Description

Programme Description The Doctorate in Clinical Sexology & Psychosexual Counselling at the WNHO Institute of Sexology is the highest academic and professional qualification offered by the institute, designed to develop subject experts, academic leaders, and senior clinical mentors in the field of sexual medicine and psychosexual counselling. This doctoral programme emphasizes advanced clinical expertise, original research contribution, academic leadership, and ethical practice. A mandatory doctoral thesis with final presentation and viva voce is the cornerstone of the programme, ensuring rigorous scientific inquiry and contribution to the evolving domain of clinical sexology. Upon successful completion of the doctorate, candidates are appointed to the WNHO Institute Academic & Clinical Panel and are eligible to serve as Research Guides / Mentors for new Fellowship, Master’s, and Doctoral students, subject to institute norms. ________________________________________ Programme Objectives • To develop advanced expertise in clinical sexology, psychosexual medicine, and counselling psychology • To promote original research and evidence-based practice in sexual health sciences • To prepare candidates for academic leadership, mentorship, and faculty roles • To establish high ethical, legal, and professional standards in sexology practice • To create a panel of qualified doctoral-level guides for WNHO academic programmes ________________________________________ Advanced Academic & Clinical Domains • Advanced Human Sexuality & Sexual Medicine • Complex Male, Female & Couple Sexual Disorders • Advanced Psychosexual Counselling Models & Therapies • Gender Identity, Sexual Orientation & Contemporary Issues • Sexual Medicine Ethics, Law & Policy Frameworks • Research Methodology, Biostatistics & Advanced Data Analysis • Clinical Audit, Case Series & Outcome-Based Research • Academic Writing, Peer Review & Publication Ethics ________________________________________ Mandatory Doctoral Thesis & Final Presentation • Each doctoral candidate must complete an original, independent doctoral thesis under the supervision of an approved WNHO senior guide • Research work must demonstrate novel contribution, clinical relevance, and scientific rigor • Submission of a comprehensive written thesis in the prescribed doctoral format is compulsory • A final oral thesis presentation and viva voce before an expert academic panel is mandatory • Acceptance and successful defense of the thesis are essential for the award of the doctorate ________________________________________ Academic Panel Appointment & Guide Eligibility Upon successful completion of the Doctorate: • The candidate is appointed to the WNHO Institute Academic & Clinical Panel • Eligible to act as Research Guide / Co-Guide for: o Fellowship in Clinical Sexology & Psychosexual Counselling o Master’s in Clinical Sexology & Psychosexual Counselling o Doctoral scholars (as per institute policy and experience criteria) • Involved in: o Thesis supervision and academic mentoring o Case discussions and clinical review panels o Curriculum development and academic quality assurance o Faculty development and examiner roles ________________________________________ Training & Research Methodology • Advanced doctoral seminars and expert-led discussions • Supervised clinical research and case documentation • Periodic research progress reviews and academic audits • One-to-one mentorship by senior WNHO faculty • Emphasis on publication, presentation, and academic contribution ________________________________________ Eligibility • Master’s / Fellowship in Clinical Sexology or allied medical/psychological disciplines • MBBS / MD / MS / DPM / DGO / BAMS / BHMS / PhD or equivalent qualification • Senior clinicians, academicians, and experienced counsellors subject to academic screening ________________________________________ Doctoral Award On successful completion of all academic requirements, mandatory doctoral thesis submission, and final thesis presentation & viva, the candidate will be awarded: Doctorate in Clinical Sexology & Psychosexual Counselling Issued by WNHO Institute of Sexology, Pune ________________________________________ Professional & Academic Career Scope • Senior Consultant Clinical Sexologist • Academic Faculty & Doctoral Guide • Research Director or Programme Head • National & International Speaker / Trainer • Policy Contributor in Sexual Health & Education