PhD Social Work: Course Details, Eligibility, Admission, Fees
PhD in Social Work is a doctoral programme in social work that lasts for a minimum of three years. This course is developed specifically for professionals who want to grow in their profession and professions. This is a research-based course in which candidates are expected to work in a certain field. They do their own study into the problems that surround our society.
PhD Social Work Course Details
| Degree | Doctorate |
| Full Form | Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work |
| Duration | 3 Years |
| Age | No age limit |
| Subjects Required | Masters in Social Work or relevant field |
| Minimum Percentage | 55% |
| Average Fees | ₹10K - 2 LPA |
| Average Salary | INR 5 - 10 LPA |
| Employment Roles | Social Worker, NGO co-ordinator, Community Worker, Researcher, etc |
| Top Recruiters | NGO, UNO, WHO, Red Cross, Amnesty International, Government of India, etc. |
About PhD Social Work
PhD Social Work is a research-based programme that lasts about 3 years but can last up to 5-6 years depending on how much effort students put into their dissertation. Candidates taking the course will be required to select a specialization area to undertake suitable research. The study will be based on real-life challenges that affect our society. The course falls under the umbrella of PhD course.
According to Wikipedia, "Social work is an academic discipline and practice-based profession concerned with meeting the basic needs of individuals, families, groups, communities, and society as a whole to enhance their individual and collective well-being."
Table of Contents
- PhD Social Work Eligibility Criteria
- PhD Social Work Admission Process
- Who Should Do a PhD Social Work?
- Types of PhD Social Work
- PhD Social Work Specializations/Courses
- Popular PhD Social Work Entrance Exams
- Study PhD Social Work in India
- Top PhD Social Work Colleges
- Study PhD Social Work Abroad
- PhD Social Work Fees Structure
- PhD Social Work Integrated/Bridge Courses
- PhD Social Work Syllabus and Subjects
- Why Choose PhD Social Work?
- PhD Social Work Course Comparison
- Scope of Higher Education for PhD Social Work
- Preparation Tips for PhD Social Work
- Salary of a PhD Social Work Graduate
- Career Options after PhD Social Work
- Skills to Excel
Eligibility Criteria for PhD Social Work
Students who wish to enrol in the PhD Social Work programme must pass in their Master’s degree in Social Work from a recognized university with a minimum of 50% overall. Students with an M.Phil degree can also apply for the course. Students must pass the common entrance examinations in addition to meeting the standard PhD Social Work eligibility requirements. This course has no age limit.
How To Get Admission for PhD Social Work?
Admission to the PhD Social Work programme is either merit-based or entirely based on the candidate's qualifying exam score. A candidate's performance on a National, State or College-level entrance exam determines their admittance to the course. Some colleges conduct their entrance exams for the admission process. Aspirants must also meet the minimal PhD Social Work eligibility requirements, which include a Master’s in Social Work and an entrance exam score.
Though the PhD Social Work admission process varies from college to college, below are the steps that one should generally go through to get admission.
How to Apply?
In consideration of the COVID scenario, the majority of institutions are moving their admissions processes entirely online. Students must therefore go to the official websites of the colleges to which they are applying and begin the application process by submitting information. Students can also go to the college of their preference for offline enrollment and fill out an application form with all required documents. Students are admitted to distant learning colleges like IGNOU based on the IGNOU OPENMAT entrance exam. Every course has an application process that takes place twice a year. Candidates can apply whenever it is convenient for them.
Selection Process
In merit-based selection, candidates are chosen based on their academic performance during their Master’s degree. For entrance-based selection, students need to take the entrance test. Once the candidates are qualified, they become eligible for any further stage of PhD admission in Social Work. Further stages of admission vary from college to college. Generally, the college will require a final round of group discussion or a personal interview once the application has been approved before admission is confirmed.
Who Should Pursue a PhD in Social Work?
PhD in Social Work is for students who want to excel in the field of Social Work. In general, PhD programmes in Social Work seek applicants who are serious about pursuing full-time scholarships and training the next generation of social workers. In the field of social work, a PhD level study allows you to specialize in a specific area of interest and be at the cutting edge of research on urgent, real-world issues that affect our society.
When To Do PhD Social Work?
If a student wants to pursue a career in Social Working, he or she should begin at the Masters's level. They must pass a Masters's degree in Social Work/ M.Phil from a recognized university.
Types of PhD Social Work
Aspirants can pursue the course in the full-time or part-time mode. Below are the types of PhD Social Work courses in detail:
Full-Time
The full-time PhD Social Work duration is around three years. This course requires more practical knowledge than theoretical understanding. The advantage of a full-time course is that students can gain a lot more exposure, experience and knowledge through direct interaction with their peers and faculty.
Part-Time
The part-time PhD Social Work course is designed for students who cannot attend regular classes. The duration of the course is 5-6 years. The advantage of the part-time course is that students can pursue this course while simultaneously being engaged in employment, etc.
Distance
The PhD in Social Work distance education programme lasts three years and is divided into six semesters of six months each. For those who wish to pursue a PhD degree in Social Work after a master's but don't have the time to attend normal classes, distance learning is the ideal option.
PhD Social Work Specializations/Courses
When it comes to PhD Social Work courses, there are a variety of specializations to choose from. The following are some of the available specializations:
- Social Work Administration
- Disaster, Crisis and Intervention
- Medical Social Work
- Children, Families, and Couples
- Forensic Populations and Settings
Popular Entrance Exams for PhD Social Work
PhD Social Work candidates must pass the entrance exams to be admitted to the academic course. The required cut-off marks for the entrance exam are set at the discretion of the institute that administers the test. Those who pass the PhD Social Work entrance exam will be invited to the final selection procedure. The following are some of the most popular PhD Social Work entrance exams:
A Quick Glance at the PhD Social Work Entrance Exams
The eligibility requirements for the above-mentioned entrance exams are entirely dependent on the conducting body and so vary accordingly. The following are some of the general guidelines for entrance exams:
- The exam will be online.
- The exam duration is 3 hours.
- The question paper is set in both English and Hindi.
- Questions will be MCQ based.
- The Paper will be 100 marks.
- The exam structure contains common topics such as Research Aptitude, Reasoning, Communication, People and Environment, etc.
Study PhD Social Work in India
India is home to some of the best PhD Social Work colleges for aspirants. Candidates have many options to choose from in terms of the best PhD Social Work course as per their preferences. Depending on the type of PhD Social Work programs offered, candidates will have to make the appropriate choice. Below are some of the top colleges in India offering PhD Social Work courses:
Top 10 PhD Social Work Colleges in India
Below is the list of the 10 best colleges for PhD in Social Work in India:
| Sl.No | Name of the College |
| 1 | Loyola College, Chennai |
| 2 | Christ University, Bangalore |
| 3 | Woxsen University, Hyderabad |
| 4 | JNU, Jaipur |
| 5 | Hindustan College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore |
| 6 | PSG College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore |
| 7 | Gujarat Vidyapith, Ahmedabad |
| 8 | Bharathiar University, Coimbatore |
| 9 | Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith, Varanasi |
| 10 | Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth. Pune |
Top PhD Social Work Colleges in Delhi
India’s capital city is home to some of the best institutions for PhD Social Work in India. Check the table below for the top colleges for PhD in Social Work in Delhi:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | JMI |
| 2 | University of Delhi |
| 3 | Indira Gandhi National Open University |
| 4 | Aditi Mahavidyalaya |
| 5 | Bhim Rao Ambedkar College |
Top PhD Social Work Colleges in Mumbai
Mumbai also has some of the best institutions for PhD Social Work in India. Check the table below for the top PhD Social Work colleges in Mumbai:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | Amity University |
| 2 | TISS |
| 3 | Mumbai University |
| 4 | All India Institute of Local Self Government |
| 5 | ICSI |
Top PhD Social Work Colleges in Pune
Pune is home to some of the premier institutions for PhD Social Work in India. Check the table below for the best PhD Social Work colleges in Pune:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | MIT WPU |
| 2 | Bharati Vidyapeeth |
| 3 | ICSI |
| 4 | Wisdom School of Management |
| 5 | Karve Institute of Social Service |
Top PhD Social Work Colleges in Bangalore
The capital city of Karnataka is renowned around the country for colleges offering top PhD Social Work programmes. Check the table below for the best colleges for PhD in Social Work in Bangalore:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | Christ University |
| 2 | St. Joseph’s College |
| 3 | CMR University |
| 4 | AIMS Institutes |
| 5 | Bangalore City University |
Top PhD Social Work Colleges in Chennai
The capital city of Tamil Nadu has some of the best colleges for PhD Social Work courses in India. Check the table below for the best colleges for PhD in Social Work in Chennai:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | Loyola College |
| 2 | Hindustan College of Arts and Science |
| 3 | Stella Maris College |
| 4 | MCC |
| 5 | D D Goverdhan Doss Vaishnav College |
Top PhD Social Work Colleges in Hyderabad
The Capital City of Telangana has some premier institutions in the country for PhD Social Work. Check the table below for the top colleges for PhD Social Work in Hyderabad:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | Dr B.R. Ambedkar Open University |
| 2 | MANUU |
| 3 | Wisdom School of Management |
| 4 | Government Domestic Science Training College |
| 5 | Government Degree College |
Top PhD Social Work Government Colleges
There are several top Government Colleges offering quality PhD Social Work programmes across the country. Check the table below for the top PhD Social Work government colleges in India:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | Bharathiar University, Coimbatore |
| 2 | Kuvempu University, Shimoga |
| 3 | PRSU, Raipur |
| 4 | PSG College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore |
| 5 | IGNOU, Delhi |
Top PhD Social Work Private Colleges
India has seen significant growth in the number of quality PhD Social Work private colleges that offer some of the best programmes in the country. Check the table below for the top PhD Social Work private colleges in India:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | IISWBM, Kolkata |
| 2 | Christ University, Bangalore |
| 3 | NIMS University, Coimbatore |
| 4 | CSI Bishop College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore |
| 5 | ICSI Delhi, Delhi |
Study PhD Social Work Abroad
Students can opt to study a PhD Social Work course abroad if they can afford it. The PhD Social Work course abroad is for a minimum of 4 years, depending on the type of course, college and country. The benefits of studying a PhD Social Work programme overseas provide students with access to some of the best resources, facilities, and faculty, as well as global exposure to the subject matter and other cultures. In addition, students must achieve good grades in their 10+2 and have good English language skills. Below are some of the top colleges for PhD in Social Work abroad and the relevant fees structure:
Top PhD Social Work Colleges Abroad
The table below contains the list of some of the best colleges abroad for PhD Social Work:
| Institution | Fees |
| University of Birmingham, UK | GBP 55,350 |
| Flinders University, Australia | AUD 120,000 |
| University of Sussex, UK | GBP 74,000 |
| University of Edinburgh, UK | GBP 70,050 |
| University of York, UK | GBP 56,700 |
| University of Western Australia, Australia | AUD 185,600 |
| University of Toronto, Canada | CAD 24,840 |
| McMaster University, Canada | CAD 25,229 |
| University of Auckland, New Zealand | NZD 22,363 |
| University of Strathclyde, UK | GBP 45,450 |
Top PhD Social Work Colleges in the USA
The USA is home to some of the best universities and colleges offering top-notch PhD Social Work programmes in the world. The table below contains the list of top colleges for PhD in Social Work in the USA:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | University of Michigan |
| 2 | University of Chicago |
| 3 | Washington University |
| 4 | University of Pittsburgh |
| 5 | Case Western Reserve University |
Top PhD Social Work Colleges in the UK
The UK has institutions that date back to the 13th century. This makes the UK one of the best destinations for pursuing a PhD in Social Work. The table below shows the top colleges for PhD Social Work in the UK:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | University of Birmingham |
| 2 | University of York |
| 3 | University of Sussex |
| 4 | University of Edinburgh |
| 5 | University of Strathclyde |
Top PhD Social Work Colleges in Canada
Known as the ‘Great White North, Canada is one of the most sought-after destinations for PhD Social Work programmes in the world. The table below shows the top universities for PhD Social Work in Canada:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | University of Toronto |
| 2 | McMaster University |
| 3 | University of Windsor |
| 4 | University of British Columbia |
| 5 | York University |
Top PhD Social Work Colleges in Australia
For many students, Australia, also known as the 'Land Down Under,' has emerged as one of the top locations for higher education. The list of top colleges for PhD Social Work in Australia is as follows:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | Flinders University |
| 2 | University of Western Australia |
| 3 | University of Newcastle |
| 4 | La Trobe University |
| 5 | Curtin University |
Fee Structure for PhD Social Work
The PhD Social Work fee is not fixed and depends on many factors. Some of the factors which affect the PhD Social Work fees include location, faculty, demand, infrastructure, and the facilities available to the students. The average PhD Social Work fee in India is around INR 1,000 - 2 LPA.
| Sl.No. | Name of the College | Total Fee Structure |
| 1. | Tata Institute of Social Sciences - TISS, Mumbai | INR 44,667 PA |
| 2. | Delhi University, Delhi | INR 20,600 |
| 3. | Madras School of Social Work, Chennai | INR 16,680 |
| 4. | Loyola College, Chennai | INR 18,000 |
Integrated/Bridge Courses
Integrated M.Phil-PhD Course: The Integrated M.Phil-PhD (Master in Philosophy - Doctor of Philosophy) programme is a unique student-friendly programme with a common Entrance Test and the option of graduating with an M.Phil degree after one year or completing both degrees in a shorter time frame. Admission to this programme is largely aimed at deserving applicants interested in pursuing a career in academia.
Eligibility criteria: Master's degree in Social Work or relevant subject with a minimum of 55% from a recognized university.
Admission Process: Admission is based on the entrance exam, followed by Group Discussion or Personal Interview.
Syllabus and Subjects for PhD Social Work
The PhD Social Work course uses a choice-based credit scheme, which allows students to pick and choose their electives. The major, elective, lab and project subjects of the PhD Social Work programme follow a set pattern. The following is a list of the general topics that will be covered during the course:
- Introduction to Research on Evidence-Based Social Work
- Statistics and Data Analysis
- Social Welfare Policy Analysis
- Quantitative Research on Evidence-Based Social Work
- Statistics and Data Analysis
- Social Science Theories
- Data Software and Analysis
Read More: PhD Social Work Syllabus and Subjects
Why Choose PhD Social Work?
When students decide to pursue PhD in Social Work, they should first research PhD Social Work course details to ensure that they know the course they are enrolling in. Breaking down the question "Why to choose PhD Social Work?" into three brief questions simplifies the answer:
What is PhD Social Work All About?
The PhD Social Work program's goal is to develop leaders who will promote social work through research and education. From Individual Case Management to Service Delivery Strategies to Human Service System change, the course will cover it all. Students learn how to find and use both Quantitative and Qualitative data to better understand and communicate about human experience and make better decisions.
What Does a PhD Social Work Graduate Do?
After earning a PhD in Social Work, students can work as Lecturer/professors, Social and Community Service Managers, School and Career counsellors, Social and Human Service assistants, and so on. Here are some of the most common features:
- Social and Community Service Managers: Managers of Social and Community Service programmes and organizations are in charge of coordinating and organizing them. They are in charge of supervising employees that deliver public social services.
- School and Career Counselors: School counsellors are in charge of assisting students in developing social and intellectual skills and achieving academic success. Career counsellors are responsible for assisting people in making career decisions by assisting them in developing skills or selecting a career or educational programme.
Reasons Why PhD Social Work Can Fetch You a Rewarding Career?
After earning a PhD in Social Work, both fresher and experienced professionals can pursue a variety of career opportunities. It is dependent on an individual's capabilities, academic record, skills, and experience. Some of the reasons are:
Demand: Every year, new social care institutions open in various locations, increasing the demand for social workers. Hospitals, Health Industry, Education Sector, NGOs, Human Rights Organizations, Disaster Management Departments, and so on are all places where social workers can work.
Career Growth: PhD in Social Work graduates have a wide range of job opportunities. Candidates can advance in their careers after gaining experience as operations managers.
Read More: PhD Social Work Jobs & Scope
PhD Social Work Course Comparison
Both of these programmes are 3-6 years long, but PhD Sociology differs from PhD Social Work in terms of goal, course structure, job prospects, salary, etc. Below is a comparison of the PhD Social Work course with the PhD Sociology course:
PhD Social Work vs PhD Sociology
The table below showcases the differences between PhD Social Work and PhD Sociology:
| Course | PhD Social Work | PhD Sociology |
| Full-Form | Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work | Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology |
| Stream | Social Work | Social Science |
| Course Duration | 3-6 years | 3-6 years |
| Eligibility | Master Degree / M.Phil in related subjects | Post-graduation / M.Phil in Arts |
| Entrance Exams | UGC NET, DUET, etc. | UGC CSIR NET, SLET, etc. |
| Top Colleges | Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Delhi University, Christ University, etc. | IIT Kanpur, Banasthali Vidyapith, Jadavpur University, etc. |
| Fees | INR 1,000-2 LPA | INR 4,000-5 LPA |
Read More: PhD Sociology
Preparation Tips for PhD Social Work
There are many tips that students must note when deciding to pursue a PhD Social Work. Some important preparation tips are listed below to ensure that the students crack the course and pass the exams without any hurdles.
Syllabus: Students must be well-versed with the course syllabus. This is the first and most fundamental step in the preparation process.
Exam Pattern: Understand the examination patterns and the kind of questions that are commonly asked. Students will most likely be asked multiple-choice questions.
Important topics: Students should concentrate more on the important areas, as these are where questions are most usually asked. These sections must be focused on while reviewing the chapters.
Practice: Practice questions from past years' question papers and sample papers.
Salary of a PhD Social Work Graduate
The salary for PhD Social Work graduates varies depending on the specialization chosen by the candidates. Other factors that can affect PhD Social Work salary in India include experience, geography, and the industry they are working in.
Graduates can increase their salary by getting more work experience. The average PhD Social Work job starting salary for graduates is around INR 2 - 8 LPA [Source: PayScale].
Read More: PhD Social Work Salary
Career Options After PhD Social Work Graduation
There are plenty of jobs available for PhD Social Work students in both the public and private sectors. The job roles will differ based on the specialization that one has opted for. PhD Social Work graduates have abundant job opportunities with good salary packages that include the following job profiles:
- Lecturer/ Professor
- Social & Community Worker
- Researcher
- School & Career Counselor
- Social Activist
- Writer/ Editor
- Journalist
- Social and Human Service Assistants
- Scientist
Skills That Make You The Best PhD Social Work Graduate
Because Social Work programmes are used by every sector in this era, aspirants are enrolled to transform them from raw aspirants to professional Social Work aspirants. Some of the abilities that PhD Social Work students should have:
- Critical Thinking
- Patience
- Empathy
- Communication skills
- Cultural Competence
- Self Care
- Professional Commitment