PhD Social Work Syllabus and Subjects

Duration: 3 Years
Avg Fees: ₹10K - 2 LPA
Surobhi Chatterjee
Surobhi Chatterjee

Updated on - Jan 4, 2023

The PhD Social Work syllabus covers everything from Individual Case Management or Service Delivery Practices to Human Service System reform. The courses are divided into six semesters. The PhD Social Work syllabus includes both coursework and research. The quantity of coursework required depends on the candidate's previous experience and the study they are conducting. 

Semester Wise PhD Social Work Syllabus

The syllabus of PhD in Social Work has major subjects such as Social Welfare Policy Analysis, Research Methods, and much more. The elective subjects include Social Work Education, Youth Work and much more. The PhD Social Work course cover a wide range of topics and are divided into six semesters. The semester-by-semester PhD Social Work subject list is listed below:

PhD Social Work First Year Syllabus

The table below contains the list of PhD Social Work subjects in the first year:

Semester I Semester II
Research Methods I: Introduction to Research on Evidence-Based Social Work Research Methods II: Quantitative Research on Evidence-Based Social Work
Statistics and Data Analysis I Statistics and Data Analysis II
Social Welfare Policy Analysis Social Science Theories
Social Work- History and Ideologies Social Work Practicum II
Social Work Practicum I Social Work Practicum III
- Elective(s)

PhD Social Work Second Year Syllabus

The table below contains the list of PhD Social Work subjects in the second year:

Semester III Semester IV
Research Methods III: Qualitative Research on Evidence-Based Social Work Research Methods IV: Grounded Theory
Teaching in Higher Education Data Software and Analysis
Elective(s) Grant Writing
Social Work Practicum IV Research Internship I

PhD Social Work Third Year Syllabus

The table below contains the list of PhD Social Work subjects in the third year:

Semester V Semester VI
Elective(s) Pre-Dissertation Research
Social Work Practicum IV Doctoral Dissertation Research

PhD Social Work Subjects

PhD Social Work syllabus covers a wide range of subjects and topics that are essential for aspirants to learn over the course of three years. Subjects for the PhD in Social Work are divided into core and elective categories. The following is a list of PhD Social Work core and elective subjects:

PhD Social Work Core Subjects

The core PhD Social Work subjects list of essential subjects that all PhD Social Work students study irrespective of their optional Subject choices, is as follows:

  • Research Methods I: Introduction to Research on Evidence-Based Social Work
  • Research Methods II: Quantitative Research on Evidence-Based Social Work
  • Statistics and Data Analysis I
  • Statistics and Data Analysis II
  • Social Welfare Policy Analysis
  • Social Science Theories
  • Social Work- History and Ideologies
  • Research Methods III: Qualitative Research on Evidence-Based Social Work
  • Research Methods IV: Grounded Theory
  • Teaching in Higher Education
  • Data Software and Analysis
  • Grant Writing

Practicals:

  • Social Work Practicum
  • Seminar/Thesis Topic
  • Internship
  • Dissertation

PhD Social Work Elective Subjects

  • Social Work Education
  • Human Relations and Employee's Welfare
  • Youth Work
  • Women Welfare and Development
  • Child Development
  • Social Work with the Elderly
  • A person with disability and Social Work
  • Community Development and Community Work
  • Tribal Development
  • Gandhian Social Work
  • Ecology and Development
  • Social Defense and Correctional ServicesSocial Justice
  • Health and Social Work
  • Education and Development
  • Social Work with Families

PhD Social Work Course Structure

Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work is a three-year course with six semesters. The PhD Social Work course structure is designed to provide students with all of the necessary and relevant information to become successful in the field of Social Work. The subjects in the PhD Social Work course teach not only theoretical knowledge but also practical and interpersonal skills that are necessary. The following is a breakdown of the PhD Social Work course structure:

  • VI Semesters
  • Core Courses
  • Elective Courses
  • Practicals
  • Seminars
  • Thesis Work
  • Dissertation

PhD Social Work Teaching Methodology and Techniques

PhD Social Work has its own set of teaching methodologies and techniques. Subjects are carried out with Practical classes so that students can get a clear picture of what is being taught to them. Practical sessions and seminars give students hands-on exposure to a variety of tools and technologies, allowing them to gain a thorough understanding of Social Work techniques. This leads to gaining theoretical and practical knowledge of the course. The following are the various teaching approaches used in the PhD Social Work course:

  • Practical sessions
  • Pedagogy 
  • Thesis Work
  • Seminars
  • Regular Lectures
  • Qualifying Examination

PhD Social Work Course Projects

Through project-based learning, the PhD Social Work programme focuses on offering professional training in the field of Social Work. Working on projects is primarily intended to ensure that students understand the concepts from beginning to end. The following are some of the most common PhD Social Work projects:

  • Group therapy vs individual therapy for increasing autistic children's adaptability
  • Impact on parents having children with an autism spectrum disorder.
  • Role play vs group discussion efficiency in increasing knowledge regarding drug abuse among high-school students.
  • Addressing the stigma associated with depression.
  • Measures to counteract condemning stereotypes with regard to depression

PhD Social Work Course Books

The PhD Social Work books give students an in-depth study of their area of concentration in addition to providing a foundational understanding of the course. Students can access the textbooks for the course both online and offline. Students can make an informed decision by thoroughly understanding the course requirements by downloading the course details prior to enrolling in the course. The following are the reference books for the PhD Social Work syllabus:

Reference Books 
Name of Book Author
UGC NET or SET JRF and LS Social Work Fazle Kibria
UGC NET JRF SET Social Work Achaldendra Kumar
Social Work for UGC NET Nitesh Dhawan

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