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MASTER-OF-SOCIAL-WORK in Medical Psychiatric Social Work at Montfort College
Bengaluru, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Medical & Psychiatric Social Work at Montfort College Bengaluru?
This Medical & Psychiatric Social Work program at Montfort College focuses on equipping students with specialized skills to address health and mental health challenges within an Indian context. The program integrates social work principles with medical and psychiatric knowledge, preparing professionals for critical roles in healthcare settings, mental health institutions, and community health initiatives. It emphasizes a holistic approach to patient care and community well-being, reflecting the growing demand for skilled professionals in India''''s expanding healthcare sector.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for graduates in any discipline passionate about contributing to health and mental well-being. It attracts individuals seeking to enter the healthcare social work field, existing social workers looking to specialize, or professionals from related fields like psychology or sociology. Candidates should possess empathy, strong communication skills, and a commitment to serving vulnerable populations in diverse medical and psychiatric settings across India.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect promising career paths in Indian hospitals, mental health clinics, NGOs, and government health programs such as the National Health Mission. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 to 4.5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. The program prepares students for roles like Medical Social Worker, Psychiatric Social Worker, Counselor, Public Health Consultant, and Hospital Administrator, offering substantial growth trajectories in a critical and expanding Indian industry.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Core Social Work Competencies- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on mastering foundational social work methods like casework, group work, and community organization. Actively participate in all fieldwork practicums, developing observation, interviewing, and basic intervention skills. Utilize peer learning groups to discuss case studies and theoretical concepts, solidifying understanding of Indian social realities and ethical practices.
Tools & Resources
Fieldwork journals, Ethical guidelines documents, Peer study groups, Montfort College library resources
Career Connection
Strong foundational skills are essential for all social work roles, providing the bedrock for specialized practice and enhancing credibility during initial internships and job interviews in various settings.
Deepen Social Science Understanding- (Semester 1-2)
Engage critically with social science theories (sociology, psychology, economics) to understand the complex determinants of health and mental health. Relate theoretical knowledge to current Indian social issues, utilizing current affairs and academic journals. Seek clarification from faculty on interdisciplinary connections to enrich your perspective.
Tools & Resources
Academic journals (e.g., Economic and Political Weekly), Psychology/Sociology textbooks, Faculty mentorship
Career Connection
A robust understanding of social determinants helps in effective assessment, planning, and intervention, making you a more insightful and impactful professional in healthcare social work.
Develop Research Aptitude Early- (Semester 1-2)
Pay close attention to research methods and statistics courses. Practice basic data collection techniques and critically analyze research papers. Participate in small-scale studies or data collection initiatives within the college or during fieldwork to gain practical experience, preparing for the more complex dissertation phase.
Tools & Resources
SPSS/R for beginners (online tutorials), Research methodology textbooks, College research projects
Career Connection
Research skills are vital for evidence-based practice, program evaluation, and policy advocacy, opening doors to research-oriented roles in NGOs, government, and academia.
Intermediate Stage
Immerse in Specialization-Specific Fieldwork- (Semester 3)
Proactively seek fieldwork placements in hospitals, mental health institutions, and community health centers aligned with Medical & Psychiatric Social Work. Focus on understanding patient care pathways, interdisciplinary team dynamics, and specific psychosocial interventions. Document learning meticulously in fieldwork reports and discuss challenges with supervisors.
Tools & Resources
Specialized medical/psychiatric agencies, Clinical supervision, Detailed fieldwork logs
Career Connection
Direct exposure to specialized settings builds practical competence, enhances your professional network, and makes you highly attractive to employers looking for specialized social workers.
Integrate Counseling Skills and Theory- (Semester 3)
Actively participate in counseling practice sessions and seek opportunities to apply learned theories in a supervised setting. Focus on developing active listening, empathy, and crisis intervention skills. Explore cultural nuances of counseling in India through case discussions and role-playing scenarios.
Tools & Resources
Counseling skills workshops, Role-play exercises, Peer feedback, Cultural sensitivity training
Career Connection
Strong counseling skills are indispensable in medical and psychiatric settings for patient support, crisis intervention, and family therapy, directly impacting patient outcomes and career prospects.
Engage with Public Health Initiatives- (Semester 3)
Beyond classroom learning, actively follow national and state-level public health campaigns and policies related to mental health and healthcare access in India. Volunteer for health camps or awareness programs. Understand the operational aspects of programs like the National Health Mission or District Mental Health Programme.
Tools & Resources
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare websites, Local health department initiatives, Public health seminars
Career Connection
Understanding public health frameworks is crucial for roles in community health, health policy advocacy, and program management within government or large NGOs.
Advanced Stage
Conduct an Impactful Dissertation- (Semester 4)
Choose a dissertation topic directly relevant to Medical & Psychiatric Social Work, focusing on a pressing issue in India. Engage deeply in primary data collection and analysis, striving for original insights. Seek regular feedback from your guide and aim for a research output that contributes to existing knowledge or practice in the field.
Tools & Resources
Research software (e.g., NVivo for qualitative), Statistical tools, University research labs, Library databases
Career Connection
A well-executed dissertation showcases your research capabilities, analytical thinking, and commitment to the specialization, significantly boosting your profile for advanced roles or further studies.
Master Hospital Administration and Leadership- (Semester 4)
For those interested in administrative roles, delve into courses like Hospital Administration. Seek to understand hospital workflows, management challenges, and leadership principles. Explore case studies of successful healthcare management in India and consider taking certification courses in healthcare management if available.
Tools & Resources
Healthcare management books, Online courses (e.g., Coursera on healthcare management), Internships in hospital administration
Career Connection
Expertise in hospital administration can lead to leadership positions in healthcare organizations, combining social work values with effective management, in high demand in India''''s expanding private healthcare sector.
Prepare for Placements and Professional Growth- (Semester 4)
Attend placement workshops, refine your resume and interview skills tailored for social work roles in healthcare. Network with alumni and professionals in the field. Identify key organizations (NGOs, hospitals, government agencies) and prepare for their specific recruitment processes. Consider joining professional social work associations for continuous learning and networking.
Tools & Resources
Career guidance cells, LinkedIn networking, Professional social work associations (e.g., Indian Association of Trained Social Workers), Mock interviews
Career Connection
Proactive placement preparation ensures a smooth transition into your desired career, enhancing your chances of securing a fulfilling role in a reputable organization upon graduation.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- A candidate who has passed any Bachelor''''s Degree examination of Bangalore University or any other University considered as equivalent thereto by Bangalore University, with a minimum of 40% in aggregate for general category and 35% for SC/ST/CAT-I/Physically Challenged candidates.
Duration: 4 Semesters / 2 years
Credits: 92 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSW 1.1 | Social Work Profession: History and Ideologies | Core | 4 | Evolution of Social Work, Philosophies and Values, Social Reform Movements in India, Professional Ethics, Social Work in various contexts |
| MSW 1.2 | Social Work with Individuals: Case Work | Core | 4 | Principles of Casework, Phases of Casework, Tools and Techniques, Recording in Casework, Ethics and Values in Casework |
| MSW 1.3 | Working with Groups: Group Work | Core | 4 | Concept and Types of Groups, Principles of Group Work, Stages of Group Development, Role of Group Worker, Therapeutic and Developmental Groups |
| MSW 1.4 | Social Science Perspectives for Social Work | Core | 4 | Sociological Concepts, Psychological Theories, Economic Frameworks, Political Systems, Culture and Society |
| MSW 1.5 | Introduction to Research Methods | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Research, Research Design, Data Collection Methods, Sampling Techniques, Report Writing |
| MSW 1.6 | Field Work Practicum - I | Practical | 4 | Agency Orientation, Observation and Participation, Interviewing Skills, Report Writing, Supervision Meetings |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSW 2.1 | Working with Communities: Community Organization | Core | 4 | Concept of Community, Principles of Community Organization, Models of Community Practice, Role of Community Worker, Community Development in India |
| MSW 2.2 | Social Work with Families: Family Social Work | Core | 4 | Concept of Family, Family Theories and Dynamics, Intervention Models for Families, Family Crisis Intervention, Family Life Education |
| MSW 2.3 | Social Welfare Administration | Core | 4 | Principles of Administration, Organizational Structure, Personnel Management, Financial Management, Program Planning and Evaluation |
| MSW 2.4 | Social Legislation and Human Rights | Core | 4 | Indian Constitution and Social Justice, Child and Women''''s Rights Legislation, Labor Laws, Laws related to Disability, International Human Rights Instruments |
| MSW 2.5 | Social Work Research and Statistics | Core | 4 | Quantitative and Qualitative Research, Hypothesis Testing, Data Analysis Techniques, Interpretation of Data, Ethical Considerations in Research |
| MSW 2.6 | Field Work Practicum - II | Practical | 4 | Skill Development in Casework, Group Work Facilitation, Community Needs Assessment, Record Keeping, Professional Supervision |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSW 3.1 | Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development | Core | 4 | Concept of CSR, CSR Models and Frameworks, Sustainable Development Goals, Ethics in Business, CSR Projects and Impact Assessment |
| MSW 3.2 | Counseling: Theories and Practice | Core | 4 | Counseling Process, Major Counseling Theories, Counseling Skills, Ethical Issues in Counseling, Specific Counseling Applications |
| MSW 3.3 | Field Work Practicum - III | Practical | 4 | Specialization-focused Interventions, Program Implementation, Client Assessment, Documentation and Reporting, Interdisciplinary Collaboration |
| MSW 3.4 (MPSW) | Basic Health Care | Elective (Specialization) | 4 | Public Health Concepts, Disease Prevention and Control, Healthcare Systems in India, Health Education, Role of Social Worker in Health Care |
| MSW 3.5 (MPSW) | Mental Health Social Work | Elective (Specialization) | 4 | Concept of Mental Health, Mental Disorders, Assessment in Mental Health, Psychosocial Interventions, Policies and Programs for Mental Health |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSW 4.1 | Social Action and Social Movements | Core | 4 | Theories of Social Action, Forms of Social Movements, Role of Social Workers in Advocacy, Strategies for Social Change, Case Studies of Social Movements in India |
| MSW 4.2 | Disaster Management | Core | 4 | Concepts of Disaster, Disaster Cycle, Mitigation and Preparedness, Relief and Rehabilitation, Role of Social Worker in Disaster |
| MSW 4.3 | Field Work Practicum - IV | Practical | 4 | Advanced Intervention Skills, Networking and Resource Mobilization, Team Work in Agencies, Ethical Decision Making, Professional Identity Development |
| MSW 4.4 | Dissertation | Project | 4 | Research Proposal Development, Literature Review, Data Collection and Analysis, Thesis Writing, Presentation and Viva-Voce |
| MSW 4.5 (MPSW) | Hospital Administration | Elective (Specialization) | 4 | Healthcare Management Principles, Hospital Structure and Functions, Patient Care Services, Legal and Ethical Aspects, Quality Management in Hospitals |
| MSW 4.6 (MPSW) | Social Work in Community Health | Elective (Specialization) | 4 | Determinants of Community Health, Health Programs and Policies in India, Community Health Education, Reproductive and Child Health, Interventions for Public Health Challenges |
