MPhil Clinical Psychology is a postgraduate research program designed for students interested in the scientific study of General Psychology, Biological Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Social and Cultural Psychology, Experimental Psychology, etc. It is ideal for candidates aspiring to pursue careers in academia, and research institutions.
The course blends both theoretical knowledge and advanced research methods, preparing students for Ph.D. programs or professional research-based roles. MPhil in Clinical Psychology helps students develop skills in research methodology, therapeutics, and psychotherapy. The MPhil in Psychology course is recognized by the Rehabilitation Centre of India. It outlines the syllabus and other course modalities.
To be eligible, candidates must have completed a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology/Applied Psychology or a related discipline with at least 55% aggregate marks. Students belonging to the reserved category are provided with certain relaxations.
Admission is usually based on an entrance exam and personal interview conducted by individual universities. The top institutes offering this program are NIMHANS (Bangalore), CIP (Ranchi), IHBAS (Delhi), Amity University (Noida), Christ University (Bangalore), etc.
Career prospects after completing MPhil in Psychology are promising. Graduates can work as research scientists, Clinical Psychologist, Mental Health Therapist, Rehabilitation Specialist, Academic Researcher, etc.
Table of Contents
- MPhil Clinical Psychology Highlights Table
- What is MPhil in Clinical Psychology?
- Why Study MPhil in Clinical Psychology?
- Who should study MPhil Clinical Psychology?
- MPhil Clinical Psychology Eligibility Criteria
- MPhil Clinical Psychology Entrance Exams 2025
- MPhil Clinical Psychology Colleges in India
- MPhil Clinical Psychology Admission Process 2025
- MPhil Clinical Psychology Syllabus
- MPhil Clinical Psychology Job Opportunities in India
- MPhil Clinical Psychology FAQs
MPhil Clinical Psychology Highlights Table
MPhil in Clinical Psychology focuses on biological, social, and psychological factors to further understand human behaviour. Given below are the course details:
What is MPhil in Clinical Psychology?
MPhil in Clinical Psychology is a postgraduate research oriented program that explores the comprehensive study of human beings. This course bridges the gap between taught degrees like MA or MSc Clinical Psychology and full doctoral programs like PhD. It focuses heavily on research methodology, therepeatics, and critical theoretical frameworks. At the end of the course, students have to submit a dissertation.
After completing of this MPhil in Clinical Psychology, students can work as Researcher, Clinical Psychologist, Mental Health Therapist, Rehabilitation Specialist, etc. They can work with Hospitals (AIIMS, NIMHANS), Mental Health NGOs, Government Clinics, Private Practices, Academic Institutions etc. Moreover, students can also go onto pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology.
Why Study MPhil in Clinical Psychology?
Pursuing an MPhil in Clinical Psychology is a crucial step for those aiming to become licensed mental health professionals in India. Recognized by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI), this program not only provides in-depth theoretical knowledge but also includes rigorous clinical training and supervision. Given below are some of the reasons to opt for an MPhil Clinical Psychology:
- The course gives an insight into human behavior and gives a chance to assist individuals in overcoming their psychological challenges.
- There is an increasing need for trained psychology experts in hospitals, schools, counselling centers, and NGO, as the awareness of mental health is increasing.
- It serves as a gateway to doctoral research, particularly for those aiming to enter academia or conduct advanced interdisciplinary research.
- The course helps develop critical thinking and qualitative research skills, which are in high demand in fields like policy research, development studies, and public health.
- The course is mandatory to become a registered Clinical Psychologist in India, unlike general psychology courses.
- Unlike MA/MSc Psychology, this program provides hands-on training, client interaction, and supervised clinical exposure
- Graduates can create meaningful impact in society by helping people overcome their mental health disorders.
Who should study MPhil Clinical Psychology?
An MPhil in Clinical Psychology is ideal for individuals who are genuinely interested in understanding human behavior and mental health and want to work professionally as a psychologist. If you have an interest in any of these, then this course is for you:
- If you have a masters degree in fields like clinical psychology, applied psychology, or related disciplines, then clinical psychology can be a great major to choose.
- Those already working in counselling, education or social services can pursue this course to deepen their clinical skills and knowledge.
- Those who are planning to build a career as a therapist, counselor, or clinical psychologist.
- Those who want to pursue research and academic roles in mental health. .
- Those who aspire to become RCI-licensed Clinical Psychologists and work professionally in mental health settings
- Those aiming to pursue a PhD in Psychology or research careers in mental health
- Individuals passionate about helping people with emotional difficulties
MPhil Clinical Psychology Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the MPhil in Clinical Psychology, one needs to fulfill the eligibility criteria of the institution. Here is the eligibility criteria of MPhil Clinical Psychology portrayed by most of the institutions:
- Master’s degree such as MA or MSc in Psychology or Applied Psychology from a recognized university.
- Minimum 55% aggregate marks in postgraduation
- Psychology as the core subject at the Master’s level; some institutes may require clinical psychology as a specialization
- Candidates belonging to the reserved category will be provided with certain relaxations.
MPhil Clinical Psychology Entrance Exams 2025
The institutes either accept CUET-PG or conduct their own entrance examination for admission into the MPhil in Clinical Psychology. Here are some of the entrance exams that are considered for MPhil Clinical Psychology:
MPhil Clinical Psychology Colleges in India
Many universities in India offer a MPhil in clinical psychology. All these are approved by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI). Here is the list of some of the top NIRF-ranked universities that offer an MPhil in Clinical Psychology:
MPhil Clinical Psychology Admission Process 2025
The admission procedure to the MPhil in Clinical Psychology could be different for every university, but to give the candidate a general idea, we’ve listed an admission procedure that one can follow to enroll in the Manipal Academy of Higher Education:
- Step 1: The candidates who have a MA or MSc degree in Clinical Psychology or Applied Psychology from a recognised university with a minimum of 50% marks are eligible to apply.
- Step 2: Interested candidates and register themselves on the admission portal and fill out the online application form with all the required details and documents, and pay the application fee. The required documents have been mentioned below.
- Step 3: The applicants will have to appear for the entrance examination. This tests them on their knowledge and aptitude for Clinical Psychology.
- The candidates will be selected based on their exam scores and will be called for counselling or a personal interview.
- Step 4: The final selection will be based on their overall performance and their previous academic records. The selected candidates will have to pay the admission fee to confirm their seats.
Documents Required:
- Original Marksheet of 10th 12th grade
- School/ College Leaving Certificate
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- Birth Certificate
- ID Proof (Aadhar/ PAN/ Passport)
- EWS Certificate (if applicable)
- Passport-size Photograph
- Signature
- Dissertation of Masters
MPhil Clinical Psychology Syllabus
The MPhil Clinical Psychology course is a 2-year course. The course includes core courses, electives, seminar/ workshop courses, assessments, practicals, and fieldwork. Here is the syllabus of the MA Clinical Psychology offered by Rehabilitation Centre of India:
MPhil Clinical Psychology Job Opportunities in India
The MPhil in clinical psychology opens up various job opportunities in areas such as research, hospitals, schools, management, NGOs, Social Welfare Sectors, Rehabilitation, etc. Some of the job roles available after completion of the MPhil Clinical Psychology course are mentioned below:
MPhil Clinical Psychology FAQs
What practical skills will I gain from an MPhil in Clinical Psychology?
Students will acquire essential skills in psychological assessment, counselling techniques, and research methodologies. The program includes practicum experiences that allow students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, enhancing their ability to conduct psychological evaluations and interventions.
Can I work internationally after an MPhil Clinical Psychology?
Yes, you can work internationally after completing an MPhil in Clinical Psychology from India. However, you have to obtain the licensing and certificates of the country you wish to work in. In the USA, for example, a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology + state licensure is required.
What is the entrance exam syllabus of MPhil in Clinical Psychology?
Though the exact syllabus may vary slightly by institute, the entrance exams generally assess your understanding of postgraduate-level psychology. Abnormal Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Social Psychology, Counseling Psychology, Health Psychology, Neuropsychology are few of the many topics.
