BA in Psychology Subjects & Syllabus 2024

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Feb 29, 2024 22:31PM IST

BA in Psychology Syllabus & Subjects Overview

BA in Psychology syllabus is of three-year that covers a variety of topics, such as health, personality, human development, human behavior, and cognitive functions. The major focus of the BA Psychology course is the functioning of the human mind and behavior. 

Here are some core subjects in a BA in Psychology syllabus:

  • Personality Analysis through Empirical Theories
  • Non-Appraisal Test Techniques
  • Nature of Psychological Research
  • Endocrine System
  • Community Psychology
  • Cognitive Development
  • Attention and Perception
  • Adolescence and Developmental Concerns 

Other BA in Psychology subjects include:

  • Psychology of Individual Differences
  • Social Psychology
  • Behaviour and Modification Counselling
  • Theories of Counselling
  • Biopsychology
  • Research Methodology
  • Child Psychology
  • Psychological Research

BA in Psychology is a three-year programme that is divided into six semesters and covers a wide range of subjects, including Personality, Development, Human Behaviour, and Cognitive Processes. The course's main emphasis is on how the human mind and behaviour function. Application-based courses in BA Psychology prepare students for entry-level positions in pertinent fields. Psychology is the branch of science that studies behaviour and thought. Following completion of 10+2 from a recognised board, one may pursue a degree in this field. Graduates in this course have a wide range of job opportunities in the healthcare industry. 

BA in Psychology syllabus includes both pragmatic and theoretical approaches to the subject. The goal of developing an appropriate course syllabus is to create and prepare excellent professionals in the fields of clinical, behavioural, child, and social psychology. Among the BA in Psychology, subjects are Child Psychology, Counselling Psychology, Social Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Psychological Disorders, etc. The BA in Psychology syllabus consists of a mix of core and elective subjects. The programme focuses on various aspects of Psychology, such as mental processes, reactions, motives, conflict resolution, feelings, groupthink, crisis management, motivation, and the nature of the mind. 

Scroll down to find out everything you need to know about BA in Psychology subjects and the syllabus.

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BA Psychology Course Details

The following are some important course details for the BA Psychology course:

ParticularsDetails 
Course Name BA Psychology
Full-Form Bachelor of Arts in Psychology 
Course LevelUndergraduate
Duration of the course3 Years
Eligibility10 + 2 from recognized board with 50% 
Course FeeINR 20k - INR 2 LPA
BA Psychology Admission Process

Merit List 

Entrance Exam

Job ProfilePsychiatric Assistant, Clinical Psychologist, Child Psychologist, Career Counsellor, Human Resources Assistant, Social Psychologist, etc.
Top RecruitersVcare Counseling Centre, Veda Rehab and Wellness Private Limited, The Mind Clinic, Mind Care Centre for Counselling, Institute Of Psychiatry, Over a Cup of Tea - Psychological Wellness Centre, Central Institute of Psychiatry, etc.
Average Salary INR 2-5 LPA

Also Read: BA Psychology vs Applied Psychology

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BA in Psychology Year Wise Syllabus

BA in Psychology syllabus deals with the study of numerous branches of this field including Counselling Psychology, Social Psychology, Child Psychology, HRM, etc. It provides exposure to terminology, concepts, theories, and principles covered in the field of Psychology. Captured below is a quick overview of year-wise BA in Psychology subjects.

BA in Psychology First Year Syllabus

The following table outlines the semester-wise BA in Psychology subjects for 1st year:

Semester ISemester II
Determinants of AttentionHeredity and Environment
Physiological Effects of CorrelationChild Development
Sensory Process and PerceptionMemory and forgetting
Introduction to PsychologyIntroduction to Developmental Psychology
Gestalt Theory of PerceptionIntelligence
Endocrine GlandsRelation of Psychology with Education

BA in Psychology Second Year Syllabus

The following table highlights the semester-wise BA in Psychology subjects for 2nd year:

Semester IIISemester IV
Introduction to Industrial PsychologyWork and Environment
Social InteractionAssessment of Intelligence
PracticalAttention Span
Measures of Central TendencyElective
Social PsychologyDeterminants of Abnormal behaviour
Public Opinion and PropagandaFrequency Distribution

BA in Psychology Third-Year Syllabus

The following table outlines the semester-wise BA in Psychology subjects for 3rd year:

Semester VSemester VI
Special Areas of CounsellingDevelopmental Psychology
Methods of CounsellingDiversity and Multiculturalism
Self in PsychoanalysisNon-Test Appraisal Techniques
Guidance and CounsellingElective
Aptitude and Personality TestsPsychological Tests
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BA in Psychology Subjects

BA in Psychology syllabus is designed in a way that it offers a complete understanding of the biological structure of the human mind, its functions & behaviours, and cognitive-based psychology. Provided below are a few BA in Psychology subjects that students will study while pursuing the course. Aspirants must note that the subjects are not the same in all colleges offering this course.

Adolescence and Developmental ConcernsCognitive Development
Abnormal PsychologyEmergence and Growth of Psychology
Attention and PerceptionAbnormal Psychology
Child and Adolescent DevelopmentSocial Psychology
Counselling PsychologyPsychology of Health and Well-Being
Endocrine SystemStatistical Methods for Psychological Research
Human Resource ManagementIndustrial and Organisational Psychology
Non-Appraisal Test TechniquesCommunity Psychology
Personality Analysis through Empirical TheoriesNature of Psychological Research
Physiological PsychologyPsychological Research

Supplementary BA in Psychology Subjects

This course may additionally cover the below-mentioned subjects in addition to the above mentioned ones:

  • Abnormal Psychology 
  • Cognitive Psychology 
  • Developmental Psychology 
  • General Psychology
  • History of Psychology
  • Physiology Psychology
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Common BA in Psychology Subjects for All Semester

BA in Psychology has multiple core and elective subjects spread over six semesters. However, a few common BA in Psychology subjects are a part of the curriculum for all semesters. Check out the list of subjects for BA in Psychology that are often common for all semesters below:

Common BA in Psychology Subjects for All Semester
Introduction To PsychologySocial Psychology
Child PsychologyIntroduction to Psychological Disorders
Counselling PsychologyTheories of Counselling
Environmental SciencePsychological Research
Organizational BehaviourDevelopmental Psychology and Psychological Thoughts
Psychology of Individual DifferencesIntroduction to Counselling
Research MethodologyBiopsychology
Statistical Methods For Psychological ResearchBehaviour and Modification Counselling
Psychiatric Social Work
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Optional BA in Psychology Subjects

Besides the core BA in Psychology subjects, colleges also offer several optional or elective subjects from which aspirants can select their desired discipline to study. Electives aim at building and polishing a specific skill set and offering knowledge about a specific subject area. BA in Psychology aspirants are offered various options from General Elective Courses, Ability Enhancement Elective Courses (AEEC), and Discipline-Specific Electives (DSE). Candidates may find the following BA in Psychology subjects as electives in their respective syllabi.

General Elective Courses

Here are a few General Elective Courses:

Inter-Group RelationsGeneral Psychology
Youth, Gender and IdentityPsychology and Media
Psychology at WorkYouth Psychology

Ability Enhancement Elective Courses (AEEC)

Check out the Ability Enhancement Elective Courses (AEEC) here:

Educational PsychologyEffective Decision Making
Selection and TrainingStress Management
Psychological Skills in OrganizationEmotional Intelligence

Discipline-Specific Electives (DSE)

Captured here are the Discipline-Specific Electives (DSE):

Community PsychologyCultural and Indigenous Psychology
Psychology of DisabilityPositive Psychology
Psychology for Health and Well-BeingPsychology of Peace
Health PsychologyHuman Resource Management
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Syllabus for BA in Psychology Distance Programs

Candidates may pursue a BA in psychology not only in a regular way but also online, by correspondence, or through distance learning. They are given the option of time flexibility, while a distance program is less expensive than a conventional course. Additionally, they can complete the programme from any location in the world. The BA in Psychology syllabus for distance program is not significantly different from the regular course. It is offered to interested candidates by educational institutions like Bangalore University and IGNOU. The BA in Psychology subjects that may usually be covered in a distance course are discussed below. 

First-Year BA in Psychology Syllabus for Distance Programs

The following table shows semester-wise 1st year BA in Psychology subjects for distance programs:

Semester ISemester II
English CommunicationPsychology of Individual Differences (Theory + Practical)
Statistical Methods for Psychological Research - I (Practical + Theory)Environmental Science
GE - 1GE - 2
Introduction to Psychology (Practical & theory)Biopsychology

Second-Year BA in Psychology Syllabus for Distance Programs

The following table shows semester-wise 2nd year BA in Psychology subjects for distance programs:

Semester IIISemester IV
Development of Psychological Thought (Practical & theory)Understanding Psychological Disorders (Practical + Theory)
Social Psychology (Practical & theory)Applied Social Psychology (Practical + Theory)
Development of Psychological Thought (Practical & theory)Statistical Methods for Psychological Research – II (Practical + Theory)
AEEC - 1AEEC – 2
GE - 3GE - 4

Third-Year BA in Psychology Syllabus for Distance Programs

The following table shows semester-wise 3rd year BA in Psychology subjects for distance programs:

Semester VSemester VI
Development Psychology (Practical + Theory)Counselling Psychology (Practical + Theory)
Understanding & dealing with Psychological Disorders (Practical + Theory)Organizational Behaviour (Practical + Theory)
DSE - 1DSE - 3
DSE - 2DSE - 4
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BA in Psychology Entrance Exam Syllabus

Candidates are often accepted to BA in Psychology programmes based on their performance in the qualifying exam. Students with higher exam scores are chosen from a large pool of applicants. However, a few popular entrance exams, such as the Common University Entrance Test, or CUET, are also used to select deserving candidates in top Central, Public, Private, and Deemed Universities. The syllabus for the BA in Psychology entrance exam is provided below.

CUET UGConducted by NTA, CUET UG provides admission to several undergraduate courses offered by central, public & private and deemed universities.CUET UG Syllabus

BA Psychology Entrance Exam Syllabus - Topic wise

The topic-wise syllabus for the BA Psychology entrance exam is provided below.

TopicsDetails  
Unit I: Variations in Psychological AttributesIndividual variations in human behaviour; Evaluation of psychological traits; Intelligence: Variations among individuals; Theories of intelligence; Intelligence and culture; Special skills include creativity, emotional intelligence, and aptitude—both in terms of nature and measurement.
Unit II: Self and PersonalitySelf-efficacy, self-control, and self-worth; culture and self; notion of personality; principal methods: behavioural, cultural, humanistic, psychodynamic, and type and trait; Three methods are used to assess personality: projective, behavioural analysis, and self-report.
Unit III: Meeting Life ChallengesStress's nature, forms, and sources; its effects on psychological health and functioning; how to cope with stress; and its promotion of overall wellbeing
Unit IV: Psychological DisordersNotions of abnormality and mental health conditions; Disorder classification, underlying factors of abnormal behaviour, Primary mental illnesses include anxiety, somatic, dissociative, mood, schizophrenic, developmental, and behavioural disorders associated with substance abuse.
Unit V: Therapeutic ApproachesThe nature and methodology of therapy: The therapeutic alliance therapies include biomedical, cognitive, behavioural, humanistic, and psychodynamic approaches; Alternative therapies include yoga, meditation, and mental health rehabilitation.
Unit VI: Attitude and Social CognitionUsing attributions to explain social behaviour: forming impressions and providing an explanation for other people's actions; Social cognition; stereotypes and schemas; characteristics and elements of attitudes; formation and modification of attitudes; actions while in the company of others; pro-social actions; prejudice and unfair treatment; Techniques for dealing with discrimination.
Unit VII: Social Influence and Group ProcessesCooperation and competition; conformity, obedience, and compliance; group structure and nature; Group types; social identity; group influence on individual behaviour; disputes between groups; Techniques for resolving conflicts.
Unit VIII: Psychology and LifeNatural disasters, crowded conditions, noise pollution; encouraging environmentalist behaviour; Psychology and social issues include poverty and discrimination, violence, aggression, and peace; also, the effects of television on behaviour and health.
Unit IX: Developing Psychological SkillsSkills related to observation, interviews, testing, counselling (empathy, authenticity, positive regard), and communication (listening).

Candidates can also look at Top Colleges in Delhi University (DU) Based on NIRF Ranking 2024 here!

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BA in Psychology Important Books

To gain in-depth knowledge about BA in Psychology subjects, candidates must choose the best reference books. Captured below are a few BA in Psychology important books that aspirants can buy and study to gather more information and details about the field of Psychology. Best books will not only build a strong foundation but will also help them understand everything about BA in Psychology subjects.

Name Book

Authors/ Publishers

A Degree in a Book: Psychology

Alan Porter

Abnormal Psychology

Barlow and Durand

Elephants on Acid: And Other Bizarre Experiments

Alex Boese

Essential Enneagram

Price and Daniels

Reaching Down the Rabbit Hole: Extraordinary Journeys into the Human Brain

Dr Allan Ropper and Brian David Burrell

The APA Dictionary of Psychology

Gary Vandenbos

The Happiness Hypothesis

Jonathan Haid

The Little Book of Psychology

Emily Ralls and Caroline Riggs

The Private Life of the Brain

Susan Greenfield

The Psychology Book

Catherine Colin

The Psychopath Test: A Journey Through the Madness Industry

Jon Ronson Jon Ronson

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BA in Psychology Course Structure

BA in Psychology course structure is designed in an elective and core subject pattern. It is designed to provide an overall understanding of various psychological ideas, theories, and concepts while keeping industrial relevance in mind. Students enrolled in the programme can choose electives based on their areas of interest. The following is a quick overview of the BA in Psychology course structure:

  • Core Subjects
  • Dissertation
  • Elective Subjects
  • Practical
  • Thesis
  • VI Semesters
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FAQs about B.A. in Psychology Syllabus

What electives are available in BA in Psychology?

Some of the top electives available in BA in Psychology are Community Psychology, Psychology and Media, Youth Psychology, Psychological Skills in Organisation, Psychology at Work, Emotional Intelligence, etc.

How many semesters does a BA in Psychology have?

BA in Psychology is a 3-year long course and has a total of 6 semesters. During the course duration, it focuses on various aspects of Psychology, such as mental processes, reactions, motives, conflict resolution, feelings, groupthink, crisis management, motivation, and the nature of the mind.

Which books can I study for my BA in Psychology?

Apart from the regular academic books, candidates can study BA in Psychology books such as Psychology by author Catherine Colin, the APA Dictionary of Psychology by author Gary Vandenbos, and A Degree in a Book: Psychology by author Alan Porter, and more.

What is the BA in Psychology syllabus for distance education?

The BA in Psychology syllabus for distance education is not very different from the traditional course. It has subjects like Introduction to Psychology, Social Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Environmental Science, Psychology of Individual Differences, Statistical Methods for Psychological Research, and Biopsychology among others.

What are some common BA in Psychology subjects in all semesters?

Some common BA in Psychology subjects in all semesters are Introduction to Psychology, Environmental Science, Psychology of Individual Differences, Social Psychology, Theories of Counselling, Biopsychology, Research Methodology, Developmental Psychology, Introduction to Counselling and Child Psychology to name a few.

Which colleges offer the best BA in Psychology course curriculum?

Colleges that offer the best BA in Psychology course curriculum are GITAM University, IPER Bhopal, Lucknow University, MIT-WPU, Mount Carmel College, Parul University, Renaissance University, Sharda University, Shobhit University, SNDT Women's University, USTM, Uttaranchal University, and so on.

What are the BA in Psychology subjects for distance mode education?

The list of BA in Psychology subjects for distance mode education includes Public Opinion and Propaganda, Heredity and Environment, Attention Span, Determinants of Abnormal Behaviour, Aptitude and Personality Tests, and more.

What are the core BA in Psychology subjects?

The list of the core BA in Psychology subjects includes the following:

  • Personality Analysis through Empirical Theories
  • Non-Appraisal Test Techniques
  • Nature of Psychological Research
  • Endocrine System
  • Community Psychology
  • Cognitive Development
  • Attention and Perception
  • Adolescence and Developmental Concerns
  • Abnormal Psychology

What does the BA in Psychology syllabus include?

The BA in Psychology syllabus includes various aspects of Psychology and its related disciplines. It exposes candidates to a broad range of topics, including psychological disorders, social psychology, developmental psychology, child psychology, and counselling psychology.

What methodologies and techniques are used to teach BA in Psychology subjects and syllabus?

Both practical and theoretical methodologies and techniques are used to teach BA in Psychology subjects and syllabi. In addition to receiving instruction through lectures, candidates are exposed to a variety of methods that aid in understanding different facets of human behaviour. The following list enlists the same:

  • Talks From Guest Speakers
  • Observational Learning
  • Kinaesthetic Learning
  • Group Projects
  • Experiential Learning
  • Braille Instruction
  • Audio-Visual Learning

What are the best project topics for a BA in Psychology?

The best project topics for a BA in Psychology include the following:

  • The impact of sociocultural trends on eating disorders
  • Applicability of Freudian ideas in the present situation
  • Psychological prejudices based on gender and sex in the workplace
  • Television Violence and its impact on children
  • Prejudice and discrimination's impact on mental development
  • The Stanford Prison Experiment: An Analysis

What are the 1st year BA in Psychology subjects?

The 1st year BA in Psychology subjects is divided into semesters I & II. The first semester includes subjects such as Gestalt Theory of Perception, Endocrine Glands, Sensory Process and Perception, etc. On the other hand, the second semester includes subjects like Child Development, Memory and Forgetting, Relation of Psychology with Education, and more.

What are the 2nd year BA in Psychology subjects?

The 2nd year BA in Psychology subjects is divided into semesters III & IV. The third semester includes subjects such as Public Opinion and Propaganda, Social Interaction, Social Psychology, etc. On the other hand, the fourth semester includes subjects like Frequency Distribution, Assessment of Intelligence, Determinants of Abnormal Behaviour, and so on.

What are the 3rd year BA in Psychology subjects?

The 3rd year BA in Psychology subjects is divided into semesters V & VI. The fifth semester includes subjects such as Guidance and Counselling, Aptitude and Personality Tests, Self in Psychoanalysis, etc. On the other hand, the sixth semester includes subjects like Non-Test Appraisal Techniques, Diversity and Multiculturalism, Developmental Psychology, and more.

What does the course structure for a BA in Psychology include?

With an eye on industrial usefulness, the course is structured to offer an in-depth comprehension of the major psychological principles. The course structure for a BA in Psychology includes the following:

  • VI semesters
  • Thesis
  • Practicals
  • Elective subjects
  • Core subjects
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