Updated on Oct 26, 2022 05:07 IST
Akansha Bisht

Akansha BishtSenior Executive

MSW syllabus or MSW subjects are released by the institute offering the course. University Grants Commission recognizes the MSW courses offered. The institute designs the MSW syllabus structure based on the curriculum guidelines from the commission. Under the New Education Policy, the Ministry of Education aims to accept the MSW curriculum designed under the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) only. Thus, this article focuses on the MSW syllabus under the CBCS scheme. Under the CBCS course structure, students get to learn some core subjects that are common for all the students. Additionally, students can choose among the prescribed subjects, commonly known as electives, or minor courses. 

Typical MSW syllabus includes social work, psychology, sociology, human rights, social development, among others. Read this article further for more information on the MSW syllabus including the semester wise syllabus for all core and elective subjects under the CBCS scheme.

List of MSW Subjects

While enrolment to an MSW course, students have to choose among the available elective courses. Under the MSW course curriculum, there are two elective subject schemes, which include electives and open electives. Electives are only offered to MSW students, while the open electives are offered to both MSW students as well as the students of other courses under the Social Science department.

Before proceeding to check the list of MSW syllabus, candidates must check the MSW course structure as followed by UGC recognised colleges under the CBCS scheme:

  • Entire two years of MSW degree course have 19 core papers including fieldwork practicums
    • First and second semesters will have six core subjects each
    • Third semester comprises four core subjects
    • Fourth semester comprises three core subjects
  • Two years of MSW course has four elective subjects with two each in third and fourth semesters
  • The course structure comprises four open elective subjects in third as well as fourth semesters

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List of MSW Core Subjects

The list of the core syllabus as per the MSW syllabus are as follows:

MSW Subject

MSW Subject Details

Social Work Education and Profession

This subject helps impart knowledge of nature, philosophy, historical growth, and development of social work education as well as profession.

Social Work with Individuals

This subject intends to impart knowledge about the social work method known as Casework.

Community Practice in Social Work

The subject imparts knowledge related to social work methods on community or group practice.

Sociological Concepts and Contemporary Concerns

This subject is a rational correlation between sociology for social work. MSW students learn about society, its structure, different institute and their role in the socialisation of individuals.

Psychology for Social Workers- Theories and Applications

This subject is the basic understanding of psychology and its relevance in social work practice.

Social Work with Groups

This subject aims towards acquainting students with the values, principles, knowledge and techniques to work with individuals in a group setting.

Research in Social Work

This subject intends to impart knowledge of social work research as a method of practice and process of inquiry.

Social Justice & Human Rights in Social Work Practice

This subject imparts knowledge related to the connection between social work and human rights with the principles of social justice. 

State, Political Economy and Governance

This subject aims to impart conceptual knowledge of tool-kits to analyse methodological issues of political life.

Social Development

This subject paper helps students to understand the significance of developmental interventions in society to attain the goal of social justice.

Administration of Welfare and Development Services

This subject helps students to understand the nature, relevance, components and principles of social welfare administration.

Social Policy and Social Planning

This subject helps students to acquire knowledge of policy analysis and policy formulation process in regard to social welfare.

Social Action and Social Movements

This subject aims to appreciate the significance of social action as a method in social welfare to secure social justice for the disenfranchised and marginalised.

Social Legislation and Social Work

This subject helps students understand social legislation and social protection from Constitution, IPC, and CPC perspectives.

List of MSW Elective Subjects

Under the CBCS scheme for MSW courses, elective subjects are broadly divided into two categories, that is electives and open electives. The MSW course structure is designed for the candidates to choose the following subjects during the course:

  • Two elective subjects to be chosen in the third semester
  • Two elective subjects to be chosen in the fourth semester
  • One open elective subject to be chosen in the third semester
  • One open elective subject to be chosen in the fourth semester

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Candidates will have to choose between several subjects to opt for the above-mentioned papers. The table below mentions the elective as well as open elective subjects under the MSW degree course curriculum:

MSW Elective Subjects

MSW Elective Subject Details

Urban Community Development

Via this subject, students get to understand urban communities, planning, and development. Additionally, students learn skills required for community development work in an urban setting.

Social Work Practice in Health

This subject helps students understand mental health as a positive concept and as an important attribute of life. Additionally, students analyse the effects of culture, class, and gender on mental health and well being.

Social Work with Families and Children

This subject helps students understand families as social systems and the factors that affect a family setting.

Criminal Justice Social Work

This subject under the MSW syllabus intends to familiarise students with the concepts of criminology, criminal justice, Criminal Justice System, etc.

Conflict Mitigation and Peace Building

This subject helps students develop a conceptual understanding of conflict and the peacebuilding process.

Counselling- Theory and Practice

Under this subject of the MSW curriculum, students get knowledge about the nature and goals of counselling as a helping process.

Management of Human Resources

This subject deals with the connection between social work and human resources. Additionally, students understand the management and development of human resources and organisational behaviour.

Social Work Practice in Health Settings

This subject under the MSW course curriculum helps students understand the concepts of public health and its system in India.

Environment, Sustainable Development and Social Work

This subject enables students to understand the scope and relevance of environmental social work.

Social Work with Older Persons

This subject helps students gain a theoretical and practical understanding of gerontological issues.

Gender and Development

Students get to understand the social construction of gender and develop perspectives in analysing social realities around genders.

Social Work and Disaster Management

Under this subject, students develop a basic understanding of disasters and disaster management and the role of social help in it.

Occupational Social Work

This subject helps students understand social work as an occupation.

Social Work with Persons with Disabilities

This subject helps students understand the issues and concerns of persons with disability in the Indian context.

MSW Semester Wise Detailed Syllabus

The MSW course is divided into four semesters. The first two semesters have five core papers with fieldwork. The core subjects remain the same for all students, whereas the elective courses are subject to change based on a student’s interests and choices. Space below provides a semester wise MSW syllabus.

MSW Syllabus- 1st Semester

First semester of MSW course only comprises core subjects. The syllabus under these core subjects are as follows:

MSW 1st Semester Subjects

MSW Syllabus

Social Work Education and Profession

Introduction to Social Work Profession

Historical Development of Social Work

Social Work as a Profession

Theoretical Perspectives for Social Work Practice

Social Work with Individuals

Evolution and Development of Casework

Principles and Components of Casework

Approaches to Casework Practice

Process and Techniques of Social Casework in different settings

Community Practice in Social Work

Understanding “Community” in Community Practice

Community Practice- Concept and Context

Theories, Principles and Approaches to Community Practice

Community Practice Models and Skills

Community Practice- Paradigm Shift

Sociological Concepts and Contemporary Concerns

Basic Concepts of Sociology

Introducing Indian Society

Sociological Perspectives and Methods to Understand Social Issues

Socialisation and Construction of Social Identity

Psychology for Social Workers- Theories and Applications

Perspectives in Psychology

Individual in a socio-cultural environment

Social self and communication

Human Growth and Personality Development

MSW Syllabus- 2nd Semester

MSW 2nd Semester Subjects

MSW Syllabus

Social Work with Groups 

Understanding Social Groups

Social Group Work Method

Group Work Process and Techniques

Group Work in Social Work Practice

Theoretical Approaches to Group Work 

Research in Social Work

Research Methods for Social Work

Research Design

Data Collection and Management

Basic Statistics

Descriptive and Inferential Statistical Methods 

Social Justice & Human Rights in Social Work Practice

Dimensions of Social Justice and Human Rights

Marginalisation and Human Rights Issues

Instruments of Social Justice and Protection of Human Rights

National Institutions for Protection of Social Justice and Human Rights

Social Work Practice for Social Justice and Human Rights Perspective 

State, Political Economy and Governance

State- Concept and Evolution, Structures and Institutions

Basic Political Concepts and Theories

Political Economy, Democracy, Citizenship 

Governance- Meaning, Models and Determinants

Self-Study/ Discussion Forums/Presentations

Social Development

Social Development- Concept, Process and Strategies

Theories of Development

Social and Economic Inequality

Contemporary Development Thrust and its Impact

Self study and Assignments

MSW Syllabus- 3rd Semester

Third semester of MSW course has six subjects, with two core subjects, two elective subjects and two open elective subjects. The table below mentions the third semester MSW syllabus:

MSW 3rd Semester Subjects

MSW Syllabus (Topics)

Core 1

Administration of Welfare and Development Services

Welfare and Development Administration

Components of Administration

Communication in administration

Strategies and mechanisms of administration

Management of Human Service Organisations

Core 2

Social Policy and Social Planning

Understanding Social Policy

Welfare state

Social Planning 

Policy Analysis and Practice

Elective 1 (one subject to be chosen among the following)

Urban Community Development

Urban Communities and Urbanisation

Urban Poor

Urban Development Policies and Programmes

Emerging Concerns

Participation, Action and Advocacy

Social Work Practice in Mental Health

Understanding Mental Health

Classification, Epidemiology and Manifestations of Mental Disorders

Mental Health Care Scenario

Social Work Interventions in Mental Health

Social Work with Families and Children

Understanding dynamics of family system

Child Development- Issues and Challenges 

Vulnerable children- policy and social work response

Family problems & social work response

Corporate Social Responsibility & Social Entrepreneurship

Management of Social Enterprises

Social Entrepreneurship- Concept and context

Corporate Social Responsibility- Action and Environment

Corporate Social Responsibility- Concept and Context

Elective 2 (one subject to be chosen among the following)

Criminal Justice Social Work

Crime, Victimology and theories of Crime

Social Defence and Correctional services

Criminal Justice System and Legislation

Juvenile Justice

Conflict Mitigation and Peace Building

Basic Concepts Related to Conflict

Conflict Analysis and Strategies for Social Work Intervention

Peace Building- concepts, analysis and models

Peace building- Strategies and Interventions

Counselling- Theory and Practice

Introduction- Foundations and Approaches to Counselling

Counselling- Techniques, skills, competencies and therapeutic relationship

Counselling Practice in Different Settings

Counselling practice - Application of psychosocial Perspective

Management of Human Resources

Human Resource Functions- Theory and Practice

Developing Human Resources

Organisational Behaviour

Legal Base for Practice

Open Elective 1

Information Communication & Technology for Social Work 

Practice

Understanding the importance the of ICT in Social Work 

Technology for Change- Legislations, Policies and Programmers

ICT for empowerment of vulnerable constituencies

ICT and Social Work Practice- Skills and Case Studies

Open Elective 2

Indigenous Communities and Development Discourse

Introduction to Indigenous Communities

Indigenous peoples Issues and Challenges

Social Work Practice skills and Policy Responses

MSW Syllabus- 4th Semester

Fourth semester of MSW course has six subjects, with two core subjects, two elective subjects and two open elective subjects. The table below mentions the fourth semester MSW syllabus:

MSW 4th Semester Subjects

MSW Syllabus (Topics)

Core 1

Social Action and Social movements

Social Action- Concepts and Strategies

Guiding Ideologies /Philosophies of Social Action

Social Movements- Ideology, Theory and Participation

Social Movements- Nature and Typology

Social Action in Practice

Core 2

Social Legislations & Social Work

Social Legislation- Contextual Background

Social Legislation for Marriage and Family  

Social Legislation for Women

Social Legislation for Children

Social Legislation for Weaker Sections and Special Groups in India

Practice Assignments

Elective 1 (one subject to be chosen among the following)

Social Work Practice in Health setting

Public Health in India

Healthcare Social Work and Community Health

Healthcare Services and Programmes

Environment, Sustainable Development and Social Work

Environment and Social Work- Inter-linkages

Sustainable Development- Interface between Environment and Development

State of the Environment and Environmental Conservation 

Environmentalism- Approaches, Movements and Action

Social Work with Older Persons

Old age- concept, dynamics and vulnerabilities

Needs and problems of older persons 

Policies and programmes for Active ageing

Gerontological social work practice

Gender and Development

Conceptualising Gender

Manifestations of Gender Disparity

Gender Perspectives in Development

Mechanisms Addressing Issues and Best Practices

Elective 2 (one subject to be chosen among the following)

Social Work and Disaster Management

Conceptual Framework- Disaster, Vulnerability and Risk

Disaster Governance

Community based Interventions which are Preparedness and Response

Psychosocial Care of Survivor

Occupational Social Work

Occupational social work- Concepts and Scope

Workers in the organised sector- Issues and challenges

Working Conditions and Conditions of Work

Workers in Unorganised Sector

Emerging Issues and Concerns for Occupational Social work

Social Work with Persons with Disabilities

Disability- Concept, Nature, Definitions and Model

Disability Issues, Problems and Responses

Policy, Legal Framework, Services and Programmes

Rehabilitation of Persons with Disability

Assistive Technology and Disability

Rural Community Development

Understanding Rural Communities

Rural Livelihoods, Poverty and Contemporary Concerns

Rural Community Development- Approaches and Interventions

Rural Development Policies and Programmes

Open Elective 1

Child Rights and Action

Children and Their Needs

Legal and Administrative Framework for Care and Protection of Children

Child Rights Practice- Strategies, stakeholders and mechanisms

Open Elective 2

Social Work Practice with PLHIV

Social Dimension of HIV/AIDS

Prevention Strategies, Care and Support for PLHA

HIV/AIDS and Policy Issues

HIV/AIDS and Social Work Interventions

MSW Books

Candidates must study for the course from the recommended books only. The table below mentions the recommended books to complete the MSW syllabus:

MSW Subject

MSW Books

Author Name

Urban Community Development

Urbanisation in India-

challenges, opportunities and the way forward

Ahluwalia, I. J., K anbur, S. M. R., & M ohanty, P. K.

Social Work Practice in Health

Disability in the global south, critical handbook

Grech, S., Soldatic, K. (Eds.)

Social Work with Families and Children

Social work with children and families

Davies, M.

Corporate Social Responsibility and Social Entrepreneurship

Corporate responsibility

Blowfield, M., & Murray, A.

Criminal Justice Social Work

Criminology

Alder, F., Mueller., & Laufer, W

Conflict Mitigation and Peace Building

On six advance in cooperation theory

Axelrod, R.

Counselling :Theory and Practice

Creative arts in counselling and mental health

Neilson, P. et al. (ed)

Management of Human Resources

Human resource management- The Indian experience

Silvera, D. M.

Social Work Practice in Health Settings

Education for All- a gender and disability perspective

Rousso, H.

Environment, Sustainable Development and Social Work

Environmental social work

Grey, M., Coates, J., & Hetherington, T.

Social Work with Older Persons

Handbook of ageing and social science

Binstock, R. H., & George, L. K.

Gender and Development

Where women are leaders

Rose, K.

Social Work and Disaster Management

Psychosocial capacity building in response to disasters

Miller, M.

Occupational Social Work

The future development of occupational social work

Bargal, D.

Social Work with Persons with Disabilities

Handbook of disability studies

Albrecht, G.L., Seelman, K. D., & B ury, M.

Rural Community Development

Panchayati raj- A study of rural local Government in India

Maddick, H

Social Work Education and Profession

The practice of social work

Zastrow, C

Social Work with Individuals

Case management- An introduction to concepts and skills

Frankel, A. J.

Community Practice in Social Work

The spirit of community- rights, responsibility and the communitarian agenda

Etzioni, A.

Sociological Concepts and Contemporary Concern

Sociology- Themes and perspectives

Haralambos

Psychology for Social Workers- Theories and Applications

Doing psychology critically- Making a difference in 

diverse settings

Prilleltensky, I., & Nelson, G.

Social Work with Groups

Group work practise in social work

Lindsay, T., & Orton, S.

Research in Social Work

The basics of social research

Babbie, E.

Social Justice & Human Rights in Social Work Practice

Social exclusion and justice in India

Krishna, P.S.

 

FAQs on MSW Syllabus

Q: Which countries are the best for studying MSW?

A: Though the students can complete the MSW programme in India, some of the best foreign countries where they can pursue this course are Canada, Australia, the USA, and the UK.

Q: What is field work practicum in the MSW course?

A: Every candidate must complete the field work to complete the MSW course. The field work aims to enhance the practical knowledge and skills of the students who will be working as social workers after the course completion. The field work usually consists of orientation visits, field work seminars, rural camps, study tours, etc.

Q: Which are the core subjects that are covered in the first year of MSW course?

A: Core subjects like History and Philosophy of Social Work, Work with Individuals and families, Sociology for Social Worker, and Working with Social Groups are included in the first year of the MSW course.

Q: What is MSW HR?

A: MSW HR is a specialisation offered by the MSW course. It trains the students to work in the HR departments of hospitals, NGOs, and other institutions that are related to the field of social work. The duration of MSW HR course is 2 years.

Q: Is it hard to cover the MSW syllabus?

A: No, it is not hard to cover the MSW syllabus provided that the students plan their studies in a proper way. The students can refer to some important books in this course and mark important sections for taking notes. Also, they need to strike a perfect balance between the field work and the syllabus to excel in the exams.

Q: What is the difference between BA Social Work and MSW?

A: BA Social Work is a bachelor’s degree and the students can pursue this course after completing their 12th class studies. MSW is a master’s course that can be completed only after the completion of bachelor-level studies. Even the students who come from science, humanities, and management disciplines can apply for the 2-year MSW course.

Q: Do the students need to complete a project at the end of semesters?

A: Yes, some of the popular topics for the project are given below:

  • Abusing child in the class
  • Mental health and its importance in a child’s life
  • Alcoholism and its effects on teenagers’ behaviour

Q: Which are the elective subjects in the MSW syllabus?

A: The elective subjects might vary slightly as per the college or university in which the student is studying. However, some of the common elective subjects are mentioned below:

  • Medical Social Work
  • Social Work Administration
  • Forensic Population & Various Settings
  • Disaster management
  • Social Intervention

Q: What is the MSW course structure?

A: Various types of activities involving medical, healthcare, social services, etc. are discussed in the MSW course syllabus. It also includes field work, elective subjects, and projects that enhance the subject knowledge of the students. The MSW course structure typically consists of core subjects, elective subjects, field work, debates, research, and workshops.

Q: Which candidates are eligible for the MSW courses?

A: The candidates who have completed BSW (Bachelor of Social Work) are eligible to apply for the MSW courses. However, even the graduates of Humanities, Social Sciences, Commerce, Science, and Management can apply for these courses.

Q: Can the students pursue MSW in a specialised field?

A: Yes, the students can apply for an MSW in a specialised field as per the area or sector in which they want to work after completing their course. Some of the popular MSW specialisations are research, childhood studies, human resource, etc.

Q: Can the MSW course be completed through correspondence?

A: The MSW regular course is of 2 years. However, the students who work part-time or full-time jobs can complete the MSW course in their desired specialisation through correspondence. The duration of the correspondence course can be stretched up to 5 years.

Q: Which skills are required to complete the MSW course?

A: Skills like social awareness, excellent communication, emotional intelligence, self-awareness, tolerance, critical thinking, etc., are required to complete the MSW course. The students should also be compassionate towards the issues of deprived ones so that they can try to solve their issues.

Q: Which specialisations are best in MSW?

A: Some of the popular MSW specialisations are listed below:

  • Criminal Justice Social Work
  • School Social Work
  • Community Social Work
  • Child & Family Social Work
  • Mental Health & Substance Abuse
Table of content
  • Popular MSW (Master of Social Work) Colleges in India
  • Popular Private MSW (Master of Social Work) Colleges in India
  • Popular MSW (Master of Social Work) Specializations
  • Most Popular Courses

Popular MSW (Master of Social Work) Colleges in India

Following are the most popular MSW (Master of Social Work) Colleges in India. Learn more about these MSW (Master of Social Work) colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
24 K
4 LPA

#24 India Today

4 LPA
4.38 K
4.7

#2 India Today

62.91 K
3.5 LPA

#8 India Today

1.7 L
8.1 LPA

#11 India Today

65.08 K
4 LPA

#16 India Today

Popular Private MSW (Master of Social Work) Colleges in India

1.25 L
3.5

MSW Applications open. Apply Now

5.0
2.0

#41 India Today

60 K
1.16 L
4.8 LPA
1.62 L
4 LPA

Popular MSW (Master of Social Work) Specializations

Following are the most popular MSW (Master of Social Work) Specializations . You can explore the top Colleges offering these Specializations by clicking the links below.

Popular Specializations

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Answered Yesterday

Hi...

Eligibility for the Master of Social Work (MSW) program at most institutions, including those with "Institute of Management and Technology" in their name (e.g., Institute of Media, Management and Technology in Dehradun, or AMIK Institute of Management Sciences and Technology), generally require

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h

heena agrawal

Scholar-Level 17

Answered 2 months ago

The packages offered to the MSW programme at IISWBM placements are tabulated below:

Particulars 

Placement Statistics (2023)

Placement Statistics (2024)

the highest Package

INR 13.5 LPA 

INR 18 LPA 

Average Package

INR 4.05 LPA

INR 4 LPA

Median Package 

INR 3.3 LPA 

INR 3.3 LPA

M

Meitankeisangbam Vasundha

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

The institution has not released the 2025 placements as of yet. Check out the IISWBM placement for season 2024 and 2023 tabulated below: 

Particulars 

Placement Statistics (2023)

Placement Statistics (2024)

the highest Package

INR 13.5 LPA 

INR 18 LPA 

Average Package

INR 4.05 LPA

INR 4 LPA

Median Package 

INR 3.3 LPA 

INR 3.3 LPA

Placement Rate 

100% 

97% 

M

Meitankeisangbam Vasundha

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

It is definitely worth choosing MSW programme when it comes to its placement packages offered. The key highlights MSW placement details recorded during IISWBM placements 2023-2024 are tabulated below:

Particulars 

Placement Statistics (2023)

Placement Statistics (2024)

the highest Package

INR 13.5 LPA 

INR 18 LPA 

Average Package

INR 4.05 LPA

INR 4 LPA

Median Package 

INR 3.3 LPA 

INR 3.3 LPA

Placement Rate 

100% 

97% 

M

Meitankeisangbam Vasundha

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

IGNOU is among the top-most distance universities in India, approved by the UGC and DEB. Of course, an MSW degree from IGNOU is worth it. If you're thinking that every employer prefers a regular degree only, it's not right. They seek your skills and expertise; they look for a strong portfolio, and p

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L

Lalit Rastogi

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

See, the salary package for a Social Worker in India completely depends on the employer. For freshers, it can be in a range of INR 2.9 LPA to 5 LPA. If you have some prior experience, you can earn around INR 6 to 8 LPA. It also depends on how much the organisation is willing to provide. Additionally

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S

Sreetama Shrivastava

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

Hi, there's no need to get confused about something you really want to do or what makes you happy. You must have chosen this course based on your interests and goals. But to clear your confusion, I have gathered some important details about the MSW course, so that you can analyze if it's a good fit

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R

Rashmi Thakur

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

Of course, you can pursue an MSW course in Hindi. Many colleges are providing MSW programs in Hindi medium. It does not really affect the job prospects or portfolio. Hindi is a widely chosen medium among students who go for higher studies in India.

S

Shikha Arora

Contributor-Level 9

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