Psychology Subjects 2025: Year-Syllabus, Electives, Books, Specializations
Psychology syllabus covers human behavior at a deeper level and understands the root causes of one’s negative thought patterns, or declined cognitive functioning. Psychology as a course is vast, as it offers insights into profuse facts about the human mind, factors affecting one’s cognitive abilities, and how social and cultural factors contribute to one’s mental well-being.
Earlier, Psychology was considered an area of interest just to learn something, not as a career or profession to pursue, especially in India. But with spike in the mental health issues, awareness has increased and people have started recognizing the importance of Psychology, and how it can help people.
The Psychology syllabus diversifies human interest by providing in-depth knowledge on topics like the Functions of the Central Nervous System, the role of neurons in communication, and many other related topics. A candidate can pursue Psychology at different levels i.e. undergraduate level, post-graduate level, or even through diploma courses depending on one’s level of interest and their professional pursuits.
The course has many subdomains under it where the same aspects are studied for people belonging to different age groups. Some of the well-known Psychology fields include Child Psychology, Developmental Psychology, and Personality Psychology. The course allows one to understand Psychology deeply, and become well-versed with it, opening multiple doors for a candidate’s career.
The various top Psychology career professions one can pursue after learning include Clinical Psychologists, Counselling Psychologists, Psychiatrists, and Environmental Psychologists.
- Psychology Syllabus Highlights
- Psychology Graduate Courses Syllabus
- 2.1 BA Psychology Syllabus
- Psychology Post-Graduate Courses Syllabus
- MA Psychology Syllabus
- Specializations offered in Psychology
- Books and Authors for Psychology Subjects
- Entrance Exams Syllabus for Psychology Courses
- FAQs on Psychology Subjects
Psychology Syllabus Highlights
Before we straightforwardly move towards the syllabus section and get confused with it, it’s better to understand the basics first. This table will briefly explain the different facets of the Psychology course that need to be understood and known before starting your career in it, or even before moving forward to the article.
| Psychology Syllabus Important Facts |
Information |
|---|---|
| Psychology Eligibility Criteria |
UG Courses: Should have completed 12th from a recognized board with an average of 50%, or more. |
| Psychology Course Levels |
Graduation, Post-Graduation, MPhil, Doctoral |
| Psychology Course Branches |
Media, Educational, Community, Criminal, Industrial, Animal, and Clinical Psychology |
| Psychology Course Duration |
Graduation: 3 years |
| Psychology Scope in India |
Jobs in different units like Government sectors, Hospitals, Clinics, and Rehabilitation centers. |
| Psychology Course Fees |
INR 10,000 – INR 1,00,000 |
| Psychology Admission Criteria |
Entrance Exam, or Direction Admission through Interview |
Psychology Graduate Courses Syllabus
As we have discussed, one can pursue Psychology at various levels- graduation, post-graduation, and doctorate. So here we will deeply study the graduate-level Psychology courses.
BA Psychology Syllabus
There are various prominent courses in the field of Psychology, BA Psychology being one of them. The entire course of BA Psychology is divided into 6 semesters, each semester having a duration of 6 months. This table provides a brief about the BA Psychology syllabus in different semesters.
| BA Psychology Subjects Semester I |
BA Psychology Subjects Semester II |
|---|---|
| Sensory Process and Perception |
Child Development |
| Endocrine Glands |
Intelligence |
| Introduction to Psychology |
Memory and Forgetting |
| Physiological Effects of Correlation |
Heredity and Environment |
| BA Psychology Subjects Semester III |
BA Psychology Subjects Semester IV |
| Social Interaction |
Attention Span |
| Public Opinion and Propaganda |
Work and Environment |
| Measures of Central Tendency |
Assessment of Intelligence |
| Social Psychology |
Determinants of Abnormal Behavior |
| BA Psychology Subjects Semester V |
BA Psychology Subjects Semester VI |
| Guidance and Counselling |
Psychological Tests |
| Methods of Counselling |
Non-Test Appraisal Techniques |
| Aptitude and Personality tests |
Developmental Psychology |
| Special Areas of Counselling |
Diversity and Multiculturism |
BSc Psychology Syllabus
BSc in Psychology is another course that has been a preference of a lot of Psychology students in the current times. Let’s have a look at its syllabus in different semesters.
| BSc Psychology Subjects Semester I |
BSc Psychology Subjects Semester II |
|---|---|
| Language (English) |
General Psychology |
| Local Language (Choice) |
Social Psychology |
| Biological Psychology |
Child Development Study |
| Introduction to Social work |
Psychology of Individual Differences |
| BSc Psychology Subjects Semester III |
BSc Psychology Subjects Semester IV |
| Research Methodologies |
Statistics in Psychology |
| Human Development |
Developmental Psychology |
| Behavioral Sciences |
Consumer Behavior |
| Environmental Studies |
Social Psychology - II |
| BSc Psychology Subjects Semester V |
BSc Psychology Subjects Semester VI |
| Psychological Research |
Community Psychology |
| Computer Assisted Testing |
Human Resource Development |
| Counselling Psychology |
Abnormal Psychology – II |
| Organizational Behavior |
Project |
Psychology Post-Graduate Courses Syllabus
After completing graduation, students looking for more knowledge and better career opportunities pursue their post-graduation through various courses like MA, and MPhil. In the coming part, we will discuss the syllabus of these courses briefly.
MA Psychology Syllabus
MA Psychology is one of the famous post-graduate courses in the field of Psychology. It’s a 2-year course, let’s understand the MA Psychology Syllabus briefly through this table.
| MA Psychology Subjects Semester I |
MA Psychology Subjects Semester II |
|---|---|
| Applied Psychometry |
Social Psychology |
| Cognitive Process |
Basic Organizational Processes |
| Emotions of Everyday Life |
Cognitive Behavior Therapy |
| Paradigms of Psychology |
Applied Developmental Psychology |
| MA Psychology Subjects Semester III |
MA Psychology Subjects Semester IV |
| Indian Psychology and its applications |
Appreciating Diversity |
| Group Process in Organization |
HR Practices |
| Training and Development |
Psychology of Advertising |
| Positive Psychology |
Psychology at the Margins |
Psychology Course Syllabus topics you might be interested in:
Specializations offered in Psychology
There are various specializations in Psychology, leading to different career pathways in the field of Psychology. Some of the common and well-known specializations are mentioned in the table below:
| Psychology Specializations |
Details |
|---|---|
| Involves studies related to mental health issues like anxiety, stress, depression, and grief and their treatment through medical techniques. |
|
| Involves concepts like memory loss, language, problem-solving, and cognitive skills. |
|
| Includes studies related to the development of the human brain and emotions during their lifespan. |
|
| Counselling Psychology |
Covers issues that individuals face while adjusting to a new place, organization, college, etc., and the counseling methods that can help them overcome their problems. |
| Focuses on enhancing learning practices starting within schools, colleges, and other academic institutions giving individuals an opportunity to demonstrate their skills. |
|
| Forensic Psychology |
Through this specialization, psychologists can help lawyers and police track the mindset of criminals and gather forensic evidence. |
| Focuses on human feelings and how they gets affected due to others. |
Books and Authors for Psychology Subjects
Here are some books that candidates who are interested in taking psychology courses should refer to:
| Name of Book |
Author/Publication |
Details |
|---|---|---|
| Encyclopedia of Human Intelligence |
MacMillan |
All the aspects related to human IQ are discussed in this book. |
| Handbook of Social Psychology |
Random House |
Socialization issues, the role of sex, power, and leadership in making decisions are covered by this book. |
| Handbook of Stress: Theoretical and Clinical Aspects |
Free Press |
Research, questionnaires and tests related to the treatment of stress and other psychological issues are explained in this book. |
| Advances in Personality Assessment |
Hillsdale, Lawrence Erlbaum Associates (NJ) |
New techniques and advancements related to personality assessment are discussed in this book. |
| Review of behavior therapy: Theory and Practice (Irregular) |
Guilford Press |
Different aspects of human behavior and personality are explained in this book. |
| The Psychoanalytic Study of The Child |
New Haven, CT: Yale University |
Analytical study regarding the psychology and development of emotions in a child are discussed in this book. |
| Encyclopedia of Psychology |
Wiley |
Concepts related to general psychology are explained in this book. |
| The Happiness Hypothesis |
Jonathan Haidt |
Impact of morality, religions, consciousness, etc., on human psychology, is dissected using scientific studies in this book. |
| The Little Book of Psychology |
Emily Ralls and Caroline Riggs |
Key theories and overview of psychology are explained in this book. |
| The Lucifer Effect: How Good People Turn Evil |
Philip Zimbardo |
The fine line between good and bad is explained beautifully in this book. |
Entrance Exams Syllabus for Psychology Courses
There are various entrance exams one can take to get admission into a good college/university and pursue a Psychology career as a mainstream. Here is the list of some entrance exams that one needs to appear in to secure admission in UG Psychology courses.
| Psychology Top UG Entrance Exams |
Exam details |
|---|---|
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There are several PG courses for Psychology that one can opt to expand their knowledge and increase their career opportunities. Here are some entrance tests that one can appear in to secure admission in PG Psychology courses.
| Psychology Top PG Entrance Exams |
Exam details |
|---|---|
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| CUET PG |
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Psychology Syllabus topics you might be interested in:
CUET Psychology Syllabus
CUET PG Psychology Syllabus
Top Psychology Colleges in India
Psychology is a versatile and diverse field, and studying the same from a reputed college makes all the difference in your career. Here is the list of top UG and PG colleges where one can go and pursue Psychology.
| Top UG Psychology Colleges |
Average Fees (in INR) |
|---|---|
| Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi | 60,810 |
| St. Xavier's College, Kolkata | 1.63 lakhs |
| Fergusson College, Pune | 38,400 |
| Kamala Nehru College for Women, New Delhi | 1080 |
| Indraprastha College for Women, Delhi | 540 |
| Top PG Psychology Colleges |
Average Fees (in INR) |
|---|---|
| 1.84 lakhs |
|
| 1. 8 lakhs |
|
| 11,000 |
|
| 78,000 |
|
| 68,000 |
So, ace your psychology career by knowing these essential insights beforehand. Through this article, you might have understood the Psychology syllabus, specializations, and the entrance exams you can take to get admission into Psychology course. Further, there are insights of the syllabus you will be studying after getting into your respective UG/PG course.
FAQs on Psychology Subjects
What are the subjects covered in psychology?
Psychology is a very vast field, and covers different subjects related to the mind, and the different psychological aspects around it. A few of them are:
- Introduction to Psychology
- Behavior and Environment
- Psychological Approaches to the Environment
- Community Psychology and Social Psychology
- Psychological Scaling, Scaling Methods, and Assessment Parameters
Which is better, BA Psychology or BSc Psychology?
Both BA Psychology and BSc Psychology have their relevance in the fields of health, education, sports, and other sectors. However, while BA Psychology focuses on theoretical concepts more, BSc Psychology also emphasizes practical training and projects. The syllabus also differs as BSc Psychology also includes subjects like Maths and Statistics, which are not covered in BA Psychology. Both courses make candidates eligible for post-graduation studies. Therefore, it hardly matters which course one takes if completing a PG in Psychology is the ultimate goal of the candidate.
Which is better, BA Psychology or BSc Psychology?
Both BA Psychology and BSc Psychology have their relevance in the fields of health, education, sports, and other sectors. However, while BA Psychology focuses on theoretical concepts more, BSc Psychology also emphasizes practical training and projects. The syllabus also differs as BSc Psychology also includes subjects like Maths and Statistics, which are not covered in BA Psychology. Both courses make candidates eligible for post-graduation studies. Therefore, it hardly matters which course one takes if completing a PG in Psychology is the ultimate goal of the candidate.
Which is the hardest subject in Psychology?
Though it’s a truly interesting, and fascinating field few courses, and subjects are very complex and different at the same time. Here are a few of them:
- Advanced Statistical Methods: The Mathematical Backbone of Psychology
- Neuropsychology: The brain’s intricacies revealed
- Developmental Psychology: Spanning the human lifespan
- Psychopathology: The study of mental disorders
- Cognitive Psychology: Delving into mental processes
- Experimental Psychology: Design and Analysis of Psychological Research
How many branches of psychology are there?
There are majorly eight branches of psychology known as abnormal, biopsychology, cognitive, personality, social psychology, forensic, developmental, and industrial-organizational psychology.
Is Psychology a difficult subject?
Psychology is not a complex subject, yet it’s tricky due to ever-evolving concepts of human and their mind. Yet one can make it interesting and easy for them if they pay due attention from the very beginning and pen down their notes well. Further, showing interest and curiosity in something makes it easier altogether.
What is the syllabus of the Clinical Psychology entrance exam?
The syllabus for pursuing an M.Phil or PhD in Psychology is very vast and one has to go through all the topics deeply. But yes there are a few topics you can undertake that are more important than others, and get yourself well prepared for your entrance exam. Here are those few topics:
- Theories of Personality
- “Introduction to Psychology” book
- Any Research Methodology book
- Abnormal Psychology
- Social Psychology
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Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 21 hours ago
Yes, SRM University offers value-added courses in the syllabus of the BSc in Psychology course. These courses help students gain industry-based skills. Some of the courses included in the curriculum are Community Service and Social Responsibility, Environmental Science, Universal Human Values and Et
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered 21 hours ago
SRM University incorporates various types of subjects in the syllabus of the BSc in Psychology course. Some of the subjects taught in the programme are Art of Listening, Speaking and Reading Skills, Understanding Human Minds, Understanding India Society (ies): Myths and Realities, Effective Writing
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
Hello this is Ayushi!
Well without entrance exam like CUET you can't get any government college but can get affiliated colleges of the seats are available, like I'm in university of allhabad main campus. for main campus you have to qualify CUET exam but the affiliated colleges like ISDC, CMP, ECC in
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Beginner-Level 1
Answered 4 days ago
Studying an MA in Psychology offers a wide range of benefits, both personal and professional, it gives deep insights into human behavior and provides numerous career options. The programs equip you with skills to make a meaningful impact on solving real-world problems and improve interpersonal relat
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Answered a week ago
Shreemati Nathibai Damodar Thackersey Women's University offered the highest placement package of INR 24 LPA and the prominent recruiters participated include Dr. DY Patil Medical College, Dream Habitat, Global Sources, etc.
Listed below are some of the top Psychology colleges in India along with the
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Joining the top Psychology colleges in India can be worthwhile for you. For that, you need to check its ROI. Listed below are some colleges along with their tuition fees and average placemnt package:
| Top Colleges | Tuition Fee | Average Placement Package |
|---|---|---|
| Lady Shri Ram College for Women Courses | INR 61,000 - INR 65,000 | INR 9 LPA |
| Mithibai College of Arts Courses | INR 38,000 - INR 1 lakh | INR 5 LPA |
| Indraprastha College for Women Courses | INR 432 - INR 540 | INR 5 LPA |
| Gargi College, University of Delhi Courses | INR 56,000 - INR 59,000 | INR 5 LPA |
| St. Xavier's College, Mumbai Courses | INR 20,000 - INR 2 lakh | INR 6 LPA |
Disclaimer: This information is sourced from other official websites/media reports.
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
As of now, Dibrugarh University has not publicly released the specific cutoff marks for the B.A. (Hons.) in Psychology program for the 2025 academic session. Admission to this program is typically merit-based, considering the aggregate marks obtained in the 10+2 examination. While exact cutoff perce
J
Beginner-Level 1
Answered a week ago
As of now, St. Xavier's College, Ahmedabad has not officially released the cutoff percentages for the B.A. in Psychology program for the 2025–26 academic year. However, based on previous years' data, we can provide an approximate idea of the expected cutoffs.
Previous Year Cutoff Trends
Admissions to
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Beginner-Level 1
Answered a week ago
Amity Punjab BA (H) Psychology graduates can find job opportunities in various fields due to the nature of the acquired skill set. There are opportunities in both public and private domains. A few career options for the UG degree holders are as follows:
- Counsellors in clinical setup
- Human resource man
P
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Answered 2 weeks ago
Yes, Students can use our NCERT Solutions of 3D Geometry as quick revision guide for class 11 mathematics. Our NCERT Solutions of every chapter covers all the importnt topics, formulas and practice problems to make you confidant of performing good in the annual exams.
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Answered 2 weeks ago
International students must fulfill the basic eligibility and submit the requirements to get admission. The requirements for an MSc in Psychology are given below:
- A bachelor's degree from an accredited university (preferably in Social Sciences, Biology)
- GPA score
- Letter of recommendations
- Statement of p
N
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 2 weeks ago
A bachelor's degree in psychology or a related discipline, such as social Science or neuroscience, a minimum GPA of 2.7 and a score of 3 on a 4-point scale, fluency in English, and other requirements are prerequisites for pursuing an MS in psychology. They also need to submit a GRE or GMAT score, re
E
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 2 weeks ago
Master's in Psychology is perfect for undergraduate psychology students who wish to focus on social interaction, mental health, human behavior, and cognitive processes. Anybody earning a doctorate (PhD or PsyD), professionals looking for positions in clinical, research, organizational, or counseling
J
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 2 weeks ago
Students' career objectives, financial constraints, preferred specialization, and whether they intend to remain overseas or return home will all influence which nation is best for them to pursue the MS in Psychology program.
Studying MS in Psychology in the USA is best for research, clinical practice
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Contributor-Level 8
Answered 2 weeks ago
The basic eligibility criteria to pursue an MS in Psychology include a bachelor's degree in Psychology or related fields like Social Science or Neuroscience, a minimum GPA of 2.7 and 3 on the scale of 4, English language proficiency, and more. In addition, they must submit a statement of purpose, le
N
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 2 weeks ago
With the growing awareness around health, mental illness, and behavior, demand for Psychologists and MS in Psychology has increased. The programme helps students to make their career in healthcare, corporate sectors, education, research, and mental health services. Also, the demand for psychologists
M
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 2 weeks ago
An MS in psychology is usually two years, depending on the country and type of the program. The course in countries like the USA, Canada, Germany, and France is 2 years, whereas in Australia it is between 1.5 years to 2 years.
T
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 2 weeks ago
Choosing between an MA and an MS in Psychology depends on career goals and academic interests. Students who are interested in Counseling, therapy, or Social work and want to work in NGOs, education, or community settings must choose the MA in Psychology. Here, they will cover specializations like Co
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
An MS in Psychology is a postgraduate degree that focuses on human behavior, emotions, and mental processes. The course involves research methods, evidence-based psychological theories, statistical analysis, and more. The degree is 1-2 years long and prepares students for roles in industries like He
J
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 3 weeks ago
The eligibility requirements for admission to the BSc (Hons.) in Psychology at Central University of Haryana are that candidates must complete their Class 12 with a minimum aggregate of 50%. Moreover, candidates from any stream can apply for the BSc in Psychology course. In addition, for the admissi
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
The Central University of Haryana (CUH ) has a seat intake of 30 for its BSc (Hons) in Psychology programme, with reservations based on central government rules. To get a seat in the BSc (Hons) in Psychology at Central University of Haryana, candidates are required to complete their Class 12 from an
V
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Answered 3 weeks ago
Online examinations are increasingly common in open universities and distance learning programs. The University Grants Commission (UGC) has previously stated that online examinations for distance learning courses are not valid for awarding degrees or certificates, but this is subject to change. Onli
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
Candidates can check below to see the benefits of pursuing an MSc Clinical Psychology:
In-Depth Understanding of Mental Health: Gain advanced knowledge about psychological theories, mental disorders, and therapeutic techniques.
Diverse Career Opportunities: Opens doors to careers in healthcare, educat
N
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 4 weeks ago
Yes, you can apply for the M.Sc. Psychology programme at Amity University, Mumbai. While the standard eligibility criteria specify a graduation in Psychology, candidates from related disciplines like Microbiology may also be considered, especially if they demonstrate a strong interest in the field.
k
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Candidates should complete graduation. Students must pass a UG degree with Psychology subjects as a major or an equivalent degree from a recognised board and secured a minimum of 50% aggregate. Students can check the MSc course details in the table provided below:
| Courses | Tuition Fees | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
MSc | INR 1.5 lakh - INR 1.7 lakh | Graduation: 50 % |
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
The eligibility criteria for this course at the MIT School of Vedic Sciences is to pass Class 12. The candidate should complete class 12 in the Science stream with a minimum of 50% (aggregate) from the Maharashtra State Board of Higher Secondary Education or an Equivalent Examination Board with a m
V
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
The University of Hyderabad offers a range of programs, but I couldn't confirm if they have a specific BA in Psychology program. However, here are some alternatives to consider in Hyderabad ¹ ²:
- *GITAM University*: Offers a BA in Psychology programme with a comprehensive curriculum, blending theore
a
Beginner-Level 2
Answered a month ago
- IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University): IGNOU is a well-known and reputable institution offering a Master of Arts (MA)
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Contributor-Level 9
Answered a month ago
- No Specific Subject Requirements:Generally, for a BA in Psychology, colleges and universities consider stude
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Does SRM University offers value added courses in the syllabus of BSc in Psychology course?