Master of Arts (Counselling Psychology)

The M.A. in Counselling Psychology is a comprehensive postgraduate programme designed to provide in-depth training in counselling theories, therapeutic approaches, and mental health interventions. This two-year programme focuses on developing professional competencies required to address diverse psychological and emotional challenges across varied settings.

The curriculum has been thoughtfully revised to incorporate a stronger counselling orientation, with specialised courses in counselling approaches, assessment, intervention strategies, and applied mental health practice. It integrates theoretical foundations with experiential learning to prepare students for professional roles in counselling and allied fields.

Program Highlights:

  • Strong Counselling Orientation: The programme includes dedicated courses in counselling approaches (cognitive-behavioural, humanistic, and depth-oriented), counselling across life stages, group counselling, and psychosocial interventions, ensuring focused training in therapeutic practice.
  • Extensive Practical Training and Internships: A key strength of the programme is its emphasis on hands-on learning through supervised internships, on-the-job training (OJT), practicum, and field-based experiences. Students engage with real-world counselling settings, enabling the application of theoretical knowledge in professional contexts.
  • Comprehensive and Contemporary Curriculum: The curriculum covers core areas such as personality assessment, counselling interventions, neuropsychology, rehabilitation psychology, counselling ethics, and research methodology, along with emerging areas like artificial intelligence in psychological science.
  • Skill Development for Professional Practice: The programme emphasizes the development of essential counselling skills, including therapeutic communication, psychological assessment, case formulation, intervention planning, and crisis management.
  • Research and Professional Competence: Students are trained in research methodology and undertake a research project, fostering analytical thinking and evidence-based practice in counselling psychology.

Overall, the programme aims to prepare competent, ethical, and reflective counselling professionals equipped to work in mental health institutions, educational settings, rehabilitation centres, corporate sectors, and private practice.

The M.A. in Counselling Psychology at KES’ Shroff College is designed to prepare students to meet the growing demands of the mental health and counselling profession. The programme equips learners with the knowledge, skills, and practical training required to work effectively across diverse settings. Here’s how our program helps students achieve the best:

  • Growing Demand for Mental Health Professionals:With increasing awareness of mental health and well-being, there is a rising need for trained counselling psychologists across educational institutions, healthcare settings, and organizations. This programme prepares students to address these emerging needs.
  • Holistic Understanding of Human Behavior: The programme offers an in-depth understanding of human behaviour, emotions, and mental processes, enabling students to support individuals in managing personal, social, and psychological challenges.
  • Diverse Career Opportunities: Graduates can explore career paths in mental health services, schools and colleges, NGOs, hospitals, corporate wellness programmes, and private practice, providing flexibility and professional growth.
  • Skill-Based and Experiential Learning: The programme emphasizes counselling skills, ethical practice, self-awareness, and hands-on training through practical work, preparing students for real-world applications.
  • Contribution to Society: Counselling psychologists play a vital role in promoting mental health, reducing stigma, and enhancing overall well-being. This programme prepares students to make meaningful contributions to individuals and communities.

Pursuing an M.A. in Counselling Psychology at KES’ Shroff College enables students to develop professional competence while fostering personal growth and social responsibility.

PEO1: To familiarize learners with advanced concepts in Counselling Psychology, encompassing theories and practices related to individual counselling, group therapy, family counselling, and diverse therapeutic modalities.

PEO2: To understand the dynamics of human behavior, psychological development across the lifespan, and the interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors influencing mental health and well-being.

PEO3: To develop proficiency in conducting comprehensive psychological assessments, including psychometric testing, clinical interviews, and diagnostic evaluations, to formulate accurate case conceptualizations and treatment plans.

PEO4: To cultivate empathy, cultural competence, and ethical awareness in counselling practice, promoting respect for diversity, inclusivity, and social justice in therapeutic interactions.

PEO5: To acquire practical skills in therapeutic techniques and interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic approaches, mindfulness-based interventions, and crisis intervention strategies, tailored to meet the needs of diverse client populations.

PEO6: To integrate theoretical knowledge and practical skills to provide effective counselling services across various settings, including mental health clinics, schools, rehabilitation centers, crisis hotlines, and private practice, fostering positive client outcomes and well-being.

PEO7: To engage in continuous professional development, pursue advanced training opportunities, participate in ongoing supervision and consultation, and contribute to the advancement of the counselling profession through research, advocacy, and community outreach initiatives.

After completing the program, student will be able to:

PO1: Enhance self-confidence and foster a strong sense of personal identity, equipping students to navigate and thrive in real-world challenges and opportunities.

PO2: Promote collaboration and teamwork among students, encouraging them to connect, communicate effectively, and contribute positively to group dynamics.

PO3: Develop advanced communication skills that promote leadership qualities, both individually and within collaborative settings, emphasizing empathy, active listening, and constructive feedback.

PO4: Cultivate critical thinking abilities, enabling students to analyze complex problems, evaluate evidence, and propose viable solutions that address real-life issues.

PO5: Equip students with an objective and scientific approach to address research problems in psychology, applied behavioral sciences, and related fields, fostering a deeper understanding of human behavior and cognition.

PO6: Encourage a commitment to social concerns and empathy towards diverse populations, promoting inclusivity, social justice, and community engagement.

PO7: Instill ethical principles within research and practice, emphasizing integrity, responsibility, and respect for diversity.

PO8: Utilize knowledge and skills to identify and address issues and challenges within the realm of arts, humanities, and social sciences.

PO9: Demonstrate proficiency in research methodology, enabling comprehensive understanding and analysis of research problems across various domains.

A Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (M.A.) from KES Shroff College equips graduates with the professional knowledge, therapeutic skills, and practical experience required to pursue diverse career opportunities in the mental health and counselling domain.

Our graduates are well-prepared to pursue careers in:

  • Clinical and Therapeutic Counselling: Roles such as counsellors, psychotherapists, and mental health practitioners in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centres, and private practice settings, working with individuals across age groups.
  • School and Educational Counselling: Opportunities as school counsellors, student wellness coordinators, and guidance professionals in schools, colleges, and educational institutions, supporting academic, emotional, and career development.
  • Community and Mental Health Services: Careers in NGOs, community centres, and social service organisations focusing on counselling, mental health awareness, family support, and rehabilitation services.
  • Corporate and Organizational Counselling: Roles in employee assistance programmes (EAPs), workplace counselling, corporate wellness initiatives, and organizational development, addressing stress, work-life balance, and employee well-being.
  • Specialised Counselling Areas: Opportunities in fields such as career counselling, family and marital counselling, rehabilitation counselling, and crisis intervention, depending on individual interests and training.
  • Research and Academia: Scope for pursuing careers in research, teaching, and higher education, contributing to the development of counselling practices and psychological knowledge.
  • Crisis and Trauma Counselling: Roles in crisis helplines, disaster response teams, and mental health support services dealing with trauma, emergencies, and high-risk populations.

SEMESTER 1


Major

  • Personality Theories and Assessment
  • Applied Statistics in Psychology
  • Psychology of Cognition and Emotion
  • Positive Psychology

Major Elective Courses (Any one)

  • Forensic Psychology
  • Consumer Psychology

Research Methods

  • Research Methodology

SEMESTER 2


Major

  • Counselling Interventions
  • Neuropsychology
  • Evolutionary Psychology
  • Artificial Intelligence in Psychological Science

Major Elective Courses (Any one)

  • Rehabilitation Psychology
  • Sports Psychology

On Job Training/ Field Project

  • OJT/ Internship

SEMESTER 3


Major

  • Behavioural, Cognitive and Brief Approaches in Counselling
  • Depth-Oriented and Humanistic Approaches in Counselling
  • Holistic Therapeutic Approaches
  • Professional Development

Major Elective Courses (Any one)

  • Behavioural Neuroscience
  • Positive Psychology

Research Project

  • Research Report – I

SEMESTER 4


Major

  • Orientation to Special Areas in Counselling – I
  • Orientation to Special Areas in Counselling – II
  • Group Counselling Theories and Techniques

Major Elective Courses (Any one)

  • Career Counselling and Development
  • Integrative and Eclectic Approaches in Counselling

Research Project

  • Research Report – II

The admission procedure usually starts in June after the results of Undergraduate Progams are declared.

  • Register for the MA Counselling Psychology program at kessc.edu.in under admission section.
  • After getting shortlisted for the admission to MA Counselling Psychology program take the next step.
  • Fill College online admission form on www.kessc.edu.in
  • Upload a all the necessary documents as prescribed on the admission portal.
  • Complete the payment and download the payment receipt and admission form.
  • For further details and to know more about the college visit www.kessc.edu.in

Eligibility for M.A. Counselling Psychology (Part I)

P.G. Diploma in Psychology:
Candidates must have completed graduation with a major or specialization in Psychology, with a minimum academic level of 5.5.

M.A. (Counselling Psychology) – Two Year Programme:

  • Part I:
    Candidates must have completed graduation with a major or specialization in Psychology, with a minimum academic level of 5.5.
  • Part II:
    Candidates must have successfully completed M.A. Part I, or be eligible under ATKT (Allowed to Keep Terms) with not more than three subjects pending in each semester, i.e., Semester I and Semester II.

Total no. of Seats: 40

Reservation of Seats: Reservations are as per the Government policy.

Fees: As prescribed by the University of Mumbai. The details have been mentioned on the college Notice board and the College website http://www.kessc.edu.in

Duration of Programme: 4 Semesters spread over 2 years.

Enforcement of Attendance:

Our college is a pioneer institute in introducing the computerized attendance system. The computerized defaulters’ lists are displayed division wise regularly at the end of every month on the Students Notice Board. The students failing to fulfill the required attendance shall be DETAINED and shall not be permitted to take the Annual / Board examination. Warning letters from the Principal are sent to parents of the defaulting students. The letters are given to the concerned students by the class teachers in the classrooms. The students must hand over these warning letters to the parents. Students should note that fulfilling the attendance requirement alone will not qualify them to appear for the examination. Their academic performance should also be to the satisfaction of the principal.

General Rules & Regulations:

  1. Every student should obtain an ID card and show at the entry
  2. Students should not loiter in the corridors when the lectures are engaged
  3. Giving proxy attendance is a serious act of indiscipline
  4. Students applying for certificates/testimonials and attestation should first contact the college office
  5. Ragging is strictly prohibited on the college premises
  6. The use of mobile phones inside the college is strictly prohibited. If caught using a cell phone it is confiscated for a period of 1 year

Punitive Measures:

  1. Warning
  2. Cancellation of admission
  3. Refusal to grant admission in future
  4. Withholding or withdrawing of University exam form
  5. Expulsion / rustication from college
  6. Fine not exceeding Rs. 300
  7. Non-refund of fees and deposits
  8. Suspension for a specified period