MGU MSW FAQs
Ques. Is there an entrance exam for MSW admission at MGU's IUCDS, or is it purely merit-based?
Ans. For the MSW programme offered directly by the Inter University Centre for Disability Studies (IUCDS) at MGU's main campus, there is no separate entrance exam like CAT-MGU. Admission is based on merit in the qualifying degree examination followed by a personal interview conducted by IUCDS. However, for MSW at affiliated colleges under MGU, admission is through the CAT-MGU (Common Admission Test) score. So the process differs depending on whether you are applying to IUCDS directly or to an affiliated college.
Ques. What is the difference between the MSW at IUCDS and MSW at affiliated colleges under MGU?
Ans. The MSW at IUCDS is offered on the MGU main campus and has a strong focus on disability studies, psychiatric social work, and community development. It has a small cohort of 20 students, ensuring close mentoring. The fees at IUCDS (a university department) are significantly lower than at unaided affiliated colleges, where the tuition fee is Rs. ₹21,000 per semester. Affiliated colleges may offer different specializations and have their own campus facilities. Admission to IUCDS is through direct application and interview, while affiliated colleges use the CAT-MGU score.
Ques. What are the specializations available in MSW at MGU, and do they affect career prospects?
Ans. The MSW at IUCDS, MGU offers two specializations: Community Development and Psychiatric Social Work. Community Development prepares students for roles in NGOs, government welfare programmes, and rural development agencies. Psychiatric Social Work opens doors to clinical settings, hospitals, rehabilitation centres, and mental health organisations. Both specializations are in demand in Kerala and across India, given the growing focus on mental health and community welfare. The choice of specialization should align with your career interests.
Ques. Can students from non-social work backgrounds (e.g., Science or Commerce graduates) apply for MSW at MGU?
Ans. Yes, the MSW programme at MGU is open to graduates from any discipline. The eligibility requires a Bachelor's degree in any subject from a recognised university with a minimum of 50% marks. There is no restriction on the undergraduate stream. However, students with a BSW (Bachelor of Social Work) background may have an advantage during the interview due to prior exposure to social work concepts and fieldwork.
Ques. What kind of fieldwork and practical training is involved in the MSW programme at IUCDS?
Ans. The MSW programme at IUCDS places a strong emphasis on practical training. Students undertake mandatory rural camps (such as the SAHA rural camp in tribal areas of Idukki district), field visits to community organisations, hospitals, and rehabilitation centres, and concurrent fieldwork placements throughout the programme. These experiences are designed to bridge classroom learning with real-world social work practice. Students also participate in awareness programmes, community outreach activities, and interdisciplinary collaborations, which are integral to the curriculum.
Ques. What are the career opportunities after completing MSW from MGU?
Ans. Graduates of the MSW programme from MGU can pursue careers in a wide range of sectors including NGOs, government social welfare departments, hospitals and psychiatric centres (as medical/psychiatric social workers), schools and educational institutions (as counsellors), corporate CSR departments, international organisations (UNICEF, WHO, etc.), and research institutions. In Kerala, MSW graduates are also eligible to apply for government jobs in the Social Justice Department and related bodies. Many graduates also pursue PhD in Social Work or related disciplines for academic careers.
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