About IGNOU MSWC – Master of Social Work (Counselling)
The Master of Social Work (Counselling) is a specialized postgraduate programme that trains students in advanced therapeutic techniques, psychological assessment, and empathetic intervention. It prepares learners for professional roles in family courts, rehabilitation centers, schools, and mental health clinics where skilled guidance is needed to solve complex human problems.
The curriculum is built to help students understand the deep connection between social environment and individual mental health. By studying the subjects included in this degree, you will learn how to handle sensitive cases involving child guidance, marriage counseling, and crisis management. The lessons are practical and focus on real-world application, ensuring that you don’t just learn theories but also know how to apply them in a clinical or community setting. This makes the programme highly relevant for anyone looking to make a career in the helping professions in India.
After completing this programme, a student will be able to conduct professional counseling sessions, manage community development projects, and work effectively with diverse groups. You will develop the skills to assess behavioral issues, provide emotional support, and navigate the ethical boundaries of the counselor-client relationship. Graduates often find successful roles as family counselors, school social workers, or consultants in NGOs. The training provided ensures you are ready to meet the standards required by top social welfare organizations and government departments.
IGNOU MSWC Syllabus Highlights
The table below provides a quick summary of the Master of Social Work (Counselling) programme. It includes the necessary administrative details like the school name, total credits required to pass, and the programme code used for all official correspondence with the university.
| Academic Attribute | Details |
| Programme Name | Master of Social Work (Counselling) |
| Programme Code | MSWC |
| Minimum Duration | 2 Years |
| Maximum Duration | 4 Years |
| Total Credits | 72 |
| Offering School | School of Social Work |
IGNOU MSWC Course Structure
The programme is divided into two distinct years, following an annual examination pattern. Each year requires the completion of 36 credits, totaling 72 credits for the entire degree. The first year focuses on the foundations of social work and field practicum, while the second year dives deep into specialized counseling techniques and includes a mandatory internship for hands-on experience.
| Academic Year / Semester | Nature of Courses | Credits |
| 1st Year | Core Theory and Practicum | 36 Credits |
| 2nd Year | Specialized Counselling and Internship | 36 Credits |
IGNOU MSWC Syllabus: 2026
The following tables list the specific course codes and titles you will study during your tenure in the Master of Social Work (Counselling) programme. Please ensure you select the correct course codes during your re-registration process.
1st Year (First Semester)
| Course Code | Course Name | Credits |
| MSW 1 | Origin and Development of Social Work | 4 |
| MSW 2 | Professional Social Work: Indian Perspectives | 4 |
| MSW 5 | Social Work Practicum and Supervision | 4 |
| MSW 8 | Social Group Work: Working with Groups | 4 |
| MSW 9 | Community Organisation Management for Community Development | 4 |
| MSWL46 | Social Work Practicum-I | 8 |
| MSWL47 | Block Placement | 8 |
2nd Year (Second Semester)
| Course Code | Course Name | Credits |
| MSW 12 | Introduction to Life Characteristics and Challenges | 4 |
| MSW 13 | Introduction to Psychological Basis of Counselling | 4 |
| MSW 14 | Relevance of Social Case Work in Counselling | 4 |
| MSW 15 | Basics of Counselling | 4 |
| MSW 16 | Fields of Counselling | 4 |
| MSWL48 | Social Work Practicum-II | 8 |
| MSWL49 | Internship | 8 |
Total Credits: 72
IGNOU MSWC Credit System
The Master of Social Work (Counselling) follows a standard credit system where 1 credit represents roughly 30 hours of learner effort. To earn the full degree, you must successfully complete 72 credits. These credits are evenly distributed, with 36 credits assigned to theory and practicals in the first year and the remaining 36 credits in the second year. If a student fails to pass a specific course, they do not need to re-enroll in the entire programme; they can simply reappear for the Term-End Examination (TEE) of that specific course in the next cycle, provided their registration remains valid.
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 MSWC students:
Frequently Asked Questions – IGNOU MSWC Syllabus
Legal & Academic Disclaimer
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
