28.15 K

Types of Developmental Psychology Courses

Refer to the table below for a list of courses offered in Developmental Psychology: 

Course

Duration

Eligibility Criteria

BA in Psychology

3-Years

The candidates need to have done their Class 12 from a recognized board in any stream and should have secured a minimum of 45% aggregate.

BSc in Psychology

3-Years

The candidates need to have done their Class 12 from a recognized board in the Science stream and should have secured a minimum of 45% aggregate.

MA in Psychology

2-Years

The candidates need to have done their Graduation from a recognized University with BA or BA in Psychology or any similar subject and should have secured a minimum of 50% aggregate.

MSc Psychology

2-Years

The candidates should have done their BSc in Psychology or any similar subject in their graduation from a recognized University and should have secured a minimum of 50% aggregate.

MPhil in Psychology

2-Years

The candidates should have done their MA or MSc in Psychology in a specialized discipline from a recognized University and should have secured a minimum of 55% aggregate.

PhD

2 to 4 Years

The candidates should have done their MA/MSc/MPhil in a specialised discipline from a recognized University and should have secured a minimum of 60% aggregate.

Q:   What is difference between BA in psychology and B.Sc in psychology?
A:
B.A. Psychology or Bachelor of Arts in Psychology is a 3-year undergraduate course which is offered by many colleges and universities in India. The basic eligibility for pursuing this course is 10+2 qualification. This course is an academically demanding whose main objective is to produce graduates who will be able to weigh up evidence and arguments and make rational choices, be able to work cooperatively in a team, The honors are like learning one particular subject in depth and having some side subjects but mainly focusing on your honors subject. Lovely Professional University will meet your dreams and ambitions as my relative is fully satisfied after completing his Master of Psychology. You just need to have a minimum of 50% marks in your graduation with any discipline from a recognised university. SKILL REQUIRED: For becoming, psychologist aspirants have some key skills which will help them to become a professional psychologists. The skills are given below: You should have to be shown empathy with your clients so that they can share their feelings or problems with you without any hesitation. It will make them free to say anything. You should have strong communication skills to communicate with your client effectively. Some of the benefits provided by the Lovely professional university for pursuing a Master of psychology are: Students use to visit Educational health institutes, clinics, hospitals, NGOs, rehabilitation centers, case studies provide practical exposure for understanding contemporary psychological issues. Teaching and Research Aptitude, Research Methodology help enhance professional skills in the students. To develop an understanding of theoretical developments in the areas of attention, perception, memory, language, problem-solving provides courses that focus on the psychology of students at different levels of schools.
Q:   What is the difference between MA and M.Sc in psychology? Which one would be suitable for me?
A:
A Master's degree in psychology is the degree of postgraduate level, after the completion of an undergraduate degree. MA degree focuses strongly on the studies of liberal arts and theories of the subject while M.Sc degree focuses on research and the science behind the brain, behaviour, and psychological processes. It depends on your current degree plus your field of interest.

Popular Developmental Psychology UG Courses

Following are the most popular Developmental Psychology UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Developmental Psychology PG Courses

Following are the most popular Developmental Psychology PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

Developmental Psychology Course Syllabus

The following subjects are taught in the developmental psychology course: 

BA Psychology Subjects

Foundations for Psychology

Statistical Methods for Psychological Research

Physiological Psychology

Industrial and Organizational Psychology

Growth of Psychology

Social Psychology

Psychological Research

Abnormal Psychology

Human Resource Management
MA Psychology Subjects

Social Psychology

Psychopathology Psychometric

Experimental Psychology

Foundation Of Clinical Psychology

Psychological Research
Understanding Psychological Disorders Organisational Behaviour Psychological Approaches to the Environment
Q:   What all subjects are required for B.A psychology?
A:

 There is no specific need for a group of subjects. Anyone from any stream can apply for this course of B.A psychology. It does not matter if you had psychology in 12th class or not, you will still be eligible to apply nonetheless. * However it is advised that you should include psychology in 'Best Four Subjects'(BFS) if you had it as a subject in 12th. If you do not do so, you will face 'DEDUCTION' of some percentage(2-3%) in your BFS%. * DU says that you must include that subject in your BFS, the course of which you are applying for as a major. For example, if you are applying for History(H), you must include History in BFS else face deduction. All the best!

Q:   What are the main books followed in B.A Psychology course?
A:

The books followed in the BA Philosophy course may vary depending on the colleges offering the course. Moreover, the syllabus and the university the college is affiliated with also determine the books followed for the course. Given below are some of the important books in a BA Philosophy course:

MA Psychology

Authors

The Psychological Realm: An Introduction

Chadha, N.K. & Seth, S.

Psychology: The Science of mind and behavior

Passer, M.W. & Smith, R.E

Statistics for Behavioral and Social Sciences

Chadha, N.K

The Social Constructionist Movement in Modern Psychology

Gergen, K.J.

Culture and Psychoanalysis: A Personal Journey

Kakar, Sudhir

Psychological Testing: History, Principles, and Applications

Gregory, R.J.

Social Psychology and Human Nature.

Baumeister, R.F.& Bushman, B.J.

Abnormal Psychology and Life: A dimensional approach

Kearney, C. A. &Trull,

Abnormal and Clinical Psychology: An Introductory Textbook

Bennett, P.

Development Psychology Admission Entrance Exams 2024

Jun '26

CPGET 2026 Notification

TENTATIVE

Jun '26

CPGET 2026 Registration

TENTATIVE

Mar '26

CUET 2026 Application Process

TENTATIVE

May '26 - Jun '26

CUET 2026 Exam

TENTATIVE

Oct '25

SAT Registration Deadline for November Test

TENTATIVE

14 Jul ' 25 - 31 Oct ' 25

JMI Entrance Exam 2025 Counselling

31 Oct ' 25

Last Date for submitting Qualifying Exam result (...

Q:   What is CUET UG exam?
A:

Common University Entrance Test (CUET) UG is an entrance examination conducted for admission to undergraduation programs offered by various central, state, private and deemed universities. Candidates willing to take admission to undergraduation programme in streams like Science, Humanities, Commerce, Law and Management must appear for the CUET UG exam when conducted.

The entrance examination assesses candidates at various levels: Language, domain knowledge and general aptitude. CUET UG is conducted annually in computer based mode. CUET UG scores are accepted by more than 300 universities across India. 

Q:   What is the frequency of CUET PG exam?
A:

The CUET PG exam is conducted once a year. The exam is typically held in the month of March or April. The exact dates of the exam are announced by the National Testing Agency (NTA) a few months before the exam.

The NTA releases a detailed notification for the CUET PG exam, which includes all the important information about the exam, such as the eligibility criteria, application process, exam pattern, syllabus, and exam dates.

Candidates are advised to regularly visit the official website of the NTA to stay updated on the latest information about the CUET PG exam.

Q:   What is the mode of the CUET PG exam?
A:

The CUET PG exam is conducted in computer-based test (CBT) mode. This means that the exam is taken on a computer, and the questions and answers are displayed on the screen. Candidates use a mouse or keyboard to select their answers.

The CUET PG exam is held in multiple sessions throughout the day, and candidates are assigned to a specific session during registration. The exam is two hours long and consists of 100 multiple-choice questions.

Q:   What is the difficulty level of CUET PG exam?
A:

The CUET PG exam is generally considered to have a moderate to high difficulty level. Since it encompasses various streams and master's subjects, it is challenging to determine the difficulty level on a subject-wise basis. Nevertheless, the exam's difficulty varies across subjects.

In comparison to other national-level entrance exams such as IIT JAM, ISI Admission Test, GATE-B, IISER Entrance Exam, JEST, and NEST, CUET PG is perceived to have a lower difficulty level. However, the difficulty level is higher when compared to state-level entrance examinations like GNDU, UPCATET, SHIATS, MCAER-CET, RUASAT, and OUAT.

Q:   What is the exam pattern of UGC NET?
A:

According to the latest NTA UGC NET Exam Pattern exam consist 2 papers. Although, it will be conducted without any break in the fixed time duration of 3 hours, which means exam is conducted in single session. Exam is totally computer based. There is no negative marking so attempting all questions is compulsory. Both papers consist only MCQs. Paper 1 consist 50 questions of total 100 marks in an hour whereas paper 2 consists 100 questions of total 200 marks in 2 hours. Paper 2 is based on subject questions opted by the candidate. Paper 1 is totally based on teaching / research aptitude, reasoning ability, comprehension and general awareness. Hope the information helps.

Developmental Psychology Career Scope: Job Profiles, Average Salary and Top Recruiters

Developmental psychology graduates have a huge range of employment options that allow them to meaningfully contribute to the humankind and one's well-being.

Job Profiles and Average Salary After Developmental Psychology

Candidates can check the popular jobs below:

Job Profile Salary
Developmental Psychologist (Researcher) INR 3 LPA to INR 10 LPA
Child Psychologist INR 2.5 LPA to INR 8 LPA
Educational Psychologist INR 2 LPA to INR 8 LPA
Counsellor/Therapist (Child & Adolescent) INR 2 LPA to INR 6 LPA

Top Recruiters- Developmental Psychology

Candidates can check the list of recruiters below:

Top Recruiters in Developmental Psychology

Amity University

Pearson

Genpact

Ford Motors

T & A Solutions

ACRO

Fortis Healthcare

AIIMS

Shiv Nadar University

Public Health Foundation of India

 

Q:   What should I do to become a psychologist?
A:
You have a Bachelor's degree which teaches the fundamentals of psychology. After that, you will need a Master's degree which can qualify you to practice in the field as a case manager, employment specialist, or social worker. To become a full-fledged psychologist is to get licensed. It is a law that psychologists can only legally practice if they possess a license.
Q:   What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?
A:

Both psychologists and psychiatrists deal with mental health issues, but their approaches are different. The difference is:

  • The psychiatrist studies for a medical degree to become a doctor of medicine (M. D. in Psychiatry). They have to appear in the NEET UG exam to attain MBBS and are called doctors. On the other hand, a psychologist studies for an M.Sc or MA in clinical psychology. He or she may also study further to attain a PhD. They will also be required to take the RCI exam to gain the RCI license to practice.
  • Psychiatrists have the authority to diagnose and treat patients with medication. whereas psychologists usually have to enlist the help of therapy. 
  • Psychiatrists are mostly employed at hospitals as doctors. Whereas psychologists work as counsellors. 
  • Psychiatrists are usually consulted when a person is experiencing severe mental issues. However, a psychologist can be consulted whenever the need arises for counselling. For example, in the case of phobia, you can go to a psychologist.

Development Psychology FAQs: 2024

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions related to Development Psychology courses:

Q:   What is the admission process for Developmental Psychology?
A:

The steps involved in admission to Developmental Psychology are:

Steps in Developmental Psychology

Details

Choose University/College

The first step is to search for colleges or universities which are offering courses in Developmental Psychology. Check the fees, the seats offered, and the eligibility criteria which are set for the course. Also, find out if the syllabus is offering the specialisation or branch you are interested in.

Apply for Course

Proceed to apply for admission after getting to know the university offering the programme. Fill up the details as required and pay the application fee. The application forms are available for a limited period of time so the candidate is advised to know the details way in advance.

Mode of Admission

Universities and Colleges will either conduct entrance exams for admission or offer admission through merit. For postgraduate courses, the candidate will have to appear for an entrance exam.

Results

Selected and qualified candidates make the merit list. The student has to get the desired rank and percentage, to be eligible for admission.

Counselling

The candidate will have to appear for the counselling session conducted at the university to book their seat, submit their documents and pay the fees to seal admission

Q:   What are the skills required for Developmental Psychology courses?
A:

Given below in the table are important skills required for Developmental Psychology:

Skillsets for Developmental Psychology

Understanding

Analytical

Researcher

Avid Reader

Good Communication Skills

Problem Solver

Innovative

Creative

Unorthodox

Productive

Clever

Visionary

Productive

Original

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