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MSW in General at Sardar Patel University
Anand, Gujarat
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About the Specialization
What is General at Sardar Patel University Anand?
This Master of Social Work program at Sardar Patel University focuses on developing skilled professionals dedicated to societal welfare. It integrates theoretical understanding with practical field experiences, preparing students to address diverse social issues prevalent in the Indian context. The program emphasizes ethical practice and holistic intervention strategies, aiming to foster agents of positive social change and community development.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from any discipline passionate about social causes and community service, seeking a fulfilling career in social development. It also suits working professionals, including those in NGOs or corporate social responsibility roles, looking to formalize their expertise or transition into leadership positions within the social sector. Individuals with empathy, strong communication skills, and a commitment to human rights will thrive here.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue impactful careers in NGOs, government social welfare departments, hospitals, schools, corporate CSR initiatives, and international development agencies across India. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 to 4.5 LPA, growing significantly with experience to INR 6-12+ LPA for senior roles. The program equips students with advanced skills in counselling, community organization, and project management, essential for driving social change and professional growth.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Foundational Knowledge and Observational Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with core social work theories and concepts taught in semesters 1 and 2. Complement classroom learning by diligently participating in field work observation visits, maintaining detailed journals, and discussing cases with field supervisors.
Tools & Resources
Social work textbooks, Academic journals, Field work manuals, Peer study groups, Agency visit reports
Career Connection
Strong theoretical grounding and early exposure to real-world social problems are crucial for developing effective intervention strategies, forming the bedrock for professional social work practice.
Develop Empathy and Active Listening- (Semester 1-2)
Cultivate active listening and empathetic communication skills through role-playing exercises, peer counselling sessions, and interactions during field work. Focus on understanding diverse perspectives without judgment, essential for building rapport with clients and communities.
Tools & Resources
Communication skills workshops, Active listening exercises, Feedback from peers and supervisors, Reflective journaling on client interactions
Career Connection
These soft skills are paramount for client engagement, effective counselling, and community mobilization, directly enhancing future career effectiveness in any social work setting.
Network with Faculty and Senior Students- (Semester 1-2)
Regularly interact with faculty members for academic guidance and career insights. Seek mentorship from senior MSW students regarding field work experiences, elective choices, and professional opportunities within the social sector.
Tools & Resources
Faculty office hours, Department seminars, Alumni meet-ups, Informal discussions with senior students
Career Connection
Early networking helps in understanding various career paths, gaining practical advice, and potentially identifying internship or project opportunities through personal recommendations.
Intermediate Stage
Apply Theory to Specialized Practice Areas- (Semester 3)
Focus on applying theoretical knowledge from electives like Correctional Social Work or Medical Social Work to practical scenarios during field work. Actively participate in agency activities related to your chosen specialization, seeking to bridge the gap between classroom concepts and ground realities.
Tools & Resources
Specialized agency placement manuals, Case studies from field supervisors, Professional guidelines for chosen specialization, Relevant journals
Career Connection
Deepening understanding in a chosen area provides specialized skills, making you a more attractive candidate for roles in specific social work domains like health, justice, or rural development.
Engage in Social Research and Data Analysis- (Semester 3)
Take initiative in the Social Research and Statistics course to understand various research methodologies. Apply these skills by assisting in small-scale projects, data collection, or basic analysis within your field work agency or through academic assignments.
Tools & Resources
SPSS/R tutorials, Research methodology books, University library resources, Guidance from research faculty
Career Connection
Research and data analysis skills are increasingly vital for evidence-based social work practice, program evaluation, and policy advocacy, opening doors to roles in monitoring and evaluation or program design.
Participate in Workshops and Seminars- (Semester 3)
Actively attend and participate in workshops, webinars, and seminars organized by the university or local NGOs on contemporary social issues, counselling techniques, or specific intervention strategies. Present field work experiences or short research findings.
Tools & Resources
University notice boards, NGO event listings, Professional social work associations, Online learning platforms
Career Connection
Enhances practical skills, exposes students to current trends and best practices, and expands professional networks, which can lead to internship or job referrals.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Project Management and Grant Writing- (Semester 4)
Utilize the Programme Planning & Project Management course to develop practical skills in designing, implementing, and evaluating social welfare projects. Seek opportunities to contribute to grant proposals or funding applications within your field work agency or for a university initiative.
Tools & Resources
Project management software (basic), NGO grant guidelines, Proposal writing workshops, Supervision from experienced project managers
Career Connection
Competence in project management and resource mobilization is highly valued for leadership roles in NGOs, government agencies, and CSR departments, enabling you to drive and sustain impactful social programs.
Master Dissertation/Research Project- (Semester 4)
Dedicate significant effort to your Dissertation/Research Project, choosing a topic relevant to current social challenges in India. Conduct thorough literature reviews, rigorous data collection, and insightful analysis, culminating in a high-quality written report and presentation.
Tools & Resources
Research supervisors, Academic writing centers, Statistical software, Access to relevant databases and libraries
Career Connection
A strong research project demonstrates independent critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and expertise in a specific area, enhancing academic credibility and attractiveness to research-focused or policy-oriented roles.
Prepare for Placements and Professional Licensing- (Semester 4)
Actively engage in career counselling sessions, mock interviews, and resume-building workshops organized by the university. Network extensively with alumni and potential employers during university placement drives and career fairs.
Tools & Resources
Career services department, LinkedIn, Professional social work associations for job postings, Interview preparation guides
Career Connection
Strategic placement preparation ensures smooth transition into desired roles within NGOs, government bodies, or corporate social responsibility teams, leveraging the skills and knowledge gained throughout the MSW program.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- A candidate who has passed any Bachelor''''s degree (minimum three years duration) with 40% in aggregate from this university or any other University recognized as equivalent thereto by S.P. University.
Duration: 2 years / 4 semesters
Credits: 80 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 | Introduction to Social Work, Historical Development of Social Work, Values, Philosophy, Principles of Social Work, Social Work as a Profession, Fields of Social Work Practice |
| MSW 102 | Basic Social Sciences for Social Work | Core | 4 | Basic Concept of Sociology, Basic Concept of Psychology, Basic Concept of Economics, Basic Concept of Political Science, Basic Concept of Anthropology |
| MSW 103 | Social Case Work | Core | 4 | Introduction to Social Case Work, Principles, Components & Process of Social Case Work, Interview in Social Case Work, Techniques in Social Case Work, Application of Social Case Work |
| MSW 104 | Human Growth & Development | Core | 4 | Introduction to Human Growth and Development, Development Stages of Human Life, Factors Influencing Growth and Development, Theories of Human Growth and Development, Health and Mental Health Aspects |
| MSW 105 | Field Work / Internship I | Practical | 4 | Orientation to Field Work, Observation Visits to Agencies, Concurrent Field Work Practice, Seminar Presentation, Field Work Viva |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSW 201 | Social Group Work | Core | 4 | Introduction to Social Group Work, Historical Development & Principles of Social Group Work, Models and Skills in Social Group Work, Programming in Social Group Work, Application of Social Group Work |
| MSW 202 | Community Organization & Social Action | Core | 4 | Introduction to Community Organization, Principles, Models & Approaches of Community Organization, Role of Social Worker in Community Organization, Introduction to Social Action, Social Action Strategies & Movements in India |
| MSW 203 | Social Research & Statistics | Core | 4 | Introduction to Social Research, Research Design, Data Collection, Data Analysis & Report Writing, Introduction to Statistics, Measures of Central Tendency & Dispersion |
| MSW 204 | Social Welfare Administration & Social Policy | Core | 4 | Introduction to Social Welfare Administration, Principles, Functions & Skills of Social Welfare Administration, Financial Management, Public Relations & Professional Ethics, Introduction to Social Policy, Social Policy in India |
| MSW 205 | Field Work / Internship II | Practical | 4 | Continuation of Field Work Practice, Agency-Based Interventions, Individual and Group Reporting, Seminar Presentation, Field Work Viva |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSW 301 | Social Problems in India | Core | 4 | Understanding Social Problems, Problems Related to Weaker Sections, Problems Related to Family & Youth, Problems Related to Health & Environment, Social Legislations & Interventions |
| MSW 302 | Counselling: Theory & Practice | Core | 4 | Introduction to Counselling, Principles, Process & Techniques of Counselling, Theories of Counselling, Specific Areas of Counselling, Ethical Issues in Counselling |
| MSW 303 | Correctional Social Work / Medical Social Work | Elective (Choice between Correctional Social Work and Medical Social Work) | 4 | Correctional Social Work: Introduction, Criminal Justice System, Institutions & Services, Role of Social Worker, Juvenile Justice, Medical Social Work: Introduction, Health Care System in India, Role of Medical Social Worker, Major Health Problems, Ethical Issues |
| MSW 304 | Rural & Urban Community Development / Industrial Social Work | Elective (Choice between Rural & Urban Community Development and Industrial Social Work) | 4 | Rural & Urban Community Development: Introduction to Rural Community Development, Rural Development Programmes in India, Urban Community Development, Urban Development Programmes, Role of Social Worker, Industrial Social Work: Introduction to Industrial Social Work, Labour Legislations & Policies, Role of Social Worker in Industry, Industrial Relations & Conflicts, Employee Welfare |
| MSW 305 | Field Work / Internship III | Practical | 4 | Specialized Agency Placement, Advanced Practice Interventions, Case Studies & Project Work, Seminar Presentation, Field Work Viva |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSW 401 | Programme Planning & Project Management | Core | 4 | Introduction to Programme Planning, Project Cycle Management, Project Formulation & Appraisal, Project Implementation, Monitoring & Evaluation, Resource Mobilization & Fund Raising |
| MSW 402 | Human Rights & Social Justice | Core | 4 | Introduction to Human Rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Human Rights in India, Social Justice & Injustice, Role of Social Worker in Human Rights Advocacy |
| MSW 403 | Social Work Ethics & Professionalism / Disaster Management | Elective (Choice between Social Work Ethics & Professionalism and Disaster Management) | 4 | Social Work Ethics & Professionalism: Introduction to Professional Ethics, Ethical Dilemmas in Social Work, Professional Accountability, Qualities of a Professional Social Worker, Code of Ethics, Disaster Management: Introduction to Disaster Management, Types of Disasters, Disaster Preparedness & Mitigation, Disaster Response & Rehabilitation, Role of Social Worker in Disaster Management |
| MSW 404 | Dissertation / Research Project | Project | 4 | Identification of Research Problem, Literature Review, Research Methodology, Data Collection & Analysis, Report Writing & Presentation |
| MSW 405 | Field Work / Internship IV | Practical | 4 | Advanced Specialized Field Placement, Independent Practice & Supervision, Professional Development, Seminar & Viva Voce, Report Submission |
