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MSW in Medical And Psychiatric Social Work at ST. JOSEPH'S COLLEGE (AUTONOMOUS) DEVAGIRI
Kozhikode, Kerala
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About the Specialization
What is Medical and Psychiatric Social Work at ST. JOSEPH'S COLLEGE (AUTONOMOUS) DEVAGIRI Kozhikode?
This Medical and Psychiatric Social Work program at St. Joseph''''s College, Devagiri focuses on equipping professionals to address psychosocial challenges in healthcare and mental health settings. It is highly relevant in India given the increasing focus on holistic patient care and mental well-being initiatives. This program''''s strength lies in its dual focus, preparing graduates for a wide range of roles in hospitals, de-addiction centers, and community mental health programs, meeting a significant industry demand in the Indian market.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from humanities, social sciences, or related health backgrounds seeking entry into the specialized fields of medical and psychiatric care. It also serves working professionals, such as counselors or healthcare workers, looking to upskill and formalize their expertise in social work interventions within clinical environments. Individuals passionate about mental health advocacy and community well-being, aspiring to make a tangible difference in India''''s healthcare landscape, will find this program deeply rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including Medical Social Worker, Psychiatric Social Worker, Counselor, Rehabilitation Officer, and Mental Health Program Coordinator. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience. The program aligns with professional demands from organizations like NIMHANS and various state health missions, offering strong growth trajectories in Indian hospitals, NGOs, and government health departments.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Theoretical Foundations- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with core social work theories, sociological concepts, and psychological principles. Participate in class discussions, read recommended texts beyond the syllabus, and clarify doubts promptly with faculty. This stage is crucial for understanding the human condition and societal structures from a social work perspective.
Tools & Resources
University library resources, Indian Journal of Social Work, Online academic platforms
Career Connection
A solid theoretical base is essential for effective intervention planning, critical thinking, and ethical practice, which are highly valued in any social work role, especially in medical and psychiatric settings.
Develop Empathetic Communication Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on active listening, non-verbal communication, and empathetic responding during fieldwork and classroom role-plays. Practice interview techniques and report writing, seeking regular feedback from fieldwork supervisors. Engage in peer counseling exercises to refine interpersonal skills.
Tools & Resources
Communication skill workshops, Fieldwork supervision notes, Peer feedback sessions
Career Connection
Effective communication is paramount for building rapport with clients, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and advocating for patient needs in medical and psychiatric environments.
Strategic Fieldwork Engagement- (Semester 1-2)
Treat fieldwork as a core learning laboratory. Proactively seek diverse learning opportunities within your assigned agencies, observing experienced professionals, and taking initiative in small tasks. Maintain meticulous process recordings and critically reflect on each interaction and intervention.
Tools & Resources
Fieldwork manual, Supervision sessions, Reflective journals
Career Connection
Early, active engagement in fieldwork builds practical skills, develops professional identity, and prepares you for the demanding realities of direct practice in healthcare settings, making you a more confident job applicant.
Intermediate Stage
Specialize in Medical & Psychiatric Interventions- (Semester 3-4)
Deep dive into the specialized elective subjects. Seek internships in hospitals with robust medical social work departments or psychiatric clinics. Learn about specific diagnostic criteria, treatment modalities, and rehabilitation protocols. Attend workshops on mental health first aid or crisis intervention.
Tools & Resources
Specialized textbooks, DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), ICMR guidelines, Webinars on psychiatric disorders
Career Connection
Developing expertise in these areas makes you highly marketable for specialized roles in healthcare, particularly in hospitals, mental health institutions, and de-addiction centers.
Network with Professionals & Alumni- (Semester 3-4)
Actively participate in conferences, seminars, and webinars related to medical and psychiatric social work. Connect with alumni working in relevant fields through the college''''s alumni network or professional platforms like LinkedIn. Seek their guidance on career paths and industry trends.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional social work associations (e.g., NAOP), College alumni office, Career fairs
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to internship opportunities, mentorship, and potential job referrals, which are crucial for securing placements in competitive specialized fields.
Undertake Focused Research Project- (Semester 3-4)
Choose a research topic for your dissertation/project that aligns with current issues in medical or psychiatric social work in India. Work closely with your guide, ensuring robust methodology and ethical considerations. Present your findings at college-level symposiums if possible.
Tools & Resources
Research methodology guides, Statistical software (e.g., SPSS basics), Academic databases, Faculty mentorship
Career Connection
A well-executed research project demonstrates critical thinking, analytical skills, and a commitment to evidence-based practice, which enhances your profile for both clinical and research-oriented roles.
Advanced Stage
Master Block Placement & Professional Ethics- (Semester 4)
Engage fully in the block placement, taking on increased responsibility and initiative. Focus on applying all learned theories and skills in a real-world setting. Internalize and strictly adhere to the ethical guidelines of social work, discussing dilemmas with supervisors.
Tools & Resources
Fieldwork supervision, Professional ethics codes (e.g., IFSW Code of Ethics), Case conferences
Career Connection
A strong performance in block placement often leads to pre-placement offers or excellent recommendations, directly impacting your job prospects and showcasing your ability to handle complex cases ethically.
Refine Interview & Professional Documentation Skills- (Semester 4)
Practice mock interviews tailored for medical and psychiatric social worker roles. Prepare a professional resume and portfolio showcasing your fieldwork experiences, research project, and specialized skills. Focus on clear, concise, and professional documentation as practiced in clinical settings.
Tools & Resources
Career counseling services, Mock interview sessions, Resume workshops, Professional templates
Career Connection
Polished interview skills and professional documentation are critical for successfully navigating the job application process and securing desirable positions.
Comprehensive Knowledge Integration for Viva- (Semester 4)
Prepare thoroughly for the comprehensive viva voce by reviewing all core and elective subjects. Focus on integrating theoretical knowledge with practical fieldwork experiences. Discuss complex case scenarios and your proposed interventions with peers and faculty.
Tools & Resources
All course notes, Fieldwork reports, Project report, Faculty review sessions, Peer study groups
Career Connection
Excelling in the comprehensive viva demonstrates a holistic understanding of the profession, reflecting readiness for independent practice and enhancing your credibility during job interviews.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.A. / B.Sc. / B.Com. Degree of University of Calicut or any other University recognized as equivalent, with minimum 45% marks in aggregate (5% relaxation for SEBC/physically challenged; pass minimum for SC/ST candidates).
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 80 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSW1C01 | Introduction to Professional Social Work | Core | 4 | History and Philosophy of Social Work, Indian Social Work Context, Social Work as a Profession, Methods of Social Work, Fields of Social Work Practice |
| MSW1C02 | Social Science Perspectives for Social Work | Core | 4 | Sociological Perspectives, Psychological Perspectives, Economic Perspectives, Political Science for Social Work, Health Dimensions |
| MSW1C03 | Social Work with Individuals and Groups | Core | 4 | Social Case Work Practice, Case Work Process and Tools, Social Group Work, Group Work Process and Principles, Documentation in Social Work Practice |
| MSW1C04 | Fieldwork I (Concurrent Fieldwork) | Core (Practical) | 8 | Agency Orientation, Observation and Report Writing, Basic Interviewing Skills, Community Visits, Supervision and Conferences |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSW2C05 | Social Work with Communities and Social Action | Core | 4 | Community Organization Models, Community Development Strategies, Social Action Principles, Advocacy and Lobbying, Social Movements in India |
| MSW2C06 | Social Work Research and Statistics | Core | 4 | Introduction to Social Work Research, Research Design and Methods, Data Collection Techniques, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Statistical Applications in Social Work |
| MSW2C07 | Social Welfare Administration and Social Legislation | Core | 4 | Social Welfare Administration Principles, Organizational Structure and Management, Social Policy and Planning, Indian Social Legislations, Rights-Based Approach to Welfare |
| MSW2C08 | Fieldwork II (Concurrent Fieldwork) | Core (Practical) | 8 | Skill Development in Fieldwork, Exposure to Diverse Agencies, Group Activity Planning, Problem Identification and Assessment, Process Recording and Supervision |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSW3C09 | Human Growth and Development | Core | 4 | Theories of Human Development, Stages of Life Span Development, Factors Influencing Development, Personality Development, Health and Well-being Across Stages |
| MSW3E01 | Medical Social Work Practice | Elective (Medical and Psychiatric Social Work) | 4 | Fundamentals of Medical Social Work, Role of Social Worker in Healthcare Settings, Psychosocial Aspects of Illness, Counseling in Medical Settings, Health Policies and Ethics |
| MSW3E02 | Psychiatric Social Work Practice | Elective (Medical and Psychiatric Social Work) | 4 | Introduction to Psychiatric Social Work, Classification of Mental Disorders, Psychosocial Assessment and Interventions, De-addiction and Rehabilitation, Mental Health Legislation and Services |
| MSW3C10 | Fieldwork III (Concurrent Fieldwork) | Core (Practical) | 8 | Specialization-focused Fieldwork, Advanced Intervention Skills, Case Management, Crisis Intervention, Interdisciplinary Teamwork |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSW4C11 | Current Trends and Emerging Challenges in Social Work | Core | 4 | Global Social Issues, Disaster Management, Gender and Development, Human Rights Advocacy, Environmental Social Work |
| MSW4P01 | Project Report / Dissertation | Project | 8 | Research Problem Formulation, Literature Review, Research Methodology and Design, Data Analysis and Findings, Report Writing and Presentation |
| MSW4C12 | Comprehensive Viva Voce | Core | 4 | Overall Knowledge of Social Work, Theoretical Application in Practice, Fieldwork Experiences and Learnings, Ethical Considerations in Social Work, Professional Identity and Role |
| MSW4C13 | Fieldwork IV (Block Placement) | Core (Practical) | 4 | Intensive Block Placement Experience, Application of Specialized Skills, Professional Ethics in Practice, Collaboration with Multidisciplinary Teams, Final Fieldwork Report and Presentation |
