About IGNOU MSW – Master of Social Work
This programme prepares students for professional careers in social welfare, community development, and human rights. It teaches how to support vulnerable populations and manage social service organizations effectively in both rural and urban settings.
The curriculum is designed to help learners understand the complex social issues facing India today. You will study subjects ranging from basic psychology and sociology to advanced topics like criminal justice and disaster management. This broad approach ensures that as a student, you are not just learning from books but also preparing to handle real-life challenges in the field. The inclusion of field work and internships makes this a highly practical course for those looking to make a genuine difference in society.
By the time you complete the Master of Social Work, you will have developed strong skills in counselling, community organizing, and social research. These skills are essential for roles in NGOs, government welfare departments, and international aid agencies. You will be able to design social interventions, conduct professional assessments, and advocate for the rights of marginalized groups. The programme builds a solid foundation for anyone aiming to become a licensed social work professional or a researcher in the social sciences.
IGNOU MSW Syllabus Highlights
The table below summarizes the essential administrative and academic details you need to know about the Master of Social Work curriculum for the 2026 session.
| Academic Attribute | Details |
| Programme Name | Master of Social Work |
| Programme Code | MSW |
| Minimum Duration | 2 Years |
| Maximum Duration | 4 Years |
| Total Credits | 72 |
| Offering School | School of Social Work |
IGNOU MSW Course Structure
The programme is spread across two academic years, following an annual examination system. In the first year, you focus on foundational concepts and initial field work, while the second year allows for specialization and research through elective courses and a project. Each year carries an equal weightage of 36 credits to ensure a balanced workload.
| Academic Year / Semester | Nature of Courses | Credits |
| First Year | Core and Practicum Courses | 36 Credits |
| Second Year | Core, Electives, and Project Work | 36 Credits |
IGNOU MSW Syllabus: 2026
Below is the detailed breakdown of all courses included in the Master of Social Work. Please refer to these course codes when registering for your exams or ordering study materials.
1st Year / First Semester
| Course Code | Course Name | Credits |
| MSW-01 | Origin and Development of Social Work | 4 |
| MSW-02 | Professional Social Work: Indian Perspectives | 4 |
| MSW-03 | Basic Social Science Concepts | 4 |
| MSW-04 | Social Work and Social Development | 4 |
| MSW-05 | Social Work Practicum and Supervision | 4 |
| MSWL-13 | Social Work Practicum-I | 8 |
| MSWL-14 | Block Placement | 8 |
2nd Year / Second Semester
| Course Code | Course Name | Credits |
| MSW-06 | Social Work Research | 6 |
| MSW-07 | Case Work and Counselling : Working with individuals | 4 |
| MSW-08 | Social Group Work : Working with Groups | 4 |
| MSW-09 | Community Organization Management for community Development | 4 |
| MSW-17 | Contemporary Methods and Values of Social Work | 4 |
| MSW-32 | Social Work and Criminal Justice | 4 |
| MSWE-01 | HIV/AIDS : Stigma, Discrimination and Prevention | 4 |
| MSWE-02 | Women And Child Development | 4 |
| MSWE-03 | Disaster Management | 4 |
| MSWE-07 | International Social Work | 4 |
| MSWE-10 | Social Work in African Context | 4 |
| MSWL-15 | Social Work Practicum-II | 8 |
| MSWL-16 | Internship | 8 |
| MSWP-01 | Project Work | 4 |
Total Credits: 72
IGNOU MSW Credit System
The Master of Social Work uses a credit-based evaluation system where 1 credit equals 30 hours of total study time, including reading and practicals. To earn your degree, you must successfully complete a total of 72 credits. These credits are split between theory papers (like MSW-01) and heavy practical components (like MSWL-13), reflecting the professional nature of the field. If you fail to pass a particular course, you do not need to re-enroll in the whole programme; you can simply reappear for that specific paper in the next Term-End Examination cycle.
Important Note for Students
⚠️ The syllabus reflects the 2026 academic framework. IGNOU may revise
course contents at its discretion. Always verify the latest syllabus at
ignou.ac.in
before starting your studies.
Also Read
More resources for MSW students:
Frequently Asked Questions – IGNOU MSW Syllabus
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This page is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected to IGNOU
(Indira Gandhi National Open University). The syllabus information provided here is
for academic reference only and may be subject to revision by IGNOU. Always verify
the latest course structure at
ignou.ac.in.
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✔ Last updated: April 2026
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