The Department was established in 1976 as the second University Department in the State. Within a short span of time, less than a decade, the Department could prove ‘its’ worth in creating an awareness about the nature and applications of the discipline in the northern part of Kerala which was educationally and developmentally lagging behind. The first batch of Post Graduation was started in 1977, under the faculty of Humanities, but in 2003, it is change to function under faculty of Science.  Later the Post Graduation programme was named as M. Sc Applied Psychology. Starting with MA programmes focusing on two specializations, Clinical Psychology and Organizational Behavior, the Department later introduced M. Phil and Ph.D programmes in different areas of specializations. Introduction of Credit Semester System by the University has helped the Department to widen the horizon of teaching and research including more streamlined specializations. At present the PG curriculum covers 21 such areas besides the traditional core areas.  Now the programme of Post Graduation is under Choice Based Credit Semester system, offering specialized courses in Clinical Psychology, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Educational Psychology, Health Psychology, Counselling and Consulting Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Pediatric Psychology and Adolescent Psychology.  At present M. Phil programme gives specialization in Rehabilitation Psychology.  Doctoral researches are supervised primarily in the areas of Clinical Psychology, Organizational behavior, HRM, Health Psychology, Guidance and Counseling, Educational Psychology, Sports Psychology, Psychology of Women and Interdisciplinary areas. During the 1980s itself the Department was recognized by the UGC as the first in the State to conduct 5 refresher courses. Around 600 students have passed out from the Department with Post Graduate Degree, 40 with M. Phil Degree and 73 with PhD Degree, 22 scholars are engaged in their doctoral research. Besides academic credentials, the Department has one of the best Laboratories in India with more than 182 equipments and 195 test materials in addition to 40 tests developed in the Department. The Department also has the best Departmental Library in the State with around 4089 books and a good collection of back volumes of journals. In addition to teaching and research all faculty members are actively involved in extension activities for community development catering to the needs of people falling under the jurisdiction of the University. Counseling, consultancy services and awareness programmes are regular features of such activities. Life Skill development programmes are periodically conducted with special focus on students.

Thrust Areas

Guidance and Counseling, Clinical Psychology, Health Psychology, Educational Psychology, Social Psychology and Organizational Behavior.