MA Social Work

Duration: 2 Years
Avg Fees: ₹4K - 80K PA
Surobhi Chatterjee
Surobhi Chatterjee

Updated on - Jan 4, 2023

MA in Social Work is a two-year postgraduate degree course that deals with the main areas of social work. The Master of Arts in Social Work subjects in this course deal with various focal points of societal developments and problems along with techniques to effectively tackle them. The job opportunities for the Master of Arts in Social Work course are also wide in numbers in both the private and public sectors of various reputed organizations in India and abroad.

MA Social Work Course Details

Degree Masters
Full Form Master of Arts in Social Work
Duration 2 Years
Age No specific age limit
Subjects Required Bachelor's degree in any stream (Preferably Social Work)
Minimum Percentage 50%
Average Fees ₹4K - 80K PA
Similar Options of Study MSW, MPH, MPF, MPA, MPAff, MPP, MSP
Average Salary INR 4.13 LPA
Employment Roles Non-Profit Organization, Medical Social Worker, HR Manager, Social Worker, HR Generalist, Program Coordinator, Assistant HR Manager, Senior HR Generalist
Top Recruiters Non-Government Organizations, Non-Profit Organizations, Schools, Prisons, Counselling Centres, Hospitals etc

About MA Social Work

The definition is given by Wikipedia, "Social work is an academic discipline and practice-based profession that concerns itself with individuals, families, groups, communities, and society as a whole to meet basic needs and enhance social functioning, self-determination, collective responsibility, optimal health, and overall well-being" The course falls under the umbrella of MA course and therefore follows a similar course structure.

Table of Contents

Eligibility Criteria for MA Social Work

Admission for the MA in Social Work course in India requires the aspirants to complete their degree in Bachelor of Social Work and 10+2 from any recognized institution. As there are entrance exams for the MA in Social Work course, students can apply for any of the colleges of their choice anywhere in India. There is a specific age limit or criteria for getting MA in Social Work admission.

Admission Process for MA Social Work

The admission process for the MA in Social Work course in India is carried out either from the college premises or can be done online. The admission process for the Master of Arts in Social Work course is undertaken strictly based on the scores of bachelor’s in Social Work and Secondary and Higher Secondary Education criteria. The Master of Arts in Social Work admission process is entirely merit-based. Listed below are the various procedures to get admission for the MA in Social Work course:

How to Apply? 

The aspirants eager to study MA in Social Work can either apply online or offline for the course. The Master of Arts in Social Work applicants are shortlisted for the course based on the marks scored in the bachelor’s degree course of social work. The aspirants can apply for the MA in Social Work course details by downloading an admission form available online at the university or on the college website.

Selection Process

The selection process for the course is carried out based on the scores and performance in 10+2+3 combined marks with continuous study in Social Work. After the completion of the course, the college or university conducts a written test, personal interview, counseling, and group discussion. The aspirants are allocated seats based on various MA in Social Work criteria fulfilled by the aspirants proposed by the college/university officials.

There are few entrance exams for the MA in Social Work course for which the students can attend. Appearing for entrance exams is an essential criterion but a good merit score from the 10+2+3 degree in MA Social Work is important. The postgraduates can book their seats for the course in any recognized college or university. Some of the important entrance exams for the MA in Social Work course are:

Quick Glance At the MA in Social Work Entrance Exams

The eligibility criteria for the MA in Social Work degree entrance exam depends entirely on the institutions which conduct the exam. The entrance exam for Master of Arts in Social Work consists of questions related to sociology, the course, general knowledge, awareness, etc. The test includes: 

  • Multiple choice objective type questions.
  • 100 marks and duration is 2 hours.
  • The entrance exam is conducted in the English language.
  • Most of the questions in the entrance exams are merely related to Science, Psychology, Sociology, Reasoning, and General Knowledge.

Top 10 MA Social Work Colleges in India

Top MA in Social Work colleges in India and abroad offer MA in Social Work postgraduate degree courses to students interested in humanities and science, psychology, social studies, etc. Some of the very best colleges for MA in Social Work colleges in India are as follows:

MA Social Work Colleges

SI.No.

Name of the College

1

 Christ University, Bangalore

2

 St. Albert's College

3

Indira Gandhi National Open University

4

 Amity University, Noida

5

National Institute of Social Work and Social Sciences

6

 Amity University, Gurgaon

7

 Chaudhary Charan Singh University

8

 Presidency College, Chennai

9

 Gurugram University, Gurgaon

10

 Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University, Ahmedabad

Fee Structure for MA in Social Work

MA in Social Work fees structure ranges from INR 10K -2 LPA. The fee for a Master of Arts in Social Work course may vary depending upon the facilities and amenities provided at the college/university and the level of education provided.

MA Social Work Course Fee

College Name

Fees Per Annum

 IGNOU, Delhi

INR 40K

Amity University, Lucknow

INR 66K

 Madhya Pradesh Bhoj University, Bhopal

INR 15K

 Don Bosco College Sulthan Bathery, Wayanad

INR 60K

 AIMS Institutes Bangalore

INR 1.5 L

Syllabus and Subjects for MA Social Work

The syllabus and subjects for the MA in Social Work course are structured in such a way so that the students get a better understanding of the different subjects of the course. They cover topics such as Human Growth and Development, Ideology and Ethics of Social Work, and Micro Enterprises, and many more. Some of the important subjects of the MA in Social Work course is:

  • Human Growth and Development
  • Ideology and Ethics of Social Work
  • Poverty Reduction
  • Micro Finance
  • Micro Enterprises

Read More About MA in Social Work Syllabus and Subjects

Why Choose MA in Social Work?

The Master of Arts in Social Work course is for students who are interested in social work and the social development of the human sector. This Master of Arts in Social Work course will provide them with adequate knowledge to become social development and change. There are many private and government Master of Arts in Social Work job opportunities for postgraduates in India as well as abroad.

What is MA Social Work All About?

The Master of Arts in Social Work course duration is 2 years. The course is designed in a structured manner that aims at providing more focus on societal welfare and people's assistance. The following are some of the subjects which are included in the Master of Arts in Social Work syllabus for the students Human Growth and Development, Ideology and Ethics of Social Work, Poverty Reduction, Micro Finance, Micro Enterprises, etc.

What Does a MA Social Work Postgraduate Do?

MA in Social Work postgraduate holds a degree in the social work field, a good career option in India and abroad. A Master of Arts in Social Work provides students with the knowledge and abilities they need to excel in the area of social work. A MA in Social Work career means that students can explore students themselves into several domains of career. Here are some qualities which a MA in Social Work postgraduate inherits.

Communication: It is necessary to be able to communicate properly with a variety of people. It is social workers' responsibility to advocate for their clients; yet, to do so, social workers must first understand the client's needs.

Reasons Why MA in Social Work Can Fetch Students A Rewarding Career

A degree in MA in Social Work is recognized worldwide. The Master of Arts in Social Work course trains students to play a better role in promoting community awareness about social practices. The Master of Arts in Social Work course is for students who are interested in social work and the social development of the human sector. 

Demand: Social Work Degree that provides qualifications for employment with many Human Service Providing Agencies. Social Work postgraduate programs enable one to pursue a Master's in Social Work.

Read More About MA in Social Work Jobs

Preparation Tips For MA Social Work Graduates

MA in Social Work students can prepare themselves by learning the basics of humanities and social science. MA in Social Work students can refer to many books on the social and community to review and practice skills-based questions. Some of the tips mentioned below can be followed for Master of Arts in Social Work course preparation:

Make S Plan: Make a course plan that can help the student to plan according to the study of the work which enables them to keep both balanced.

Connect With Fellow Students: Start connecting with peers who can help students with providing an exchange of knowledge that might help students to reduce stress at the time of examination.

Interact With Professors: The interaction with the professors can bring in a new insight into the subjects for the course.

Subscribe To Newsletters: It is mandatory for a student who is pursuing a Master of Arts in Social Work course to keep himself updated with all happenings around the world for further research of scenarios and analysis.

Scope For Higher Education

The scope for higher education for MA in Social Work with best salaries offered in India and abroad with almost all private and public sectors of various organizations. Having a Master of Arts in Social Work degree opens up a wide range of career options. The most commonly followed path in this aspect is the Doctorate. When higher education and the postgraduate degree are put together, it gives the students a high job scope. A few of the courses are:

  • M.Phil (Social Work)
  • PhD (Social Work)
  • MBA 

Salary Of A MA Social Work Postgraduate

Master of Arts in Social Work course salary varies with different job profiles. With some experience in the field, MA in Social Work postgraduates can earn a very good salary. MA in Social Work salary varies according to an aspirant's knowledge and skills. The Master of Arts in Social Work course's average salary, which is offered, ranges from INR 2 - 5 LPA [Source: Glassdoor].

Read More About MA in Social Work Salary

Career Options After MA in Social Work Education

After completing a MA in Social Work, students are eligible for junior-level posts in private and government jobs in India and abroad. MA in Social Work aspirants has an excellent job scope in the future and vast job opportunities. MA in Social Work is a continuous up-gradation of so many various fields of humanities and social science. Some of the very best MA in Social Work careers in the areas mentioned above as:

  • Professor
  • Psychologist
  • Social Worker
  • Therapist
  • Researcher
  • Counsellor

Skills That Make The Best MA in Social Work Postgraduates

MA in Social Work aspirants should possess critical, analytical skills and work, empathy, effective communication, policy management, and decision-making skills. In addition, they have to be confident, dedicated and committed to their aspiration. Skills that make students suitable for a MA in Social Work postgraduate:

  • Problem Solving Skills
  • Analytical Skills
  • Strong Work Ethics
  • Management Skills
  • Goal-Oriented
  • Inquisitive
  • Technical Skills 

MA Social Work Fee Structure

See Various MA Social Work Colleges in India

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