How to Submit MAPC Internship (IGNOU) - Complete Student-Friendly Guide
The MAPC (Master of Arts in Psychology) programme of IGNOU offers a mandatory experience for students during their second year. This experience has a lot of value since it provides the students a real-world experience and helps them prepare for working with people in actual situations. A lot of students are confused about how to do the internship, who they should approach, what documents are needed in order to submit the report for their final internship to IGNOU. This guide explains the full process in a clear and simple manner so students can follow each step with ease.
1. What is the MAPC Internship?
The program is part second-year program in the second year of IGNOU MAPC students. Through this internship, students get practical experience by working under a licensed Psychologist, Counsellor and Clinical Expert. It helps students learn how psychological concepts and theories are used to clients in real-world situations.
The Internship:
Does it have to be completed in order to take part in MAPC
Counselling can be conducted in counseling centers and hospitals, schools NGOs, clinics, mental health associations and similar structures
Be supervised by a certified professional
2. When Should You Start Planning the Internship?
It is recommended to start planning for the first term of your second. Many students wait until final minute and have to fight for a spot or complete the required hours.
A good timeline for planning:
Stage | Suggested Time |
|---|---|
Seek out internship centres and supervisors | Early 2nd Year |
Finalise internship approval | Within 1-2 months after search |
Hours of internship completed | Next 3 to 6 months |
Make report and get certificate | Soon after completion |
Submit report at Regional Centre | As per IGNOU schedule |
3. Eligibility for MAPC Internship
It is a must that you are a second-year student of the MAPC program. The program must be selected as which specialization (Clinical or Counselling Industrial & Organisational) to which you would like to undertake the internship. The internship must be in line with your specialization field.
4. Where Can You Do the MAPC Internship?
Choose a spot where you are able to get an actual experience of counseling or psychological services. A few of the most popular places are:
Mental health clinics or hospitals
Departments of psychiatry at medical colleges
NGO's working on mental wellness or child development social welfare
Private counselling centers
School counselling departments
Rehabilitation centres
Counselling centres for families or careers
Tip: Choose a place where you can interact directly with your client. Being in a cubicle without having any knowledge will not assist.
5. Who Can Be Your Supervisor?
Your supervisor must have the required qualifications. IGNOU requires that the supervisor meet the requirements of:
A Clinical Psychologist (M.Phil/PhD for Clinical Psychology or RCI registered)
A Counselling Psychology Specialist with an MA/MSc in Psychology and relevant expertise
A psychiatrist (MBBS with MD Psychiatry)
An experienced and certified Mental health professional with an established expertise
Make sure your supervisor agrees with you. Sign the paperwork for your internship, check your work and issue an official certificate of completion.
6. Documents Required Before Starting the Internship
Before you start, have these ready:
Inquiry Letter to Apply for Internship (You can consult for your Study Centre for a format or create your own)
Supervisor's Consent Letter
Supervisor's Qualification Proof (photocopy of degree or registration certification)
Your ID card, enrollment and other details
Some centers might ask for additional documents like CVs, application form, or even a photo.
7. Duration and Work Hours for MAPC Internship
IGNOU typically expects the equivalent of 240 hours of internship work. The hours are:
Sessions are observed
Interaction with the client
The case and its history
Counselling practice under supervision
Psychological testing and scoring
Report writing
Be sure to keep attending regularly so that your learning is continuous.
8. What Will You Learn During the Internship?
While on the internship, you will be exposed to certain areas like:
How do you interact with customers in a respectful manner
Making sense of problems and incorporating case historiography
Implementing counselling techniques such as listening, asking questions and empathetic
The process of observing therapy or counselling sessions
Psychological assessment techniques
Report writing and documentation
This experience will help build your confidence and prepare you for the work.
9. Preparing the MAPC Internship Report
When your internship hours are complete, you will need to complete a report of your internship. It is a full description of what you experienced and gained.
It is important to include: Internship Report should contain:
Title Page that includes your contact information
Certificate of Completion completed by an official on the letterhead of your employer.
An Internship Record (Daily or weekly records of the work performed)
Introduction to the Organisation in which you worked
Supervisor's Profile
Objectives of the Internship
Description of Activities Performed
Case Record (2-5 cases depending on the field)
Psychological Tests Conducted (if they exist)
Learning Outcomes and Suggestions
Conclusion
References (if used)
Presentation Tips:
Write in simple and clear language
Be true to the experience Do not copy content
Keep report neat, well-structured, and well-bound
10. What to Avoid in Your Internship Report
Many students see their work rejected because of avoidable mistakes. Avoid these pitfalls:
Copy-paste from internet or seniors report
Fake signatures, certificates or fake certificates
Incorrect dates or hours
Incomplete case details
Bad handwriting or untidy presentation
Missing supervisor details
11. Internship Certificate Format
Your Supervisor/Organisation must issue a certificate on official letterhead. It must include:
Name of the student and enrollment number.
Programme name (MAPC)
The duration of the internship is determined by hours
What kind of work is done
Supervisor name, qualification, signature, seal
The original certificate should be kept in the report.
12. How to Submit the MAPC Internship Report at IGNOU
The report will be sent for submission to your Regional Centre (not at the Study Centre) after completion.
Submission Process:
Prepare a spiral report or hard-bound internship report
Attach all documents necessary
Complete the Internship Submission Form (get from Regional Centre/website)
The report should be submitted in either person or via post to the Regional Centre
Note the acknowledgement or speed-posting receipt for your records.
Some Regional Centres also require one via email. Contact the Regional Centre before submission.
13. Documents to Attach During Submission
Attach the following:
Internship Report (signed and bound) Completion Certificate Supervisor's qualification verification form for submission to Internship of your IGNOU ID card Any self-attested declarations if necessary
14. Viva Voce After Submission
After evaluating your report after a thorough review, you might be asked for after the evaluation of your report, you may be asked for a vive voce (oral discussions) in the course of your study by IGNOU. This could take place at an IGNOU Study Centre or sometimes online.
During the viva, the evaluator could be asked:
What was your place of work for your internship?
What were the tasks you had to complete?
What lessons did you pick up?
Please describe a particular incident you handled or observed.
Rely on your own experience.
15. Common Challenges Students Face - and Tips to Handle Them
Challenge | Quick Solution |
|---|---|
A difficult time finding a job | Start early, reach out to NGOs and hospitals Contact seniors |
Supervisor isn't directing properly | Instructively request clarification; if no support, change early |
Certificates delayed | Remind supervisor politely and keep in touch |
Report writing confusion | Keep notes daily, follow IGNOU guidelines |
Fear of viva | Revisionize your notes from the internship and the cases |
16. Useful Tips for a Good Internship Experience
Always be punctual and reliable.
Maintain a diary from day one
Be aware of and understand professional boundaries
Respect confidentiality of clients
Do not interrupt the counsellor during sessions
Seek feedback from your supervisor
Read related topics at home for a better understanding of the cases
17. Why the Internship Matters for Your Future
Many MAPC graduates would like to work as psychologists and counsellors or as mental health professionals. This is your chance to gain first time exposure to a helping field. This experience will be useful when applying to jobs or further education or even higher study like an M.Phil or certificates.
Final Words
The MAPC internship is more than an obligation. It's an opportunity to understand human behavior struggle, emotions, and the best ways to help them. If you approach the experience with passion and a serious attitude, you will gain invaluable skills that can shape your future career. Do your research, select a good supervisor, put in your work in a timely manner, and then write an honest report. Your report will be completed smoothly if all steps are completed according to the correct order.
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