IGNOU MSW 2025 Syllabus: Free Course Structure and Credit System Explained

IGNOU MSW 2025 Syllabus

IGNOU MSW 2025 Syllabus Indira Gandhi National Open University's (IGNOU) Master of Social Work (MSW) program is intended to give students the information, abilities, and real-world experience they need to succeed in the social work field. 

The MSW program at IGNOU offers the perfect starting point for anybody hoping to improve their professional prospects, continue their education, or make a positive effect on society via their employment.

Students are guaranteed a well-rounded education thanks to the IGNOU MSW syllabus's national and international recognition. This program is a great option for anyone interested in comprehending and tackling the social issues facing contemporary society because of its adaptability and thorough structure. 

The 2025 IGNOU MSW syllabus, program structure, and credit system will all be thoroughly examined in this post. We will also discuss the different courses and how they help you advance both academically and professionally.

IGNOU MSW 2025 Syllabus

IGNOU MSW Syllabus 2025: Key Highlights

Before we dive into the specific details of the program structure, let’s first take a quick look at the essential highlights of the IGNOU MSW syllabus 2025.

Program Code	IGNOU MSW
Program Name	Master of Social Work (MSW)
Program Duration	3 years
Medium of Instruction	English & Hindi
Number of Courses	14 Courses
Total Credits	72 Credits
Total Study Hours	2160 hours
Course Type	Theory, Practical, Project

The MSW program at IGNOU is a 3-year course that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of social work practices and the ability to make a positive impact on society. It is offered in both English and Hindi mediums, making it accessible to a diverse group of students. The program includes a blend of theory, practical fieldwork, and a dissertation or project work to ensure that students gain hands-on experience.

Program Structure & Syllabus Breakdown

The IGNOU MSW syllabus 2025 is structured to provide a progressive and comprehensive learning experience. The program is divided into three years, and students will be required to complete 14 courses in total, which include compulsory courses, elective courses, fieldwork, and dissertation/project work.

Year 1: Foundation and Core Courses

In the first year, the focus is on providing a strong foundation in social work theory and Indian perspectives. Students also undertake practical fieldwork to gain real-world experience. The courses in this year will help students understand the historical context of social work and develop essential skills in social work supervision.

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
MSW001	Origin and Development of Social Work	4
MSW002	Professional Social Work: Indian Perspectives	4
MSW005	Social Work Practicum and Supervision	4
Electives	(Choose any two)
MSW003	Basic Social Science Concepts	4
MSW004	Social Work and Social Development	4
MSW006	Social Work Research	4
MSWE010	Social Work in African Context	4
MSW032	Social Work and Criminal Justice	4
Field Work	(Compulsory)
MSWL13	Social Work Practicum-I	8
MSWL14	Block Placement	8

In the first year, students are introduced to the core concepts of social work and social development, learning how they apply in the Indian context. The fieldwork component ensures that students can gain firsthand experience and apply theoretical knowledge in real-life situations. The elective courses give students the flexibility to explore specific areas within social work.

Year 2: Specialization and Advanced Practices

In the second year, the curriculum becomes more specialized, focusing on methods of working with individuals, groups, and communities. Students explore areas such as casework, group work, and community organization. The elective courses in this year give students the opportunity to focus on specific issues like HIV/AIDS, women and child development, and disaster management.

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
MSW007	Case Work and Counselling: Working with Individuals	4
MSW008	Social Group Work: Working with Groups	4
MSW009	Community Organisation Management for Community Development	4
MSW017	Contemporary Methods and Values of Social Work	4
Electives	(Choose any one)
MSWE001	HIV/AIDS: Stigma, Discrimination, and Prevention	4
MSWE002	Women and Child Development	4
MSWE007	International Social Work	4
MSWE003	Disaster Management	4
Field Work	(Compulsory)
MSWL15	Social Work Practicum-II	8
MSWL16	Internship	8

Year 2 focuses on advanced methods of social work and how they can be applied to different populations. The fieldwork component ensures that students gain practical exposure to social work in both individual and group settings. Elective courses allow for deeper exploration into specialized areas of interest.

Year 3: Dissertation and Completion

The third year focuses on the culmination of students' learning experiences. Students undertake dissertation work, where they conduct in-depth research on a topic related to social work. This year also consolidates the skills and knowledge developed over the first two years, with further emphasis on practical application through internships.

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
IBO001	International Business Environment	6
MSWP1	Dissertation (Project work)	4
Field Work	(Compulsory)
MSWL16	Internship	8

The dissertation/project work gives students the opportunity to engage with real-world issues in a scholarly and practical manner. The internship component allows students to apply their knowledge in a professional setting, further solidifying their expertise in social work practices.

Total Credits

The MSW program has a total of 72 credits, which are spread across 14 courses. The program structure ensures that students gain a balanced understanding of social work theory, practice, and research. Fieldwork plays an integral role throughout the program, ensuring that students develop practical skills alongside their academic learning.

| Total Credits | 72 Credits |

IGNOU MSW Credit System

The IGNOU credit system is designed to provide clarity on how much time a student should allocate to each course. According to the system, 1 credit equals 30 hours of learning time. For example, if a course is assigned 4 credits, students are expected to dedicate 120 hours to that course.

Therefore, to complete the MSW program, which totals 72 credits, students will need to dedicate 2160 hours of study and practical work. This time is divided among theory courses, practical work, fieldwork, and the dissertation/project.

Conclusion

A comprehensive education in social work is provided by the IGNOU MSW syllabus 2025, which blends theoretical understanding with real-world application. Students will acquire the skills required to address the various issues that people and communities experience throughout the course of three years, as well as a thorough understanding of social work concepts. The curriculum, which consists of 2160 hours of instruction and 72 credits, is intended to prepare students for careers in social work both academically and practically.

Students can more effectively plan their academic journey by being aware of the course contents, credit system, and program structure. Students can customize their education to fit their unique interests and career aspirations thanks to the program's flexibility in terms of elective courses, fieldwork, and dissertations. Regardless of your future goals—community development, healthcare, counseling, or policy advocacy—the IGNOU MSW program offers the groundwork for a fulfilling and significant social work career.

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