The Department of Psychology, also known as the Rajagiri Centre for Behavioral Sciences and Research (RCBSR), was established in 2016 to advance mental health services and professional training. At Rajagiri, the department blends academic rigor with real-world applications, providing students with a transformative journey into understanding the human mind and behavior. Collaborations with international universities, an extensive alumni network, and strong industry partnerships prepare students for success in this evolving field.
Programs Offered
B.Sc Psychology (Honors): This undergraduate program specializes in Clinical, Counseling, Organizational, Cyber, Cognitive, and Forensic Psychology. Students earn certifications like Psychology Test User and Test Developer (British Psychological Society-approved). Add-on programs in Art Therapies and Dance Movement Therapy, combined with activities like Kalypso (Adventure Leadership Camp), Nature Camp and Psyesta (Psychology fest), foster holistic growth.
M.Sc Psychology (Clinical): Focusing on clinical expertise, this program includes concurrent clinical training in all semesters, training in advanced neurocognitive labs, workshops in CBT and family counseling, Community Visits, Rural Camp, Sparsh (a fest for specially-abled children) and immersive 90-day block internships, ensuring readiness for impactful clinical careers.
M.Sc Counseling Psychology: This program emphasizes applied training through internships in organizational, educational, and hospital settings; concurrent counseling training in schools and special education settings; practicum sessions; Sparsh, a fest dedicated to specially-abled children; journal clubs; and industry-based, research-informed learning. Together, these initiatives ensure that students are thoroughly prepared for their careers.
Ph.D. in Behavioral Science/Psychology: Rajagiri’s doctoral program is a thriving community for aspiring researchers and practitioners.
Unique Features:
Expert faculty provide top-tier mentorship in diverse specializations, including Clinical, Counseling, Organizational, Positive, and Community Psychology.
Fellowship opportunities and access to advanced research labs foster innovation.
Comprehensive resources such as Scopus, EBSCO, and JSTOR databases ensure research rigor.
The Department of Psychology is committed to producing high-quality mental health professionals through a robust framework of academics, research, training, and community engagement. These pillars work synergistically to ensure our students receive a transformative learning experience that integrates theory, practice, and societal contribution.
Academics
Our academic programs are enriched by the expertise of practicing mental health professionals and eminent researchers. With specializations in Clinical Psychology, Educational Psychology, Organizational Behavior, Positive Psychology, and Community Psychology, our curriculum is designed to meet the diverse needs of the mental health field. Students benefit from advanced laboratories, including a conventional lab and an online neurocognitive lab, where they gain hands-on experience in psychometric testing, neurocognitive assessments, and therapeutic interventions.
Research
Our research center fosters a culture of inquiry and innovation. Faculty and students actively engage in research projects addressing pressing mental health challenges, contributing to the field's growth. Research domains span various specializations, encouraging students to explore cutting-edge topics and publish their findings in reputed journals. This emphasis on research equips students with critical thinking and analytical skills necessary for evidence-based practice.
Training and Practice
Training and practice form the cornerstone of our educational approach. Students participate in concurrent training every week, gaining exposure to diverse mental health settings. Activities include:
Fieldwork: Engaging with real-world scenarios to apply theoretical knowledge.
Nature, Rural, and Adventure Leadership Camps: Holistic development programs that enhance resilience, teamwork, and leadership.
Community Mental Health Clinics: Operating four clinics, students and faculty provide direct mental health services, developing essential clinical skills under supervision.
These experiences ensure our graduates are well-prepared to address the complex challenges of mental health practice.
Community Engagement
Our department actively serves the community through various mental health programs. By running four community mental health clinics, students and teachers work together to support individuals in need, emphasizing the importance of service-oriented learning. These initiatives instill a sense of social responsibility, encouraging students to make meaningful contributions to society.
These pillars reflect the department’s mission to enhance mental health services and align with its vision of shaping lives through Psychology. By integrating academics, research, training, and community engagement, we create a comprehensive ecosystem that prepares our students to excel as mental health professionals. This holistic approach ensures they are not only skilled practitioners but also empathetic and socially conscious individuals, ready to make a difference in the lives of others.
Be a center for mental health services and training mental health professionals.
Mission of the Department
Our mission is to train mental health professionals, to carry out researches relevant for growth of discipline and to serve mental health needs of the community.
I found the course very interesting, challenging and holistic. Unlike in other colleges, ‘Rajagiri Centre for Behavioural Sciences and Research’ (RCBSR) ensures that the course they provide goes beyond the university curriculum by including additional useful courses like PEBL (Psychology Experiment Building Language). The faculties are very competent and supportive and encourage students to challenge themselves academically in each step of the way. The faculties do a very good job of motivating the students to open up their horizons and to actually seek new knowledge and concepts rather than just mug up whatever is in the curriculum. The department does not only focus on developing their student’s academic and research potentials but also strives hard to mold them into socially responsible and adept individuals. The department takes up various initiatives to meet the requirements of the needy in the form of free medical camps, flood relief etc. Overall, the course has definitely gifted me with an enriching and growing experience as an individual as well as a student of psychology.
Arya A Menon B.Sc.Psychology
I completed my B.Sc. in Psychology from Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, Kalamassery in 2019. I had a fruitful experience while doing my course. Although the psychology department was new, Rajagiri Center for Behavioural Sciences and Research (RCBSR) never failed to leave us awestruck with its infinite possibilities to enhance our future. The department, our loving faculty members and the department's backbone, dean,Dr. Fr. Varghese K Varghese inspired us to chase our dreams and become responsible citizens.
Being the first batch, we had the privilege to host Psyesta, the national psychology fest, and to host and attend various national and international conferences.
The department is equipped with the best faculty and latest tests and resources required for the smooth completion of the course.
