.png&w=1920&q=75)
MSW in Medical Psychiatric Self Financing at St. Thomas College (Autonomous), Thrissur
Thrissur, Kerala
.png&w=1920&q=75)
About the Specialization
What is Medical & Psychiatric (Self Financing) at St. Thomas College (Autonomous), Thrissur Thrissur?
This Medical & Psychiatric Social Work (MPSW) program at St. Thomas College, Thrissur focuses on equipping students with advanced skills to address psychosocial issues within healthcare settings. In the Indian context, where mental health awareness is growing and healthcare infrastructure is expanding, this specialization is crucial for providing holistic patient care. It uniquely blends medical knowledge with social work interventions, preparing professionals for high-demand roles.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for compassionate graduates from any discipline seeking entry into the specialized fields of medical and psychiatric social work. It also caters to existing social work professionals looking to specialize in health-related interventions or healthcare practitioners aiming to understand the social determinants of health. Candidates with strong empathy, analytical skills, and a commitment to serving vulnerable populations will thrive.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including medical social workers in hospitals, psychiatric social workers in mental health institutions, and counselors in rehabilitation centers. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 to 4 LPA, growing significantly with experience to INR 6-10 LPA in established organizations. This specialization aligns with the growing demand for mental health professionals and community health workers in both public and private sectors.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Social Work Theories and Ethics- (Semester 1)
Dedicate time to thoroughly understand foundational social work concepts, ethical principles, and historical perspectives from courses like ''''Introduction to Social Work'''' and ''''Social Science Perspectives''''. Participate in discussions and apply these principles during initial field visits.
Tools & Resources
Core social work textbooks, Ethical guidelines from professional bodies, Online lectures from leading social workers, Case study analyses
Career Connection
A strong grasp of theory and ethics is fundamental for any social worker in India, ensuring professional conduct and effective practice, crucial for roles in NGOs, government social welfare departments, and community projects.
Cultivate Effective Communication and Interpersonal Skills- (Semester 1)
Actively practice empathetic listening, clear communication, and non-verbal cues during classroom role-plays and early field experiences. Seek feedback on your interaction styles and work to build rapport with individuals and groups.
Tools & Resources
Communication skills workshops, Active listening exercises, Peer feedback sessions, Self-reflection journals on client interactions
Career Connection
Excellent communication is paramount for building trust with clients, collaborating with teams, and advocating for change, highly valued in all social work settings in India, particularly counseling and community work.
Initiate Basic Field Work Engagement- (Semester 1)
Approach initial field placements (Field Work - I) with an open mind, focusing on observation, learning agency structures, and understanding diverse community needs. Document experiences diligently and engage critically with supervisors.
Tools & Resources
Field work manual, Supervision log, Agency orientation materials, Reflective essays on field experiences
Career Connection
Early exposure to real-world social issues and agency functioning builds practical knowledge, preparing students for the demands of fieldwork and future employment in social welfare organizations across India.
Intermediate Stage
Apply Research Skills to Social Issues- (Semester 2)
During ''''Social Work Research and Statistics'''', actively design small-scale research proposals, collect sample data, and perform basic statistical analysis relevant to Indian social problems. Understand how research informs evidence-based practice.
Tools & Resources
SPSS software, Research article databases (e.g., PubMed, Google Scholar), Data collection tools, Research mentors
Career Connection
Research competence is essential for program evaluation, policy formulation, and identifying intervention needs, leading to roles in NGOs, academic institutions, and government bodies focused on social development.
Immerse in Specialization-Specific Field Work- (Semester 3)
Maximize learning during ''''Concurrent Field Work - III (Specialization)'''' by actively seeking placements in medical and psychiatric settings. Engage deeply in case management, patient advocacy, and interdisciplinary team participation, documenting interventions thoroughly.
Tools & Resources
Detailed case notes, Interdisciplinary meeting minutes, Hospital protocols, Specialized training modules on medical/psychiatric conditions
Career Connection
This specialized field experience provides invaluable hands-on training, making graduates highly sought after for roles in hospitals, mental health clinics, and rehabilitation centers, which are growing sectors in India.
Build Knowledge in Medical & Psychiatric Interventions- (Semester 3)
Proactively study the theories and practical applications from ''''Medical Social Work'''' and ''''Psychiatric Social Work'''' courses. Explore Indian mental health policies, common health conditions, and relevant social determinants influencing patient outcomes.
Tools & Resources
Textbooks on medical sociology and psychiatry, Indian mental health acts, Case studies on health crises, Guest lectures by medical professionals
Career Connection
Deep knowledge in these areas is crucial for effective intervention and counseling in healthcare environments, positioning graduates for impactful roles in the Indian health sector.
Advanced Stage
Master Project Planning and Management- (Semester 4)
Apply principles from ''''Project Planning and Management'''' to design and propose a relevant social work project, potentially for a community health initiative or a mental health awareness campaign. Focus on realistic budgeting and stakeholder engagement.
Tools & Resources
Project management software (e.g., Trello, Asana), Grant writing guides, NGO funding databases, Case studies of successful social projects in India
Career Connection
Proficiency in project management is highly valued for leadership roles in NGOs, CSR initiatives, and government projects, enabling graduates to conceptualize and execute impactful social interventions.
Excel in Specialization-Specific Interventions and Research- (Semester 4)
For ''''Social Work Intervention in Health Settings'''' and ''''Social Work Intervention in Mental Health Settings'''', demonstrate advanced skills in counseling, crisis intervention, and rehabilitation. For those choosing ''''Dissertation'''', conduct rigorous research on a pertinent topic.
Tools & Resources
Advanced counseling techniques, Research methodologies for qualitative/quantitative studies, Academic writing support, Mentorship from faculty
Career Connection
Demonstrating advanced intervention skills or strong research capabilities makes graduates invaluable to healthcare institutions and research organizations, offering specialized expertise in critical areas of health and mental health.
Prepare for Professional Transition and Advocacy- (Semester 4)
Actively prepare for the ''''Viva Voce'''' by synthesizing all learning. Network extensively for job opportunities, polish CVs and interview skills. Engage in advocacy for mental health and patient rights, understanding policy implications in India.
Tools & Resources
Career counseling services, Mock interviews, LinkedIn profile optimization, Policy briefs on healthcare in India, Professional social work associations
Career Connection
Comprehensive preparation ensures smooth transition into the workforce, securing roles in medical/psychiatric social work, advocacy, or higher studies, and contributing to social change in India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- A Bachelor’s Degree (any discipline) with not less than 45% marks in aggregate for all parts of the examination. SC/ST candidates need only a pass.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: Minimum 80 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSW1C01 | Introduction to Social Work | Core | 4 | Social Work as a Profession, History of Social Work, Values and Ethics, Fields of Social Work, Social Work Education |
| MSW1C02 | Social Science Perspectives for Social Work | Core | 4 | Sociology for Social Work, Psychology for Social Work, Political Science for Social Work, Economics for Social Work, Anthropology for Social Work |
| MSW1C03 | Social Work with Individuals and Groups | Core | 4 | Social Casework, Phases of Casework, Group Work, Principles of Group Work, Therapeutic Approaches |
| MSW1C04 | Field Work - I | Core | 6 | Orientation Visits, Observation Visits, Agency Visits, Rural Camps, Concurrent Field Work |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSW2C05 | Social Work with Communities | Core | 4 | Community Organization, Community Development, Social Action, Participatory Approaches, Rural and Urban Community Development |
| MSW2C06 | Social Work Research and Statistics | Core | 4 | Social Research, Research Design, Data Collection, Statistical Analysis, Report Writing |
| MSW2C07 | Social Welfare Administration and Social Legislation | Core | 4 | Social Welfare Administration, Principles of Administration, Social Policies, Social Legislation, Rights-Based Approach |
| MSW2C08 | Field Work - II | Core | 6 | Concurrent Field Work, Agency Placements, Skill Development, Documentation, Supervision |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSW3C09 | Human Growth and Development | Core | 4 | Theories of Development, Life Span Approach, Social Learning, Cognitive Development, Emotional Development |
| MSW3E01 | Medical Social Work | Elective (Specialization: MPSW) | 4 | Role of Medical Social Worker, Health Care System, Chronic Illness, Terminal Illness, Rehabilitation |
| MSW3E02 | Psychiatric Social Work | Elective (Specialization: MPSW) | 4 | Mental Health, Mental Illness, Psychiatric Disorders, Assessment and Diagnosis, Therapeutic Interventions |
| MSW3E03 | Community Health | Elective (Specialization: MPSW) | 4 | Public Health, Epidemiology, Health Education, Primary Health Care, Reproductive and Child Health |
| MSW3C10 | Concurrent Field Work - III (Specialization) | Core | 6 | Specialized Agency Placement, Skill Practice, Case Studies, Supervision, Professional Documentation |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSW4C11 | Project Planning and Management | Core | 4 | Project Identification, Project Formulation, Monitoring and Evaluation, Resource Mobilization, Grant Writing |
| MSW4E04 | Social Work Intervention in Health Settings | Elective (Specialization: MPSW) | 4 | Psycho-social Assessment, Crisis Intervention, Grief Counseling, Patient Education, Discharge Planning |
| MSW4E05 | Social Work Intervention in Mental Health Settings | Elective (Specialization: MPSW) | 4 | Family Therapy, Group Therapy, Rehabilitation Services, De-addiction, Advocacy |
| MSW4C12 | Block Placement | Core | 6 | Field Practicum, Agency Immersion, Skill Consolidation, Report Writing, Professional Networking |
| MSW4D01 | Dissertation | Core | 8 | Research Problem Identification, Literature Review, Methodology, Data Analysis, Thesis Writing |
| MSW4C13 | Viva Voce | Core | 2 | Comprehensive Review, Presentation Skills, Defense of Project/Field Work, Professional Communication |
