Loreto College, Kolkata

Department of Psychology

The Department of Psychology was inaugurated at Loreto College in 2007. The department is of the opinion that, in the context of a rapidly changing world, a scientific study of behaviour and associated biological, cognitive and social processes is of great importance for the development of the tools necessary for the overall well-being of humankind. This discipline is a rapidly developing field, touching on all aspects of human life. Consequently, our students are trained to think independently and critically about psychological issues, to become knowledgeable about the key methods, important findings and major advancements in psychology, and also to understand new modern scientific research in the discipline.
The faculty members are eager to instil a passion for research and to mentor driven and capable students in the execution of research projects, which are presented under the Research Cell Programme at Loreto College. It is recommended that students publish their papers in reputable journals and present the same at conferences.
In 2017, the department held the official book launch for their debut publication, entitled "Socialization and Psychopathology: Reviews and Empirical Studies" (ISBN 81-85861-60-9). Additionally, the department had the opportunity to publish a second volume in 2020, entitled “Psychopathology and Psychotherapy: A Review of Causes, Consequences and Curative Measures” (ISBN 978-93-88069-40-3). The books comprise collections of valuable and informative research papers authored by students of the Department of Psychology under the guidance of their professors. Additionally, the inaugural publication encompassed the research papers of the resource persons and paper presenters at the state-level seminar, "Self-Love, Socialization and Development of Personality in Today's Ever-Advancing Technological World," held in November 2015 at Loreto College. This event was held in collaboration with Antara Psychiatric Centre.
In order to facilitate experiential learning, the department has initiated an annual event, entitled "Kalakriti," which provides a platform for differently-abled children to express their talents and become integrated into society. Certificates are awarded to acknowledge and celebrate their participations. The one-day event invites children from different schools of the city to participate in both on-stage and off-stage activities at Loreto College. This has the effect of increasing awareness and sensitivity among the students of the department. Moreover, seminars, webinars, and workshops are held to elucidate the diverse avenues and facets of psychology, thereby ensuring that our students and faculty remain apprised of the latest research and advancements within the field. Our students play an active role in the organisation of these events, thereby fostering greater awareness of psychological issues amongst the wider public, as well as amongst themselves and their fellow students, who are at the outset of their careers as psychologists in this country.
The students of the Department proceed to pursue higher studies at esteemed academic institutions, including TISS, Delhi University, Benaras Hindu University, Jamia Milia Islamia University, Sampurna Montfort College, Manipal University, Indian Institute of Psychometric Research, IISWBM, University of Sheffield, University of Bath, Essex University, and numerous others. Additionally, many students have successfully secured placements across the country.