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MSW in Medical And Psychiatric Social Work 13 at St. Joseph's College (Autonomous), Devagiri
Kozhikode, Kerala
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About the Specialization
What is Medical and Psychiatric Social Work [13] at St. Joseph's College (Autonomous), Devagiri Kozhikode?
This Medical and Psychiatric Social Work program at St. Joseph''''s College, Kozhikode, focuses on equipping students with specialized skills to address health and mental health challenges. It delves into the psychosocial aspects of illness, mental health disorders, and addiction, preparing professionals to work in diverse healthcare settings across India. The program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical application, aligning with the growing demand for skilled social workers in India''''s expanding healthcare sector.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from any discipline seeking entry into the health and mental health social work field. It also suits working professionals looking to upskill in specialized areas of medical and psychiatric care or career changers transitioning to social work roles in hospitals, mental health institutions, and NGOs. A background in psychology, sociology, or public health can be beneficial but is not strictly required.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in Indian hospitals, mental health clinics, rehabilitation centers, NGOs, and public health initiatives. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3 LPA to 6 LPA, with experienced professionals earning upwards of INR 8-12 LPA. Growth trajectories include roles as Medical Social Workers, Psychiatric Social Workers, Counselors, and Program Managers, often leading to leadership positions in health organizations. The skills acquired are highly relevant for a developing healthcare landscape.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Social Work Theories- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to thoroughly understand foundational theories in social work, psychology, and sociology. Form study groups with peers to discuss complex concepts and apply them to hypothetical case studies, strengthening your analytical base.
Tools & Resources
Academic textbooks, Journal articles (e.g., Indian Journal of Social Work), Peer study groups
Career Connection
A strong theoretical foundation is crucial for effective intervention and forms the basis for all specialized practice, enhancing your credibility in professional settings and preparing for advanced specialization.
Active Participation in Fieldwork Seminars- (Semester 1-2)
Engage proactively in fieldwork seminars, sharing experiences and reflecting on challenges encountered during placements. Seek constructive feedback from supervisors and peers to refine your observational and intervention skills.
Tools & Resources
Fieldwork journals, Supervision meetings, Peer feedback sessions
Career Connection
Early practical exposure and reflective learning build essential professional competencies, enabling smoother transitions into specialized placements and improving your readiness for real-world client interactions.
Develop Basic Counselling Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Practice active listening, empathy, and rapport-building techniques from early on. Utilize role-playing exercises in class and seek opportunities to apply these skills in supervised settings during initial fieldwork placements.
Tools & Resources
Counselling skill manuals, Role-playing scenarios, Faculty mentorship
Career Connection
Strong basic counselling skills are indispensable for any social work specialization, especially in medical and psychiatric fields, enhancing your ability to connect with and support vulnerable individuals.
Intermediate Stage
Deep Dive into Specialization-Specific Literature- (Semester 3-4)
Beyond classroom readings, actively seek out and read research papers, case studies, and policy documents related to medical and psychiatric social work in the Indian context. Subscribe to relevant professional journals or newsletters.
Tools & Resources
PubMed, JSTOR, Indian Journal of Psychiatry, NIMHANS publications
Career Connection
Specialized knowledge sets you apart, enabling you to contribute meaningfully to discussions, inform your practice with evidence, and demonstrate expertise during interviews for roles in healthcare settings.
Network with Professionals in Healthcare Settings- (Semester 3-4)
Utilize fieldwork placements as opportunities to network with medical doctors, psychiatrists, nurses, and experienced social workers. Attend workshops or conferences on health and mental health to build connections and learn about emerging trends.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional conferences (e.g., IASP, IPS), Hospital events
Career Connection
Building a strong professional network can lead to invaluable mentorship, internship opportunities, and direct job referrals within the specialized fields of medical and psychiatric social work.
Undertake Mini-Research Projects on Health Issues- (Semester 3-4)
Proactively identify a small-scale research topic related to health or mental health in your community or during fieldwork. This could be a literature review, a small survey, or a case study analysis, applying your research skills.
Tools & Resources
University library resources, Statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R), Faculty guidance
Career Connection
Research experience, especially in your specialization, demonstrates analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities, which are highly valued in both practice and policy-oriented roles.
Advanced Stage
Prepare a High-Quality Dissertation on a Relevant Topic- (Semester 4)
Choose a dissertation topic that directly aligns with your specialization (Medical or Psychiatric Social Work). Conduct thorough research, ensure robust methodology, and produce a well-written thesis that can be presented at conferences or published.
Tools & Resources
Academic writing guides, Research mentors, Plagiarism checker tools
Career Connection
A strong dissertation acts as a significant portfolio piece, showcasing your expertise and research capabilities to potential employers in specialized medical and mental health organizations.
Participate in Mock Interviews and Resume Building Workshops- (Semester 4)
Actively engage in mock interviews tailored for medical and psychiatric social work roles. Get feedback on your resume and cover letter from career counselors, highlighting your specialization-specific skills and experiences.
Tools & Resources
Career services department, Online interview platforms, Professional resume templates
Career Connection
Polished interview skills and a targeted resume are critical for securing placements and jobs in highly competitive specialized fields within the Indian healthcare industry.
Develop Advanced Advocacy and Policy Skills- (Semester 4)
Learn to analyze health and mental health policies in India and understand mechanisms for advocacy. Engage in projects or volunteer work that involve policy analysis or advocacy for patient rights and mental health awareness.
Tools & Resources
Government policy documents (e.g., National Health Policy), NGO reports, Advocacy training programs
Career Connection
The ability to influence policy and advocate effectively is crucial for systemic change and opens up career avenues in public health, policy research, and leadership roles in social development organizations.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor’s Degree (10+2+3) in any discipline with not less than 45% marks in aggregate. SC/ST candidates 40%.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 108 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SW1C01 | Introduction to Professional Social Work | Core | 4 | Understanding Social Work, History and Philosophy of Social Work in India, Fields of Social Work, Social Work Ethics and Values, Challenges and Trends in Social Work |
| SW1C02 | Social Science Perspectives for Social Work | Core | 4 | Sociological Concepts for Social Work, Psychological Principles, Economic Perspectives on Welfare, Political Science and Social Policy, Anthropological Insights |
| SW1C03 | Social Work with Individuals and Groups | Core | 4 | Casework Principles and Practice, Group Work Models and Process, Assessment and Intervention Strategies, Ethical Considerations in Practice, Documentation and Evaluation |
| SW1C04 | Social Work Research and Statistics I | Core | 4 | Introduction to Social Work Research, Research Designs and Methods, Data Collection Techniques, Sampling Procedures, Basic Statistics in Social Research |
| SW1P01 | Field Work Practice I | Fieldwork | 6 | Orientation to Agency Settings, Observation and Assessment, Application of Social Work Methods, Supervision and Recording, Community Immersion |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SW2C05 | Social Welfare Administration and Social Legislation | Core | 4 | Principles of Social Welfare Administration, Program Planning and Management, Fund Raising and Financial Management, Indian Social Legislations, Advocacy and Policy Influence |
| SW2C06 | Community Organization and Social Action | Core | 4 | Models of Community Organization, Community Needs Assessment, Mobilization and Empowerment, Social Action Strategies, Participatory Development |
| SW2C07 | Counselling: Theory and Practice | Core | 4 | Fundamentals of Counselling, Counselling Approaches and Techniques, Stages of Counselling Process, Crisis Intervention, Ethical Issues in Counselling |
| SW2C08 | Social Work Research and Statistics II | Core | 4 | Advanced Research Designs, Qualitative Research Methods, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Report Writing, Application of Statistical Software |
| SW2P02 | Field Work Practice II | Fieldwork | 6 | Advanced Agency Engagement, Skill Development in Casework, Group Facilitation, Program Implementation Support, Ethical Dilemmas in Practice |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SW3C09 | Human Rights and Social Work | Core | 4 | Introduction to Human Rights, Human Rights in Indian Context, Social Work Advocacy for Rights, Vulnerable Groups and Rights, International Human Rights Mechanisms |
| SW3C10 | Gender and Development | Core | 4 | Gender Concepts and Theories, Gender and Development Paradigms, Gender-Based Violence, Women''''s Empowerment Initiatives in India, Policy and Legal Frameworks for Gender Equality |
| SW3E01 | Medical Social Work | Elective (Specialization) | 4 | Role of Social Worker in Health Settings, Health Policies and Programs in India, Psychosocial Aspects of Illness, Terminal Illness and Palliative Care, Medical Ethics and Rights of Patients |
| SW3E02 | Psychiatric Social Work | Elective (Specialization) | 4 | Understanding Mental Illnesses, Role of Psychiatric Social Worker, Mental Health Legislation in India, Family and Community Mental Health, Therapeutic Interventions in Psychiatry |
| SW3C11 | Project Planning and Management | Core | 4 | Project Cycle Management, Logframe Approach, Project Proposal Writing, Monitoring and Evaluation, Sustainable Development Goals |
| SW3P03 | Field Work Practice III | Fieldwork | 8 | Specialization-Focused Placements, Advanced Intervention Skills, Interdisciplinary Teamwork, Case Management, Documentation and Reporting |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SW4C12 | Disaster Management and Social Work | Core | 4 | Concepts of Disaster and Vulnerability, Disaster Risk Reduction, Phases of Disaster Management, Role of Social Workers in Disasters, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction |
| SW4E04 | Social Work with HIV/AIDS, TB, Cancer and other Chronic Illnesses | Elective (Specialization) | 4 | Psychosocial Impact of Chronic Illnesses, Counselling for Illness Management, Support Systems and Community Care, Policy and Programs for Chronic Diseases in India, Stigma and Discrimination Reduction |
| SW4E05 | Social Work with Persons with Mental Health Issues and Addictions | Elective (Specialization) | 4 | Mental Health Disorders and Substance Abuse, Assessment and Diagnosis, Intervention Models for Addiction, Rehabilitation and Aftercare, Prevention Programs and Advocacy |
| SW4C13 | Dissertation | Project | 10 | Research Problem Identification, Literature Review, Methodology Design, Data Collection and Analysis, Thesis Writing and Presentation |
| SW4P04 | Field Work Practice IV | Fieldwork | 10 | Leadership in Fieldwork, Program Development and Evaluation, Advanced Advocacy Skills, Professional Networking, Preparation for Employment |
