Department of Psychology
Vision:
To enrich lives through a psychological understanding of behavior.
Mission:
Equipping students with skills to use psychology for promotion of quality of life.
The Department of Psychology at St. Xavier’s College traces its origins to the Department of Philosophy, under whose guidance, it initially functioned. The Department took shape under the leadership of Mrs. Ruth Dsouza and Mr. Newman Fernandes and became an independent department in 1972 when it introduced three papers in Psychology at the undergraduate level. A significant milestone was achieved in the academic year 1992-93 when the department became the first in Goa to offer six papers in Psychology. Students of the department went on to higher studies, outside the state at the time, as there was no post graduate degree offered in Psychology in Goa.
Recognizing the increasing demand for a course at the post graduate level, the college launched a self-financed Master’s Programme aptly named the Abbe Faria Post Graduate Department of Psychology in 2001, on campus. Again, the Abbe Faria Department was the first postgraduate department in Psychology in the Goa. Besides, students of the under-graduate department still go on to study at prestigious universities both, within the country and abroad as well, acing admissions at these institutions. The department regularly invite the alumni to interact with the students and share their experiences, while providing them with practical advice and first hand information on how to pursue careers in Psychology.
Associate Professor
Dr. Ubaldina Noronha (HOD)
Professor
Prof. Janet Fernandes
janet.d@xavierscollegegoa.ac.in
Areas of Interest: Family Studies, Mental Health, Addictions, Positive Psychology & Aging
Associate Professor
Dr. Eulalia Fernandes
Assistant Professor
Ms. Elvira Pereira
Assistant Professor
Dr. Fr. Ramiro Luis
The Department of Psychology offers a rich array of activities designed to foster both academic and personal growth, including the opportunity to attend guest lectures by distinguished professionals, engage in field visits to institutions and NGOs such as The Owl House, Sangath, Kripa Foundation, etc., and participate in Value Added courses. This year, department conducted to Value Added Courses in Psychological Testing and Criminal Psychology in association with Beautiful Minds and Salgaonkar College of Law.
To celebrate and communicate the department’s achievements, the annual newsletter, Manovigyan, is released, highlighting key activities and accomplishments. The department also maintains a notice board, Pulse on Psychology, where students are encouraged to share their contributions on contemporary psychology-related topics. These initiatives create a vibrant and supportive learning environment, enriching the student experience.
Psychology offers a diverse range of career opportunities, allowing graduates to work in various fields such as healthcare, education, business, and social services. One of the most common career paths is in Human Resources (HR), where psychology graduates work as HR managers or recruitment officers. Those inclined toward research can become Researchers, conducting psychological studies in academic institutions, government agencies, and private organizations.
For individuals passionate about education, careers as Professors, Lecturers, or School Teachers provide opportunities to teach psychology and contribute to academic research. In schools, School Psychologists play a crucial role in assessing students’ emotional and behavioural issues, working closely with teachers, parents, and counsellors to support student development. Another important area is Counselling, where Counsellors work in various settings, including educational institutions, rehabilitation centres, hospitals, and private practice.
In community health and social work, options as Community Health Coordinators and NGO Coordinators, Helpline Managers are available to oversee crisis helplines, providing emotional support and intervention for individuals in distress, such as those struggling with suicide ideation, domestic violence, or substance abuse. In corporate settings, Recruitment Officers and Industrial-Organizational Psychologists assess employees’ skills, design training programs, and improve workplace culture.
For those dedicated to mental health, becoming a Mental Health Expert or Clinical Psychologist is a rewarding career. These professionals diagnose and treat individuals with mental health disorders, working in hospitals, private clinics, rehabilitation centres, and research institutions. Specializing in Social Psychology, professionals study group behaviour, societal influence, and interpersonal relationships, often working in advertising agencies, research organizations, and governmental bodies.
The department also hosts intercollegiate events like Psynex, a platform where students can showcase their knowledge and expertise in psychology. Additionally, students actively engage in various events during Mental Health Week and Suicide Prevention Day, raising awareness and promoting mental well-being. Campaigns focused on substance abuse prevention encourage healthy lifestyle choices among students.
Supporting student participation in national and international conferences, providing opportunities to present research papers and gain valuable exposure. This year a one-day International Seminar on ‘The Empathy Advantage’ was hosted with Mr. Thomas Teisen from Denmark and Ms. Regina Lombarda from the Philippines. Besides an innovative board game competition was held wherein three teams have got a chance to get their board games patented by the Institution Innovation Council of the college.
Ms. Naomi Fernandes
University of Liverpool
People say, “College will be some of the best years of your life”, and I couldn’t agree more. These 3 to 4 years fly by in the blink of an eye, making the decision to choose where you go to for college all the more important and for me, going to St. Xavier’s was that decision. Xavier’s helped discover who I was and who I wanted to be. This place pushed me out of my comfort zone and challenged all that I thought I knew. It helped me become the best version of myself and more.
St. Xavier’s has given me lifelong friends, memories and so much more than just quality education. They presented me with opportunities that helped sharpen and build my skills, showcase my talents and pursue what I love. It truly became my second home. I was part of the AICUF choir and sometimes we’d have to stay back till 4pm or even 5pm on certain occasions for practice and more than exhausting it was