Need help?

Decoding the BA Psychology Syllabus: Essential Subject Guide for Indian Aspirants to Study Abroad

The BA Psychology syllabus at abroad universities is designed to provide international students with a virtual view of the HUMAN MIND. As an international student, you will learn about the complex design of the Human Mind that possesses Emotions, Thoughts and Behaviours that make up human beings and also the anatomy and workings of Neural Networks that are responsible for our responses to all the activities happening around us. In short, welcome to the alluring journey to the Human Mind, where you will be amazed by its design and functions.

Learning the BA Psychology course abroad helps you learn more about yourself and your fellow beings as a Human species and the behind-the-scene pictures of the Human Brain's symphony and its orchestration.

If you have an inquisitive mind and can't wait to learn about the popular BA Psychology subjects taught at abroad universities, here's a mention about them that will serve your thoughts rightly: Clinical Psychology, Cognitive and Perceptual Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Applied Psychology, Health Psychology, Behavioral Psychology and Child Psychology. This is just a few of them. More on the BA Psychology subjects semester-wise have been given below for your exploration of the course.

Are you ready for your self-discovery through studying the BA Psychology course abroad, waiting for you at esteemed abroad universities taught by prodigious Academicians? Before that, let us explore the BA Psychology course's syllabus and subjects that will give you an overview of the course, semester-wise.

The BA Psychology Course is a four-year study program, with the inclusion of subjects that help students have a clear and extensive understanding of the Psychology program. In Western countries like the US and Canada, the BA Psychology course is a 4-year study program, while in European countries it is a 3-year course.

First Semester: Foundational Psychology Concepts

The BA Psychology course covers the field in a profound manner as each semester has important subjects. In the first semester, students can gain a broad overview of the Psychology course through the first-sem subjects such as Psychology theories and Principles, Biological Psychology, Social Work and more. Getting a grasp of these subjects is essential as it lays the foundation and groundwork of the study program to help you understand the more complex concepts that take place in the upcoming semesters.

A look at the BA Psychology First sem subjects taught at abroad universities:

Foundational Psychology Subjects

Subject Description

Credit Hours

Teaching Method

Biological Psychology

This subject explores the biological processes that underpin behaviour, including the structure and function of the nervous system.

3-4

Lectures, tutorials and seminars

Child Development Study

This subject focuses on the psychological development of children, including cognitive, social and emotional development.

3-4

Lectures, tutorials and seminars

Social Work

This subject introduces students to the field of social work, including theories and practices for helping individuals, families and communities.

3-4

Lectures, tutorials and seminars

Experimental Psychological Studies

This subject provides an introduction to experimental methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis, and interpretation.

3-4

Lectures, tutorials and seminars

Biological Basis of Behaviour

This subject examines the role of biological processes in behaviour, including genetics, neuroanatomy and physiological mechanisms.

3-4

Lectures, tutorials and seminars

Psychology of Individual Differences

This subject explores the psychological differences between individuals, including personality traits, intelligence, and other individual differences.

3-4

Lectures, tutorials and seminars

Second Semester: Expanding Psychology Fundamentals

The second semester of the BA Psychology Course is all about diving deep into the foundational subjects taught in the first sem. Also gradually students will be introduced to the various branches of Psychology, making students aware of the concepts that need their attention.

More importantly, the BA Psychology Course second sem subjects make way for students to understand the definition of Psychological Research and equip students with the necessary skills to conduct the research skillfully.


Have a look at the BA Psychology Course second-sem Subjects taught at abroad universities for international students.

Expanding Psychology Fundamentals

Subject Description

Credit Hours

Teaching Method

Abnormal Psychology

This subject explores the classification, symptoms, etiological theories, and treatments of the major mental and emotional disorders.

3-4

Lectures, tutorials and seminars

Social Psychology

This subject focuses on how individuals think about, influence, and relate to one another.

3-4

Lectures, tutorials and seminars

Developmental Psychology

This subject examines the psychological changes that occur throughout the lifespan.

3-4

Lectures, tutorials and seminars

Cognitive Psychology

This subject studies mental processes such as "how we perceive, think, remember, and learn”.

3-4

Lectures, tutorials and seminars

Psychological Testing

This subject introduces the theory, methods and applications of psychological testing.

3-4

Lectures, tutorials and seminars

Research Methods in Psychology

This subject provides an overview of research methods in psychology, including experimental, survey, and observational methods.

3-4

Lectures, tutorials and seminars

Third Semester: Diving Deeper into Psychology

The BA Psychology course third-sem subjects start with an introduction to Psychopathology, which possesses concepts talking about the complexities of human behaviour and the cognitive processes to Neuropsychology, an interesting subject that talks about the human mind's behaviour connection to the Brain and the rest of the Nervous system.

The fascinating journey of the BA Psychology Course starts here and more is beautifully captured in the coming semesters.

Third-sem BA Psychology Course subjects that kickstart your course journey with vivid and intriguing concepts:

Diving Deeper into Psychology

Subject Description

Credit Hours

Teaching Method

Psychopathology

This subject explores the classification, symptoms, etiological theories, and treatments of the major mental and emotional disorders.

3-4

Lectures, tutorials and seminars

Neuropsychology

This subject focuses on understanding how the structure and function of the brain relate to specific psychological processes.

3-4

Lectures, tutorials and seminars

Counselling Psychology

This subject introduces students to the practice of professional counselling, including the theories, techniques and core counselling skills.

3-4

Lectures, tutorials and seminars

Advanced Social Psychology

This subject provides an in-depth look at how individuals think about, influence, and relate to one another.

3-4

Lectures, tutorials and seminars

Psychological Assessment

This subject introduces the theory, methods, and applications of psychological testing.

3-4

Lectures, tutorials and seminars

Advanced Research Methods in Psychology

This subject provides an overview of advanced research methods in psychology, including experimental, survey, and observational methods.

3-4

Lectures, tutorials and seminars

Fourth Semester: Applied Psychology and Research

The fourth sem is all about learning in-depth about Applied Psychology and Research. To make students' learning easier, sub-concepts such as Applied Social Psychology, and Cognitive Neuroscience are covered. By the end of this sem, you will learn about how learning these concepts can solve real-world problems related to Psychology and Human Behaviour.

A detailed look at the fourth-sem subjects covered in the BA Psychology course abroad:

Applied Psychology and Research

Subject Description

Credit Hours

Teaching Method

Applied Social Psychology

This subject explores how psychological principles can be applied to social issues and challenges.

3-4

Lectures, tutorials and seminars

Applied Cognitive Psychology

This subject focuses on the application of cognitive psychology to solve real-world problems.

3-4

Lectures, tutorials and seminars

Applied Developmental Psychology

This subject examines how developmental psychology can be applied to improve the lives of children and adolescents.

3-4

Lectures, tutorials and seminars

Research Methods in Applied Psychology

This subject provides an overview of research methods used in applied psychology.

3-4

Lectures, tutorials and seminars

Applied Clinical Psychology

This subject explores the application of clinical psychology in therapeutic settings.

3-4

Lectures, tutorials and seminars

Applied Behavioral Psychology

This subject focuses on the application of behavioural psychology to modify behaviour.

3-4

Lectures, tutorials and seminars

Fifth Semester: Specialised Areas of Psychology

This is the semester, and as a Psychology student, you will gain the essential knowledge needed to explore the diverse specialisations of Psychology. Your career skills like critical thinking and problem-solving are given life to adapt and grow in your career. Practical sessions are more in this semester, so be prepared to apply your gained knowledge in labs and witness how the field really works.

An exploration of the Fifth-sem BA Psychology subjects for international students to study abroad:

Specialised Areas of Psychology

Subject Description

Credit Hours

Teaching Method

Psychobiology

This subject explores the biological basis of behaviour, particularly how brain function affects behaviour.

3-4

Lectures, tutorials and seminars

Animal Behaviour

This subject focuses on understanding behaviour in animals, including how animals interact with each other and their environment.

3-4

Lectures, tutorials and seminars

Learning and Memory

This subject explores the processes of learning and memory, including how information is encoded, stored, and retrieved.

3-4

Lectures, tutorials and seminars

Motivation

This subject examines the psychological factors that drive behaviour, including needs, desires, and goals.

3-4

Lectures, tutorials and seminars

Perception

This subject focuses on how we interpret and make sense of sensory information.

3-4

Lectures, tutorials and seminars

Cognition

This subject explores mental processes such as attention, language use, memory, perception, problem-solving, creativity and thinking.

3-4

Lectures, tutorials and seminars

Sixth Semester: Advanced Research and Electives

The sixth semester is purely dedicated to learning about performing Advanced Research and practically implementing it. Besides, "Electives" needed to be studied, and students were given the freedom to choose.

Research, Research and Research! That is your main learning in the BA Psychology sixth-sem.

The Sixth-sem BA Psychology subjects taught at abroad universities are tabulated for students' reference:

Advanced Research and Electives

Subject Description

Credit Hours

Teaching Method

Advanced Research Methods

This subject provides an in-depth understanding of research methods used in psychology, including experimental, survey and observational methods.

3-4

Lectures, tutorials and seminars

Applied Clinical Psychology

This subject explores the application of clinical psychology in therapeutic settings.

3-4

Lectures, tutorials and seminars

Cognitive Neuroscience

This subject focuses on the neural basis of cognitive functions, including attention, perception, memory, language and executive functions.

3-4

Lectures, tutorials and seminars

Health Psychology

This subject explores how biological, social and psychological factors influence health and illness.

3-4

Lectures, tutorials and seminars

Elective: Special Topics in Psychology

This subject covers special topics in psychology, which may vary each semester.

3-4

Lectures, tutorials and seminars

Elective: Independent Study

This subject allows students to pursue an independent research project under the supervision of a faculty member.

3-4

Independent study with regular meetings with the supervisor

Seventh Semester: Integrating Theory and Practice

As the heading description says, the seventh semester is the integration of both theory as well as practical classes. The main aim of the semester is to make students skilful in applying their theoretical knowledge to practical situations. As you can see topics such as Integrative Seminars, Applied Research Projects, etc are covered to serve the semester's purpose.

Seventh Semester BA Psychology Subjects covered at abroad universities:

Integrating Theory and Practice

Subject Description

Credit Hours

Teaching Method

Integrative Seminar

This subject provides a platform for students to integrate and apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired throughout their studies.

3-4

Seminars, group discussions

Applied Research Project

This subject allows students to conduct a research project that applies the theories and concepts they have learned.

3-4

Independent study with regular meetings with the supervisor

Internship/Practicum

This subject provides students with practical experience in a professional setting, allowing for them to apply their theoretical knowledge.

3-4

On-site work, and regular meetings with the supervisor

Capstone Course

This subject serves as a culminating academic experience where students integrate their knowledge and skills from their entire course of study1.

3-4

Lectures, tutorials and seminars

Elective: Special Topics in Psychology

This subject covers special topics in psychology, which may vary each semester.

3-4

Lectures, tutorials and seminars

Eighth Semester: Synthesis and Career Preparation

In the final eighth semester, students have the transition from the academic to professional phase through the concepts and subjects covered in the semester. Subjects that are given below are carefully included to help students have a more confidential approach towards establishing their career abroad or in their home country.

An inclusive look at the Eighth sem BA Psychology subjects covered at abroad universities:

Subjects Covered

Subject Description

Credit Hours

Teaching Methods

Capstone Project

A substantial research project that integrates and applies the knowledge and skills students have acquired throughout their studies.

3-4

Independent study with regular meetings with the supervisor

Career Preparation Seminar

Guides job search strategies, resume and cover letter writing, interview skills and more.

3-4

Seminars, workshops

Internship/Practicum

Provides students with practical experience in a professional setting, allowing them to apply their theoretical knowledge.

3-4

On-site work, regular meetings with the supervisor

Advanced Research Methods

Provides an in-depth understanding of research methods used in psychology, including experimental, survey, and observational methods.

3-4

Lectures, tutorials, seminars

Elective: Special Topics in Psychology

Covers special topics in psychology, which may vary each semester.

3-4

Lectures, tutorials, seminars

Difference Between BA and BSc Psychology

The main difference is all about what you want to study in Psychology. Both BA and BSc Psychology courses cater to your needs but the choice is yours. You can gain a clear understanding of these courses by referring to the table given below.

 

BA Psychology

BSc Psychology

Prime Difference

Focuses on both Psychological and Non-Psychological fields.

Focuses on Applied Psychology and Research Psychology.

Main Theme of the Course

Focuses on understanding why people think, feel, and behave the way they do.

Focuses on the scientific study of human behaviour and mental processes.

Popular Subjects Covered

Human Behaviour, Human Psychology, Psychology of Individual Differences, 

Social Psychology, Development Psychology, Psychological Disorders.

Stress and Well-Being, 

Memory, Attention and Perception, Psychology of Individual Differences, 

Statistical Methods for Psychological Research, Biopsychology, Introduction to Psychology.

Study Duration

Typically 4 years.

Typically 3 years.

Tuition Fees (for the whole study duration)

Ranges between INR 20K and INR 2 LPA.

Ranges between INR 1,500 and INR 2 LPA.

Career Prospects

Clinical Psychologist, Career Counsellor, Rehab Specialist, Day-Care Supervisor.

Child Psychologist, Clinical Psychologist, Neuropsychologist.

To study BA Psychology - a beautiful yet complex and intriguing course, choosing abroad universities might be your haven. Their diverse and specialised curriculum might be all you need to open that door that offers you vast opportunities to establish and grow in your career.

Searching for your study-abroad partner to embark on your BA Psychology study journey? Look no further. AECC is the one-stop destination that offers all the study-abroad services for your seamless abroad education journey.

FAQs

Related Posts