Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology is typically a 2-yearPG degree offered in colleges such as TISS, Loyola College of Social Sciences, etc. The eligibility criteria for MA Counselling Psychology require students to have a bachelor's degree in a relevant field with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks from any recognised university. MA Counselling Psychology is designed to understand Clinical and Counselling Psychology, theoretical knowledge and field practice.
Most colleges offer an MA in Counselling Psychology admission through entrance exams such as TISS NET or CUET-PG, while a few colleges may also give merit-based admissions. MA Counselling Psychology course fees start from INR 15,000 and can go up to INR 1,00,000 annually in private colleges such as Manipal Academy of Higher Education. The job profiles after completion of an MA in Counselling Psychology are Student Counsellor, Clinical Therapist, etc. The average annual salaries for MA Counselling Psychology freshers are INR 2 - 8 LPA, depending on skills and expertise.
- MA in Counselling Psychology Course Highlights
- What is an MA in Counselling Psychology?
- Why choose an MA in Counselling Psychology?
- MA in Counselling Psychology Eligibility Criteria
- MA in Counselling Psychology Admission Process
- MA in Counselling Psychology Entrance Examination
- MA in Counselling Psychology Colleges in India
- MA in Counselling Psychology Syllabus
- MA in Counselling Psychology Job Profiles
- MA in Counselling Psychology Future Scope
- MA in Counselling Psychology FAQs
MA in Counselling Psychology Course Highlights
Given below are the highlights of an MA Counselling Psychology course:
Feature | Details |
Course Name | MA in Counselling Psychology |
Course Level | Postgraduate (PG) |
Duration | 2 Years |
Eligibility | Bachelor's degree in a relevant field with at least 50% marks from a recognized university |
Admission Process | Entrance-based (TISS NET, CUET-PG) or merit-based (varies by college) |
Top Colleges | TISS, Loyola College of Social Sciences, Christ University, University of Madras, etc. |
Job Profiles | Student Counsellor, Clinical Therapist, Mental Health Counsellor, School Counsellor, HR Counsellor |
Average Salary | 2 – 8 LPA (varies based on experience and skills) |
What is an MA in Counselling Psychology?
MA in Counselling Psychology is a 2-yearPG program that imparts theoretical information and practical techniques in clinical and counselling psychology. The program is aimed at understanding human behaviour, psychological disorders, and intervention in mental health.
It addresses field training, research methodology, and direct exposure to the practice of counselling in preparing graduates for professional employment in mental health and allied areas.
Why choose an MA in Counselling Psychology?
Given below are the benefits of pursuing an MA in Psychology:
- Increasing interest in mental health has created a strong requirement for professional counsellors in various fields.
- Professionals can work in schools, hospitals, NGOs, corporate HR, as well as private practice.
- Fieldwork and internship are also part of the course to ensure practical counselling practice.
- The program is more affordable compared to other professional programs that provide adequate returns on investment.
- Graduates of MA Counselling Psychology can also practice abroad with a proper license, hence increasing prospects for a potential higher income.
MA in Counselling Psychology Eligibility Criteria
To fulfil the MA Counselling Psychology eligibility:
- The students must have completed a Bachelor's in Counselling Psychology or related fields from a recognised university.
- Entrance exams are conducted by most institutes during the MA Counselling Psychology admissions. The institutes and their requirements determine the students' selection criteria.
MA in Counselling Psychology Admission Process
The admission process for MA Counselling Psychology is procedural in accordance with the selection criteria of individual colleges. For instance, the admission process for MA Counselling Psychology is as follows for the Amity Institute of Psychology and Allied Sciences:
Step 1: Go to the institution's official website and locate the application form under the admission section.
Step 2: Fill out the application form carefully and submit it by paying the application fee. Add the required documents at the time of submitting the application form.
Step 3: Wait for the reply from the university, since the university will verify the details filled in the application form along with the supporting documents.
Step 4: If all the documents are fine and the eligibility criteria are fulfilled, the institution will issue a provisional admission offer.
Step 5: Once you've got the provisional admission offer, pay the relevant admission fee in order to secure your seat.
Step 6: Upon payment of the admission fee, the institute will make a final admission offer, following which you can begin your BA Astrology course when the new session commences.
MA in Counselling Psychology Entrance Examination
Below is the list of entrance tests for MA Counselling Psychology admissions:
Entrance Exam | Conducting Body | Application Deadline (tentative) | Exam Date
(tentative) |
CUET-PG 2026 | National Testing Agency (NTA) | February 2026 | March 2026 |
BHU PET 2026 | Banaras Hindu University(BHU) | February 2026 | Mar-Apr 2026 |
TISS NET 2026 | Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) | February-Mar 2026 | April 2026 |
DUET 2026 | National Testing Agency (NTA) | Mar 2026 | May 2026 |
Christ University Entrance Test 2026 | Christ University | Apr 2026 | May 2026 |
MA in Counselling Psychology Colleges in India
Given below is a list of MA Counselling Psychology colleges along with their location and course fees:
NIRF Ranking (2024) | College Name | Location | Annual Fees (INR) |
98 (University) | Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) | Mumbai, Maharashtra | 50,000 |
14 (Research Institutions) | University of Delhi (DU) | New Delhi | 20,000 |
16 (Research Institutions) | Banaras Hindu University (BHU) | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh | 15,000 |
Not Ranked | Christ University | Bangalore, Karnataka | 70,000 |
Not Ranked | University of Madras | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | 20,000 |
Not Ranked | Amity Institute of Psychology and Allied Sciences | Noida, Uttar Pradesh | 80,000 |
23 (Research Institutions) | Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) | Manipal, Karnataka | 95,000 |
Not Ranked | Loyola College | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | 30,000 |
MA in Counselling Psychology Syllabus
The MA Counselling Psychology is a 2-year postgraduate program that provides in-depth knowledge of Counselling and Clinical Psychology, etc. Given below is the MA Counselling Psychology syllabus at TISS, Mumbai:
Semester I | Semester II |
Foundations of Psychology | Psychopathology |
Research Methodology in Psychology, | Psychological Assessment II |
Theories of Personality | Counselling Theories and Techniques |
Psychological Assessment I | Statistics in Psychology |
Ethics and Professional Standards in Psychology | Fieldwork Practicum II |
Fieldwork Practicum I | Elective Course |
Semester III | Semester IV |
Cognitive Behavioural Interventions | Contemporary Issues in Clinical and Counseling Psychology |
Human Development Across the Lifespan | Psychotherapeutic Interventions |
Group Therapy and Process | Organizational Behavior and Development |
Advanced Research Methods | Dissertation/Research Project |
Fieldwork Practicum III | Fieldwork Practicum IV |
Elective Course II | - |
MA in Counselling Psychology Job Profiles
Given below is an overview of career opportunities and starting salary ranges for professionals post the completion of an MA in Counselling Psychology:
Job Profile | Job Description | Annual Salary (INR) |
Counseling Psychologist | Provides therapeutic support to clients dealing with emotional and mental issues. | INR 3 - INR 8 LPA |
Clinical Psychologist | Diagnoses and treats mental, emotional, and behavioural disorders. | INR 4 - INR 8 LPA |
School Counselor | Assists students with academic, career, and personal development. | INR 2.5 - INR 6 LPA |
Rehabilitation Counselor | Helps individuals cope with physical, emotional, or mental disabilities. | INR 3 - INR 7 LPA |
Marriage and Family Therapist | Provides counselling to couples and families to resolve relationship issues. | INR 3 - INR 7.5 LPA |
Career Counselor | Guides individuals in making career decisions and developing career plans. | INR 2.5 - INR 6.5 LPA |
MA in Counselling Psychology Future Scope
Upon the completion of MA Counselling Psychology, students can follow the below given career paths:
- One can pursue a PhD in Counselling Psychology for further in depth knowledge in this field.
- Certification courses such as CRC or CBT can also be done for upskilling.
- Some colleges offer M.Phil in Counselling psychology and related fields that can help with specialisation.
MA in Counselling Psychology FAQs
Do MA Counselling Psychology students have any scholarships available to them?
Yes, certain government universities have reservation or merit-based scholarships. Some of them, like TISS, Delhi University, and JNU, provide financial assistance to MA Counselling Psychology students too.
Can students who are not studying Psychology apply for an MA in Counselling Psychology?
Yes, some colleges also provide the course to other disciplines if they have studied psychology as a subject at the undergraduate level.
What are some of the effective tools for an
Statistical programs like SPSS, R, TheraNest, SimplePractice and NVivo are being used by students and professionals employed and seeking an MA in Counselling Psychology to undertake statistical research and studies.
Is age a cap on seeking an MA in Counselling Psychology?
No maximum age is fixed to apply forthe MA in Counselling Psychology programs. All the universities accept applicants on the basis of academic performance and entrance exam.