Introduction
Whether you’re passionate about understanding the human mind and behaviour or want to take your psychology education to the highest level, you may find yourself asking: Should I pursue a Ph.D. in Psychology, or a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology?
Both alternatives are similar and fall under the umbrella of doctoral studies in India, but the two variants have divergent focuses, training schedules, and career outcomes. One of them makes you ready to direct in any field of psychology research, and the other makes you prepared to become a licensed clinical psychologist.
Students at SGT University can also follow both streams with appropriate academic guidance, facilities, and on-field exposure. Now it is time to look at the main distinctions between these two programs and the career perspectives they present through this blog.
Course Overviews: Ph.D. in Psychology vs Clinical Psychology
PhD in Psychology
The program is Research based, and students will find it appropriate, especially those ones who want to study psychology research theories and practical applications across discipline such as cognitive, developmental, social, industrial or health psychology.
Here you will learn about:
Advanced research methodology and statistics
Psychological theories and models
Carrying out primary research Designs and methods
Data analysis and Academic Publishing
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology (RCI)
A professional doctorate in therapeutic skills, clinical assessment and supervised patient care. It is a program for those people who want to become a licensed clinical psychologist.
You will come to know about:
Psychopathology and diagnosis
Psychotherapeutic practices (CBT, REBT and others)
History taking, clinical case work and treatment planning
Neuropsychological and psychometrics tests
Rehabilitation, ethics and laws
Both programs entail dissertation, but the clinical Ph.D. also involves a large amount of fieldwork and client contact with licensed supervision.
Specialisation Paths & Career Differences
Ph.D. in Psychology: Career Scope
Industrial-organizational psychologist
Academic researcher or professor
Educational or developmental psychology specialist
psychological testing and evaluation expert
Academic journals as an author or an editor
Ph. D. in Clinical Psychology: Career Scope
Certified licensed clinical psychologist (RCI)
Hospital, rehab, or private practice therapist
Clinical institutions supervisor or trainer
Forensic consultant (court assigned psychologist)
Neuropsychology specialist or rehabilitation specialist
Head of mental health department
Key Takeaway:
When your interest is more to study human behaviour and publishing the results then opt for psychology research. If you’re drawn more to therapy, evaluation and clinical intervention, clinical psychology PhD is the path for you
Research or Practice: Which is the right choice?
Before making such a decision ask yourself these questions:
Are you interested in writing, teaching and experimental work? → Select Ph. D. in Psychology
Would you like to diagnose and treat mental disorders head-on? → Select Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
Would you like to work as a university employee? For that, there are two choices, whether you would like to teach or provide therapy.
Do you wish to practice independently in clinical settings? → You will require licensure as an RCI by completing Clinical Psychology in PhD.
Why Choose SGT University to Study Doctorate?
SGT University, one of the best private universities in Delhi-NCR, is among the limited universities that provide doctorate courses in general and clinical psychology with expert supervision and on requirements in India.
What is Special in SGT University:
UGC- approved and RCI- recognised programmes
Full time faculty academic and clinical expertise
Latest psychology facilities and treatment centres
800+ bedded in-house multi-specialty hospital for clinical Ph.D. training
Access to live cases, patient interactions, and advance diagnostic tools
Ethics development and dissertation supervision
SGT helps students to integrate the excellence in their academic career along with the competence in the real world, and thus it provides a comprehensive atmosphere to pursue doctoral studies.
Course Details
Course name: Doctor of Philosophy (Psychology/Clinical Psychology)
Duration: As per UCG norms
Eligibility: Masters in psychology / Clinical Psychology with 55% marks (NET/JRF preferred)
Mode: Full-time or part-time (research based)
Fee: INR 1,50,000 per annum (approximately)
Subjects: Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Social Psychology, Research methodology and Psychopathology
Note: Qualifies one to RCI registration on completion
Scholarships: Research Fellowship and Financial aid to SC/ST, girl students and merit holders
Final Thoughts
Ph.D. in Psychology and the clinical psychology PhD are both honourable advanced doctorate degrees and both qualifications are prestigious, however they must be considered in line with your career aspirations
Choose the research Ph.D. in case you are a discovery-oriented and academically curious person. And, in case you want to heal, and change the lives of people in the form of therapy, then the clinical path is what you should pursue.
At SGT University, you do not need to compromise between quality and opportunity, and you have them both. Under the supervision, practice experience, and determination in excellence, SGT is the place where you can realize your path to the top of psychological practice.
FAQs- Frequently Asked Questions
Is an M.Phil. required for Ph.D. Clinical Psychology?
Yes. M.Phil. In Clinical Psychology is compulsory to be able to enrol into RCI Approved clinical psychology Ph.D. programs
Can I become a licensed clinical psychologist with a Ph.D. in general psychology?
No. You can only be licensed after undergoing the clinical program approved by RCI.
Which one is superior to pursue career in teaching or research?
Ph.D. in Psychology is ideal for academic, research jobs.
Is there SGT dissertation support and supervision?
Yes. Both programs are based on the presence of supervisors, research mentors and access to the resources in the data collection.
Can I apply for fellowships during Ph.D.?
Yes. The help of SGT University assists the student in applying to the UGC-JRF, ICSSR, internal funding on research.
