PhD in Psychology is a 3-year full-time doctorate degree in Psychology. In this 3-year program, aspirants learn a total of 9 subjects, 3 in each year. The course mainly focuses on the clinical psychology part and explores the various psychological treatments and methods. The candidates are required to pass their postgraduate degree in psychology with a minimum score of 55% or equivalent marks from a recognized university. Admission to the course is done on the basis of an entrance examination or merit list. The coursework and research involved in a PhD in Experimental Psychology can vary depending on the specific program and research interests of the student. However, students can expect to take courses in areas such as statistics, research design, cognitive psychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, neuropsychology, and psychopathology. The research component of a PhD in Experimental Psychology is a critical aspect of the program. Students typically work with a faculty mentor to conduct original research in an area of interest. This research can take the form of laboratory experiments, field studies, or other types of empirical investigations. The goal is to produce new knowledge and advance the field of psychology.
Course Level | Doctorate Degree |
Duration | 3 years |
Examination Type | Semester System |
Eligibility | Master’s degree with 50% aggregate marks in science. |
Admission Process | Counselling after qualification of entrance examination |
Top Recruiting Areas | Colleges, Universities, Healthcare Centers, Private Clinics, Hospitals, Counselling Offices etc. |
Job Positions | Clinical Psychologist, Educational Psychologist, Industrial Psychologist, Research Psychologist, Lecturer, Professor and others such. |
Most PhD programs in Experimental Psychology require applicants to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), which includes sections on verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. Some programs may also require the Psychology Subject Test.
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Candidates have to register themselves first in the official website of the college or the Entrance exam board. The candidates must look at the eligibility criteria and look at the various entry methods. |
The candidates are required to fill in their application form as per the detail required and upload the documents in the format prescribed by the authorities. |
Candidates are required to submit the application form and pay the application form fee and take out the receipt for future reference. |
In the entrance exam, they need to score more than the cut off marks, to qualify. |
Post qualifying the entrances, candidates need to fulfil the eligibility as per the guidelines of that particular college. |
Final selection will follow candidates' performance in the interview and their research proposal . |
Postgraduate degree in Psychology, completed from a recognized institute/university
A minimum aggregate score of 55% (50 % for SC/ST candidates) or equivalent grade at the level of post-graduation
At least 5 years of teaching/ industry/ professional experience at a senior level
In some cases, M.Phil. in Psychology is also preferred
The length of a PhD program in Experimental Psychology can vary depending on the specific program and the individual student's progress. Typically, these programs take 4-6 years to complete, although some programs may take longer.
Selection criteria for a PhD in Experimental Psychology can vary, but may include academic achievement, research experience, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and fit with the program and faculty.
To apply for a PhD in Experimental Psychology, interested applicants should research individual programs to identify those that align with their research interests and career goals. |
They should then review the application requirements and deadlines for each program, gather the necessary materials, and submit their application through the program's online application system or by mail. |
Some programs may require an interview as part of the application process. |
The application form for a PhD in Experimental Psychology is typically available on the program's website or through a centralized application system such as the Common Application. Applicants will need to provide personal information, educational history, and contact information for their references.
The application process for a PhD in Experimental Psychology typically involves submitting transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and any required test scores (such as the GRE or Psychology Subject Test). Some programs may also require an interview as part of the application process.
The application fee for a PhD program in Experimental Psychology can vary depending on the program, but generally ranges from $50-$100. Some programs may waive the application fee for certain applicants, such as those from underrepresented backgrounds.
Year I Advanced psychopathology Psychometric assessment methods Practicum |
Year II Psychotherapeutic Methods Practicum Clinical Psychology |
Year III Clinical psychology I Clinical psychology II Internship in clinical psychology |
Job Position | Job Description |
Clinical Psychologists | Clinical Psychologists are trained in the diagnosis, treatment, assessment, and prevention of mental illnesses. They are also the largest area of employment within the discipline of psychology. They work in a variety of settings including mental health clinics, hospitals, and private practice. Their experience has a major impact on the salary earned. |
Social Psychologist | Social Psychologists are hired to study social tendencies such as attitudes, group behaviour, public perception, and leadership. They may also work in systems design, marketing research, and organizational consultation. They may find positions for teaching and researching at universities and colleges in the Psychology department. They research primarily on the field or in school laboratories. They also work for government organizations, and private business sectors also hire Social Psychologists as Researchers, Managers or Political Strategists. |
Industrial Psychologists | Industrial Psychologists use their unique knowledge of psychology to improve workplace productivity and efficiency for public companies, and organizations of every type. They also perform a variety of functions, including product design, conducting performance tests, developing corporate training programs, and hiring qualified employees and managers. A degree in psychology qualifies individuals for entry-level positions in industrial-organizational psychology, but a doctorate degree is needed for advancing in the field. |
Educational Physiologist | Educational Psychologists are often confused with School Psychologists; however, they are entirely different fields of psychology. School Psychologists assess, diagnose, and treat emotional and behavioural issues of individual students. Educational Psychologists are concerned with the overall quality of education, course structure and programs for all students. They study how students learn and work with teachers, parents, and school administration to improve academic outcomes for an entire student population. |
Research Psychologist | Research Psychologists conduct studies and experiments with human or animal participants. They often work for private businesses, universities, or government entities. Their research may focus on a wide range of specialty areas within the discipline, including cognition, psychology, neuroscience, development, personality, and social behaviour. |
Some of the career opportunities for graduates of a PhD in Experimental Psychology include:
University Professor: | Teach and conduct research at a college or university. |
Research Scientist: | Conduct research in a variety of settings, including government agencies, non-profits, and private industry. |
Program Evaluator: | Evaluate the effectiveness of programs and interventions in areas such as healthcare, education, and social services. |
Human Factors Specialist: | Apply psychological principles to the design of products and systems to improve user experience. |
Some top colleges for a PhD in Experimental Psychology include:
Q.1 - What is the procedure for Ph.D.? Admission to the University?
ANSWER: - The Ph.D. and M.Phil. programs of prestigious Universities are conducted and guided strictly as per the provisions and regulations dictated by the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D./M.Phil. Degrees) (1st Amendment) Regulations, 2018 and subsequent amendments. The entire procedure for admission to the research programs encompasses a Research Entrance Exam (RET) and then an Interview/Viva Voce. The performance of a candidate in the RET is given 70% weightage, and the remaining 30% weightage is given to his/her performance at the Interview.
Q.2 - What are the modes of pursuing M.Phil. & Ph.D. programs at the University?
ANSWER: -Both the full-time and part-time modes are available at University for pursuing its Ph.D. programs and only the full-time mode is available for M.Phil. program in the desired subjects/fields. These highly-qualitative and prolific research programs are available in a rather broad range of fields/subjects. At University, the minimum time duration of the M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs is 1.5 Years and 3 Years, respectively, in general.
Q.3 - Are the Ph.D. and M.Phil. Degrees granted by any University valid abroad?
ANSWER: -Yes, of course. If the University is properly recognized under section 2(f) of the UGC Act of 1956 and is a prestigious member of the AIU (the Association of Indian Universities). It is an M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees granted in various fields/subjects are duly valid across India and the world.
Q.4 - What are the main eligibility criteria for participating in the University Research Entrance Exam (RET)?
ANSWER: -The following are the main eligibility conditions for participating in the RET: - A rigorous Master’s Degree in the proposed subject/field obtained from any recognized university/institution located in India or abroad, with a minimum 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade. Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled categories are given a 5% relaxation in respect of this eligibility criterion. Candidates with an M.Phil. degree in the proposed field/subject, or have qualified for the UGC (JRF) Examinations/ NET/ SET/ SELT, etc., will be allowed to appear directly for the interview, without appearing in the RET. Impressive academic records, and any prior experience in research work, will be given additional advantages.
Q.5 - What relaxations are granted to the reserved categories for Ph.D.? Admission to the University?
ANSWER: - Candidates belonging to the categories of SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, and so on, are given all relaxations prescribed by the Govt. of India and the UGC. These relaxations are provided in form of 5% reduced marks for them at post-graduation, and also in the minimum qualifying marks at RET. Thus, candidates belonging to these categories only need to score a minimum of 45% marks at RET, to qualify for the final interview.
Q.6 - How will be the pattern of RET?
ANSWER: - The syllabus or pattern of RET consists of subject-specific matters, research methodology, and aptitude (covering logical reasoning, numerical ability, analytical reasoning, statistics, etc.).Thus, RET will contain a total of 70 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
Q.7 - Are M.Phil. Holders/UGC- NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE exempted from appearing at RET?
ANSWER: - Yes. The holders of M.Phil. degrees in their respective fields/subjects are made exempt from appearing in RET. The same is the situation in cases of aspiring candidates who have qualified exams like UGC-NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE, etc.
Q.8 - How is the application fee paid?
ANSWER: - The Application Fee (i.e. the fee for getting participated in RET) can be paid online or offline, like the Application Form. Payment Modes: DD (in Favor of the University) / NEFT/ Cash Deposit.
Q.9 - Do working candidates require to obtain NOC from employers for pursuing research at any University?
ANSWER: - Yes, necessarily. Working Professionals who are interested in research at any University are required to obtain the NOC (No Objection Certificate) from their respective employers, in order to avert any intrusion ever during the entire doctoral course.
Q.10 - Does an M.Phil. holder require to undergo Ph.D. coursework?
ANSWER: - Yes. M.Phil. holders are again required to undergo the coursework in Ph.D. at some Universities. However, their prior knowledge in the field/subject will be very supportive to them for learning and performing efficiently during the Ph.D. program.
Q.11 - Can I pay the yearly program/course fee in installments?
ANSWER: - Yes, you can pay the yearly course fee as many as in two installments, but well within the yearly session.
Q.12 - Does Any University provide any scholarship or stipend to pursuing scholars?
ANSWER: - Yes, of course. Many Universities offer scholarships as well as stipends to meritorious and talented candidates who undertake research studies at the University. Scholarships are granted to those candidates who come under the top 21 by scoring higher marks in RET and interviews. And, stipends are provided to those scholars who also give lectures to UG or PG students at the University, in addition to doing their Ph.D. coursework. The amount of the monthly stipend will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and capabilities and may go up to Rs. 20,000.
Q.13 - What other many facilities are provided to research scholars at the University Campus?
ANSWER: - All necessary and constructive resources, amenities, and facilities are offered by well-established and prestigious universities to research scholars in various streams/subjects. These facilities include the following - spacious and peaceful study rooms, erudite and well-experienced academicians and research experts, Wi-Fi and diverse IT devices, state-of-the-art laboratories, well-stocked libraries, lavish R&D amenities, separate amenities for lodging and foods for male and female candidates, peaceful and constructive environment within the university campus, and many other comforting and convenient facilities and services.