IGNOU BA (Honours) Psychology

The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) offers the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology (BAPCH) program under the School of Social Scie

IGNOU Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Psychology

Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind and behavior. From understanding how people think, feel, and act to solving real-world problems like stress, addiction, relationships, and workplace issues—psychology plays a vital role in modern society.

For students passionate about mental health, counseling, research, or human behavior, a psychology degree can open up exciting career opportunities in healthcare, education, corporate, and research sectors.

The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) offers the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology (BAPCH) program under the School of Social Sciences (SOSS). It is a flexible and affordable program, designed for learners who want to pursue psychology without leaving their city or job.

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About the Program

• Program Name: Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Psychology

• Program Code: BAPCH

• School: School of Social Sciences (SOSS), IGNOU

• Medium of Instruction: English & Hindi

• Mode: Open & Distance Learning (ODL) + Online mode

• Minimum Duration: 3 Years

• Maximum Duration: 6 Years

• Eligibility: 10+2 (Senior Secondary) or equivalent

• Fee Structure: Around ₹5,000 – ₹6,000 per year (subject to revision)

• Admission Cycles: January & July every year

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Objectives of the Program

The IGNOU BA Psychology program aims to:

• Introduce learners to basic psychological concepts, theories, and methods.

• Help students understand human behavior, personality, and mental processes.

• Train students in psychological testing, counseling, and research methods.

• Develop skills for working in healthcare, education, corporate HR, and social work.

• Prepare students for higher studies (MA Psychology, Clinical Psychology, PhD) and careers in mental health and research.

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📚 Course Structure – BA Psychology (BAPCH)

The program follows the CBCS (Choice Based Credit System). Students must complete 148 credits across 6 semesters.

It includes:

• Core Courses (CC) – Main psychology subjects.

• Discipline Specific Electives (DSE) – Advanced psychology papers.

• Ability Enhancement Compulsory Courses (AECC) – Environmental studies, communication skills.

• Skill Enhancement Courses (SEC) – Practical training.

• Generic Electives (GE) – Interdisciplinary subjects.

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📌 Year 1 (Semester 1 & 2)

Core Courses:

1. BPCC-131: Foundations of Psychology

   • Basic concepts of psychology, history, schools of thought.

2. BPCC-132: Introduction to Social Psychology

   • Group behavior, attitudes, prejudice, leadership.

3. BPCC-133: Psychological Research Methods – I

   • Basics of research, hypothesis, variables, survey methods.

4. BPCC-134: Psychological Statistics

   • Data collection, correlation, regression, t-test, chi-square.

AECC:

• BEVAE-181: Environmental Studies

👉 Credits: ~24

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📌 Year 2 (Semester 3 & 4)

Core Courses:
5. BPCC-135: Developmental Psychology

• Growth from infancy to old age, personality development.

6. BPCC-136: Abnormal Psychology

   • Mental disorders, symptoms, causes, and therapies.

7. BPCC-137: Psychological Research Methods – II

   • Experimental designs, qualitative research, case studies.

8. BPCC-138: Health Psychology

   • Stress, coping, lifestyle diseases, positive psychology.

Discipline Specific Electives (Choose any 2):

• Cognitive Psychology

• Educational Psychology

• Personality Theories

• Industrial and Organisational Psychology

Skill Enhancement Courses (SEC):

• Psychological Testing and Assessment

• Counseling Skills

👉 Credits: ~46

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📌 Year 3 (Semester 5 & 6)

Core Courses:
9. BPCC-139: Clinical Psychology

• Diagnosis, psychotherapy, clinical interventions.

10. BPCC-140: Applied Social Psychology

    • Application of psychology in environment, law, and community.

11. BPCC-141: Psychological Perspectives in Social Issues

    • Gender, poverty, caste, violence, discrimination.

12. BPCC-142: Research Project/Internship

    • Field-based project or internship in a psychology setting.

Discipline Specific Electives (Choose any 2):

• Forensic Psychology

• Sports Psychology

• Positive Psychology

• Neuropsychology

Skill Enhancement Courses (SEC):

• Report Writing in Psychology

• ICT Applications in Psychological Research

👉 Credits: ~70+

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Evaluation System

• Assignments (30%) – Must be submitted for each course before term-end exams.

• Term-End Exams (70%) – Conducted in June & December.

• Project/Internship – Final year includes a compulsory project.

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Admission Process

1. Visit IGNOU’s official portal: https://ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in.

2. Register with a valid email ID and mobile number.

3. Fill in personal, academic, and program details.

4. Upload documents:

   • Passport photo

   • Signature

   • Age proof

   • 10+2 certificate

5. Pay fees online (Debit/Credit/UPI/Net Banking).

6. Save and print the confirmation slip.

👉 Admissions are open in January & July cycles.

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Career Opportunities After BA (Hons) Psychology

The field of psychology offers diverse career paths in healthcare, education, corporate, and research sectors.

🔹 Mental Health & Clinical Careers

• Clinical Psychologist (after MA + M.Phil/PhD)

• Counselor in schools, colleges, or NGOs

• Rehabilitation centers & hospitals

🔹 Corporate & HR Roles

• Industrial/Organisational Psychologist

• Corporate Trainer

• HR Manager & Employee Wellness Programs

🔹 Education & Research

• School Counselor or Career Counselor

• Research Assistant in psychology projects

• Academician after higher studies

🔹 Specialized Fields

• Forensic Psychologist (courts, law enforcement)

• Sports Psychologist (athletes & teams)

• Neuropsychologist (brain-behavior relations)

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Why Choose IGNOU for BA Psychology?

1. Flexibility – Study at your own pace (3–6 years).

2. Affordable Fees – Much cheaper than private psychology colleges.

3. Recognition – UGC-approved, valid for higher studies & jobs.

4. Specializations – Electives in clinical, forensic, industrial, and health psychology.

5. Digital Support – Free online resources on eGyankosh, SWAYAM, and IGNOU apps.

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Final Thoughts

The IGNOU Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology (BAPCH) is one of the most promising undergraduate programs for students interested in mental health, human behavior, and social sciences. It provides both theoretical knowledge and practical training, making graduates employable in multiple fields.

With its low fee, flexible learning, and strong syllabus, IGNOU makes psychology education accessible to all students across India.

👉 If you dream of becoming a psychologist, counselor, or mental health professional, this program can be your first step. Apply today for the upcoming session at www.ignou.ac.in.