An MPhil Psychology, full form- Master of Philosophy in Psychology, is a postgraduate research degree, recognised by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI). The MPhil Psychology course duration is 1-2 years for students who want to seek knowledge in psychological domains, on diagnosing and treating mental health issues.
The MPhil Psychology Eligibility Criteria is that the candidate needs to have a 2-year MA/MSc degree in psychology from a UGC recognized university with an aggregate of 55% marks. Admission to this course depends on your eligibility, and for some institutions, you even need to pass entrance examinations.
The MPhil Psychology Fees vary depending on the institution. Public Universities like Central Institute of Psychiatry (CIP), Ranchi, and National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) offer courses somewhere between INR 50,000 – 75,000. On the other hand, private universities like Amity University and SGT University offer courses in INR 4,00,000 – 5,00,000.
Completing an MPhil Psychology course opens many dynamic career paths in the field, centred around teaching and research. Some Job Profiles after completing this course are Lecturer/Assistant Professor, Research Scientist, Curriculum Developer, etc. The average Salary after doing MPhil Psychology falls in the range of INR 3,00,000 – 8,00,000.
- MPhil in Psychology Course Highlights
- MPhil in Psychology Eligibility Criteria
- MPhil in Psychology Entrance Exams
- MPhil in Psychology Colleges in India
- MPhil in Psychology Admission Process 2025
- MPhil in Psychology Syllabus
- MPhil in Psychology Job Opportunities in India
- MPhil in Psychology Course Comparison
- MPhil in Psychology FAQs
MPhil in Psychology Course Highlights
Some basic details about the MPhil psychology course are given below:
Details | Particulars |
Course Name | MPhil Psychology (Master of Philosophy in Psychology) |
Course level | Postgraduate |
Duration | 1 or 2 Years |
Course Type | Full Time |
Eligibility Criteria | 2-Year M.A./M.Sc degree in Psychology recognised by UGC with optimal credit points. |
Admission Process | Merit-Based/Entrance-Based |
Course Fees (Average) | INR 50,000 – 5,00,000 |
Courses Covered | Dissertation, Behavioural Medicine, Psychology Therapy and viva-voce, Biological Foundations of Behaviour, Psychiatry, Psychosocial foundations of behaviour and Psychopathology |
Top Colleges | Central Institute of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Amity University, Annamalai University, etc |
Job Profiles | Assistant Professor, Lecturer, Curriculum Developer, Research Scientist, Forensic/Clinical Psychologist, Rehabilitation Counsellor. |
Top Recruiters | Manipal Hospital, Apotext, Pharmaceuticals company, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Intel |
Average Salary in India | INR 3,00,000 – 8,00,000 |
MPhil in Psychology Eligibility Criteria
For candidates who’re interested in pursuing this research-oriented degree, they should hold a 2-year degree in M.A./M.Sc in Applied Psychology with an aggregate of 55% marks.
MPhil in Psychology Entrance Exams
There are some universities or institutions that conduct entrance exams for this course. For example, the University of Delhi, Lovely Professional University, AIIMS, and NIMHANS. If the candidates want to pursue the course at certain colleges, they’ll have to show up for the entrance exams.
Exams | Application Date | Exam Date (Tentative) | Application Fee |
CUET PG 2025 | 2 January, 2025 – 8 February, 2025 | 1 April 2025 | INR 1,400 |
LPUNEST 2025 | 26 January 2025 – 10 March 2025 | 4 April - 30 April 2025 | INR 1,000 |
INI CET | 10 March 2025 – 15 April 2025 | 17 May 2025 | INR 4000 (General/Foreign National/OCI/OBC)
INR 3200 (SC/ST/EWS Applicant) |
MPhil in Psychology Colleges in India
The M.Phil Psychology is a tough course; not every institution has the infrastructure to provide this course, but there are still some great colleges in India which provide this course.
College Name | NIRF Ranking
(University) | Course Fees (Approximate) |
Bharathiar University, Coimbatore | 26 | INR 42,570 |
National Forensic Sciences University, Delhi | - | INR 1,50,000 |
Lovely Professional University | 27 | INR 2,00,000 |
Amity University | 31 | INR 4,65,000 |
Central Institute of Psychiatry | - | - |
Annamalai University | 7 | INR 22,100 |
MPhil in Psychology Admission Process 2025
The MPhil Psychology admission 2025 can vary depending on the college or institution you’ve chosen. However, to give you a general idea, listed below is the admission process for Amity University, Noida, which provides MPhil Psychology:
- Start with reaching out to the official site of Amity University. You need to sign up as a new user, if you’ve already signed up, sign in.
- Fill out the required details and sign in as a new user. After that, choose the program and campus you’re applying for.
- Fill out the applicant details required, and then make a payment of INR 1100. Once the payment has been made, other options will open, such as Personal details, educational details, and documents, etc.
- Fill out the details, and you’re done with the application. Now, depending on the eligibility criteria, you’ll get selected.
MPhil in Psychology Syllabus
The syllabus for the Postgraduate course MPhil Psychology can change as per the notice and regulations issued by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI). The syllabus listed below is taken from the National Forensic Sciences University, Gujarat.
Semester I | Semester II |
Psychosocial Foundations of Behaviour and Psychopathology | Biological Foundations of Behaviour |
Statistics and Research Methodology | Psychotherapy and Counseling |
Psychiatry | Behavioural Medicine |
Psychological Assessment and Viva-voce | Psychological therapy and Viva-voce |
Psychodiagnostic Reports | Dissertation |
MPhil in Psychology Job Opportunities in India
Completing MPhil Psychology opens some exciting career aspects, the job profiles and salaries drawn are mentioned below and are listed from credible sources such as Naukri & Indeed. Let’s have a look at them:
Job Profiles | Experience | Recruiters | Average Salary Drawn |
Research Scientist | 0-5 Years | Mabbit Communication | INR 8,00,000 – 10,00,000 |
Assistant Professor/Lecturer | 2-6 Years | Apeejay Stya Group | INR 6,00,000 – 11,00,000 |
Psychological Counselor | 2-6 Years | SR Educational | INR 3,00,000 – 8,00,000 |
Chief Clinical Psychologist | 3-8 Years | Divamo Well Being | INR 6,00,000 – 7,20,000 |
Child Psychologist | 0-3 Years | Jey Special Needs | INR 2,16,000 – 3,00,000 |
MPhil in Psychology Course Comparison
As MPhil Psychology is going to be phased out in 2026-2027, students are often confused about whether to go with this course or not. Here’s a list provided on which courses you might want to pursue:
Features | M. Phil Psychology | M. Phil Clinical Psychology |
Overview | It is a research-oriented degree that emphasises theoretical knowledge and research methodologies. The main focus is to enhance the research skills | This is a clinical-focused hospital-based program which focuses on the practical application of psychological principles in assessment. |
Specialization | Research Methodology, Cognitive Psychology, Development Psychology, Social Psychology | Psychological Assessment, Psychotherapy, Clinical Practice, Neuropsychology, Diagnosis and treatment of mental disorder. |
Eligibility Criteria | 2-Year M.A./M.Sc degree in Psychology recognised by UGC with optimal credit points. | 2-Year M.A./M.Sc degree in Psychology recognised by UGC with optimal credit points. |
Average Course Fee | INR 50,000 – 5,00,000 | INR 50,000 – 7,00,000 |
Subjects Covered | Psychology, Psychiatry, Psychopathology, Research Methodologies | Dissertation, Behavioural Medicine, Psychology Therapy and viva-voce, Biological Foundations of Behaviour, Psychiatry, Psychosocial foundations of behaviour and Psychopathology |
Job Profiles | Assistant Professor, Lecturer, Curriculum Developer, Research Scientist, Forensic/Clinical Psychologist, Rehabilitation Counsellor. | Rehabilitation Counsellor, Forensic Psychologist, Curriculum Developer, Assistant Professor/Lecturer |
Average Salary | INR 3,00,000 – 8,00,000 | INR 3,50,000 – 10,00,000 |
*MPhil Psychology is getting phased out by the MPhil Clinical Psychology; the main difference between them is that MPhil Psychology focuses on theoretical knowledge, in which the student might not become a licensed psychologist. On the other hand, clinical Psychology offers a licensed approach to the course and focuses on the training and practical aspect under the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI),
MPhil in Psychology FAQs
Which is better, an MPhil or a PhD in Psychology?
An MPhil is the highest master’s degree you can achieve in Psychology, whereas a PhD is the highest qualification you can achieve in Psychology. Doing a course that fits well with your eligibility is the best option. However, a PhD in Psychology is the best option if you’re looking to widen your career prospects.
Can I use the prefix Dr. after M. Phil in Psychology?
If you’re still practising after doing an MPhil in Psychology, you’ll be addressed as Dr informally by your patients. However, if you wish to put the prefix in front of your name, then you’ll have to complete your PhD in Psychology.
Is MPhil Psychology being phased out?
Yes, according to the notice issued by the University Grants Commission (UGC), and the addition of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, made some really important changes, and among them was the decision to phase out MPhil Psychology. It will be only available for the 2025 batch. If the students are thinking of pursuing this course, this is their last chance.
Can I do an MPhil in Psychology from a Distance?
Yes, you can do MPhil Psychology from distance learning, because the course focuses on theoretical knowledge rather than giving practical knowledge, which is why it is the best option for interested students to pursue this course from a distance.
Is MPhil Psychology a lengthy course?
The course length can depend on the institution, however, the course generally comprises 2 semesters in which all the theoretical knowledge is provided to the students.