Top 6 Psychology Courses after 12th: Duration, Fees & Career Paths

Psychology courses after 12th open the door to a fascinating world where science meets human emotions, behaviour and the mind. From understanding why people think and act the way they do to supporting mental well-being and emotional growth, psychology courses offer meaningful and impactful career paths.

Whether you’re drawn towards mental health, cognitive science, counselling or applied psychology, these programmes allow you to turn curiosity into purpose. Courses like BA or B.Sc. in Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Applied Psychology provide a strong academic foundation, complemented by hands-on learning, internships and real-world exposure.

List of Top Psychology Courses after 12th

Given below is the list of top psychology courses after 12th-

S.No.	Course Name	Duration	Core Focus	Key Subjects / Areas	Career Pathways
1.	BA (Hons) in Applied Psychology	3 Years	Application of psychology to real-life problems	Clinical, Industrial, Organisational, Forensic Psychology	Social Work, Education, HR, NGOs, Mental Health Support
2.	BA (Hons) in Psychology	3 Years	Practical understanding of human behaviour	Behavioural Science, Perception, Decision-making	Research Assistant, Behaviour Analyst, Education, HR
3.	BSc in Psychology	3 Years	Scientific and biological approach to psychology	Biological Psychology, Research Methods, Cognitive Science	Counsellor, Psychiatric Assistant, Research Roles
4.	BSc in Health Psychology	3 Years	Psychology’s role in health and illness	Behavioural Medicine, Health Behaviour, Medical Psychology	Healthcare Settings, Wellness Programmes, Public Health
5.	BSc in Neuropsychology	3 Years	Brain–behaviour relationship	Neuroanatomy, Cognitive Neuroscience, Psychopharmacology	Research, Rehabilitation Centres, Clinical Support
6.	BA in Counselling Psychology	3 Years	Therapeutic practices and emotional well-being	Counselling Theories, Psychotherapy, Ethics	Counsellor, School Psychologist, NGO & Wellness Roles

Now, let’s explore each course in detail to help you find out which course truly matches your passion and future aspirations.

1. BA (Hons) in Applied Psychology

• Focuses on applying psychological theories to real-world challenges.
• Covers diverse domains such as clinical, industrial, organisational and forensic psychology.
• Provides exposure to real-life situations involving family, workplace, education and legal settings.
• Builds practical skills for addressing mental health and behavioural issues.
• Suitable for students aiming to create social impact through psychology-driven solutions.

2. BA (Hons) in Psychology

• Emphasises practical applications over heavy technical or biological content.
• Helps students understand human behaviour, perception and reactions in dynamic situations.
• Ideal for learners interested in behavioural science and project-based learning.
• Develops analytical thinking for studying spontaneous human responses and decision-making.
• Useful foundation for careers involving behavioural analysis and applied research.

3. BSc in Psychology

• Takes a scientific and biological approach to the study of psychology.
• Requires prior exposure to biology at the 12th-grade level.
• Integrates biological processes with psychological theories for a holistic understanding.
• Strengthens research, analytical and scientific reasoning skills.
• Prepares students for advanced studies and clinical or research-oriented careers.

4. BSc in Health Psychology

• Examines how psychological, behavioural and socio-cultural factors influence health.
• Closely linked with behavioural medicine and medical psychology.
• Focuses on prevention, treatment and management of physical and mental health conditions.
• Divided into behavioural health (prevention) and behavioural medicine (treatment).
• Opens pathways in healthcare, wellness programmes and public health initiatives.

5. BSc in Neuropsychology

• Focuses on the relationship between brain structures and human behaviour.
• Combines psychology with neuroscience for in-depth understanding of cognition and emotions.
• Includes subjects like neuroanatomy, cognitive neuroscience and neurological disorders.
• Offers hands-on exposure through lab work, case studies and neuroimaging.
• Ideal for careers in research, rehabilitation or further specialisation in neuropsychology.

6. BA in Counselling Psychology

• Focuses on emotional wellbeing and therapeutic practices.
• Covers counselling techniques, psychotherapy, crisis intervention and ethics.
• Includes practical training through internships, role-plays and supervised sessions.
• Prepares students to support individuals dealing with stress, trauma and life challenges.
• Leads to opportunities in clinics, schools, NGOs and corporate wellness sectors.

Other Courses In Psychology After 12th Grade

Here is an additional list of courses you can take up in psychology after the 12th grade:

• Diploma in Corporate Psychology
• Diploma in Sports Psychology
• Diploma in Parental Psychology
• Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology
• Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Psychology

Psychology Courses After 12th Fees

The cost of psychology courses after 12th in India can vary widely based on the type of course and the institution. On average-

• Undergraduate degrees (BA/BSc in Psychology) usually range from ₹50,000 to ₹3 lakh per year in most colleges. Government institutions are on the lower end, while private universities may charge higher.
• Diploma and certificate courses are more affordable, typically costing ₹5,000 to ₹70,000 depending on the duration and specialisation.

Career Opportunities After Completing Psychology Courses

After finishing a psychology course, students can take on various roles. Common career options include:

• Counsellor
• Clinical Psychologist
• Rehabilitation Specialist
• Social Worker
• School Psychologist
• Psychotherapist

To Cut It Short:

Choosing psychology as a career after completing 12th grade opens a lot of horizons for understanding the human mind and mental processing at really deeper levels. From basic courses in general psychology to specialised fields in clinical or organisational psychology, you can choose based on your interests and individual aspirations. If you are interested in exploring this complex relationship between mental health and overall well-being, then B.Sc. Health Psychology course at The Apollo University can be the perfect choice for you. Apply now!

FAQs

Which psychology course is best after 12th?

BA or BSc in Psychology is the best choice after 12th, depending on whether you prefer applied learning or a scientific, research-based approach.

How to study psychology after 12th?

You can enrol in a BA or BSc in Psychology or choose diploma and certificate courses. Later, you can go for a master’s to advance your knowledge.

Is psychology a good career?

Yes. It is a lucrative career choice as Psychology offers growing opportunities in healthcare, education, corporate sectors and research. 

What is the salary of a psychologist in India?

Entry-level psychologists earn around ₹3–4 LPA, while experienced professionals can make ₹8–15 LPA or more, depending on specialisation.

Can I do psychology after 12th Commerce?

Yes. You can. Many universities allow students from any stream to pursue psychology courses after 12th, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.

Can I be a psychologist without NEET?

Yes. You can become a psychologist without NEET by pursuing BA or BSc in Psychology, followed by a master’s degree and required licensing.