Master of Social Work (M.S.W.)

COURSE DESCRIPTION

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M.S.W. or Master of Social Work is a postgraduate Social Work programme. Social Work is both a professional and academic discipline whose area of study is intended for improving the quality of life of an individual, group and or community belonging to a weaker section. The duration of Masters in Social Work is 2 years, usually comprising 4 semesters; these may vary depending upon the institute providing it. The course can be pursed through distance learning, correspondence or part time mode. A correspondence in MSW offers a bit less of practical training as compared to the classroom program. The maximum duration for completing the course is 5 Years through Correspondence as per IGNOU, this duration may vary in some institutes. The medium of instructions is mostly English and Hindi. Certain institutes offer it as M.A. (SW) which stands for Master of Arts in Social Work. University provides Five Year Integrated Course in Social Work which leads to BSW (three years) and MSW (two years) Degrees. The Master Degree course curriculum offers opportunities for specialization in four distinct areas, namely, Family and Child Welfare, Medical and Psychiatric Social Work, Industrial Relations and Personnel Management and Community Development. Depending on situation, normally two specialization areas are offered every year to the MSW final year students.

Master Degree Programme in Social Work is aimed at training individuals who are already working or desire to work in the Development and Welfare sectors. M.S.W. enables a candidate to become a Social Worker and perform in various capacities. Social workers perform interventions through research, policy, community organizing, direct practice and teaching. The National Council of Professional Social Work in consultation with the Universities, including IGNOU and NAPSWI (National Association for Professional Social Workers in India) takes decision for the promotion, maintenance, co-ordination of standards of education, training, research and practice. It lays down guidelines in respect of minimum qualifications for persons to be employed as social work professional and lays down guidelines for granting recognition to institutes as well as existing courses and for starting new courses for social work education and training, including the minimum eligibility criteria for admission.

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Master of Social Work Eligibility

• The eligibility of Social Work Master’s Degree Programs is Bachelor of Social Work degree from a recognised Institute.
• Candidates who have a Bachelor's degree in Humanities/Social Science/Science/Commerce or Management subjects are also eligible. Students with a background in social work, psychology, social science, sociology or any other related fields are given preference over others.
• Candidates appearing for final year degree exam are also eligible to appear for First year. However, their final admission to MSW is subject to passing degree examination before opening of the classes of 1st semester.
• The selection is based on one's performance in Entrance Test, Group Discussion and Interview. The test measures one's mental ability and general awareness. The aim of the interview is to establish a candidate’s genuine interest in Social Work.
• Candidates belonging to the SC/ST require at least 40% marks at the qualifying examinations. This Percentage may vary depending upon the University.

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Master of Social Work Course Suitability

• It is best suited for those Graduates who have a flexible outlook towards humanity. They should have enormous patience and deal with complex situations efficiently.
• Those who have high understanding of human psychology and possess the ability to analyse an issue and take decisions apt to the situation are perfectly suited for this course.
• Social Work as profession is not considered a prestigious despite its noble intent so one should be content even if one may not acquire as much repute as some other professional courses like B.E. or M.B.B.S.

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How is Master of Social Work Programme Beneficial?

• Candidates who have completed Master’s Degree in Social work can apply for Ph.D. or M.Phil. Degree.
• After gaining some experience M.S.W.'s can be appointed as Consultants with various high reputed organizations.

COURSE ELIGIBILITY

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The eligibility of Social Work Master’s Degree Programs is Bachelor of Social Work degree from a recognized Institute.