Social Work Courses: Admission 2024, Fees, Syllabus, Top Colleges, Exams, Career Scope
Social Work Courses are available in different academic levels such as Diploma, UG, PG and PhD. The duration of the course may vary depending on the course level. Social Work Courses can be pursued in regular mode, distance mode and in online mode.
Social Work courses are best for candidates who are fervid about contributing to the larger society and wish to work for the commonwealth of people. While pursuing Social Work courses, candidates are expected to develop leadership skills, people’s management skills and have profound knowledge about their preferred field of work.
Candidates after completing Social Work courses can work in wide range of sectors such as educational institutions, NGOs and ministries under the central and the state governments.
The Curriculum of Social Work Courses covers theoretical concepts related to society, psychology and management along with concurrent field work.
Candidates can enroll themselves into Social Work courses either on the basis of merit or based on their score in Social Work Course entrance exam. CUET, CPGET, IPU CET are some of the Social Work Courses entrance exams. Some of the reputed educational institutions providing Social Work Courses are IGNOU, Christ University, Banaras Hindu University, Loyola College and Delhi University. The Social Work Course Fee ranges from INR 5,880 to INR 5.07 Lakh.
LATEST UPDATES:
- CUET PG registration process 2025 is open for admission to PG courses, and the last date to register is Feb 1, 2025.
- The CUET PG 2025 exam will be scheduled between March 13, 2025, and March 31, 2025.
- Read the complete details of CUET PG.
- Social Work Courses Highlights
- Why Pursue Social Work Courses?
- Social Work Courses Eligibility Criteria
- Top Social Work Colleges
- 4.1 Top Social Work Private Colleges
- 4.2 Top Social Work Government Colleges
- Types of Social Work Courses
- Types of Social Work Courses
- Social Work Courses Syllabus
- 7.1 Social Work PG Course Syllabus
- Social Work Courses Entrance Exams 2024
- Social Work Courses Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters
- 9.1 Social Work Employment Areas
- 9.2 Social Work Career Options
- 9.3 Top Social Work Recruiters
- Social Work FAQs: 2024
Social Work Courses Highlights
Candidates can refer to the table given below to glance through the key aspects of Social Work courses:
Course Name |
Social Work |
---|---|
Course Level |
Diploma, Undergraduate, Postgraduate & Doctorate |
Social Work Course Duration |
Diploma: 1 year Undergraduate: 3 years Postgraduate: 2 years Doctorate: 3- 6 years |
Social Work Course Eligibility |
Undergraduate: 12th standard completed Postgraduate: graduate Doctorate: postgraduate |
Entrance Exams |
CUET, CPGET, IPU CET |
Job Profiles |
Social Worker, Social Educator, Project Coordinator, Labour Welfare Specialist, Field Officer |
Social Work Course Fee |
5,880 to 5.07 L |
Q: What are Social Work courses?
Social Work courses are academic degrees in the field of Humanities & Social Sciences. These courses are intended to equip you for pursuing social work as a career option.These courses usually deal with psychology, criminal justice, gender based development, health, corporate social responsibility etc. You can pursue Social Work courses at different course levels such as BSW and MSW. Social Work is also available as a specialisation in arts courses such as BA in Social Work and MA in Social Work.
Q: What is meant by social work practice?
Why Pursue Social Work Courses?
There are many reasons why candidates prefer to pursue Social Work courses. Some of these are as follows:
- Students who pursue BSW course have career opportunities that are not available in other domains. The salaries are justified and there is less competition in the field.
- The majority of Indian universities have tuition costs under INR 1 lakh, making studying BSW there reasonably feasible for most people. Also, aspirants who want to undertake BSW courses need to possess empathy and good communication skills. They should also be well aware of the social problems of the area wherein they work and also possess good communication skills.
- The syllabus of Social Work courses is created in such a way as to instil in the students the required social sensitivity and confidence to foster them as agents of societal change and benefit.
Q: Can I pursue MBA after Social Work courses?
Yes, you can pursue MBA after completing MSW course. Many people often pursue MBA after MSW course in order to enhance their managerial skills which they can use in the field of Social Work. You can also pursue MBA course after completing BSW course. It can be beneficial if you wish to work in management department of organisations dealing with Social Work
MBA in Social Enterprise and Entrepreneurship is a popular course that deals with management studies with emphasis on public needs.
Q: What's the scope in social work?
Q: What is the scope for MA social work?
MSW courses have a wide scope. A student who has completed their MSW degree can work in an NGO, or start their own NGO. If hey wish to work in the private sector, their knowledge and skills from the MSW course can help them in work as an HR. They may choose to become a social rights activist or go one step further in their education and pursue an M.Phil or Ph.D in Social Work. A PhD in Social Work allows them to conduct their own research independently or become a professor. They can also apply for government posts and vacancies that are related to social work. There are plently of organizations abroad that hire MSW course graduates.
Social Work Courses Eligibility Criteria
The candidates must note that the eligibility criteria for Social Work courses may change depending on the policies of the college providing admission.
The table given below describes the Social Work Courses eligibility criteria for different Social Work Course levels:
Academic Level |
Eligibility Criteria |
---|---|
Diploma |
|
UG |
|
PG |
|
PhD |
|
Top Social Work Colleges
Social Work Courses are well known in India and are provided in many renowned government and private colleges.
Candidaes are advised to choose colleges based on their ranking, overall rating, infrastructural facilities and location.
Top Social Work Private Colleges
The candidates must note that the fee structure of Social Work course in private college is different for each academic level.
Candidates can find below some of the Social Work private colleges and the Social Work private college fee:
Social Work Private College |
Total Tuition Fee (in INR) |
---|---|
Amity University, Noida |
2.6 L - 5.2 L |
Christ University |
1.72 L - 1.82 L |
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj University |
1 L - 1.2 L |
Loyola College |
65,200 |
LPU - Lovely Professional University |
2 L |
Top Social Work Government Colleges
The candidates must note that the fee structure of Social Work course in government college is different for each academic level.
Candidates can find below some of the Social Work government colleges and the Social Work government college fee:
Social Work Government College |
Social Work Government College Fee (in INR) |
---|---|
TISS - Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai |
68 K - 2.1 L |
Delhi University (DU) |
10.89 K |
IGNOU - Indira Gandhi National Open University |
1 K - 36 K |
Banaras Hindu University |
10.23 K |
MSU - The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda |
16.6 K - 1.92 L |
Types of Social Work Courses
There are many Social Work Courses available across various academic levels. The candidates must note that the eligibility, duration and admission procedure of a Social Work Course may vary based on the college, academic level and mode of education.
Given below are some of the Social Work Courses available in India:
Social Work Courses |
|
---|---|
Diploma in Social Work & Development |
|
Diploma in HIV and Family Education |
M.A. Social Work |
B.A. (Hons.) Social Work |
MSW |
Bachelor of Social Work |
M.Phil. (Social Work) |
Post-Graduate Diploma in Social Work (PGDSW) |
Certificate in HIV and Family Education
|
Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work Counselling |
IGNOU Certificate in Social Work and Criminal Justice Systems |
Popular Private Social Work Colleges in India
Social Work Applications open. Apply Now
Types of Social Work Courses
Social Work courses can be classified into various types based on the course level at which they are offered.
Given below are the various types of Social Work courses:
Types of Social Work Courses | Description |
---|---|
BSW | BSW is a Bachelor of Social Work course. It is an undergraduate level degree in Social Work. |
MSW | MSW is a Mastor of Social Work course. It is an postgraduate level degree in Social Work. |
BA Social Work | BA Social Work is an Arts degree with Social Work as a specialisation pursued at undergraduate level. |
MA Social Work | MA Social Work is an Arts degree with Social Work as a specialisation pursued at postgraduate level. |
PhD Social Work | PhD Social Work or Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work is the highest degree one can pursue in the field of Social Work. |
Popular Courses
- Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)Amity University, Noida
- M.A. in Social WorkJamia Millia Islamia
- Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)St. Joseph’s University
- Master of Social Work (MSW)Kristu Jayanti College
- Discontinued (June 2023) M.S.W. in Human Resource Development and ManagementChrist University
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)PSG College of Arts and Science - PSGCAS
- Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)IGNOU - Indira Gandhi National Open University
- M.A. in Social Work (Community Organisation, Development Practice)TISS - Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai
- M.A. in Social Work (Children & Families)TISS - Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai
- B.A. (Hons.) in Social WorkUniversity of Lucknow
Q: What is the difference between Social Work and Sociology?
Social Work and Sociology are two different fields that work for the welfare and progress of the larger society. Both the fields are different in many aspects.
Candidates can refer to the table below in order to understand the difference between Social Work and Sociology:
Social Work | Sociology |
---|---|
It is a field that actively contributes to the society. | It is the scientific study of societies. |
Provides analysis as well as solutions to societal issues. | Provides analysis and classification of societal issues. |
Addresses social injustice | Studies the root cause of social divisions |
Q: What is the difference between BA in Social Work and BSW?
BA (Hons.) in Social Work and BSW or Bachelor of Social Work are undergraduate programmes in the field of Humanities dealing with social work.
BA in Social Work is an Arts degree with Social Work as a specialisation whereas BSW is a degree in Social Work without any specialisation.
Candidates can pursue any one of these courses depending on their preferences and interests.
Suggestion: Candidates can pursue MSW course after completing BA (Hons.) in Social Work or BSW to enhance their job prospects.
Q: Can I pursue Social Work Course in distance education?
Yes you can pursue Social Work courses in distance or correspondence mode though most colleges offer these courses in regular mode.
You can refer to the table below in order to find out about the Social Work Courses offered in distance or correspondence mode of education:
Distance Social Work Courses | Providing Institute |
---|---|
IGNOU | |
IGNOU | |
IGNOU |
Q: Are there any online Social Work Courses?
Yes, there are several Social Work Courses that are available in online mode. However, candidates must check if the online social work degrees are equivalent to regular social work degrees.
Given below are some online social work courses along with the course provider, course duration and course fee:
Online Social Work Course | Offered by | Duration | Course Fee (in INR) |
---|---|---|---|
Coursera | 12 HOURS | Free | |
Parul University | 24 months | - | |
Coursera | 12 HOURS | Free | |
Griffith University | 30 months | 18,74,711 | |
Mizoram University | 24 months | 25,200 | |
University of Cumberlands | 48 months | 10,93,670 | |
The University of Alabama | 24 months | 16,41,536 |
Popular Social Work UG Courses
UG Courses
- BSW
335 Colleges
- B.A.
89 Colleges
- B.A. (Hons)
31 Colleges
- UG Diploma
7 Colleges
- B.Sc.
1 College
Popular Social Work PG Courses
PG Courses
- MSW
807 Colleges
- M.A.
144 Colleges
- PG Diploma
22 Colleges
- MBA/PGDM
4 Colleges
- M.Sc.
3 Colleges
Social Work Courses Syllabus
Social Work Courses fall under the category of Humanities and Social Studies. The Social Work course syllabus revolves around the basic concepts related to social work, working with individuals, groups and communities and analyzing different walks of life.
The candidates must note that the Social Work UG subjects are determined by the colleges providing the course. Therefore, the social work subjects may vary depending on the Social Work UG college.
The Social Work UG Course syllabus is covered by colleges across 6 semesters in a duration of 3 years.
Candidates can find below some of the main Social Work Course UG subjects in the table given below:
Social Work UG First Year Syllabus |
|
---|---|
Fundamental of Social Work |
Sociology for Social Work |
Contemporary Social Concerns |
Social Psychology |
Social Work UG Second Year Syllabus |
|
Social Deviance and Social Problems |
Working with Individuals and Groups |
Communication and Development |
Physical, Mental and Community Health |
Social Work UG Third Year Syllabus |
|
Social Policy and Social Development |
Social Legislation and Human Rights |
Social Welfare and Administration |
NGO Management |
Social Work PG Course Syllabus
The candidates must note that the Social Work PG subjects are determined by the colleges providing the course. Therefore, the social work subjects may vary depending on the Social Work PG college.
The Social Work PG Course syllabus is covered by colleges across 4 semesters in 2 years.
Candidates can find below some of the main Social Work Course PG subjects in the table given below:
Social Work PG First Year Syllabus |
|
---|---|
Nature and Development of Social Work |
State, Political Economy and Governance |
Research in Social Work: Quantitative Approaches |
Social Action and Social Movements |
Social Work PG Second Year Syllabus |
|
Social Justice and Empowerment |
Social Development |
Management of Development Organizations |
Human Rights and Social Work Practice |
Popular Specializations
- Human Resources
14 Colleges
- Psychiatry
8 Colleges
- English
6 Colleges
- Hindi
6 Colleges
- Home Science
4 Colleges
- Entrepreneurship
2 Colleges
- Labor & Employment Law
2 Colleges
- NGO Management
2 Colleges
- Personnel Management
2 Colleges
- Public Administration
2 Colleges
Social Work Courses Entrance Exams 2024
Some of the entrance exams that allow admission to students and grant them admission to Social Work courses are mentioned below. Students can have a look at the table below to know important details relating to Social Work Entrance Exams.
Social Work Courses Entrance Exams |
Entrance Exam Schedule |
Entrance Exam Dates |
---|---|---|
May 2025 (Tentative) |
||
13th -31st March, 2025 |
||
University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test(UGC NET) |
Auguest 2025 (Tentative) |
Note: This information is sourced from official website of the institute/exam.
Jun '24 | CT SET 2024 Counselling Start TENTATIVE |
Jun '24 | CT SET 2024 Result TENTATIVE |
21 Feb ' 25 | SAT Registration Deadline for March Test |
25 Feb ' 25 | SAT Deadline for Changes, Regular Cancellation, a... |
Feb '25 - Apr '25 | CUET 2025 Application Process TENTATIVE |
Apr '25 | CUET UG 2025 Application Form Correction TENTATIVE |
21 Sep ' 24 | Second Phase of Counselling Begins |
20 Sep ' 24 | Reporting to Respective Colleges |
Important Exam Dates
Dates | Upcoming Exam Dates |
---|---|
Feb '25 - Mar '25 | JMI Entrance Exam 2025 Applications Open TENTATIVE |
Apr '25 - May '25 | JMI Entrance Exam 2025 TENTATIVE |
Dates | Past Exam Dates |
To Be Notified | TISS Online Assessment 2024 |
To Be Notified | TISSNET 2024 Exam |
To Be Notified | TISSNET 2024 Registrations |
Q: What is CUET UG exam?
Common University Entrance Test (CUET) UG is an entrance examination conducted for admission to undergraduation programs offered by various central, state, private and deemed universities. Candidates willing to take admission to undergraduation programme in streams like Science, Humanities, Commerce, Law and Management must appear for the CUET UG exam when conducted.
The entrance examination assesses candidates at various levels: Language, domain knowledge and general aptitude. CUET UG is conducted annually in computer based mode. CUET UG scores are accepted by more than 300 universities across India.
Q: What is the frequency of CUET PG exam?
The CUET PG exam is conducted once a year. The exam is typically held in the month of March or April. The exact dates of the exam are announced by the National Testing Agency (NTA) a few months before the exam.
The NTA releases a detailed notification for the CUET PG exam, which includes all the important information about the exam, such as the eligibility criteria, application process, exam pattern, syllabus, and exam dates.
Candidates are advised to regularly visit the official website of the NTA to stay updated on the latest information about the CUET PG exam.
Q: What is CUET PG examination structure?
The following table brings the structure of the expected CUET PG question paper.
Part | Sections/Subjects | Number of Questions |
---|---|---|
A | Language Comprehension/Verbal Ability, General Test (GK, QA, Analytical Skills) | 25 |
B | Domain knowledge | 75 |
Candidates must note that the Language Comprehension/Verbal Ability section is compulsory. The General Test also has to be taken by candidates opting for all test papers except Education (PGQP01).
Q: What is the mode of the CUET PG exam?
The CUET PG exam is conducted in computer-based test (CBT) mode. This means that the exam is taken on a computer, and the questions and answers are displayed on the screen. Candidates use a mouse or keyboard to select their answers.
The CUET PG exam is held in multiple sessions throughout the day, and candidates are assigned to a specific session during registration. The exam is two hours long and consists of 100 multiple-choice questions.
Social Work Courses Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters
Social Work job is considered as an estimable profession that works in favour of the common good. The field of Social Work plays a major role in making the society more hospitable and considerate. The candidates can read further to get to know about the different fields of work and recruiters where Social Work Professionals can be employed along with Social Work career options.
Social Work Employment Areas
A candidate after completing Social Work Course can expect to work in a wide range of fields. Some of the Social Work Employment Areas are given below:
Rural and Child Welfare |
Hospitals |
Advertising Agencies |
Journalism and Media |
Management Consultancy |
Hospitals |
Schools/Colleges/Universities |
Political Campaigns |
Media Research |
NGO |
Education |
Child Welfare |
Personnel Management |
Urban and Rural Community Development |
Human Rights Agencies |
Old Age Homes |
Disaster Management Departments |
Community Centres |
Social Work Career Options
By pursuing Social Work as a career candidates get the opportunity to translate their passion into profession. With the increasing issues in the society, there comes a need to address these issues in an organized and professional manner. There are various Social Work job profiles, some of which are given in the table below:
Social Work Careers |
|
---|---|
Teacher: |
Family mediator |
Professor: |
Clinical Social Worker |
Social worker |
Human Resource Specialist |
Rural Development Officer |
Medical Health Counsellor |
Social Media Executive |
Family mediator |
Top Social Work Recruiters
Social Work professionals are sought after in various government departments, NGOs and private organizations.
Candidates can find some of the top Social Work Recruiters in India in the table given below:
Top Social Work Recruiters |
|
---|---|
CRY |
Oxfam |
Ministry of Women and Child Affairs |
Goonj |
UNICEF |
Pratham |
UNESCO |
Nani Kali |
Goonj |
Care India |
Smile Foundation |
Sammaan Foundation |
Q: Is social work a good career?
Social Work is often seen only as a noble profession. But, on the contrary Social Work is also seen as a viable career path by many candidates. Social Work field provides a broad range of employment options in various sectors such as Schools and Colleges, Hospitals, NGOs, Child Welfare, Media Research etc.
After pursuing a Social Work Course, a candidate can work in various job profiles such as social worker, Rural Development Officer, Social Media Executive, Teacher, Professor etc.
Depending on the nature of work, social work professionals may work in an office like environment or in field jobs.
Q: What is the roadmap to become an NGO Manager?
Students who are desirous to become NGO Manager can pursue BA, MA, MSc, MBA and Certificate courses. These courses provide technical skills to the aspirants required to join the industry. In order to become an NGO Manager, aspirants need to focus on the below points:
Develop leadership: Students need to develop leadership, communication, project management, fundraising and strategic planning skills.
Volunteer: The candidates should give their time to NGOs or local groups. This will help them in understanding their functioning in a better manner.
Internships: To obtain practical experience, look for internships or entry-level roles inside NGOs. This could involve coordinating programmes, raising money, organising events, or doing administrative duties.
Social Work FAQs: 2024
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions related to Social Work courses:
Q: What is Gerontological Social Work?
Gerontological Social Work is a sub field of Social Work in which you will learn about the requirements of elderly people and their families. Studying this subject will help you understand the elderly and know where they need help and how to help them. You can help them overcome the challenges that people face as they age. In this, you will also lean how to provide therapy or counseling sessions and motivate them to take care of their health and maintain their quality of life.
Q: What is the difference between sociology or social work?
News & Updates
Student Forum
Answered 4 weeks ago
Hello!
A BSW course is an undergraduate degree. It can be pursued by any student who has completed their class 12. Students from all streams can apply for this course but they should have scored at least around 45-50% marks in their exams. Most colleges admit students based on entrance exam ranks or
m
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month ago
A Bachelor of Arts (BA) in a Bachelor of social work degree offered at GKU Bathinda is an undergraduate programme that prepares students to help individuals, families, and communities to increase their well-being. It focuses on community development, social justice, and providing support to those in
V
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
The subjects offered in BA Social Work are closely related to sociology, work practice, and society. The names of some subjects offered in the BA Social Work at Guru Kashi University are:
- Introduction to Social Work Practice
- Introduction to Fieldwork Practices
- Integrated Social Work Practices
- Sociology
V
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Edge Hill University MA in Social Work course duration is 2 years. Note that this course is approved by Social Work England (SWE). This means that on the successful completion of this course, students are going to gain eligibility to apply to register with SWE as a qualified social worker. The tuiti
Answered 2 months ago
According to Osmania University's official website, a graduate from any discipline can apply for the Master of Social Work (MSW) degree through CPGET.
A
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 2 months ago
IISWBM Kolkata offers MSW or Master in Social Welfare as a 2 year programme affiliated by the University of Calcutta. The programme involves summer internship and field work as a part of the curriculum and is divided in 4 semesters. One of the salient feature of the IISWBM Kolkata MSW is the dual sp
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
See the table below for top private MSW colleges in India with their total course fee and eligibility:
College Name | Total Tuition Fee | Eligibility |
---|---|---|
INR 2.6 lakh | Merit-Based | |
INR 2.48 lakh | Merit-Based | |
LPU Jalandhar Admission | INR 2 lakh | CUET-PG |
INR 65,200 | Merit-Based | |
INR 1.4 lakh | Merit-Based |
Disclaimer: This information is sourced from official website and may vary.
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
See the table below for top government MSW colleges in India with their total course fee, seat intake and eligibility:
College Name | Total Tuition Fee | Eligibility |
---|---|---|
INR 32,400 - INR 36,000 | Merit-Based | |
INR 28,000- INR 1.12 lakh | Merit-Based | |
INR 24,000 | Merit-Based | |
INR 18,200 | Merit-Based | |
INR 57,730 | PU CET (PG) |
Disclaimer: This information is sourced from official website and may vary.
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Yes, MSW colleges in India do offer distance courses and you can refer below for some of them:
College Name | Tuition Fee | Eligibility / Exams |
---|---|---|
IGNOU | INR 32,400 - INR 36,000 | Merit-Based |
NSOU | INR 10,400 | Merit-Based |
Tamil Nadu Open University | INR 6,000 | Merit-Based |
School of Distance Education Bharathiar University | INR 21,120 | Merit-Based |
KSOU | INR 34,290 | Merit-Based |
Hope this helps!
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Hi, please refer below for the top specialisations offered by best MSW colleges in India:
Top Specialisations | No. of Colleges |
---|---|
Human Resources | 10+ |
Psychiatry | 6 |
Personnel Management | 2 |
Community Medicine Nursing | 1 |
Counselling | 1 |
Hope this answered your question!
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Hi, it can be observed that pursuing MSW in India can be quite inexpensive as most of the colleges have an average tuition fee of less than INR 1 lakh.
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Hi, listed below are the top MSW colleges in India with their tuition fee and eligibility criteria:
College Name | Tuition Fee | Eligibility / Exams |
---|---|---|
Amity University, Noida | INR 2.6 lakh | Merit-Based |
IGNOU - Indira Gandhi National Open University | INR 32,400 - INR 36,000 | Merit-Based |
Christ University | INR 2.48 lakh | Merit-Based |
University of Lucknow | INR 28,480 - INR1.12 lakh | Merit-Based |
LPU | INR 2 lakh | CUET-PG |
Hope this helps!
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
India is home to 800+ best MSW colleges of which 400+ colleges are owned privately, 180+ colleges are owned by the government and the rest 80+ colleges are owned by semi government institutions. CUET-PG, CPGET and AP PGCET are the top entrance exams for admission to best MSW colleges in India. Amity
A
Contributor-Level 10
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