About Central Department of Psychology, Tribhuvan University

College Overview

The Central Department of Psychology (CDP) at Tribhuvan University stands as the premier academic institution for psychological studies in Nepal. Established in 1980 (2037 BS), the department has been the cornerstone for nurturing mental health professionals, researchers, and academicians who serve at national and international levels.

As the foundational hub of psychology within the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, the Central Department of Psychology has evolved from a small academic unit into a comprehensive research and training center. Its history is deeply rooted in the vision of integrating western psychological principles with the unique socio-cultural context of Nepal. Over the decades, it has played a pivotal role in establishing psychology as a respected scientific discipline in the country.

Mission: To produce highly competent and socially responsible psychological professionals capable of addressing the complex mental health and behavioral challenges of a developing nation.
Vision: To become a center of excellence in psychological research and practice in the South Asian region, fostering innovation and community-centric psychological services.

Academic Strengths & Institutional Highlights

  • Pioneer of postgraduate and research-level psychology education in Nepal.
  • Robust focus on research methodology and evidence-based practice.
  • Strong emphasis on Clinical and Counseling Psychology specializations.
  • Active involvement in national mental health policy formulations.
  • Collaborations with international universities and development partners.

University Affiliations & Recognition

Tribhuvan University (TU)

Primary Affiliation

  • Affiliation Type Central Department
  • Programs MA, MPhil, PhD, PGD
  • Recognition UGC Nepal

University Grants Commission (UGC) Nepal

Regulatory & Quality Assurance

The department follows the rigorous quality assurance standards set by the UGC Nepal, ensuring that all research and academic outputs meet international benchmarks for higher education.

AccreditedResearch Funded

Programs Offered by University

Tribhuvan University Post-Graduate Programs

MA in Psychology
Degree Level: Master's Degree

Duration: 2 Years (4 Semesters)

Eligibility: Bachelor's degree in Psychology or any discipline (as per TU entry requirements) with qualifying entrance marks.

Career Opportunities:

Mental Health Professional, NGO/INGO Researcher, Human Resource Specialist, Behavioral Consultant.

MPhil in Psychology
Degree Level: Research Master's

Duration: 1.5 - 2 Years

Eligibility: Master's degree in Psychology with a minimum of Second Division or equivalent GPA.

Career Opportunities:

Academic Researcher, Senior Psychotherapist, Policy Analyst, University Lecturer.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Degree Level: Doctorate

Eligibility: MPhil in Psychology or Master's degree with significant research experience and publication record.

Career Opportunities:

Lead Researcher, Subject Matter Expert, Higher Education Faculty, International Consultant.

PGD in Counseling Psychology
Degree Level: Post Graduate Diploma

Duration: 1 Year

Eligibility: Bachelor's degree in any field with an interest in psychological counseling.

Career Opportunities:

School Counselor, Community Counselor, Support Worker.

Fee Structure

ProgramUniversityDurationApprox. Total Fee (NPR)Admission Fee
MA in PsychologyTribhuvan University4 Semesters1,20,000 - 1,50,000Included
MPhil in PsychologyTribhuvan University1.5 - 2 Years1,80,000 - 2,20,000Included
PhD in PsychologyTribhuvan University3-5 YearsAs per TU RulesVaries
PGD in CounselingTribhuvan University1 Year60,000 - 80,000Included
Note: The fee structure is subject to change based on the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (FoHSS) regulations. Central Department of Psychology fees are relatively lower compared to private institutions due to government subsidies.

Facilities & Campus Infrastructure

Psychology Lab

Equipped with various psychometric tools, personality tests, intelligence tests, and experimental psychology apparatus for practical training.

Specialized Library

Access to a vast collection of psychology journals, reference books, and digital databases specifically for mental health studies.

Smart Classrooms

Modern lecture halls equipped with multimedia projectors and audio-visual aids to enhance the learning experience.

Research Facilities

Dedicated spaces for MPhil and PhD scholars to conduct independent and supervised behavioral research.

Wi-Fi Campus

High-speed internet connectivity throughout the department building to facilitate online research and data collection.

Auditorium

A shared facility within the Kirtipur campus for hosting national seminars, workshops, and guest lectures.

Faculty & Teaching Methodology

The Central Department of Psychology boasts a distinguished faculty comprising professors, associate professors, and visiting practitioners who are leaders in their respective fields. Most faculty members hold doctoral degrees from prestigious international and national universities.

Innovative Teaching Methods:
  • Interactive Lectures: Moving beyond rote learning to critical discussion and case analysis.
  • Field-Based Learning: Students participate in community visits and hospital placements.
  • Seminar Presentations: Students are encouraged to present research papers to enhance communication skills.
  • Research Mentorship: Direct supervision by senior faculty for thesis and dissertation work.

The research culture at CDP is vibrant, with regular publications in the 'Journal of Psychology' (published by the department) and participation in international psychology conferences.

Student Life & Extracurricular Activities

Life at the Central Department of Psychology is intellectually stimulating and socially engaging. Being part of the massive TU Kirtipur campus, students have access to a diverse student body and various cultural activities. The department itself fosters a supportive environment through the Psychology Student Association.

Annual Events
World Mental Health Day Celebrations
National Psychology Seminar
Fresher's and Farewell Programs
Community Service
Free Counseling Camps
Mental Health Awareness Campaigns
Disaster Response Support
Clubs & Groups
Research & Publication Club
Sports and Cultural Committee
Peer Support Group

Career Support & Placement Assistance

The department actively bridge the gap between academia and the professional world. Central Department of Psychology admissions are highly sought after partly because of the strong career prospects associated with the TU brand.

Internships

MA students undergo mandatory internships in hospitals, NGOs, schools, and corporate houses, providing real-world experience before graduation.

Industry Partnerships

Collaborations with organizations like CMC-Nepal, TPO Nepal, and various mental health hospitals ensure that students get exposure to current industry practices.

The alumni network of CDP is extensive, with graduates working as Psychologists in the Nepal Army, Nepal Police, various INGOs, and teaching in universities across the globe.

Admission Process

Admissions at the Central Department of Psychology occur annually, typically following the Tribhuvan University academic calendar.

  1. Eligibility Check: Completion of Bachelor's degree from a recognized university.
  2. Application: Submission of the TU FoHSS entrance application form (online or offline).
  3. Entrance Examination: Candidates must appear for a competitive written exam testing their knowledge of general psychology, research methods, and English proficiency.
  4. Merit List: Final selection is based on entrance scores and previous academic records.
  5. Interview: (For MPhil and PhD candidates only) Research proposal defense and interview.
Required Documents: SLC/SEE Marksheet, Plus Two Transcript, Bachelor's Degree Transcript, Character Certificates, Migration Certificate, and Citizenship Copy.

Scholarships & Financial Assistance

As a public institution, the Central Department of Psychology offers several avenues for financial support:

  • Merit-Based Scholarships: Awarded to the top performers in each semester.
  • TU Free Studentship: Available to a certain percentage of students based on economic need and merit.
  • UGC Research Grants: For MPhil and PhD scholars to support their thesis work.
  • Government Scholarships: Specifically for marginalized communities, women, and students from remote districts as per Nepal government policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Central Department of Psychology primarily offers specializations in Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology, and Industrial/Organizational Psychology, depending on faculty availability and student interest.

Yes, all candidates must pass the Tribhuvan University Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (FoHSS) entrance exam to be eligible for admission.

Central Department of Psychology fees for the MA program are approximately NPR 1,20,000 to 1,50,000 for the full two-year course, making it highly affordable.

Yes, TU allows students from different academic backgrounds to apply for MA Psychology, but you must pass the entrance exam which covers basic psychological concepts.

Yes, the department offers a PhD in Psychology. Candidates typically need an MPhil or a very strong Master's research background to apply.

Yes, Tribhuvan University provides hostel facilities for students coming from outside the Kathmandu Valley, though seats are limited and awarded based on merit and distance.

The Post Graduate Diploma (PGD) in Counseling Psychology is a one-year intensive program designed for those wanting to enter the counseling field quickly.

It is a constituent central department of Tribhuvan University, which is Nepal's oldest and largest state-funded university, recognized by the UGC Nepal and globally.

Yes, the MA and PGD programs include mandatory supervised internships in clinical, educational, or community settings.

Graduates work as Clinical Psychologists, Counselors, Researchers, HR Managers, and teachers in schools, hospitals, NGOs, and government agencies.

Yes, the Central Department of Psychology facilities include a specialized library with a significant collection of psychological texts and journals.

Key research areas include mental health, child development, social psychology in the Nepalese context, and organizational behavior.

The primary medium of instruction and examination for postgraduate programs at the Central Department of Psychology is English.

You can contact them via phone at +977-1-4331405 or visit the department office in Kirtipur during university hours.

Yes, the department publishes the 'Journal of Psychology', which features research papers from students and faculty.

Send an Official Inquiry

Direct your academic queries to Central Department of Psychology, Tribhuvan University's admissions desk. They'll get back to you shortly.

Provide any additional information that helps us respond better.
We respect your privacy
Email info@psychologytu.edu.np
Phone +977-1-4331405