Online registration for the MSW program at IGNOU is currently live for 2024 academic session. Its due date is November 28, 2024.
Eligibility to pursue this postgraduate program includes a bachelors’ degree with minimum 50% marks in equivalent specialization. Its registration fee is INR 300 and total course fee is INR 18,600. Apply to secure admission before the last application submission date via the university website.
Subjects you’ll get to study are Origin and Development of Social Work, Social Work Research, and Social Work and Criminal Justice.
You can get jobs in roles like NGOs, social welfare departments, or become social workers. For details, visit the official IGNOU website.
Distance IGNOU MSW Course Details
- Eligibility Criteria: A bachelor’s degree in any discipline (mainly BSW) with aggregate 50% scores is required for admission to MSW course.
- Program Duration: It is a 2-year PG program.
- Application Deadline: Aspiring students can submit application for IGNOU MSW admission before the last date of 31 October 2024
- Course Curriculum: It includes History, Philosophy of Social Work, Social Exclusive, Inclusive Policy, Social Problem, Social Development, Rehabilitation and Resettlement, etc.
- Average Fee: Annually fees are INR 32,400/-.
- Career Opportunities: Mental health case manager, Child welfare specialist, Substance abuse counselor, Social worker, Mental health technician, Medical social worker, School counselor, Professor, etc.
- Average Salary: Fresh graduates earn between INR 3.5 LPA to INR 5.8 LPA.
Distance IGNOU MSW Admissions 2025
- Master of Social Work (MSW): Eligibility for admission requires a bachelor’s degree in any discipline with at least 50% marks from a recognized university. The MSW program includes unique subjects such as Social Work Research, Community Organization Management, and Social Policy and Planning. The approximate fee for the full program is INR 36,000, payable in installments of INR 18,000 per year. Admission last date: November 28, 2024
IGNOU MSW Admission 2024 Highlights
| Course Name |
Master of Social Work
|
| Course Code | MSW |
| School |
School of Social Work (SOSW)
|
| Minimum Duration | 2 Years |
| Maximum Duration | 4 Years |
| Medium | English & Hindi |
| Course Fees | Rs. 36,000/- |
| Minimum Age | No Bar |
| Maximum Age | No Bar |
| Eligibility | Graduate |
| Session | Jan & July |
| Annual/Semester | Semester Mode |
Why Choose IGNOU MSW
- Flexible Learning with Professional Impact: IGNOU MSW admission offers a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical fieldwork, allowing students to study while gaining hands-on experience in social work settings. The program’s flexibility enables working professionals to enhance their qualifications without career interruption.
- Curriculum with Industry Recognition: The program covers essential areas like community development, family welfare, and social research. IGNOU’s UGC-recognized degree ensures acceptance across government and private sectors, including international NGOs and social development organizations.
- Affordable Quality Education: At just INR 36,000 for the entire program, IGNOU’s MSW offers premium social work education at one-third the cost of regular universities. The program includes practical training and field placements worth significant professional experience.
- Wide Career Scope: Graduates can pursue careers in multiple sectors including healthcare, child protection, mental health services, community development, and corporate social responsibility. The program opens doors to roles in both government and non-government organizations.
- Research and Higher Education Opportunities: The program provides a strong foundation for research in social sciences, enabling graduates to pursue PhD programs or become social work educators. The curriculum emphasizes research methodology and social analysis skills.
Eligibility Criteria for IGNOU MSW Admission
- Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university, with BSW graduates given preference for admission
- Academic Performance: Minimum 50% aggregate marks in graduation (45% for SC/ST/OBC candidates)
- Age Requirement: No age restrictions for admission to the MSW program
- Language Proficiency: Basic understanding of English or Hindi as the program is offered in both languages
Counseling Support for IGNOU MSW Admission
IGNOU MSW admission provides academic support through its network of study centers and digital platforms. Students receive guidance through regular counseling sessions conducted by experienced social work professionals and academicians. These sessions combine theoretical discussions with practical case studies, ensuring a thorough understanding of social work concepts and applications.
The university offers virtual counseling support through various digital platforms including IGNOU’s e-Gyankosh and online discussion forums. Students can access recorded lectures, participate in interactive webinars, and engage with course coordinators through video conferencing. The program coordinator, Dr. Saumya, provides additional academic support through email and telephone consultations.
Fee Structure for IGNOU MSW Admission
- Total Program Fee: INR 36,000 for the complete two-year program
- Annual Payment: INR 18,000 per year
- Registration Fee: Additional INR 300 for initial registration
- Fee Support: SC/ST students eligible for fee reimbursement as per government norms
- Payment Options: Multiple payment methods including online payment, credit/debit cards, and net banking for IGNOU MSW admission.
IGNOU MSW Application Process
- Online Registration: Create an account on IGNOU’s Samarth portal
- Form Completion: Fill detailed application form with personal and academic details
- Document Upload: Submit scanned copies of required documents
- Fee Payment: Complete registration fee payment through online mode
- Verification: Submit form and await document verification
- Confirmation: Receive admission confirmation and enrollment number
Required Documents
- Bachelor’s degree certificate and marksheets
- Valid ID proof and address proof
- Recent passport-size photographs
- Category certificate (if applicable)
- Work experience certificate (if any)
IGNOU MSW Examination Pattern
The IGNOU MSW admission follows an evaluation system combining continuous assessment and term-end examinations. Continuous assessment includes assignments (30% weightage) and fieldwork reports, ensuring regular engagement with the course material. Students must submit assignments before appearing for term-end examinations.
The term-end examination carries 70% weightage and includes both theory and practical components. Students need to score a minimum of 40% in both continuous assessment and term-end examination to pass each course. The program follows a semester system with examinations conducted twice a year in June and December. Fieldwork performance is evaluated separately through reports and viva voce examinations.
MSW Learner Suggestions
- Structured Study Planning: Create a weekly study schedule allocating 15-20 hours for theory and 10 hours for practical work. Focus on regular reading of study materials and maintaining detailed fieldwork notes for better understanding.
- Credit Management: Each credit equals 30 hours of study time. Plan your learning to complete all 72 credits effectively over four semesters. Balance theoretical courses (4 credits each) with practical fieldwork (8 credits) per semester.
- Examination Strategy: Begin preparation at least 2 months before term-end exams. Focus on previous year’s questions, create concise notes, and participate in mock tests available through study centers for better performance.
- Practical Work Documentation: Maintain detailed records of all field visits, case studies, and community interactions. These records are crucial for project work evaluation and practical examinations.
IGNOU MSW Assignment Section
- Assignment Purpose: Assignments constitute 30% of final evaluation and help in continuous learning. Each course requires the submission of assignments covering theoretical concepts and practical applications.
- Submission Guidelines: Submit assignments to your assigned study center before the deadline. Online submission is available through the IGNOU website. Keep copies of submitted assignments for reference.
- Evaluation Process: Assignments are evaluated based on understanding of concepts, practical application, and original analysis. Minimum passing score is 40% in each assignment.
- Feedback Utilization: Use assignment feedback for improving understanding and preparing for term-end examinations. Address evaluator comments in subsequent submissions.
MSW Career Paths
- Healthcare Social Worker: Hospital Settings – Patient advocacy and support services – Skills: Medical terminology, counseling, case management
- Child Protection Specialist: Child Welfare Organizations – Child rights protection and family support – Skills: Child psychology, legal knowledge, intervention strategies
- Community Development Officer: NGOs/Government – Program implementation and community engagement – Skills: Project management, community organizing, fundraising
- Mental Health Counselor: Mental Health Centers – Therapeutic support and intervention – Skills: Clinical assessment, therapy techniques, crisis intervention
- Corporate Social Responsibility Manager: Private Sector – CSR program management – Skills: Program development, stakeholder management, impact assessment
Placement Information
- NGO Program Manager: INR 4-6 LPA (Social Development Sector)
- Medical Social Worker: INR 3.5-5 LPA (Healthcare Sector)
- Child Protection Officer: INR 4-5.5 LPA (Government/UNICEF)
- Community Development Specialist: INR 3.8-5.2 LPA (Rural Development)
- Mental Health Counselor: INR 3.5-5 LPA (Mental Healthcare)
FAQs
Q: Is IGNOU MSW valid for government jobs?
A: Yes, IGNOU’s MSW degree is recognized by UGC and valid for all government and private sector jobs.
Q: Can I pursue MSW without a BSW background?
A: Yes, graduates from any discipline can pursue MSW, though BSW holders may have an advantage in understanding basic concepts.
Q: What is the duration of field work?
A: Field work comprises 16 credits spread across two years, requiring approximately 480 hours of practical work.
Q: Is attendance mandatory for counseling sessions of IGNOU MSW Admission?
A: While attendance isn’t mandatory, participating in counseling sessions is highly recommended for better understanding and practical exposure.
Q: What is the minimum passing score?
A: Students need to score minimum 40% separately in assignments and term-end examinations to pass each course.
Q: Are there any specializations available?
A: Yes, students can choose specializations in areas like family and child welfare, medical and psychiatric social work, or community development
