PhD in Social Work Eligibility Admission Syllabus Colleges Fees Career Scope

A PhD in Social Work is a research based college that teaches about social issues, community projects, social equality, public good, mental health, gender, and the making of policies. It makes students learn about social problems and how to fix them by studying, going out in the field, and making policies. Social Work is big in India because of the many problems like poverty, unfairness, mental health, crimes, family good and child safekeeping. The students with a PhD can work in offices, nonprofit, study centers, colleges, and worldwide groups.

What is PhD in Social Work?

PhD in Social Work is a hard research course that lasts for three to eight years. Students focus on topics that help the community, public health, social rules, poor communities, human rights, school, children, and social acts. This course has classes, field work, research seminars, and a thesis. Students learn how to plan studies, gather data, analyze social issues, and find solutions based on facts.

Some popular research areas include:

Community development

Child protection and welfare

Gender studies

Social justice and equality

Poverty and rural development

Mental health and counseling

Human rights and policies

Social behavior and psychology

Welfare administration

Students work with communities organizations and governments to learn about real world issues.

Why Choose PhD in Social Work

There are many reasons to pursue this specialization:

High social impact

they help you fix real hard stuff like that of the now , crime, addiction, domestic violence, and mental illness.

Strong demand

People in government jobs, NGOs, schools, hospitals and research centers also require good social work staff.

Good academic opportunities

Universities require qualified faculty and researchers in social work and sociology.

Scope in international organizations

Opportunities in UNICEF, WHO, UNDP, World Bank and other global institutions.

Career stability

Social work fields offer long term employment in both academic and applied settings.

Eligibility for PhD in Social Work

To apply for this program, students must have:

A Master’s degree in Social Work or related subjects such as Sociology, Psychology, Human Development, Public Administration or Social Sciences

Minimum 50 to 55 percent marks

A valid score in UGC NET or university level entrance exam

A research proposal on a relevant social issue

Students with field experience in NGOs or social service sectors get an advantage during selection.

Entrance Exams for PhD in Social Work

Admission is mostly entrance based. Popular exams include:

UGC NET Social Work

The most preferred exam for admission.
Paper 1 tests research skills and paper 2 focuses on social work topics.

University Level Entrance Exams

Many universities conduct their own test to assess:

Research ability

Social work knowledge

Analytical skills

Institute Level Interviews

Certain institutions perform interviews, presentations, and research discussions prior to final selection.

PhD in Social Work Admission Process

The admission procedure usually includes:

1. Choose University

Choose universities that have good social work programs and research stations.

2. Check Eligibility Rules

Ensure you achieve the right marks and have the right background in the subject.

3. Submit Online or Offline Application

Attach mark sheets, certificates, entrance exam score, research proposal and ID proof.

4. Entrance Exam

Appear for UGC NET or university level PhD entrance test.

5. Interview Round

Candidates talk about their research idea, interest in social issue and past experience.

6. Final Selection

Admission is through entrance marks interview and academic record.

7. Enrollment

Submit fees and begin coursework or research work.

Syllabus of PhD in Social Work

The syllabus includes social work theory and practice social work practices for social workers and students.

Core Subjects

Social Work Methods

Social Work Research

Human Development

Community Organization

Social Policy and Planning

Social Justice and Human Rights

Research Based Subjects

Research Methodology

Quantitative and Qualitative Techniques

Thesis Work

Field Studies

Seminars

Electives

Child and Family Welfare

Medical and Psychiatric Social Work

Gender Studies

Counseling and Therapy

Rural and Urban Development

Students also conduct field projects, community surveys and policy analysis.

Top Colleges for PhD in Social Work

Some of the top institutions include:

1. Tata Institute of Social Sciences Mumbai
2. University of Delhi
3. Jamia Millia Islamia New Delhi
4. Banaras Hindu University Varanasi
5. Loyola College Chennai
6. IISWBM Kolkata
7. Central University of Rajasthan
8. Christ University Bengaluru

These institutions offer strong field exposure and research opportunities.

Job Roles after PhD in Social Work

Students with a phd can do jobs in many types of places like government offices, non profit orgs, hospitals, schools and research places.

Common job roles:

Social Work Professor

Research Scientist

Community Development Officer

Social Welfare Officer

NGO Project Director

Mental Health Counselor

Child Protection Specialist

Policy Analyst

Development Consultant

Public Health Researcher

These roles require strong research and communication skills.

Top Recruiters

Ministry of Social Justice

Ministry of Women and Child Development

UNICEF

WHO

UNDP

CRY

CARE India

Hospitals and rehabilitation centers

Social welfare departments

Universities and colleges

Salary after PhD in Social Work

The salary depends on job type:

International organizations offer much higher packages.

Career Scope of PhD in Social Work

The field of study is broad and expanding as social issues rise and government programs grow. Graduates will find employment in:

NGOs and social service organizations

Government departments

Public health institutions

Educational institutions

Community development projects

International development agencies

Students also can work in research centers and help to make rules for the social welfare.

FAQs

Q. What is the duration of PhD in Social Work
A. The duration is usually three to eight years.

Q. What is the eligibility for PhD in Social Work
A. A Master’s degree in Social Work or related subject with 50 to 55 percent marks and a valid entrance exam score.

Q. What is the average fee for this program
A. Fees range between two lakh and five lakh depending on the university.

Q. What is the career scope
A. Students can work in government departments, NGOs, universities, mental health institutions and international agencies.