A PhD in Psychology is a doctoral-level program that involves an in-depth study of human behaviour. Of late, Psychology is becoming a popular course choice among students as it broadens their domain knowledge and allows them to choose highly rewarding career options. So, if you are interested in pursuing this degree, let’s dive into important details like what it includes, its specialisations, popular universities, etc.

Key Highlights

• PhD in Psychology: Course Overview
  • What is a dissertation in Psychology?
• Different specialisations in Psychology
  • PhD in Clinical Psychology
  • Health Psychology
  • School Psychology
  • Forensic Psychology
• Popular universities offering Psychology PhD programs
  • List of Indian colleges offering doctorate degree in Psychology
• PhD in Psychology eligibility criteria
• What is a Dissertation in Psychology?

PhD in Psychology: Course Overview
The course equips students with extensive knowledge of different aspects of Psychology, such as perception, attention, relationships, behaviour, etc. Some of the subjects covered during the study program are clinical psychology, counselling psychology, behavioural neuroscience, psychotherapeutic methods, etc.
Students need to undergo both theoretical and practical training during the study program. It gets completed in 3-5 years if studied full-time and in 5-7 years when studied part-time. Psychologist, Lecturer, Research Associate, and Psychiatrist are some popular career avenues post-completion of the course. Universities, hospitals, rehabilitation centres, and research centres are some of the top recruiters of Psychology students.

• What is a dissertation in Psychology?

A dissertation is an academic document that summarises your independent research in the chosen area of expertise. It showcases your expert knowledge on the subject, representation and explanation of philosophical ideas, and emerging contributions to the field. Submitting a dissertation is considered the final step of the PhD program and must be original.

Different specialisations in Psychology

Psychology is a vast field, and thus, students can choose an area of specialisation as per their interests and goals. Some of the popular specialisations are:

• PhD in Clinical Psychology : Clinical Psychology deals with assessing, diagnosing, and chalking out treatment methods for patients dealing with health issues.
  • Doctorate in Clinical Psychology: It includes academic work, practical work, and a research project. It is an ideal course to pursue for students who are interested in research or academic careers.
• Health Psychology : Health Psychology involves studying the correlation between physical and psychological health and motivating people to make health-conscious decisions like quitting smoking and alcohol, eating nutritious food, etc.
• School Psychology : School Psychology focuses on the psychological and educational needs of students and helps them to succeed academically, emotionally, socially, and behaviourally.
• Forensic Psychology : Forensic Psychology combines the studies of Psychology and Criminology and aims at assisting the judicial system in criminal and civil matters.

Popular universities offering Psychology PhD programs

• Princeton University, the USA
• Yale University, the USA
• Newcastle University, the UK
• The University of Edinburgh, the UK
• University of Alberta, Canada
• University of British Columbia, Canada
• Monash University, Australia
• Australian National University, Australia
• Heriot-Watt University Dubai, the UAE
• University of Galway, Ireland

PhD in Psychology eligibility criteria

Basic requirements to study in India: You need to meet certain requirements to pursue a PhD in Psychology in India. One such requirement is clearing entrance exams like the Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST), University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET), etc. The other requirements are as follows:

• A master’s degree in Psychology from a reputed university with a minimum of 55%.
• Teaching/industry/work experience (though not mandatory)

Basic requirements to study abroad : Besides the aforementioned criteria, you need to meet additional requirements to pursue a PhD in Psychology from an international university. The common prerequisites are as follows:

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
• Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
• A valid passport
• Academic transcripts
• Resume

Kindly note that the eligibility requirements may vary from one university to another. Therefore, it is important to verify the university-specific requirements before applying.

So, if you are planning to pursue PhD in Psychology and are facing financial constraints, opt for a loan for education to finance your higher studies independently. At Avanse Financial Services, we offer an education loan in India with benefits like 100% finance, quick loan sanctions, and multiple repayment options. We even assist students in their academic pursuits by offering education loans for study abroad programs. Call us today to know about the education loan eligibility criteria and other important details!