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MSW in Family And Child Welfare at University of Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
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About the Specialization
What is Family and Child Welfare at University of Kerala Thiruvananthapuram?
This Family and Child Welfare program at University of Kerala focuses on equipping social work professionals with specialized knowledge and skills to address the complex needs of families and children in India. It delves into child development, family dynamics, child rights, and gender issues, which are critical areas given India''''s demographic profile and evolving social structures. The program is designed to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in child protection, family counseling, and community-based welfare initiatives.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates in social work or related disciplines, as well as working professionals from NGOs, government welfare departments, or educational institutions, who aspire to make a significant impact in family and child welfare. Individuals passionate about advocating for vulnerable populations, understanding societal structures impacting families, and developing intervention strategies will find this specialization highly rewarding. A background in social sciences, psychology, or sociology can be particularly beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as child protection officers, family counselors, program managers in NGOs focused on children''''s rights, social workers in adoption agencies, or specialists in government welfare schemes. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience and expertise. Professionals can advance to leadership roles in national and international welfare organizations, contributing to policy formulation and community development, aligning with the growing focus on child and family well-being in India.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build a Strong Foundational Knowledge- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on thoroughly understanding core social work theories, sociological concepts, and psychological principles. Engage actively in lectures, participate in group discussions, and utilize the university library''''s extensive resources. Seek clarification from faculty members to build a robust theoretical base, which is crucial for advanced specialized studies.
Tools & Resources
University Library (journals, books), Online academic databases (JSTOR, ResearchGate), Peer study groups
Career Connection
A strong foundation ensures a deep understanding of human behavior and societal issues, vital for effective intervention strategies in any social work specialization, including family and child welfare, preparing you for initial fieldwork and basic counseling roles.
Develop Core Social Work Skills through Fieldwork- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage in all fieldwork activities, including agency visits, community studies, and concurrent field placements. Focus on developing essential skills such as active listening, observation, rapport building, and basic case recording. Critically reflect on your experiences and seek constructive feedback from field supervisors to continuously improve your practice.
Tools & Resources
Fieldwork journals/logs, Supervision sessions with field educators, Role-playing exercises
Career Connection
Practical skills gained early are indispensable for effective client interaction and program implementation. This directly contributes to your employability in entry-level social work positions requiring direct client engagement and community outreach.
Engage with Social Issues and Current Affairs- (Semester 1-2)
Stay informed about contemporary social issues in India, especially those related to families and children, through newspapers, documentaries, and credible news sources. Participate in relevant seminars, workshops, and awareness campaigns organized by the department or local NGOs. This cultivates a critical perspective and enhances your understanding of the real-world context of social work.
Tools & Resources
Leading Indian newspapers (The Hindu, Indian Express), Government reports (NITI Aayog, Ministry of WCD), Public lectures and webinars
Career Connection
Awareness of current social dynamics and policy debates makes you a more informed and effective social worker, enabling you to identify emerging needs and contribute meaningfully to advocacy and program design, enhancing your profile for policy-oriented roles.
Intermediate Stage
Deepen Specialization Knowledge and Skills- (Semester 3)
Immerse yourself in the Family and Child Welfare specialization papers. Conduct extra readings on child development theories, family counseling techniques, and relevant Indian legislation. Seek opportunities to observe or assist in projects directly related to child protection or family support within your fieldwork agencies, applying theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.
Tools & Resources
Specialized journals (e.g., Indian Journal of Social Work), UNICEF/WHO reports on child welfare, Case studies on family interventions
Career Connection
Specialized knowledge makes you a sought-after professional in specific niches like child protection, family counseling, or adoption services, offering more targeted career opportunities and potentially higher earning potential in Indian NGOs and government sectors.
Participate in Research and Data Collection- (Semester 3)
Actively engage in research methodology courses, applying statistical tools and research designs. Volunteer for faculty-led research projects or conduct small-scale studies on family and child welfare issues. This hands-on experience in data collection, analysis, and interpretation is invaluable for your dissertation and future evidence-based practice.
Tools & Resources
SPSS/Excel for data analysis, Google Scholar, Shodhganga for research papers, Departmental research workshops
Career Connection
Strong research skills are crucial for monitoring and evaluating social programs, informing policy, and securing roles in research and advocacy organizations, which are increasingly important for demonstrating impact in the Indian social sector.
Network with Professionals and Mentors- (Semester 3)
Attend conferences, workshops, and guest lectures featuring experts in family and child welfare. Actively connect with your field supervisors, faculty, and alumni working in relevant fields. Seek out mentors who can offer guidance on career paths, practical challenges, and opportunities within the Indian social work landscape.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn for professional networking, Professional social work associations (e.g., NAPSWI), Alumni network events
Career Connection
Building a strong professional network opens doors to internships, job opportunities, and collaborative projects, providing invaluable career guidance and increasing your visibility within the competitive Indian social welfare job market.
Advanced Stage
Undertake an Impactful Dissertation/Project- (Semester 4)
Choose a dissertation topic directly relevant to Family and Child Welfare in an Indian context. Conduct rigorous research, collect primary data if possible, and aim for actionable recommendations. A well-executed project demonstrates your expertise and contributes to the body of knowledge, making you a strong candidate for advanced roles.
Tools & Resources
Research methodology guides, Statistical software (SPSS, R), Academic writing support from faculty
Career Connection
A high-quality dissertation serves as a portfolio piece, showcasing your analytical and problem-solving abilities, which can be critical for securing positions in policy research, program evaluation, or academic roles within India.
Maximize Learning from Internship/Block Placement- (Semester 4)
Treat your final internship as a real job. Proactively take on responsibilities, initiate projects, and seek to understand the full scope of the agency''''s work in family and child welfare. Network intensely within the organization and demonstrate professionalism, dedication, and the ability to work independently.
Tools & Resources
Internship supervisor feedback, Agency reports and policies, Professional development workshops
Career Connection
A successful and impactful internship often leads to pre-placement offers or strong recommendations, providing a direct pathway to employment in leading NGOs, government departments, or international agencies focused on family and child welfare in India.
Prepare for Career and Professional Growth- (Semester 4)
Develop a professional resume tailored to social work roles, practice interview skills, and prepare for competitive exams if aiming for government positions (e.g., UPSC, state PSC social welfare officer roles). Continuously seek opportunities for certifications in specialized areas like counseling, child protection, or gender sensitization to enhance your profile.
Tools & Resources
Career counseling services, Mock interview platforms, Online certification courses (e.g., Coursera, NPTEL)
Career Connection
Proactive career preparation ensures you are job-ready upon graduation, increasing your chances of securing desirable positions and laying the groundwork for continuous professional development and leadership roles in India''''s dynamic social welfare sector.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree with minimum 45% marks in main/core subjects OR any Bachelor’s degree with minimum 50% marks in main/core subjects from University of Kerala or any other recognized university.
Duration: 4 semesters
Credits: 103 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSW 1.1 | Social Work Profession - History, Philosophy and Ideologies | Core | 3 | Social Work Definition and Scope, History of Social Work in UK, USA, India, Philosophy and Ethics of Social Work, Indian Social Reform Movements, Ideologies and Values in Social Work |
| MSW 1.2 | Introduction to Sociology for Social Work | Core | 3 | Introduction to Sociology and Society, Social Structure and Institutions, Culture, Socialization, and Deviance, Social Control and Social Stratification, Social Change and Development Theories |
| MSW 1.3 | Basics of Psychology for Social Work | Core | 3 | Introduction to Psychology, Human Growth and Development, Theories of Personality, Learning, Memory, and Cognition, Motivation, Emotion, and Mental Health |
| MSW 1.4 | Social Work with Individuals (Casework) | Core | 3 | Concept and Principles of Casework, Casework Process: Intake, Study, Assessment, Intervention and Termination in Casework, Tools and Techniques of Casework, Settings and Ethical Issues in Casework Practice |
| MSW 1.5 | Social Work with Groups (Group Work) | Core | 3 | Concept and Principles of Group Work, Types of Groups and Group Dynamics, Stages of Group Development, Role of Social Worker in Group Work, Skills and Techniques in Group Work |
| MSW 1.6 | Community Organization and Social Action | Core | 3 | Concept of Community and Community Organization, Models and Principles of Community Organization, Community Development and Participation, Social Action: Goals, Strategies, and Ethics, Role of Social Worker in Community Practice |
| MSW 1.7 | Field Work I | Practical | 6 | Orientation to Social Work Agencies, Observational Visits to Welfare Settings, Rural and Urban Community Study, Concurrent Field Work Practice, Reporting and Supervision |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSW 2.1 | Social Welfare Administration | Core | 3 | Concept and Principles of Administration, Social Welfare Administration: Nature and Scope, Functions of Social Welfare Administration, Organizational Structure and Management, Resource Mobilization and Public Relations |
| MSW 2.2 | Social Work Research and Statistics | Core | 3 | Introduction to Social Work Research, Research Design and Types of Research, Data Collection Methods and Tools, Sampling Techniques and Data Analysis, Introduction to Statistics and Report Writing |
| MSW 2.3 | Counseling: Theory and Practice | Core | 3 | Introduction to Counseling, Counseling Process and Techniques, Major Counseling Theories (Psychodynamic, Humanistic, Behavioral), Crisis Intervention and Referral, Ethical Issues in Counseling |
| MSW 2.4 | Social Legislation and Human Rights | Core | 3 | Social Justice and Constitutional Provisions, Human Rights: Concepts and International Instruments, Social Legislation for Women and Children, Laws related to Labor and Marginalized Groups, Legal Aid and Social Worker''''s Role |
| MSW 2.5 | Social Development | Core | 3 | Concepts and Theories of Development, Indicators of Social Development, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Approaches to Social Development, Globalization and Social Development |
| MSW 2.6 | Computer Applications in Social Work | Core | 3 | Introduction to Computer Basics, MS Office Applications for Social Work, Internet and Online Resources, Data Management Software Introduction (e.g., SPSS), E-governance and Management Information Systems (MIS) |
| MSW 2.7 | Field Work II | Practical | 6 | Continued Concurrent Field Work, Skill Lab Sessions for Practice Enhancement, Exposure to Diverse Agency Settings, Preparation for Block Placement, Supervision and Process Recording |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSW 3.1 | Social Work Research and Statistics II | Core | 3 | Advanced Research Methods, Qualitative and Quantitative Research Designs, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Report Writing and Dissertation Planning, Ethical Considerations in Research |
| MSW 3.2 | Disaster Management | Core | 3 | Concepts of Disaster and Hazards, Types and Phases of Disaster Management, Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation, Relief, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction, Role of Social Worker in Disaster Management |
| MSW 3.3 | Management of Voluntary Organizations | Core | 3 | Role and Significance of NGOs, Legal Framework for Voluntary Organizations (e.g., Societies Act), Resource Mobilization and Grant Management, Program Planning and Evaluation, Advocacy and Networking for NGOs |
| MSW 3.4 | Social Problems and Welfare Services | Core | 3 | Major Social Problems in India (Poverty, Unemployment), Issues of Women, Children, and Aged, Challenges of Disabled and Marginalized Groups, Government Policies and Welfare Programs, Role of Social Work in Addressing Social Problems |
| MSW 3.SFCW 1 | Child Development | Elective | 3 | Principles and Stages of Child Development, Theories of Child Development (Freud, Piaget, Erikson), Cognitive, Emotional, and Social Development, Factors Influencing Child Development, Developmental Challenges and Interventions |
| MSW 3.SFCW 2 | Family Dynamics | Elective | 3 | Concept and Types of Family, Family Life Cycle and Developmental Tasks, Family Roles, Communication, and Interactions, Family Crisis, Conflict, and Resilience, Contemporary Family Issues and Support Systems |
| MSW 3.5 | Field Work III | Practical | 6 | Advanced Concurrent Field Work, Application of Specialization Skills, Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) / Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA), Case Management and Program Implementation, Intensive Supervision and Peer Learning |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSW 4.1 | Development Communication | Core | 3 | Concept and Theories of Development Communication, Role of Media in Social Change, Communication Strategies for Development, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for Development, Participatory Communication Approaches |
| MSW 4.2 | Livelihood and Entrepreneurship Development | Core | 3 | Concepts of Livelihood and Poverty, Sustainable Livelihood Framework, Micro-enterprise Development and Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Skill Development and Vocational Training, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Livelihoods |
| MSW 4.3 | Social Policy and Planning | Core | 3 | Concept and Models of Social Policy, Social Planning Process and Approaches, Policy Formulation, Implementation, and Evaluation, Five Year Plans and NITI Aayog''''s Role, Social Budgeting and Advocacy in Policy |
| MSW 4.SFCW 1 | Child Rights and Protection | Elective | 3 | United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), Child Abuse and Neglect, Child Labor and Trafficking, Juvenile Justice System in India, Child Protection Policies and Programs |
| MSW 4.SFCW 2 | Women and Gender Studies | Elective | 3 | Concepts of Sex, Gender, and Patriarchy, Women''''s Movements in India and Globally, Gender Inequality and Empowerment, Violence Against Women: Forms and Interventions, Legal Provisions and Policies for Women''''s Rights |
| MSW 4.4 | Project Work / Dissertation | Project | 8 | Research Proposal Development, Data Collection and Analysis, Interpretation of Findings, Academic Report Writing, Presentation and Viva Voce |
| MSW 4.5 | Field Work IV (Internship) | Practical | 8 | Block Placement in Specialization Agency, Intensive Skill Application, Program Planning and Implementation, Supervision, Case Conferences, and Seminars, Professional Development and Networking |
