About Ashoka University

Ashoka University, founded in 2014, is one of India’s top private universities of liberal arts and sciences. Ashoka is situated at Rajiv Gandhi Education City, Sonipat, Haryana, in NCR. Being an approved university of the University Grants Commission (UGC), Ashoka University has developed a good name for itself due to its interdisciplinary syllabus, research-oriented approach, and academic excellence. Based on critical thinking, intellectual investigation, and experiential learning, Ashoka provides a stimulating learning experience through experienced faculty members and excellent facilities, including modern labs, classrooms, and libraries.

The Psychology and Cognitive Sciences Department of Ashoka University is known for its science-based, evidence-driven understanding of human behavior.

The Department of Psychology and Cognitive Sciences employs an interdisciplinary outlook, encompassing fields such as cognitive psychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, biological psychology, and clinical/counseling psychology. Its rigorous orientation towards scientific method, statistics, and hands-on learning makes students involved in research projects under the guidance of distinguished faculty members. This research-driven program, scholarly atmosphere, and approach towards critical thinking have made Ashoka University one of the upcoming centers of psychology education and psychological research in India.

Program Offered

• Master’s in Liberal Studies (Psychology)

  Duration: 1 Year (Full-Time)

  Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must be graduates of Ashoka University’s Young India Fellowship (YIF) and must receive approval from an Ashoka faculty mentor to pursue a research project in psychology. The program is not open to external applicants.

  Program Fee: Approximately ₹10–11 lakh for the one-year residential program (including tuition, residence, and other institutional charges). The exact fee for the Master’s in Liberal Studies (Psychology) is not published separately by the university and may vary. Applicants are advised to contact the admissions office for the latest fee details.

  Program Focus: The Master’s in Liberal Studies (Psychology) is a research-intensive postgraduate program designed to develop advanced research competencies and scholarly expertise in psychology. Students undertake an original research project under the guidance of a faculty advisor while participating in research and teaching practicums that prepare them for doctoral studies and research-oriented careers.

  Key Learning Areas:

  • Advanced Psychological Research
  • Research Design and Methodology
  • Thesis Writing and Academic Scholarship
  • Research Practicum
  • Teaching Practicum
  • Interdisciplinary Learning
  • Data Analysis and Critical Inquiry

  Career Pathways:

  • Research Assistant
  • Academic Researcher
  • Doctoral (Ph.D.) Candidate
  • University Teaching Assistant
  • Behavioural Science Researcher
  • Policy Research Associate
  • Think Tank or NGO Research Professional

  Application Link: CLICK HERE

  Last Date: Applications generally close by March (subject to the Young India Fellowship admission cycle). Candidates are advised to apply early, as admissions follow the YIF schedule. CLICK HERE

Admission Process

Application Procedure

Admission into the Master’s of Liberal Studies (Psychology) program is open only to qualified candidates who are alumni of the Young India Fellowship program at Ashoka University. The candidate should show his/her interest in joining the program and find a suitable faculty member of Ashoka University willing to guide him/her in his research work. On agreeing to supervise the candidate’s research work, the admission process will begin.

Required Documents

Applicants are generally expected to submit:

• Academic transcripts and degree certificates
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• A brief description of your research interests (if required)
• Any additional documents requested by the faculty mentor or the university

Statement of Purpose (SOP)

A statement of purpose must be submitted in a well-written format providing details about their educational history, research interests, career objectives, and motivations for seeking admission to the Master’s in Liberal Studies (Psychology) program. It must also show how the research being conducted is related to the supervisor’s areas of expertise.

Letters of Recommendation

Applicants are generally required to provide academic letters of recommendation from faculty members or professionals who can evaluate their academic abilities, research potential, and suitability for advanced postgraduate study.

Interview Process

Selected applicants can be invited for an interview with the faculty supervisor and/or the admission committee. During the interview, the academic preparedness, research aptitude, motivation of the candidate, and practicality of the research project will be evaluated.

Selection Criteria

Selection is based on a holistic evaluation of the applicant’s:

• Academic performance
• Research interests and potential
• Quality of the Statement of Purpose
• Letters of Recommendation
• Interview performance
• Alignment of research interests with the expertise of the supervising faculty member
• Availability of faculty supervision within the department

Point of Note: Application for the Master’s program in Liberal Studies (Psychology) is not through the open admissions process. One needs to become eligible via the Young India Fellowship (YIF) route and get a mentor from the faculty of Ashoka University prior to being considered for admission.

Important Dates

Admission Stage	Tentative Timeline
Application Deadline	Generally March (applications are encouraged well before the deadline)
Interview Timeline	March – April
Admission Decisions	May
Commencement of Classes	July

Conclusion

The Master of Liberal Studies (Psychology) from Ashoka University is a highly researched postgraduate course that provides specialized education in the research of psychology in the context of liberal studies. It prepares students with knowledge and expertise in conducting research through mentorship, research and teaching practicum, and independent research. The interdisciplinary nature of the course makes it a unique choice for those who want to build a base of research in psychology.

However, the program is well suited for those who wish to continue further with studies on a doctoral level, engage in academic research, research in behavioral sciences, or engage in policy research. Though the program is only open to the graduating students of the Young India Fellowship (YIF) program, the program can be quite useful for those researchers who want to gain insight into the field of psychology.