Established in 2014, the Department of Psychology is one of the youngest departments on campus, with its founding batch comprising graduating in 2016.
Since its inception, the department has demonstrated steady growth in both capacity and competence, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence and student development.
The introduction of the Single Major in Psychology in 2021–2022 marked a key milestone. The department currently nurtures twenty-one students in the Single Major programme and six in the Double Major, guided by a team of three faculty members.
Aligned with the institute’s vision and mission, the department’s vision, “Being transformed to transform lives, apprises its learner-centric and integrated approach. Through an interactive and cohesive learning milieu, the department fosters collaboration, group morale, and participative learning, enabling students to connect theory with lived experience and grow as reflective, responsible individuals.
Assistant Professor
Qualification: M.Sc. Applied Psychology
Specialisation: Counselling and Pschotherapy
Number of Paper Presentations: 02
Number of Conferences organised: 3
Vidwaan ID: 134959
Assistant Professor
Qualification: M.A. Psychology
Specialisation: P.G. diploma in guidance and counseling psychology
Number of Research Projects: 1
The Board of Studies in Political Science consists of experienced academicians, subject experts, industry representatives, and alumni to ensure a relevant and dynamic curriculum.
| Category | Name and Designation | Affiliation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Expert nominated by the Vice-Chancellor from a panel of six recommended by the College Principal. | Dr. Arohi Khar Associate Professor, Head Dept of Psychology |
VES College of Arts and Commerce – Chembur University of Mumbai |
| 2. Subject expert from the Parent University nominated by the Academic Council. | Prof (Dr) Kranti Gawali Head, Dept. of Psychology and Vice Principal |
Bhavan’s College, Andheri University of Mumbai |
| 3. Subject expert from outside the Parent University nominated by the Academic Council. | Dr. A Zarina Associate Professor, Head Dept of Psychology (Shift 1) |
Women’s Christian College University of Madras |
| 4. One representative from industry/corporate sector/allied area relating to placement. | Ms. Chitra Kelkar Certified Life Coach & Certified NLP and Mindfulness Practitioner |
Manovedh Psychotherapy & Mindfulness Center, Thane |
| 5. One postgraduate meritorious alumnus nominated by the Principal. | Shah Aqshahnaz Mohd Shorab (Batch 2018- 2019) Educator ISC Psychology, Freelance Counsellor |
Vibgyor International School |
| 6. One postgraduate meritorious alumnus nominated by the Principal. | Sana Sheikh (Batch 2021 – 2022) Visiting Faculty MA Part II - Semester III |
Wellbeing Manager Eastern Anglican Shipping Company |
| 7. Chairperson (Head of Department) | Ms. Rita Duraipandi Asst. Prof. |
Royal College of Arts, Science and Commerce (Autonomous) - University of Mumbai |
| 8. Member (Faculty of the Department) | Ms. Poonam Tripathi Asst. Prof. |
Royal College of Arts, Science and Commerce (Autonomous) - University of Mumbai |
The Department of Psychology actively organized a wide range of academic, experiential, and co-curricular activities during the academic year 2024–2025, aimed at enhancing students’ theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and overall development.
The department conducted awareness programmes such as World Mental Health Day and World Suicide Prevention Day, engaging students through interactive games, quizzes, panel discussions, and exhibitions to promote mental health awareness and emotional well-being.
A variety of student enrichment activities were organized, including Psych Xplore: The Mind Trap, an intercollegiate competition focusing on psychological concepts through games and challenges, and PSYCH-O-PHILIA series, which included skit enactments like The Kite Runner – A Journey of Redemption and book reading sessions to connect literature with psychological understanding.
The department also hosted expert talks and alumni sessions, such as Psych Scope: Beyond Clinical Psychology, where students gained insights into diverse career paths, higher education opportunities, and professional development.
Experiential learning was emphasized through educational visits to institutions like rehabilitation canters, old age homes, museums, and industrial settings, providing real-world exposure to applied psychology, geriatric care, and interdisciplinary learning. The Kerala educational trip further broadened students’ understanding of psychology, healthcare, and cultural heritage.
Workshops and training sessions on counselling micro-skills equipped students with practical competencies such as communication, empathy, and application of counselling models. Film screenings, documentary viewings, and discussions were also conducted to help students relate psychological theories to real-life scenarios.
Overall, the department fostered a holistic learning environment by integrating academic knowledge with practical exposure, critical thinking, cultural awareness, and skill development.
Auditing Course/Non-credit Participation: The department uniquely introduced course auditing in 2019-2020. This enables students to attend lectures beyond formal enrollment thereby widen their academic horizon.
Psych-O-philia (Book Club): Encourages reflective thinking and dialogue through engagement with psychological and associated literature.
Learning through Experience: Volitional internships and field based educational visits including night stay trips provide immersive exposure, promotes group cohesiveness, and enhance adaptive life skills while connecting classroom learning with lived experiences.