VU M.Sc. (Psychology) FAQs
Ques. Is the M.Sc. Psychology at VU Pune recognized for practicing as a clinical psychologist in India?
Ans. The M.Sc. Psychology (Clinical and Counselling) at Vishwakarma University is a UGC-recognized postgraduate degree from an autonomous university. However, to practice as a Registered Clinical Psychologist (RCI-registered) in India, candidates typically need an M.Phil. in Clinical Psychology from an RCI-approved institution, which is a separate 2-year programme. The M.Sc. from VU equips students with strong theoretical and practical foundations and is suitable for counselling roles, corporate psychology, school counselling, and research. Students aspiring to become RCI-registered clinical psychologists should plan for the M.Phil. Clinical Psychology after completing M.Sc.
Ques. What is the difference between M.A. Psychology and M.Sc. Psychology at Vishwakarma University?
Ans. VU offers both M.A. Psychology and M.Sc. Psychology (Clinical and Counselling). The M.A. Psychology is a 2-year arts-stream programme with a broader focus on psychological theories, while the M.Sc. Psychology is specifically designed with a clinical and counselling specialization, covering Psychopathology, Neuropsychology, Counselling and Psychotherapy, Neurological Assessments, and Rehabilitation Psychology. The M.Sc. has a stronger clinical orientation with On Job Training and a Research Project, making it more suitable for students aiming for clinical or counselling careers. The annual fee for M.Sc. Psychology (Rs. 1,35,000 in Year I) is higher than M.A. Psychology (Rs. 1,10,000 in Year I).
Ques. Can a student from a non-psychology background (e.g., B.Com., B.Tech.) apply for M.Sc. Psychology at VU?
Ans. Yes. The eligibility criteria for M.Sc. Psychology at VU require only a Bachelor's degree of minimum 3 years from any discipline with 50% marks (45% for reserved category). There is no requirement for Psychology as a subject at the undergraduate level. This makes the programme accessible to graduates from commerce, engineering, science, and arts backgrounds who wish to transition into the mental health field.
Ques. What practical training is included in the M.Sc. Psychology programme at VU Pune?
Ans. The programme includes substantial practical training across all four semesters. Semester 1 includes Practical: Tests (psychological assessments), Semester 2 includes Practical: Experiments and On Job Training, Semester 3 includes Practical: Neurological Assessments and a Research Project, and Semester 4 includes Practical: Clinical and Counselling Tests and continuation of the Research Project. Students also gain exposure to advanced therapeutic techniques such as mindfulness, art therapy, and positive psychology interventions.
Ques. What are the career options after M.Sc. Psychology (Clinical and Counselling) from Vishwakarma University?
Ans. Graduates can pursue careers as Psychotherapists (specialising in Cognitive, Psychoanalytical, Humanistic, or Behavioral therapies), School or Hospital Counsellors, Psychometrists, Industrial/Organizational Psychologists, Behavioral Analysts, Forensic Psychologists, Life Coaches, and independent psychology practitioners. They can work in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, NGOs, schools, corporate HR departments, and research institutions. Graduates can also pursue Ph.D. in Psychology at VU or other universities, or appear for UGC-NET to qualify for academic and research positions.
Ques. Does VU Pune offer Ph.D. in Psychology after M.Sc.?
Ans. Yes. Vishwakarma University offers a Ph.D. in Psychology under the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. The Ph.D. admission is through VUPET (Vishwakarma University Ph.D. Entrance Test). For AY 2025-26, 12 vacancies were available in Psychology (5 Open, 7 Reserved). Research supervisors include Dr. Bhupender Singh, Dr. Azmat Jahan, Dr. Vishal Ghule, and Dr. Amruta Punjabi. Annual Ph.D. fee in Psychology is Rs. 75,000. Candidates with a valid UGC-NET score are exempted from the VUPET written test.
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