- FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCE
Department of Psychology
Established in 1962, the Department of Psychology has evolved into one of the College’s most sought-after disciplines, offering dynamic undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, including Goa’s only M.A. in Child Psychology and Child Development.
Overview
The Department of Psychology has been in existence ever since the inception of the College, i.e. since 1962. Up to 2008 the Department functioned under the Department of Philosophy. In 2008, the department came into independent existence with 3 units being offered at the Third Year level. In 2009, six units were introduced. Prior to this, Psychology was offered as a subject for the first year and second year students only. In 2015 the College attained autonomy and since then the Department offer Single Major, Double Major and Major minor structures. Today the Department has grown by leaps and bounds as its programs have become among the most sought after by aspirants. Currently the Department of Psychology offers two programs: 3 years B.A. degree (under NEP) in Psychology and M.A. in Child Psychology and Child Development which is the only program of its kind in the state of Goa.
Vision
To foster excellence and innovation in psychology education in psychology education, by cultivating ethically grounded, socially sensitive, and professionally competent graduates with a strong foundation in psychological theory, research, and practice, capable of addressing individual and societal mental health challenges through critical thinking and innovation.
Mission
Department Faculty
The Department of Psychology comprises of dedicated faculty members, who bring a blend of academic expertise, research experience, and practical knowledge. They are actively involved in teaching, mentoring, research guidance, and organizing community outreach programs, fostering a supportive and stimulating learning environment for students.
B.A in Psychology
M.A in Child Psychology & Child Development
Activities Organised
B.A. Programme: The Department of Psychology actively engages students in a variety of academic and extracurricular activities to enhance learning and practical exposure. A quarterly newsletter keeps the community informed about departmental events and achievements. Students participate in field visits and study tours, obtaining firsthand experience in clinical, rehabilitative, and educational settings. The department organizes career talks and workshops to support professional development. The annual Discussion Forum explores topics of contemporary importance through broad discussions with prominent personalities from diverse fields. Creative and awareness initiatives include street plays addressing social issues, while events like Psychospectrum, an exhibition, foster skill development, self-expression, and peer learning. Yet another initiative of the department is PsychoSynergy is a Mental Health Festival that brings several organizations in Goa working in mental health and allied fields, under one umbrella.
M.A. Programme: Students are actively engaged in outreach and experiential learning initiatives, including conducting workshops and participating in structured visits to a recognised special learning centre within the state. These experiences include sessions on mindfulness and psychosocial awareness, allowing students to apply psychological concepts in real-world contexts while developing sensitivity, ethical practice, and community engagement skills essential to child psychology.
Teaching & Learning method
B.A. Programme: The Department of Psychology offers a dynamic and comprehensive learning experience through blended instructional formats such as presentations, group discussions, literature reviews, problem-based learning, role plays, case studies, surveys, portfolios, interviews, and video-making, enabling students to develop both theoretical understanding and practical skills. There is an extensive emphasis on APA formatting and publishing guidelines to ensure academic rigor, ethical writing practices, and research competence. In addition, a dedicated Bridge Course on Research Methodology equips students with foundational research skills, preparing them for advanced academic work and evidence-based practice in psychology.
M.A. Programme: The programme adopts a student-centred and experiential approach to teaching–learning. Classroom instruction is enriched through field visits that provide real-world exposure to child- and family-focused settings, enabling students to connect theory with practice. Classroom presentations foster critical thinking, academic dialogue, and professional communication skills. Movie and media reviews are used as reflective learning tools to analyse child development, behaviour, and psychosocial issues through a psychological lens. Together, these methods promote active learning, applied understanding, and professional readiness in the field of child psychology.
Best Practices
B.A. Programme: The department places strong emphasis on teamwork and effective communication by encouraging regular discussions on assessment methods and project topics, allowing faculty to collaboratively identify and address any gaps in teaching or evaluation practices. From an administrative perspective, transparency and efficiency are ensured through the timely sharing of continuous assessment schedules and the use of Google Sheets by the DFC for systematic entry and monitoring of marks. Additionally, the department actively works toward enhancing industry connect by including industry experts from allied fields on the Board of Studies and exploring opportunities for collaborative research, thereby bridging academic learning with real-world applications.
M.A. Programme: The programme follows best practices that emphasise academic rigour, ethical sensitivity, and professional competence. It integrates evidence-based content with experiential learning, encourages reflective practice, and promotes continuous assessment through diverse evaluation methods. Faculty mentoring, structured feedback, and exposure to real-world settings support holistic student development. The curriculum is regularly reviewed to remain aligned with contemporary developments in child psychology, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for advanced study, research, and professional practice.
Alumni of the Department
Dr. Mavis Henriques
- Batch of 2009-10
- M.A. Psychology at St. Xaviers College Mapusa, GoaPh.D. at Birla institute of Technology and Science Goa campus, Goa.
Current designation:
- Assistant professor in Department of Management studies (BBA) Dnyanprassarak Mandal’s College and Research Centre Assagao Goa
- Clinical psychologist and corporate trainer at Trijog-Know your mind
- Head of project for Roche clients with Cancer
- Consultant with central government of India for seafarers’ mental health
Dr. Tanya Keni
Batch of 2015-16
M.A. Psychology at University of Mumbai
Ph.D. at University of Bremen, Germany
Current designation:
- Lecturer at Constructor University Bremen, Germany
- Intercultural Trainer (freelancer)
Sangrail Brito Carvalho
- Batch: 2016
- MA – Psychology of Human Resource Management from Christ University, Bangalore 2018
- PhD Scholar at the Christ University, Bangalore
Current designation:
- Lead Learning and Development Specialist at fall
Ramya Warrier
- Batch of 2020-21
- M.S. Cognitive Science at IIT Gandhinagar
- M.Sc. Neuroscience at University of Oxford
- PhD Scholar at the University of Cambridge
