IGNOU MSW Syllabus: 2026
The IGNOU MSW Syllabus for 2026 is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of social work practices and theoretical frameworks. As a professional degree, the curriculum ensures that learners are equipped with the necessary skills to address social issues effectively within the Indian and global context. Students find the IGNOU MSW Syllabus highly structured, allowing for a balanced progression from basic social science concepts to advanced professional interventions.
Last Updated: January 2026
This syllabus remains a vital resource for distance learners, offering the latest academic guidelines for the current session. By following the IGNOU MSW Syllabus, students can systematically navigate through their theory papers, field work practicums, and research projects. The curriculum is updated regularly to maintain relevance with contemporary social challenges and professional standards in the field of social work.
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IGNOU MSW Syllabus Highlights
The following table provides a quick overview of the key administrative and academic details of the programme as outlined in the IGNOU MSW Syllabus for the current academic cycle.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of the Program | Exam System |
| Exam System | Annual |
| Total Credits | 72 |
| Category | IGNOU MSW |
IGNOU MSW Course Structure
The Master of Social Work is a two-year postgraduate programme that follows an annual system of examination and progression. Students begin with foundational courses in social work history and social sciences, gradually moving towards specialized areas such as criminal justice and community management. The academic progression is supported by intensive field work practicums and internships, which are mandatory components of the IGNOU MSW Syllabus designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice.
| Academic Year / Semester | Nature of Courses (Core / Elective / Project) | Credits Overview |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | Core and Practicum Courses | 36 Credits |
| Second Year | Core, Electives, and Project Work | 36 Credits |
IGNOU MSW Syllabus: 2026
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-05 | Social Work Practicum and Supervision | 4 |
| MSWL-13 | Social Work Practicum-I | 8 |
| MSWL-14 | Block Placement | 8 |
| MSW-03 | Basic Social Science Concepts | 4 |
| MSW-04 | Social Work and Social Development | 4 |
| Course Code | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MSW-06 | Social Work Research | 6 |
| MSW-32 | Social Work and Criminal Justice | 4 |
| MSWE-10 | Social Work in African Context | 4 |
| 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 |
| MSWL-15 | Social Work Practicum-II | 8 |
| MSWL-16 | Internship | 8 |
| 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 |
| MSWP-01 | Project Work | 4 |
Total Credits: 72
IGNOU MSW Credit System
The IGNOU MSW Syllabus operates on a credit-based system where each credit represents approximately 30 hours of learner study time. For this 72-credit programme, students are required to complete a mix of theory papers and practical components. The credits are distributed across various modules, including social work research, community organization, and specialized electives, ensuring a holistic educational experience as per the IGNOU MSW Syllabus guidelines.
🔗 Also Read
The following resources help students explore additional academic references related to the syllabus, including study materials, assignments, and previous year question papers for exam preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Where can I find the official IGNOU MSW Syllabus source?
The official source for the IGNOU MSW Syllabus is the IGNOU Common Prospectus and the eGyanKosh repository, which provide the authorized curriculum for the current academic session.
Q2: How can I verify the authenticity and latest status of the IGNOU MSW Syllabus?
To verify the latest status of the IGNOU MSW Syllabus, students should regularly check the official IGNOU website or visit their respective Regional Centres for the most recent curriculum updates.
Q3: How should I use the IGNOU MSW Syllabus for exam preparation?
Students should use the IGNOU MSW Syllabus as a roadmap to identify key topics and weightage, ensuring they cover all core and elective subjects mentioned in the course structure before appearing for the Term-End Examinations.
Q4: Does the syllabus provide information on previous year question papers?
While the IGNOU MSW Syllabus outlines the topics, students should refer to the IGNOU official website’s ‘Student Support’ section to download previous year question papers aligned with the current syllabus.
Q5: What is the IGNOU MSW Syllabus revision policy?
IGNOU reserves the right to revise the IGNOU MSW Syllabus periodically to incorporate new research and industry trends. Major changes are typically announced at the start of the January or July admission cycles.
Legal & Academic Disclaimer
The syllabus information provided here is based on the official IGNOU records available at the time of publication. However, IGNOU may revise or update the syllabus, course codes, or credit values at its discretion. Students are strongly advised to verify all details from the official IGNOU prospectus or the University website before commencing their studies.