Master of Social Work
Develop a foundation in professional social work through academic study and supervised field practice. MSW includes work with individuals, groups and communities, alongside placements and an internship. Planning practical commitments early is as important as preparing for written papers.
An independent student guide to eligibility, fees, syllabus and academic preparation.
Programme overview & eligibility
Academic home
School of Social Work (SOSW)
Programme code: MSW
Qualification: Master’s degree
Mode: Open and Distance Learning
Who can apply?
A bachelor’s degree or higher degree from a recognized university.
Learning focus: Professional social work and supervised field practice.
Sources: Official MSW programme page and programme guide / prospectus. Check your registration record for the curriculum applicable to your admission session.
Fees & duration
| Item | Verified information |
|---|---|
| Published programme fee | ₹36,000 for the full programme |
| Programme tuition budget | ₹36,000 programme fee |
| Completion window | Minimum 24 months; maximum 48 months |
| Additional charges | Examination fees are additional; check the admission portal for registration, development or other applicable charges. |
The amount above is a programme-fee snapshot, not a complete admission invoice. Pay only through official IGNOU channels and review the fee shown for your chosen programme and admission cycle before submitting the application.
Fee source: IGNOU programme listing, checked 06 October 2026. Total tuition for semester/year-based fees is calculated from the published rate and minimum programme length.
Syllabus & course structure
Use the course codes below to match your study material, assignments and registration. Where a group says “choose”, complete only the required number of electives. Project and practical credits are part of the degree.
Year I · Compulsory theory (12 credits)
| Code | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MSW-001 | Origin and Development of Social Work | 4 |
| MSW-002 | Professional Social Work : Indian Perspectives | 4 |
| MSW-005 | Social Work Practicum and Supervision | 4 |
Year I · Choose two (8 credits)
| Code | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MSW-003 | Basic Social Science Concepts | 4 |
| MSW-004 | Social Work and Social Development | 4 |
| MSW-006 | Social Work Research | 4 |
| MSWE-010 | Social Work in African Context | 4 |
| MSW-032 | Social Work and Criminal Justice | 4 |
Year I · Compulsory fieldwork (16 credits)
| Code | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MSWL-013 | Social Work Practicum-I | 8 |
| MSWL-014 | Block Placement | 8 |
Year II · Compulsory theory (16 credits)
| Code | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MSW-007 | Case Work and Counselling : Working with Individuals | 4 |
| MSW-008 | Social Group Work: Working with Groups | 4 |
| MSW-009 | Community Organization Management for Community Development | 4 |
| MSW-017 | Contemporary Methods and Values of Social Work | 4 |
Year II · Choose one (4 credits)
| Code | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MSWE-001 | HIV/AIDS: Stigma, Discrimination and Prevention | 4 |
| MSWE-002 | Women and Child Development | 4 |
| MSWE-007 | International Social Work | 4 |
| MSWE-003 | Disaster Management | 4 |
| MSWP-001 | Dissertation (Project Work) | 4 |
Year II · Compulsory fieldwork (16 credits)
| Code | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MSWL-015 | Social Work Practicum-II | 8 |
| MSWL-016 | Internship | 8 |
Curriculum source: IGNOU July 2026 Common Prospectus. Live listings can contain duplicate or older entries; the curriculum above follows the verified structure rather than adding every listed course together.
Assignments, examinations & practical requirements
Assessment rules
Theory evaluation and fieldwork evaluation are distinct. Confirm passing marks, assignment weightage and fieldwork journal requirements in the current MSW guide and manuals. Do not treat the optional dissertation as a replacement for compulsory fieldwork.
Projects & field learning
The compulsory practical courses are MSWL-013, MSWL-014, MSWL-015 and MSWL-016, each worth 8 credits. They cover practicum, block placement and internship. Follow the current fieldwork manuals for supervision, attendance, journal certification and evaluation.
Before submitting an assignment
- Download the official assignment booklet for your programme, exact subject code and valid session. Read its submission instructions before drafting answers.
- Write answers in your own words, follow the question’s scope and cite sources when needed. Use notes to understand topics and organise revision.
- Check your enrolment details, course code and required cover-page information. Keep a copy of the submission and its acknowledgement.
- Confirm the current submission route and deadline with the official notice or your learner support centre. An old booklet or an informal message may not apply to your session.
Before an examination
Review the official examination-form notice, course eligibility, timetable and hall ticket. Match each selected paper to your registration and retain the payment receipt. For practical examinations, projects or fieldwork, confirm the separate arrangements with your learner support centre.
A practical study plan for MSW
The following are independent study suggestions, rather than university regulations. Adapt them to your registered courses and the time you can devote each week.
- When studying a method, compare its purpose, process, skills and ethical considerations. Practise explaining a case without revealing identifying details.
- Keep fieldwork records up to date and discuss them with your supervisor. Record what you learned and the next steps, not just the activities completed.
- Read research papers critically: identify the question, sampling method, evidence and limits before accepting a conclusion.
Build understanding
Start with the learning objectives in a unit, then read the explanation and attempt the self-check questions. Make a short summary using your own examples. Mark difficult ideas for discussion during counselling.
Prepare for revision
Keep a topic checklist and practise answering questions within a time limit. Compare your answer with the question’s command word and expected scope. Leave time to review gaps rather than only rereading familiar topics.
Using notes effectively
Choose notes that match your exact subject code and curriculum. Use them as a companion to official study material, not as evidence that a particular question will appear in an exam. For projects or fieldwork, keep your own records and follow the approved academic process.
Official resources & student checklist
- ↗ MSW official programme details
- ↗ Programme guide / prospectus
- ↗ eGyanKosh study material
- ↗ Official assignment downloads
- ↗ IGNOU ODL admission portal
- ↗ IGNOU notices & student services
Keep your admission confirmation, course-registration details, assignment receipts and practical/project documents together. Check that your selected study centre supports the programme and its practical components. Search digital material by individual subject code if searching only the programme name does not locate it.
Resource availability and notices vary by session. Follow the instructions on the official resource you use.
Frequently asked questions
What is IGNOU MSW?
MSW is the programme code for Master of Social Work, offered by School of Social Work (SOSW).
Who can apply?
A bachelor’s degree or higher degree from a recognized university.
What is the duration and medium?
The minimum duration is two years and the maximum is four years. The medium is English and Hindi.
What fees should I budget for?
The official programme page lists ₹36,000 for the full programme. Examination fees are additional. Confirm admission-cycle fees and other applicable charges in the official admission portal.
Are projects or practical work required?
The compulsory practical courses are MSWL-013, MSWL-014, MSWL-015 and MSWL-016, each worth 8 credits. They cover practicum, block placement and internship. Follow the current fieldwork manuals for supervision, attendance, journal certification and evaluation.
Where can I find the detailed syllabus and notes?
Use the linked official programme guide/prospectus and IGNOU study material for the authoritative syllabus. The WhatsApp service offers independent notes and study support; it is not an official IGNOU service.