The Department of Social Work was established on 20th November 2002, as per Government Order GO (MS) No. 142/2002/HEDU, with the launch of the Master of Social Work (MSW). The department was founded in response to the growing demand for quality, value-based higher education and operates with a multifaceted action plan aligned with the mission of our college: “to groom academically and globally competent women.” In 2014, the department expanded its academic offerings by introducing an undergraduate program, Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), further strengthening its commitment to professional social work education. The department fosters a vibrant academic culture that emphasizes professional grooming, encourages innovation and experimentation, and promotes an atmosphere of mutual respect, trust, and cultural enrichment.

Vision & Mission of the Department

Vision: “Lighted to Enlighten”

Mission: “Train professional social workers to empower qualities of leadership, enlighten the potentialities, and integrate services through the scientific methods and techniques of social work to reach into the world through families.”

Over the past two decades, professional social work has witnessed remarkable growth and development in Kerala, evolving into a well-established discipline marked by its commitment to ethical practice and social justice. With increasing societal complexities and challenges, the demand for skilled social work professionals has risen sharply across various domains. Social workers today play a vital and dynamic role in addressing the diverse and evolving needs of individuals, families, and communities. Their presence is deeply felt in fields such as community development, mental health, medical and psychiatric social work, school social work, child protection, women’s empowerment, disability support, elder care, correctional services, disaster management, and corporate social responsibility (CSR). Whether it is through direct intervention, counseling, policy advocacy, or rehabilitation, social workers are at the forefront of driving meaningful and sustainable change.

Trained social work professionals have become indispensable components of human development initiatives led by both governmental and non-governmental organizations. Their ability to work with vulnerable populations, build community resilience, and advocate for systemic reform positions them as key agents in promoting social welfare, equity, and inclusion. In this evolving landscape, the scope of the social work profession continues to expand, offering not just employment opportunities but a meaningful path for those committed to making a lasting impact in society.

MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK PROGRAMME (MSW)

Specialisations: 

1. Medical and Psychiatric Social Work

2. Rural and Urban Community Development

3. Human Resource Management (HRM)

The Social Work programme aims to develop professionally competent and socially committed individuals who can contribute meaningfully to social transformation at local, national, and global levels. The specific aims of the course are:

• To build competent and ethically grounded professional social workers equipped to meet global and local demands.
• To impart value-based education rooted in social justice, empowerment, democracy, welfarism, and religious pluralism.
• To cultivate social sensitivity and awareness regarding pressing social issues, crises, and injustices.
• To promote and undertake social research and field action projects in emerging and innovative areas of social work practice.
• To empower marginalized and vulnerable groups, including women, Dalits, tribal communities, labourers, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
• To strengthen participatory approaches across all levels of the development process, ensuring inclusive and sustainable outcomes.
• To advocate for and engage in the protection and promotion of human rights and social equity.
• To foster holistic human development-addressing the physical, psychological, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being of individuals and communities.
• To engage in the rehabilitation and support of individuals and communities affected by development-induced displacement and other structural disruptions.

Prospectus and Notification:

• The college publishes an updated prospectus/brochure annually.
• Admission notifications are published on the official college website for both UG and PG programmes.

Eligibility Criteria for PG (MSW) Admission:

• Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
• As the MSW programme is interdisciplinary, graduates from any academic background are eligible.
• A minimum of 50% aggregate marks is required for candidates from the General Category.
• 5% relaxation in minimum marks is provided for candidates belonging to the Scheduled Castes (SC), the Scheduled Tribes (ST), and the Other Backward Classes (OBC).

Admission Process for PG Programme:
The admission process is conducted in three stages:

1. Entrance Test – Conducted by the college to assess academic aptitude.
2. Group Discussion – To evaluate communication, teamwork, and critical thinking.
3. Personal Interview – To assess motivation, social sensitivity, and suitability for the course.

Reservation Policy:

• 20% of seats are reserved for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe candidates as per Government norms.
• The institution actively encourages meritorious students from SC/ST backgrounds to secure admission through merit seats rather than solely through reserved quotas.

Professional Foundation and Skill Development in Social Work

Social work theory and practice are fundamentally focused on fostering professional attitudes rooted in humanity. These include qualities such as genuineness, commitment, trustworthiness, optimism, and a deep respect for human growth and dignity. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to enhance students’ skills in organizing and managing a wide range of development activities. Field exposure plays a crucial role in equipping students with practical competencies in relationship building, effective communication, leadership, programme planning and management, event coordination, documentation, resource mobilization, evaluation, and research.

FOUR YEAR BACHELOR OF SOCIAL WORK (FYUGP- BSW) HONOURS PROGRAMME

In alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Department of Social Work has upgraded its Bachelor of Social Work program from a three-year course to a comprehensive four-year undergraduate degree (FYUGP BSW). The enhanced curriculum offers students greater academic depth, wider field exposure, and expanded opportunities for research and specialization, equipping graduates with stronger professional competencies to meet the evolving demands of the social work sector.

Eligibility & Admission

Eligibility: Candidates who have passed (or appeared for) the Plus Two (10+2) examination or its equivalent are eligible to apply.

Admission Process:

• Admission notifications are published on the official college website.
• Seat allotment, complete the admission formalities as per the university guidelines.

Title of the Minor: Social Work

1. Foundations of Social Work
2. Social Work Perspectives of Society and Human Behaviour

Specialization in BSW Programme

1. Health Centered Social Work
2. Development Centered Social Work
3. Management Centered Social Work (HRM)

Curriculum & Learning Approach

• The four-year BSW programme integrates theoretical instruction, practical training, and fieldwork, thus providing a balanced and immersive learning experience.
• It emphasizes the development of core competencies such as social justice awareness, ethical practice, community engagement, and critical thinking.

Career Prospects for Graduates

Graduates are equipped with the theoretical foundation, practical skills, and ethical grounding necessary to make meaningful contributions across a variety of professional settings. The programme opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities in both government and non-government sectors, including:

• Social Worker: Supporting individuals and families in navigating challenges such as poverty, abuse, addiction, and social exclusion through advocacy, counseling, and intervention.
• Community Service Manager: Designing, implementing, and evaluating community-based programmes aimed at development, empowerment, and social inclusion.
• School Social Worker: Addressing the social, emotional, and academic needs of students, and promoting a healthy school environment through interventions and support services.
• Healthcare Social Worker: Providing psychosocial support in hospitals and clinics, helping patients and families cope with illness, treatment plans, and recovery processes.
• Disability Inclusion & Empowerment– Advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities, promoting inclusive education, accessibility in public spaces, and assistive technology adoption; facilitating skill development and employment opportunities; implementing community-based rehabilitation (CBR) programs; and working on policy reforms to ensure equal participation in all aspects of social, cultural, and economic life.
• Mental Health Counselor: Offering support to individuals experiencing emotional or mental health challenges through therapeutic techniques and case management.
• Gerontological Innovations – Creating age-friendly communities, promoting active ageing, and supporting caregivers of the elderly.
• Substance Abuse Counselor: Assisting individuals in overcoming addiction by offering counseling, rehabilitation planning, and support group facilitation.
• NGO/INGO Worker: Engaging in program implementation, fundraising, advocacy, and fieldwork across a variety of causes such as child protection, gender rights, environment, and disaster response.
• CSR and HR Roles in Corporates: Applying social work principles to employee welfare, corporate social responsibility initiatives, and organizational development.
• Climate and Environmental Social Work – Advocating for climate justice, supporting communities affected by environmental degradation, and promoting sustainable practices.
• Art-Based and Sports-Based Social Work– Using creative and physical activities for rehabilitation, therapy, and community bonding.
• Digital & Cyber Social Work – Addressing cyberbullying, online safety, digital literacy, and the psychological impacts of excessive technology use.
• Migration and Refugee Support – Working with displaced populations, providing legal aid, integration support, and trauma counseling.
• Government Welfare Departments: Working in child welfare, women’s development, tribal affairs, and other social justice sectors.

With growing societal needs and an emphasis on inclusive development, graduates are increasingly in demand as agents of social change, advocacy, and human development across diverse sectors.

1. Inspire & Enthuse – Induction Programmes for MSW and BSW Students

The Department conducts ‘Inspire’ for MSW students and ‘Enthuse’ for BSW students as part of its structured induction programmes. Designed to welcome learners from diverse academic disciplines, these programmes help students transition smoothly into the field of social work. They provide orientation to the core values, principles, and practices of the profession while fostering motivation, self-awareness, and readiness for academic and fieldwork engagements. Through interactive sessions, workshops, and exposure activities, Inspire and Enthuse ensure that every student begins their social work journey with clarity, confidence, and a commitment to their chosen field.

2. Observation Visits – Structured Exposure to Social Work Practice

The Department of Social Work at St. Joseph’s College organizes systematic observation visits for both BSW and MSW students as an integral part of their academic training. These visits provide students with first-hand exposure to the functioning of welfare institutions, community organizations, healthcare centers, correctional facilities, and NGOs. By observing professional practices in real-life settings, students gain a deeper understanding of the roles, responsibilities, and challenges faced by social workers. This structured approach bridges the gap between classroom learning and field realities, helping students build a strong foundation for their future practice and research in the field of social work.

3. Structured Curriculum with Practical Enrichment

The Department of Social Work at St. Joseph’s College offers a well-structured syllabus for both BSW and MSW programs, ensuring a balanced blend of theoretical knowledge and practical learning. The curriculum is carefully designed to provide students with a strong academic foundation while integrating fieldwork, observation visits, internships, and research opportunities that enrich their professional journey. This holistic approach equips students not only with subject expertise but also with the skills, values, and experiential insights necessary to thrive as competent social work professionals.

4. Collaborations: Strengthening Field Work and Practice

The Department of Social Work has established strong collaborations with social work institutions at the regional, state, national, and international levels, significantly strengthening fieldwork and practice. These partnerships enhance students’ fieldwork exposure and experiential learning opportunities, effectively bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world practice while preparing them for diverse professional settings.

5. Community Connect Programme: Strong Network with Local Self-Government Institutions

The Department of Social Work runs the Community Connect Programme, which emphasizes a strong and sustained partnership with local self-government institutions. As part of this initiative, MSW students engage in six months of structured fieldwork with panchayats, municipalities, and other local bodies. This experience enables them to participate directly in grassroots governance and community development initiatives. Students gain practical exposure to the planning, implementation, and evaluation of welfare programs, thereby strengthening their understanding of participatory governance and decentralized planning. The programme equips them with the professional skills needed to work effectively within public welfare systems and community-based social work practice.

6. Rural and Tribal Engagement Camps: Experiential Learning for Social Work Students

The Department of Social Work organizes rural and tribal camps for BSW and MSW students to provide them with firsthand exposure to diverse social realities. These camps are designed as experiential learning opportunities, allowing students to engage directly with communities, understand their socio-economic conditions, cultural practices, and developmental challenges. By participating in these camps, students gain practical insights into the complexities of rural and tribal life, enhance their fieldwork skills, and develop a deeper sense of empathy and social responsibility, which are essential for their professional growth as social work practitioners.

7. Internship Opportunities at State, National, and International Levels

In addition to concurrent fieldwork, the Department of Social Work provides exclusive internship opportunities for both BSW and MSW students at state, national, and international levels. These internships expose students to diverse fields of practice, including healthcare, community development, child welfare, correctional settings, NGOs, and corporate social responsibility initiatives. By engaging with organizations beyond their regular field placements, students gain wider professional exposure, advanced skills, and cross-cultural insights. Such experiences enhance their employability, broaden their perspectives, and prepare them to function effectively in varied professional and global contexts.

8. Voluntary Internship Opportunities

In addition to structured fieldwork and mandatory internships, the Department of Social Work provides voluntary internship opportunities for both BSW and MSW students during the month of May. These internships are designed for students who wish to deepen their learning and practical exposure beyond the regular curriculum, based on their personal interests and career goals. By engaging with organizations of their choice-ranging from NGOs and healthcare institutions to community projects and corporate social responsibility initiatives—students enhance their professional skills, networking capacity, and commitment to service. This initiative encourages self-directed learning and supports students in shaping their individual career pathways in social work.

9. INICIO – Annual International/National Conference

The Department of Social Work organizes INICIO, its flagship annual international and national conference, which serves as a premier academic platform for research, innovation, and knowledge sharing. This event brings together experts, practitioners, and students from diverse fields to engage in meaningful discussions on emerging trends in social work practice and research, thereby fostering collaboration and the exchange of ideas that enrich the discipline.

10. Success Fusion Programme (2023 onwards)

The Success Fusion Programme (2023) is a three-year continuous mentoring initiative designed exclusively for BSW students, introduced as a flagship program under Mastering Campus Careers. It emphasizes academic excellence, personal growth, and professional readiness, ensuring that students receive consistent guidance and support throughout their course. By fostering holistic development, the programme equips students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary to excel both in academics and in their future careers.

11. Placements and Career Support

The Department of Social Work maintains a strong placement record across diverse sectors, including hospitals, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), government welfare departments, and community-based organizations. With a clear focus on equipping students with the necessary skills, knowledge, and practical training, the department ensures that graduates are well-prepared to succeed and make meaningful contributions in the professional world.

12. SAMASTHA – St. Joseph’s Social Work Students’ Association

SAMASTHA – St. Joseph’s Social Work Students’ Association is a vibrant student body that also includes alumnae, dedicated to fostering leadership, community engagement, and social responsibility among its members. It organizes a variety of academic, cultural, and social activities that complement classroom learning, while also serving as a dynamic platform for collaboration, networking, and professional growth.

13. Department of International Affairs – Gateway to Global Opportunities

The Department of International Affairs at St. Joseph’s College acts as a gateway to global opportunities, offering vital support for Social Work students aspiring to gain international exposure. It facilitates academic exchanges, internships, higher education, and collaborative opportunities abroad through student exchange and mobility programs, enabling students to experience cross-cultural learning and broaden their global perspectives in social work practice. With collaborations and MoUs with reputed international universities and organizations, students benefit from joint programs, short-term courses, and study-abroad opportunities. The department also provides personalized guidance and mentoring, preparing students for higher studies, research, and careers abroad. To further strengthen their readiness, it organizes workshops, seminars, and orientation programs focused on skill-building, language proficiency, and cultural adaptability. By opening pathways to scholarships, internships, and placements in international organizations, the Department equips students to emerge as globally competent social work professionals.

14. Language Learning Opportunities – German, French, Malayalam, and Hindi

The Department offers language learning opportunities in German, French, Malayalam, and Hindi to equip students with multilingual skills and broaden their academic and career prospects in both national and international contexts. Proficiency in German and French enhances access to higher education, internships, and careers abroad, particularly in European countries, while also supporting student exchange programs and international collaborations. Learning Malayalam strengthens community-based practice by enabling effective communication with local populations, especially in grassroots-level social work within Kerala, whereas Hindi expands opportunities for practice across India by facilitating engagement with diverse communities and organizations in different states. These multilingual skills not only enrich the educational experience but also provide a strong professional edge, making students more competitive in fields such as counseling, community development, international NGOs, and healthcare, where cultural sensitivity and effective communication are essential.

15. Study Tours – Local, National, and International Exposure

The Department of Social Work organizes study tours for both BSW and MSW students, providing them with opportunities to visit social work institutions at local, national, and international levels. These tours are designed to broaden students’ perspectives by exposing them to diverse models of social work practice, innovative community-based interventions, and institution-based welfare programs. By interacting with professionals and organizations in different contexts, students gain valuable insights into best practices, cross-cultural approaches, and emerging trends in the field. Study tours serve as a vital component of experiential learning, complementing classroom teaching and fieldwork while inspiring students to envision their role in a global social work context.

• Dr. Jessy K.C., Ph.D., is an accomplished academician and Associate Professor, holding a Ph.D. from Gandhigram Rural University, Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, and a master’s degree in social work, specialised in Rural and Urban Community Development from Bhopal School of Social Sciences, Madhya Pradesh. With over 22 years of teaching experience, including 13 years as the Head of the Department of Social Work, she has organised International and national Conferences and Workshops on the social science discipline. She has been instrumental in shaping the department’s academic vision and fostering a culture of excellence. Her professional journey reflects a deep commitment to innovative pedagogy, experiential field learning, and impactful research initiatives, all aimed at nurturing the holistic growth of students and advancing the field of social work.
• Dr. Renaldo S Rajkumar, Ph.D., NET (U.G.C) is an Assistant Professor and a research and publication consultant with a Ph.D. from Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, and a Master of Social Work from Thiruvalluvar University, Vellore. He has authored several book chapters and published numerous research papers in UGC Care List and SCOPUS-indexed journals. He is also an advisory committee member for NGO’s BIRDS Bangalore and Santhome Social Service Society. His research interests include Community Development, Human Resource Management, Ageing and Happiness Studies, Elderly Care Management, Disaster Research, and Green Social Work.
• Ms. Meghana Davis M.S.W., NET (U.G.C), holds an MSW from Loyola College, Madras University, and a BA in Psychology from Delhi University. A two-time UGC-NET qualifier, she has research experience in public health with national institutions, including AIIMS, New Delhi; WHO; and GIPMER. With teaching experience in leading autonomous colleges, she brings valuable expertise in public health and academic mentorship.
• Ms. Sruthy S, M.S.W., is a passionate social work educator with 4 years of teaching experience and 10 years of active social volunteering, primarily in the disability sector, while also contributing to other causes. She leads impactful community initiatives and is currently pursuing advanced learning in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management. She holds UGC NET eligibility for Ph.D admission in the 2025 cycle.
• Ms. Krishnendhu K.B, M.S.W., M.A. is an Assistant Professor with postgraduate degrees in Social Work specialised in Rural and Urban Community Development and Public Administration. She is deeply passionate about rural and urban community development, with a strong focus on creating sustainable and inclusive growth. Her professional journey includes active contributions to various NGO-led initiatives aimed at empowering communities and driving positive social change. Dedicated to student development, she strives to inspire and equip learners with the skills and values needed to become socially responsible change-makers.
• Ms. Resmi Ramachandran, M.S.W., SET , with over 12 years of dedicated teaching experience in the field of Social Work, brings specialized expertise in community development, social welfare administration, and counseling. Her unwavering commitment to academic excellence and student growth significantly enriches the department, nurturing critical thinking, instilling professional values, and empowering students to excel in their chosen careers.
• Ms. Sunitha K.V., M.S.W., holds a Master’s degree in social work with a specialization in Medical and Psychiatric Social Work, and has nine years of teaching experience. She brings six years of professional expertise in the field of counselling and is currently serving as an Additional Counsellor at the Family Court, Irinjalakuda, where she provides guidance and support to individuals and families. She is an active member of the Indian Counsellors Association (ICA) and the Kerala Association of Professional Social Workers (KAPS).
• Ms. Reshma Paul, M.S.W., is a dedicated faculty member with 8 years of experience teaching MSW courses, specializing in Medical and Psychiatric Social Work. She brings valuable practical experience from her previous role as a counselor in a de-addiction center. Leveraging her expertise in social work and counseling, she fosters a supportive and engaging learning environment, guiding students to develop both professional competence and compassionate practice.

Our Collaborations