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B-S-W in General at Montfort College
Bengaluru, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is General at Montfort College Bengaluru?
This Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) program at Montfort College focuses on developing compassionate and skilled professionals committed to social justice and human well-being. It provides a comprehensive understanding of social issues, human behavior, and various intervention strategies relevant to the Indian context, preparing students for impactful careers in community development, welfare, and advocacy across the nation. The curriculum emphasizes practical exposure through extensive fieldwork.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for empathetic individuals passionate about addressing societal challenges and contributing to positive change. It attracts fresh graduates seeking entry into the social sector, activists aspiring to formalize their skills, and individuals with a strong desire to serve marginalized communities. Candidates with a background in humanities, social sciences, or a general 10+2 qualification, coupled with a service-oriented mindset, will find this program rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles in NGOs, government welfare departments, corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, and community development projects. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 to 4.5 LPA, with significant growth potential based on experience and specialization. Graduates often pursue higher studies like MSW or take up roles in public policy advocacy, enabling them to drive impactful social change.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build a Strong Theoretical Foundation- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on thoroughly understanding core social work concepts, theories of human behavior, and societal structures introduced in foundational courses. Engage actively in lectures, participate in discussions, and read recommended texts beyond class notes. This builds the conceptual framework essential for practical application.
Tools & Resources
Class textbooks, Reference books on social sciences, Academic journals, Peer study groups
Career Connection
A robust theoretical base ensures effective problem identification and intervention design, crucial for credibility and analytical skills valued in all social work roles.
Immerse in Early Fieldwork Experiences- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in all fieldwork assignments, observation visits, and basic agency placements. Approach these experiences with an open mind, keen observation, and willingness to learn from ground realities. Document experiences meticulously and reflect on them during supervision sessions.
Tools & Resources
Fieldwork journals, Agency reports, Supervisor feedback sessions, Peer reflections
Career Connection
Early exposure builds practical skills, helps identify areas of interest, and enhances empathy, making students more ''''job-ready'''' for frontline social work positions.
Develop Effective Communication Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Prioritize enhancing both written and verbal communication. Participate in debates, presentations, and group discussions. Practice active listening and empathetic communication. Seek feedback on report writing and presentation delivery to refine skills.
Tools & Resources
Toastmasters clubs (if available), Public speaking workshops, Writing centers, Online courses on communication
Career Connection
Strong communication is vital for client interaction, advocacy, report writing, and collaboration within multidisciplinary teams, directly impacting success in any social work role.
Intermediate Stage
Deepen Understanding of Social Work Methods- (Semester 3-5)
Focus on mastering core social work methods like casework, group work, and community organization. Seek opportunities to apply these methods during fieldwork. Take initiative in planning and executing group activities or community outreach programs under supervision.
Tools & Resources
Case studies, Role-playing exercises, Method-specific guides, Peer learning groups focused on skill practice
Career Connection
Proficiency in social work methods makes students highly desirable for roles requiring direct intervention, program implementation, and community mobilization.
Engage in Social Research and Data Analysis- (Semester 3-5)
Pay close attention to courses on social research and statistics. Look for opportunities to participate in minor research projects or assist faculty with their research. Understanding data helps in evidence-based practice and program evaluation.
Tools & Resources
Statistical software (e.g., SPSS introduction), Research methodology textbooks, Online data analysis tutorials, Participation in surveys/data collection
Career Connection
Research skills are valuable for NGOs requiring needs assessments, program evaluation, and policy advocacy, opening doors to research-oriented and planning roles.
Network and Build Professional Connections- (Semester 3-5)
Attend social work conferences, seminars, and workshops in Bengaluru and other cities. Connect with practicing social workers, faculty, and alumni. Utilize professional networking platforms to explore potential internships and mentorship opportunities.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional association events (e.g., NASW India Chapter), College alumni network events, Guest lectures
Career Connection
Networking is crucial for discovering hidden job opportunities, gaining insights into various specializations, and securing mentorship, directly aiding career progression.
Advanced Stage
Specialize through Electives and Advanced Fieldwork- (Semester 6)
Carefully select Discipline Specific Electives (DSEs) that align with your career aspirations (e.g., Health, Child Welfare, Urban Development). Seek advanced fieldwork placements in organizations specializing in your chosen area to gain in-depth experience and build expertise.
Tools & Resources
Specialized agency directories, Faculty advisors for guidance, Advanced topic workshops, Online courses in specific welfare areas
Career Connection
Specialization makes you a sought-after candidate for specific roles and industries, leading to better placements and faster career growth in your chosen domain.
Prepare for Professional Placements and Higher Studies- (Semester 6)
Actively participate in placement preparatory activities, including resume building, mock interviews, and group discussions. If considering higher studies (MSW, Public Policy), research universities, prepare for entrance exams, and seek guidance on application processes.
Tools & Resources
Career guidance cells, Placement coordinators, Alumni mentors, GRE/NET/SET preparation materials
Career Connection
Focused preparation increases chances of securing desired placements in reputed NGOs, government bodies, or securing admission to prestigious postgraduate programs.
Develop Leadership and Advocacy Skills- (Semester 6)
Take on leadership roles in college clubs, fieldwork projects, or community initiatives. Practice advocacy for marginalized groups, learning to articulate issues effectively and mobilizing support. Engage in social action to understand policy influence.
Tools & Resources
Leadership training programs, Debate clubs, NGO advocacy toolkits, Participation in public awareness campaigns
Career Connection
Leadership and advocacy skills are vital for supervisory, managerial, and policy-making roles in the social sector, positioning graduates for influential positions.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Passed two-year Pre-University Examination (10+2) or an equivalent examination recognized by Bangalore University.
Duration: 6 semesters (3 years)
Credits: 136 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30% (for theoretical papers, e.g., 30 marks out of 100). For fieldwork, internal assessment forms a significant portion., External: 70% (for theoretical papers, e.g., 70 marks out of 100). Fieldwork assessment includes a Viva-voce component.
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSW 101 | Introduction to Social Work | Core | 4 | Concept and Philosophy of Social Work, History and Development of Social Work, Principles and Values of Social Work, Fields of Social Work Practice, Basic Methods of Social Work |
| BSW 102 | Man and Society | Core | 4 | Understanding Society and Culture, Socialization and Social Control, Social Stratification and Institutions, Human Rights and Social Justice, Globalisation and its Impact |
| BSW 103 | Social Work Practicum-I (Fieldwork) | Practicum/Fieldwork | 4 | Orientation to Fieldwork, Observational Visits to Agencies, Recording and Documentation, Skill Development Workshops, Supervised Practice |
| LANG 1 (Example) | Language I (e.g., Kannada/Hindi/Other regional languages) | Compulsory Language | 2 | Prose and Poetry, Grammar and Composition, Functional Language Skills, Cultural Aspects, Literary Criticism |
| LANG 2 (English) | Language II (English) | Compulsory Language | 2 | English Grammar and Usage, Reading Comprehension, Writing Skills (Essays, Reports), Communication Skills, Introduction to Literature |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSW 201 | Social Casework and Group Work | Core | 4 | Principles of Social Casework, Stages of Casework Process, Records and Documentation in Casework, Group Work Objectives and Principles, Types of Groups and Leadership, Programme Planning in Group Work |
| BSW 202 | Social Problems in India | Core | 4 | Poverty and Unemployment, Illiteracy and Child Labour, Substance Abuse and Crime, Violence Against Women, Communalism and Regionalism |
| BSW 203 | Social Work Practicum-II (Fieldwork) | Practicum/Fieldwork | 4 | Case Study and Interview Techniques, Observation and Participation, Report Writing, Community Visits, Application of Social Work Methods |
| LANG 1 (Example) | Language I (e.g., Kannada/Hindi/Other regional languages) | Compulsory Language | 2 | Advanced Prose and Poetry, Translation Skills, Cultural Studies, Critical Appreciation, Communication in context |
| LANG 2 (English) | Language II (English) | Compulsory Language | 2 | Advanced Communication Skills, Public Speaking and Presentation, Critical Reading, Creative Writing, Professional Correspondence |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSW 301 | Community Organization and Social Action | Core | 4 | Principles of Community Organization, Models of Community Practice, Role of Social Worker in Community, Concept of Social Action, Strategies for Social Change, Advocacy and Lobbying |
| BSW 302 | Counselling and Communication | Core | 4 | Basics of Counselling, Counselling Process and Skills, Types of Counselling, Therapeutic Communication, Crisis Intervention |
| BSW 303 | Social Work Practicum-III (Fieldwork) | Practicum/Fieldwork | 4 | Agency Placement Experience, Community Needs Assessment, Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), Programme Implementation Support, Group Activity Planning |
| AECC | Environmental Studies | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies, Natural Resources and Ecosystems, Biodiversity and Conservation, Environmental Pollution, Social Issues and the Environment |
| SEC-1 (Example) | Skill Enhancement Course - 1 (e.g., Basic Computer Applications) | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Introduction to Computers, Operating Systems, MS Office Suite, Internet and E-mail, Data Management |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSW 401 | Introduction to Social Research and Statistics | Core | 4 | Meaning and Scope of Social Research, Research Design and Methods, Data Collection Techniques, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Basic Statistical Concepts |
| BSW 402 | Social Welfare Administration and Social Legislation | Core | 4 | Principles of Social Welfare Administration, Programme Planning and Management, Resource Mobilization and Public Relations, Social Legislation in India, Laws Related to Children, Women, and Elderly |
| BSW 403 | Social Work Practicum-IV (Fieldwork) | Practicum/Fieldwork | 4 | Project Planning and Implementation, Programme Monitoring and Evaluation, Report Writing for Projects, Inter-agency Collaboration, Documentation of Social Action Initiatives |
| AECC | Indian Constitution | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Preamble and Basic Features, Fundamental Rights and Duties, Directive Principles of State Policy, Union and State Governments, Amendments and Emergency Provisions |
| SEC-2 (Example) | Skill Enhancement Course - 2 (e.g., Human Rights and Social Work) | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Concept of Human Rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Human Rights in Indian Context, Role of Social Worker in Human Rights, Advocacy for Human Rights |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSW 501 | Management of Voluntary Organizations | Core | 4 | Role of NGOs in Development, Legal Framework for NGOs, Financial Management and Fundraising, Project Management for NGOs, Monitoring and Evaluation |
| BSW 502 | Health and Mental Health Social Work | Core | 4 | Health Care System in India, Role of Social Worker in Health Care, Mental Health Concepts and Disorders, Social Work in Mental Health Settings, Addiction and Rehabilitation |
| BSW 503 | Urban and Rural Community Development | Core | 4 | Concepts of Urban and Rural Development, Rural Development Programmes in India, Challenges of Urbanization, Strategies for Sustainable Development, Participatory Development Approaches |
| BSW 504 | Social Work Practicum-V (Fieldwork) | Practicum/Fieldwork | 4 | Specialized Agency Placement, Supervised Intervention, Research Project Component, Advanced Skill Development, Presentation of Fieldwork Reports |
| DSE-1 (Option 1) | Discipline Specific Elective - 1 (e.g., Social Gerontology) | Elective | 4 | Concepts of Aging, Policies and Programmes for Elderly, Psychological Aspects of Aging, Health Issues in Old Age, Role of Social Worker with Elderly |
| DSE-1 (Option 2) | Discipline Specific Elective - 1 (e.g., Family and Child Welfare) | Elective | 4 | Concept of Family and its Functions, Family Problems and Interventions, Child Development and Rights, Child Welfare Schemes and Legislation, Social Work with Children and Families |
| DSE-1 (Option 3) | Discipline Specific Elective - 1 (e.g., Industrial Social Work) | Elective | 4 | Industrial Relations and Labour Laws, Employee Welfare and Services, Stress Management in Workplace, Role of HR and Social Worker in Industry, Occupational Health and Safety |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSW 601 | Social Policy and Planning | Core | 4 | Concept of Social Policy, Social Planning in India, Role of State in Social Welfare, Five Year Plans and Social Sector, Policy Formulation and Implementation |
| BSW 602 | Criminal Justice and Correctional Social Work | Core | 4 | Understanding Crime and Delinquency, Criminal Justice System in India, Correctional Services and Rehabilitation, Juvenile Justice, Victim Assistance and Restorative Justice |
| BSW 603 | Disaster Management and Social Work | Core | 4 | Concepts of Disaster and Vulnerability, Phases of Disaster Management, Role of Social Worker in Disaster Relief, Trauma Counselling, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction |
| BSW 604 | Social Work Practicum-VI (Fieldwork) | Practicum/Fieldwork | 4 | Advanced Specialized Field Placement, Independent Project Work, Networking and Advocacy, Leadership Role in Field Setting, Comprehensive Report and Viva |
| DSE-2 (Option 1) | Discipline Specific Elective - 2 (e.g., Social Movements) | Elective | 4 | Theories of Social Movements, Types of Social Movements in India, Role of Leadership and Ideology, Impact of Social Movements, Social Work and Activism |
| DSE-2 (Option 2) | Discipline Specific Elective - 2 (e.g., Tribal and Dalit Development) | Elective | 4 | Tribal Communities in India, Challenges of Tribal Development, Dalit Identity and Discrimination, Constitutional Provisions for SC/ST, Social Work Interventions for Marginalized |
| DSE-2 (Option 3) | Discipline Specific Elective - 2 (e.g., Women''''s Empowerment) | Elective | 4 | Concept of Gender and Patriarchy, Issues of Women in India, Women''''s Rights and Legislation, Women''''s Movements, Strategies for Women''''s Empowerment |
