Arts & Humanities

Master of Social Work

Master of Social Work (MSW) is a two-year postgraduate programme that prepares graduates for professional social work practice in fields such as medical and psychiatric social work, child welfare, labour welfare, community development and human resource management. Spread across four semesters, it combines classroom teaching in social work theory, human behaviour and research methods with compulsory fieldwork placements in hospitals, NGOs, government departments or industry. The programme is offered as a UGC-recognised postgraduate degree, generally open to graduates of any discipline. MSW suits students who want a career in the social sector, counselling, NGO management, corporate social responsibility or human resources, and can lead to further research or a PhD in social work.

2 years
Duration
Postgraduate
Level

About Master of Social Work

Master of Social Work (MSW) is a two-year postgraduate programme that prepares graduates for professional social work practice in fields such as medical and psychiatric social work, child welfare, labour welfare, community development and human resource management. Spread across four semesters, it combines classroom teaching in social work theory, human behaviour and research methods with compulsory fieldwork placements in hospitals, NGOs, government departments or industry. The programme is offered as a UGC-recognised postgraduate degree, generally open to graduates of any discipline. MSW suits students who want a career in the social sector, counselling, NGO management, corporate social responsibility or human resources, and can lead to further research or a PhD in social work.

Why Choose MSW

Direct route into the social sector

MSW is the standard postgraduate qualification for professional social work roles in hospitals, NGOs and government welfare departments.

Open to any graduate

The programme accepts graduates from any discipline, so students do not need a specific undergraduate background.

Compulsory fieldwork builds practical skills

Extensive fieldwork placements give students hands-on experience with communities and client groups before they graduate.

Multiple career directions

Graduates can choose paths in direct social work, NGO management, corporate HR/CSR or further research, depending on their specialisation and interest.

Detailed Syllabus (4 semesters over 2 years)

Core Subjects

Social Work Theory and Practice
Human Growth and Behaviour
Social Case Work
Social Group Work
Community Organisation
Research Methods and Statistics for Social Work
Social Welfare Administration
Social Policy and Legislation
Human Rights and Social Justice
Fieldwork and Practicum

Elective Subjects

Medical and Psychiatric Social Work
Child and Family Welfare
Labour Welfare and Industrial Relations
Human Resource Management
Disaster Management
Counselling Skills
NGO and Project Management
Fieldwork is compulsory and forms a core part of MSW: students are placed in hospitals, NGOs, government welfare departments, schools or industry under a faculty supervisor, usually for a fixed number of hours each week across both years, along with block placements and a community camp at many institutes.
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