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MSW in General at Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is General at Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith Varanasi?
This Master of Social Work program at Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith, Varanasi focuses on equipping students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills for social intervention. It emphasizes understanding Indian social issues, welfare policies, and community development needs, preparing graduates to address complex challenges in diverse settings across India effectively.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates seeking entry into social work, non-profit organizations, or public welfare sectors in India. It also suits working professionals looking to upskill in social policy, community development, or counseling, and individuals passionate about driving positive social change with a foundational bachelor''''s degree.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in NGOs, government welfare departments, corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, and community health. Entry-level salaries range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience. Opportunities include social workers, project coordinators, counselors, and community organizers in Indian organizations.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Foundational Social Work Ethics- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in discussions on social work values and ethics, critically analyze case studies of ethical dilemmas, and reflect on personal biases to develop a strong professional foundation. Join campus social justice groups.
Tools & Resources
Official social work ethics codes, Academic journals on social justice, Case study discussions
Career Connection
Essential for building trust and credibility in any social work role, ensuring ethical decision-making in future professional practice and client interaction.
Master Basic Research and Fieldwork Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Pay close attention to data collection methods, sampling techniques, and report writing during initial fieldwork assignments. Practice conducting interviews, observations, and documenting findings meticulously.
Tools & Resources
Research methodology textbooks, SPSS for basic statistical analysis, Field diaries
Career Connection
Strong research and documentation skills are crucial for program evaluation, grant writing, and evidence-based practice in NGOs and government agencies.
Engage in Peer Learning and Discussion Groups- (Semester 1-2)
Form study groups with peers to discuss complex social theories, analyze social problems from multiple perspectives, and prepare for internal and external assessments. Share fieldwork experiences and learn from diverse viewpoints.
Tools & Resources
Collaborative online platforms like Google Docs, Library resources, Regular group meetings
Career Connection
Enhances critical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills, which are vital for interdisciplinary collaboration in the social sector and for navigating diverse client populations.
Intermediate Stage
Develop Specialized Intervention Skills- (Semester 3)
Focus on practical application of social group work, community organization, and counseling techniques during fieldwork. Seek opportunities to lead group activities, facilitate community meetings, and practice guidance.
Tools & Resources
Role-playing exercises, Counseling handbooks, Community needs assessment tools
Career Connection
Direct application of core social work methods is critical for roles requiring direct client engagement, community mobilization, and program implementation.
Network with Social Sector Professionals- (Semester 3)
Attend workshops, seminars, and conferences organized by local NGOs, government bodies, or the university. Connect with experienced social workers, academics, and policymakers to understand current trends and opportunities.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, University alumni networks, Professional social work associations
Career Connection
Builds professional contacts essential for internships, mentorship, and future job placements in a competitive Indian social sector.
Participate in Advocacy and Social Action Initiatives- (Semester 3)
Engage in campus or community-based social action projects, awareness campaigns, or advocacy efforts related to social justice issues. Understand the process of policy analysis and lobbying.
Tools & Resources
NGO reports, Government policy documents, Social media for campaign outreach
Career Connection
Develops leadership, advocacy, and communication skills vital for positions in policy advocacy, human rights organizations, and grassroots movements.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a High-Impact Project Work- (Semester 4)
Choose a project topic that aligns with your career interests, conducting thorough research, data collection, and analysis. Aim for a project that addresses a real-world social problem or evaluates a welfare program.
Tools & Resources
Research software, Academic databases, Guidance from faculty mentors, Field agency resources
Career Connection
A well-executed project demonstrates research capabilities, problem-solving skills, and deep understanding of a specific social issue, highly valued by employers for roles requiring independent work and strategic thinking.
Prepare for Placements and Professional Interviews- (Semester 4)
Actively participate in placement cell activities, workshops on resume building, interview skills, and group discussions. Practice articulating your fieldwork experiences and theoretical knowledge effectively.
Tools & Resources
Career services, Mock interview sessions, Online job portals focused on social work (e.g., DevNetJobs, India NGO jobs)
Career Connection
Directly leads to successful placements in desired social welfare organizations, government schemes, or CSR departments, ensuring a smooth transition into professional life.
Deepen Understanding of Social Legislation and Rights- (Semester 4)
Critically analyze key social legislations and human rights frameworks relevant to vulnerable populations in India. Understand their implementation challenges and advocacy opportunities for effective social intervention.
Tools & Resources
Bare acts of social laws, Reports from human rights organizations, Legal aid clinics
Career Connection
Crucial for roles in legal aid, advocacy, policy analysis, and protection of rights for marginalized groups, empowering graduates to ensure legal compliance and justice.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor''''s degree in any discipline from a recognized University.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 72 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSW-101 | Introduction to Social Work | Core | 4 | Definition and Nature of Social Work, Values and Principles of Social Work, History of Social Work in India, Professional Social Work, Challenges and Trends in Indian Social Work |
| MSW-102 | Society and Social Problems | Core | 4 | Concepts of Society and Social Structure, Social Change and Development, Major Social Problems in India (Poverty, Unemployment), Caste and Gender Issues, Social Disorganization and Deviance |
| MSW-103 | Social Case Work | Core | 4 | Definition and Principles of Casework, Components of Casework (Client, Worker, Problem, Place), Casework Process (Study, Diagnosis, Treatment), Tools and Techniques in Casework, Application of Casework in Various Settings |
| MSW-104 | Human Growth and Development | Core | 4 | Concepts of Growth and Development, Stages of Human Development (Infancy, Childhood, Adolescence), Theories of Personality and Development, Impact of Environment on Development, Developmental Tasks and Challenges |
| MSW-105 | Field Work - I | Practical | 2 | Orientation to Social Work Agencies, Observation Visits and Report Writing, Basic Interviewing Skills, Concurrent Fieldwork with Supervision, Understanding Agency Functions |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSW-201 | Social Group Work | Core | 4 | Concept and Objectives of Group Work, Principles and Process of Group Work, Group Dynamics and Leadership, Types of Groups in Social Work, Recording in Group Work Practice |
| MSW-202 | Community Organization | Core | 4 | Definition and Objectives of Community Organization, Principles and Models of Community Organization, Role of Social Worker in Community Development, Community Development in India, Urban and Rural Community Issues |
| MSW-203 | Social Welfare Administration | Core | 4 | Concept and Scope of Social Welfare Administration, Principles of Administration in Welfare Sector, Planning and Implementation of Welfare Programs, Financial Management in NGOs, Supervision and Evaluation of Services |
| MSW-204 | Social Research and Statistics | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Social Research, Research Designs and Hypotheses, Data Collection Methods (Survey, Interview), Sampling Techniques, Basic Statistical Concepts and Data Analysis |
| MSW-205 | Field Work - II | Practical | 2 | Concurrent Fieldwork in an Agency, Application of Social Work Methods, Developing Intervention Skills, Data Collection for Agency Reports, Supervised Practice and Reflection |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSW-301 | Social Action and Social Movement | Core | 4 | Concept and Objectives of Social Action, Models and Strategies of Social Action, Role of Social Worker in Social Movements, Major Social Movements in India, Advocacy and Lobbying for Social Change |
| MSW-302 | Welfare and Development for Vulnerable Groups | Core | 4 | Constitutional Provisions for Vulnerable Groups, Policies and Programs for SC, ST, OBC, Welfare of Women, Children, and Aged, Rights and Development of Persons with Disabilities, Addressing Needs of Marginalized Communities |
| MSW-303 | Counseling and Guidance | Core | 4 | Concept and Principles of Counseling, Types and Approaches to Counseling, Counseling Process and Techniques, Crisis Intervention and Referral, Ethical Considerations in Counseling |
| MSW-304 | Population and Environment | Core | 4 | Population Dynamics and Trends in India, Population Policies and Programs, Environmental Pollution and its Impact, Environmental Protection and Conservation, Role of Social Work in Sustainable Development |
| MSW-305 | Field Work - III | Practical | 2 | Supervised Fieldwork Practice, Project Planning and Implementation, Community Entry and Resource Mobilization, Monitoring and Evaluation of Interventions, Documentation and Reporting Skills |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSW-401 | Social Legislations and Human Rights | Core | 4 | Concept of Social Legislation in India, Major Social Laws (Marriage, Child Protection), Human Rights Principles and Conventions, Role of National Human Rights Commission, Social Work and Legal Aid |
| MSW-402 | Health and Mental Health | Core | 4 | Concepts of Health and Disease, Public Health System in India, Mental Health Issues and Disorders, Mental Health Services and Policies, Role of Social Worker in Health Care Settings |
| MSW-403 | Disaster Management | Core | 4 | Types of Disasters (Natural and Man-made), Phases of Disaster Management (Mitigation, Preparedness), Disaster Relief and Rehabilitation, Role of Government and NGOs in Disaster Response, Community Participation in Disaster Management |
| MSW-404 | Project Work | Project | 4 | Identification of Research Problem, Literature Review and Theoretical Framework, Research Methodology and Tools, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Project Report Writing and Presentation |
| MSW-405 | Field Work - IV | Practical | 2 | Advanced Concurrent Fieldwork, Independent Project Implementation, Agency Collaboration and Networking, Professional Ethics in Advanced Practice, Final Fieldwork Report Submission |
