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MSW in General at University of Calicut
Malappuram, Kerala
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About the Specialization
What is General at University of Calicut Malappuram?
This Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University of Calicut focuses on equipping students with professional knowledge, skills, and values essential for social work practice in diverse settings. It emphasizes a holistic approach to address socio-economic challenges, promote social justice, and empower marginalized communities within the Indian context. The program aims to create compassionate and competent social work professionals.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a Bachelor''''s degree, especially BSW, seeking entry into the social development sector, NGOs, government welfare departments, or corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. It also suits working professionals aiming to enhance their skills or career changers passionate about contributing to societal well-being and advocating for vulnerable populations.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as social workers, community development officers, project managers, counsellors, and CSR professionals. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 lakhs annually, growing significantly with experience. Opportunities exist in national and international NGOs, government bodies, hospitals, and corporate firms.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build a Strong Theoretical Foundation- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on deeply understanding core social work theories, sociological perspectives, and human behavior. Actively participate in lectures, engage in critical discussions, and consistently read recommended texts to internalize concepts.
Tools & Resources
University Library, Academic journals (e.g., Indian Journal of Social Work), Online academic databases, Peer study groups
Career Connection
A solid theoretical base is crucial for effective intervention design and ethical practice, which employers highly value for entry-level roles in NGOs and welfare agencies.
Develop Empathetic Communication Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively practice listening, verbal, and non-verbal communication skills during field visits, role-plays, and group activities. Seek feedback from supervisors and peers to refine interviewing and rapport-building techniques.
Tools & Resources
Role-playing exercises, Self-reflection journals, Field work supervision sessions, Communication workshops
Career Connection
Essential for client interaction, advocacy, and team collaboration in all social work settings, directly impacting effectiveness in roles like counsellor or case manager.
Immerse in Initial Field Work Experiences- (Semester 1-2)
Approach initial agency visits and concurrent field work with an open mind, observing agency operations, client interactions, and social worker roles. Document observations meticulously and reflect on learning during supervision.
Tools & Resources
Field work journals, Agency staff, Field supervisors, Peer discussions, University''''s field work cell
Career Connection
Provides early exposure to practical challenges and helps students connect classroom learning with real-world scenarios, building foundational experience for future internships and jobs.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Applied Research and Data Analysis- (Semester 3)
Actively apply learned methodologies to small-scale studies or contribute to ongoing departmental research. Develop skills in data collection, analysis, and interpretation using basic statistical tools for the research component in Sem 3.
Tools & Resources
SPSS/R for beginners, University research labs, Academic mentors, Online tutorials for research software
Career Connection
Strong research skills are vital for evidence-based practice, program evaluation, and policy advocacy, enhancing employability in research-oriented NGOs and government policy units.
Deepen Specialization through Electives and Focused Fieldwork- (Semester 3)
Carefully select elective courses that align with emerging career interests. Seek field work placements in agencies directly related to the chosen specialization to gain focused practical experience.
Tools & Resources
Elective course guides, Field work coordinators, Departmental faculty advisors, Specific NGOs/hospitals/community centers
Career Connection
Specialized knowledge and experience make candidates highly desirable for niche roles, distinguishing them in a competitive job market in India.
Develop Grant Writing and Project Management Skills- (Semester 3)
Explore opportunities to assist faculty or NGOs in writing grant proposals for social projects. Understand project lifecycles, budgeting, and monitoring techniques relevant to social welfare administration.
Tools & Resources
Online courses on grant writing, Project management tools (e.g., Trello for basic project tracking), NGO partner workshops
Career Connection
Highly sought after by NGOs and CSR departments for fundraising and program implementation, leading to roles as project coordinators or managers.
Advanced Stage
Master Professional Documentation and Ethical Practice- (Semester 4)
Consistently refine skills in writing comprehensive case notes, detailed field work reports, and program proposals. Uphold the highest ethical standards in all client interactions and record-keeping, as reinforced in Professional Ethics course.
Tools & Resources
Field work supervision, Agency templates, University guidelines for report writing, Workshops on professional ethics and documentation
Career Connection
High-quality, ethical documentation is a fundamental requirement in all social work roles, crucial for accountability, intervention planning, and securing grants.
Network Strategically and Prepare for Placements- (Semester 4)
Actively engage with university placement cells, attend career fairs, and connect with alumni for mentorship and job leads. Tailor resumes and cover letters to specific job descriptions in the social sector, preparing for interviews.
Tools & Resources
University career services, LinkedIn, Professional associations, Mock interview sessions, Alumni network
Career Connection
Proactive networking and strong interview preparation significantly increase chances of securing desirable placements in leading NGOs, government departments, or CSR roles.
Undertake an Impactful Project and Showcase Expertise- (Semester 4)
Dedicate significant effort to the final project, selecting a topic with potential for real-world impact. Ensure rigorous methodology, thorough analysis, and a professional presentation to demonstrate expertise acquired throughout the program.
Tools & Resources
Academic supervisors, University research resources, Statistical software, Presentation tools (PowerPoint, Canva)
Career Connection
A high-quality project report and presentation serve as a strong portfolio piece, showcasing research, analytical, and problem-solving skills to prospective employers.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- A Bachelor''''s Degree in Social Work (BSW) or any other Bachelor''''s Degree with minimum 45% aggregate marks (or equivalent grade) from a recognized university. Reservation rules apply as per university norms.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SW1C01 | Introduction to Professional Social Work | Core | 4 | Evolution of Social Work, Philosophy and Ideologies of Social Work, Goals and Functions of Social Work, Ethics and Values in Social Work, Fields of Social Work Practice |
| SW1C02 | Social Science Perspectives for Social Work | Core | 4 | Sociology and Social Work, Psychology and Human Behavior, Economics and Development, Political Science and Governance, Anthropology and Culture |
| SW1C03 | Working with Individuals (Social Casework) | Core | 4 | Concepts and Principles of Casework, Phases of Casework, Interviewing and Observation, Home Visits and Documentation, Casework Relationship |
| SW1C04 | Working with Groups (Social Group Work) | Core | 4 | Concepts and Principles of Group Work, Stages of Group Development, Role of Social Worker in Groups, Group Dynamics and Leadership, Recording in Group Work |
| SW1F01 | Field Work I | Practical | 4 | Orientation to Social Work Agencies, Observation and Report Writing, Basic Skill Training, Concurrent Field Work Practice, Supervision and Evaluation |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SW2C05 | Social Problems and Social Legislation | Core | 4 | Major Social Problems in India, Causes and Consequences of Social Problems, Constitutional Provisions for Social Justice, Social Welfare Legislations, Role of Social Worker in Advocacy |
| SW2C06 | Working with Communities (Community Organization) | Core | 4 | Concepts and Principles of Community Organization, Models of Community Organization, Role of Social Worker in Community Development, Community Resources and Mobilization, Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) Techniques |
| SW2C07 | Social Work Research and Statistics | Core | 4 | Concepts and Types of Research, Research Design and Hypothesis Testing, Methods of Data Collection, Sampling Techniques, Basic Statistical Tools for Social Work |
| SW2E01 | Human Rights and Social Justice | Elective | 4 | Concept and Evolution of Human Rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), Human Rights in Indian Context, Social Justice and Vulnerable Groups, Role of Social Work in Human Rights Advocacy |
| SW2F02 | Field Work II | Practical | 4 | Advanced Agency Practice, Skill Enhancement and Application, Documentation and Report Writing, Concurrent Field Work, Supervision and Evaluation of Practice |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SW3C08 | Social Welfare Administration and Management | Core | 4 | Concepts and Principles of Administration, Organizational Structure and Management, Financial Management in Welfare Organizations, Personnel Management and Human Resources, Program Planning and Evaluation |
| SW3C09 | Social Action and Social Movements | Core | 4 | Concept and Principles of Social Action, Strategies and Models of Social Action, Social Movements in India, Advocacy and Lobbying, Role of Social Worker in Social Change |
| SW3C10 | Professional Ethics and Values in Social Work | Core | 4 | Ethical Dilemmas in Social Work Practice, Professional Accountability and Confidentiality, Self-Determination and Informed Consent, Code of Ethics for Social Workers, Ethical Decision-Making Models |
| SW3E02 | Medical and Psychiatric Social Work | Elective | 4 | Role of Social Worker in Healthcare Settings, Medical Social Work Practice, Psychiatric Social Work and Mental Health, De-addiction and Rehabilitation, Palliative Care and End-of-Life Support |
| SW3F03 | Field Work III | Practical | 4 | Specialized Field Practice, Case Management and Crisis Intervention, Advanced Skill Application, Concurrent Field Work, Supervision and Reflective Practice |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SW4C11 | Current Trends in Social Work | Core | 4 | Emerging Challenges in Social Work, International Social Work Perspectives, Disaster Management and Humanitarian Aid, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Social Work |
| SW4E03 | Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development | Elective | 4 | Concept and Evolution of CSR, Models and Approaches to CSR, Triple Bottom Line Reporting, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), NGO-Corporate Partnerships for Development |
| SW4P01 | Project Work | Project | 4 | Research Proposal Development, Data Collection and Analysis, Thesis Writing and Documentation, Presentation of Research Findings, Ethical Considerations in Research |
| SW4V01 | Viva Voce | Viva | 4 | Comprehensive Knowledge Assessment, Understanding of Field Work Experiences, Project Report Discussion, Application of Social Work Theories, Overall Program Comprehension |
