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MSW in Family And Child Welfare at ST. JOSEPH'S COLLEGE (AUTONOMOUS) DEVAGIRI
Kozhikode, Kerala
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About the Specialization
What is Family and Child Welfare at ST. JOSEPH'S COLLEGE (AUTONOMOUS) DEVAGIRI Kozhikode?
This Family and Child Welfare program at St. Joseph''''s College, Devagiri, focuses on understanding and addressing the complex needs of families and children in India. It delves into social, psychological, and legal aspects, preparing professionals for critical roles in protection, development, and support services. The curriculum emphasizes a holistic approach to strengthen family units and ensure child well-being, crucial for a rapidly evolving Indian society.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for passionate fresh graduates seeking entry into the social work field, particularly those driven to impact vulnerable populations. It also suits working professionals, such as counsellors or community workers, aiming to specialize or upskill in family and child intervention. Graduates from BSW, Psychology, Sociology, or other humanities disciplines with a strong commitment to social justice are well-suited.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including Child Protection Officer, Family Counsellor, Project Coordinator for NGOs, or School Social Worker. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience. The program aligns with national child welfare policies and prepares students for roles in government, non-profits, and corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Develop Foundational Research Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage in social work research methods courses, focusing on understanding qualitative and quantitative data collection. Practice designing small-scale surveys or interview schedules for community needs assessments. Join a peer study group to analyze case studies and critically evaluate research papers.
Tools & Resources
SPSS for basic statistics, NVivo for qualitative data (optional), Calicut University e-resources, NPTEL courses on social science research
Career Connection
Strong research skills are essential for evidence-based practice, program evaluation, and policy advocacy, making graduates valuable in NGOs and government agencies requiring data-driven interventions.
Cultivate Empathy and Active Listening through Fieldwork- (Semester 1-2)
Fully immerse in concurrent fieldwork placements. Beyond observation, actively participate in client interactions, practice active listening, and reflective journaling. Seek regular supervision feedback to refine interviewing and rapport-building skills, crucial for effective intervention.
Tools & Resources
Fieldwork journal, Supervisor feedback sessions, Role-playing exercises, Self-reflection templates
Career Connection
These core social work skills are indispensable for direct practice roles like counselling, case management, and community engagement, enhancing client trust and intervention success.
Master Indian Social Legislation- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate extra study time to understanding Indian social legislation, especially those related to children, women, and vulnerable groups (e.g., JJ Act, POCSO, Domestic Violence Act). Participate in workshops or legal aid clinics if available, to see legal application in real-world scenarios.
Tools & Resources
Bare Acts of relevant Indian laws, Legal aid forums, Online government resources for social welfare schemes
Career Connection
A solid grasp of law is vital for roles in child protection, legal social work, and advocacy, ensuring ethical and legal compliance in practice.
Intermediate Stage
Specialization-Focused Experiential Learning- (Semester 3-4)
During Semester 3 and 4 fieldwork, actively seek placements in organizations specifically working with family and child welfare (e.g., child care institutions, family counselling centers, women''''s shelters). Propose and lead a small project relevant to your specialization, like a child rights awareness campaign.
Tools & Resources
Partner NGOs, College placement cell, Project management templates
Career Connection
Direct experience in your specialization strengthens your resume, develops practical skills, and provides networking opportunities for future employment in the family and child welfare sector.
Network with Industry Professionals- (Semester 3-4)
Attend webinars, seminars, and conferences related to child protection, family therapy, and social development. Connect with guest lecturers, fieldwork supervisors, and alumni working in relevant fields through platforms like LinkedIn. Participate in professional associations like the Indian Association of Social Workers (IASW).
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional association memberships, College alumni network, Event listing websites
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to internship leads, mentorship, and job opportunities, providing insights into the evolving landscape of social work practice in India.
Develop Advanced Counselling and Intervention Skills- (Semester 3-4)
Beyond coursework, explore certifications or workshops in specific counselling approaches (e.g., CBT, Family Systems Therapy) relevant to family and child welfare. Practice case conceptualization and intervention planning, focusing on ethical dilemmas and cultural sensitivities specific to India.
Tools & Resources
Online courses (e.g., Coursera, Udemy on counselling), Local training institutes, Case study discussions
Career Connection
Specialized therapeutic skills are highly valued in family counselling, mental health support, and rehabilitation centers, enhancing your professional efficacy and marketability.
Advanced Stage
Execute a High-Impact Dissertation/Project- (Semester 4)
Choose a research topic for your dissertation that directly addresses a pressing issue in Indian family and child welfare. Conduct thorough primary research, apply advanced analytical skills, and ensure the project has actionable recommendations. Aim for publication in a relevant journal or presentation at a conference.
Tools & Resources
Research databases, Academic advisors, Statistical software, Academic writing tools
Career Connection
A strong, relevant dissertation showcases expertise, analytical prowess, and commitment, significantly boosting credibility for roles in research, policy, and program management.
Engage in Policy Advocacy and Program Design- (Semester 4)
Participate in initiatives that involve policy analysis or program development related to family and child welfare. This could be through your fieldwork agency, volunteer work, or academic projects. Understand how social work principles translate into effective and culturally appropriate interventions within the Indian context.
Tools & Resources
Government policy documents, NGO reports, UN/UNICEF guidelines, Local administrative offices
Career Connection
Skills in policy advocacy and program design are crucial for leadership roles in NGOs, government, and international agencies, enabling systemic change and large-scale impact.
Strategic Career Mapping and Placement Preparation- (Semester 4)
Work closely with the college''''s placement cell to identify target organizations (NGOs, government bodies, CSR wings) in your specialization. Prepare a tailored resume, practice interview techniques, and develop a portfolio highlighting fieldwork experiences and project outcomes. Seek mock interviews with faculty or alumni.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, Career counselling services, Online job portals (e.g., NGOBox, ImpactGuru), Professional networking platforms
Career Connection
Proactive placement preparation ensures you are job-ready and effectively articulate your skills and passion, leading to successful entry into desired roles post-graduation.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Any Bachelor Degree from a recognized University with not less than 45% marks in aggregate. SC/ST candidates are eligible for relaxation in marks as per university norms. Preference will be given to candidates with BSW.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 110 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSW1C01 | Introduction to Social Work | Core | 4 | History and Philosophy of Social Work, Values and Principles of Social Work, Methods and Fields of Social Work, Indian Social Work Context, Professional Ethics |
| MSW1C02 | Social Work with Individuals | Core | 4 | Casework Theory and Practice, Principles and Components of Casework, Stages of Casework Process, Therapeutic Approaches in Casework, Documentation and Evaluation |
| MSW1C03 | Social Work with Groups | Core | 4 | Group Work Concepts and Principles, Types of Groups and Group Dynamics, Stages of Group Development, Leadership in Group Work, Programme Planning in Groups |
| MSW1C04 | Social Deviance and Social Problems | Core | 4 | Concepts of Social Deviance and Control, Theories of Social Disorganization, Major Social Problems in India, Drug Abuse, Alcoholism, Juvenile Delinquency, Role of Social Worker in Addressing Problems |
| MSW1C05 | Social Work Research and Statistics I | Core | 4 | Introduction to Social Work Research, Research Design and Types, Data Collection Methods and Tools, Sampling Techniques, Basic Statistical Concepts |
| MSW1P01 | Field Work and Concurrent Placement I | Field Work | 6 | Orientation to Social Work Agencies, Observation and Case Study, Community Visits and Surveys, Report Writing and Documentation, Supervision and Reflection |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSW2C06 | Social Work with Communities | Core | 4 | Community Organization Models and Approaches, Participatory Development and Empowerment, Sustainable Community Development, Rural and Urban Community Issues, Role of Social Worker in Community Development |
| MSW2C07 | Social Action and Social Movements | Core | 4 | Concepts of Social Action and Advocacy, Models and Strategies of Social Action, Types of Social Movements in India, Human Rights and Social Justice, Mobilization and Collective Action |
| MSW2C08 | Social Legislation and Human Rights | Core | 4 | Indian Constitution and Social Justice, Personal Laws and Family Laws, Child Protection and Welfare Legislations, Human Rights Framework and Violations, Role of Law in Social Change |
| MSW2C09 | Counselling: Principles and Practice | Core | 4 | Theories and Models of Counselling, Counselling Process and Skills, Crisis Intervention and Management, Family and Group Counselling, Ethical Considerations in Counselling |
| MSW2C10 | Social Work Research and Statistics II | Core | 4 | Data Analysis Techniques (Quantitative and Qualitative), Interpretation of Research Findings, Research Report Writing, Application of SPSS in Social Work Research, Ethics in Social Research |
| MSW2P02 | Field Work and Concurrent Placement II | Field Work | 6 | Direct Practice with Individuals and Groups, Community Needs Assessment, Programme Implementation and Participation, Skill Development Workshops, Supervised Practice and Evaluation |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSW3C11 | Social Welfare Administration and Social Policy | Core | 4 | Principles of Social Welfare Administration, Management Functions in Welfare Organizations, Social Policy Formulation and Analysis, Resource Mobilization and Fund Raising, Organizational Structure and Governance |
| MSW3E1 | Family and Child Welfare (Specialization Core) | Specialization Core | 4 | Concepts of Family, Marriage, Kinship, Child Development Stages and Needs, Family Life Cycle and Challenges, Welfare Services for Families and Children, Role of Social Worker in Family Settings |
| MSW3E2 | Theories and Perspectives in Family and Child Welfare | Specialization Elective | 4 | Sociological Theories of Family, Psychological Perspectives on Child Rearing, Feminist Approaches to Family Issues, Family Systems Theory, Ecosystems Perspective |
| MSW3E3 | Child Rights and Protection | Specialization Elective | 4 | UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, Child Labour, Child Abuse and Neglect, Child Care Institutions and Services |
| MSW3P03 | Field Work and Concurrent Placement III | Field Work (Specialization Focused) | 8 | Placement in Family & Child Welfare Agencies, Case Management in Child Protection, Counselling for Families and Children, Programme Planning and Implementation, Documentation and Process Recording |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSW4C12 | Health and Population | General Elective | 4 | Concepts of Health and Disease, Public Health Interventions, Reproductive and Child Health, HIV/AIDS and Other Communicable Diseases, Population Dynamics and Policies |
| MSW4E4 | Adoption and Foster Care | Specialization Elective | 4 | Concepts of Adoption and Foster Care, Legal Framework for Adoption in India (JJ Act, CARA), Process of Adoption and Foster Care, Challenges and Best Practices, Post-Adoption Support Services |
| MSW4E5 | Youth and Elderly Welfare | Specialization Elective | 4 | Challenges and Issues Faced by Youth, Youth Development Programs and Policies, Concepts of Geriatric Care, Welfare Policies for the Elderly in India, Role of Social Worker in Youth and Elderly Settings |
| MSW4P04 | Project Report/Dissertation | Project | 8 | Problem Identification and Formulation, Methodology and Data Collection, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Report Writing and Presentation, Recommendations and Conclusion |
| MSW4V01 | Comprehensive Viva Voce | Assessment | 4 | Overall knowledge of social work theories, Understanding of specialization concepts, Application of fieldwork experiences, Critical thinking and problem-solving, Professional ethics and values |
| MSW4P05 | Field Work and Concurrent Placement IV | Field Work | 10 | Advanced Practice in Specialization Area, Program Development and Management, Advocacy and Policy Intervention, Leadership Skills in Social Work, Professional Development and Ethics |
