Bachelor of Social Work [BSW]: Full form, Colleges, Degree, Course, Syllabus, Online, Salary

03 March,2023  |  By Brainwonders

The BSW full form is Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is a three-year graduate degree program that equips individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue a career in the social work sector. The purpose of this program is to offer quality life and education to those living in underserved, underprivileged communities, to ensure they all have access to justice, social services, and equal opportunities. 

Admission to BSW courses is merit-based; students who pass their class 12 board exams with a minimum aggregate score of 55% or higher are eligible for admission. Such courses may be accessed through direct admission or lateral entry routes. The approximate BSW course fee ranges from INR 18,000-50,000, depending on the college chosen. Patna University, Amity University, Madras Christian College, and many more are some of the best institutes for BSW in India. 

Distance learning options such as IGNOU, Karnataka State Open University, Annamalai University also offer BSW courses. The average salary of a social worker in India generally ranges between INR 2.50 L – 4 L per annum. This amount is subject to alteration based on experience, skill set, proficiency level, and exposure to diverse working environments.

What is BSW?

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is a three-year undergraduate professional degree program that equips students with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to work in the field of social work. In this program, candidates are required to successfully complete six semesters over the course of three years. For some applicants, the duration may be extended to a maximum of six years. The BSW course is available for full-time study, as well as correspondence and distance learning options. 

This program covers a range of topics in the areas of theory, practice, and research which prepares students to become professional social workers. During their studies, candidates must complete a foundation course, an elective course, and undertake fieldwork in order to develop a strong understanding of the discipline and its applications.

Why Study BSW?

1. Studying a Bachelor of Social Work provides students with the theoretical and practical knowledge to create positive change in society. 
2. Through comprehensive course material such as human behaviour, diversity and the law, students acquire the necessary skills to build relationships, identify needs and deliver effective interventions.
3. Social workers are dedicated to empower and support individuals, families, communities and organisations in addressing issues caused by structural discrimination, poverty and social injustice. 
4. Graduates develop an understanding of social policy, human rights and advocacy, while utilising evidence-based practice, to promote social justice and fight inequality. They are equipped to take on roles in various fields such as health, mental health, counselling, family services, housing, administration and more.
5. By acquiring strong communication, problem solving and critical thinking skills, graduates of a Bachelor of Social Work are able to critically assess situations and provide meaningful interventions for those in need. 

This degree is ideal for those passionate about making a genuine difference in our society.

How to Get Admission to BSW?

To gain admission to a college of choice, students must meet the established admission criteria of the college. 

1. Eligible candidates should gather necessary details pertaining to fees and application procedures from the respective college's website. 
2. Once all criteria are satisfied, students should pay the application fee as instructed before undertaking any further steps. 
3. If required for admission, students should begin preparing for the relevant entrance exam. 
4. To maximise the chances of admission, it is advisable that students apply at multiple colleges simultaneously. 
5. Finally, upon selection, students will have to pay the college's admission fee in order to secure their seat.

BSW Eligibility

1. In order to be eligible for admission to a university, applicants must have successfully completed Secondary (10+2) and Higher Secondary school qualifications in both science and humanities streams from an accredited educational board. 
2. A minimum score of 40% is required for applicants belonging to SC/ST categories; however, this may vary depending on the University. 
3. Generally, admissions are based on merit and thus an excellent score at the Higher Secondary level is crucial for admission into a reputable college.

BSW Syllabus

BSW First Year Subjects	BSW Second Year Subjects	BSW Third Year Subjects
Introduction to Social Work	Basics & Emergence of Social Work	Current Issues in Community & Organization
Social Work Intervention with Communities	Psychology Concepts of Human Behaviour	Sexual Health Education
Social Work Intervention with Institution	Field Work	Role of NGOs
Introduction to Family Education	Science & Technology	Approaches in Social Work
Substance Abuse	Relevance of Psychology in Social Work	Factual Information of Substance Abuse, Relevance & Implications
Humanities & Social Science	Social Problems & Services	Developing Skills & Competencies for Intervention of Strategies
Introduction to HIV/AID	Basic Concepts of Social Psychology	Empowerment of Women
Counselling	Introduction to Social Case Work	Cognitive & Psychoanalytical Techniques
Methodology to Understand Social Reality	Contemporary Social Problems & Social Defense	Cultural & Social Values in Family Life

BSW Subjects

BSW Top Subjects

• Humanities and Social Sciences
• Psychology
• Sexual Health Education
• Substance Abuse
• Counselling

Skills Required for BSW

Skills required to pursue a Bachelor of Social Work degree include strong communication and leadership abilities, critical thinking skills, and advocacy capabilities. 

Communication Skills: Communication entails being able to effectively connect with and comprehend clients, colleagues, and other stakeholders in order to build meaningful relationships. 

Leadership skills involve leading through example and inspiring others to take action. 

Critical thinking is the ability to analyse situations and form solutions that are grounded in knowledge and experience. 

Advocacy: Finally, advocacy involves speaking on behalf of those who may not have a voice and working towards social justice. 

All of these skills are necessary for an individual to be successful in a Bachelor of Social Work program.

BSW Top Recruiters

• UNICEF: 
• CRY (Child Rights and You)
• Smile Foundation
• Helpage India
• Oxfam
• Goonj
• Pratham
• Nani Kali
• Care India
• Sammaan Foundation

BSW Course Salary

City	Average Salary per Month (INR)
Cuttack	28,376
Pune	22,203
Mumbai	21,543
Bangalore	21,423
Delhi	19,812
Hyderabad	14,513
Chennai	13,771

BSW Colleges in Kerala

College Name	Fees (INR)
Rajagiri College Of Social Sciences	19,453
MG University	18,000
Christ College	8,71,000
KMM College Of Arts And Science	49,200
De Paul Institute Of Science And Technology	20,750

BSW Colleges in Maharashtra

College Name	Fees (INR)
Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth	40,000
RTMNU (Nagpur University)	9,983
SNDT Women's University	30,000
Amity University, Mumbai	80,000
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj University	81,100

BSW Colleges in Nagpur

College Name	Fees (INR)
RTMNU (Nagpur University)	9,983
Matru Sewa Sangh Institute Of Social Work	4,219
MGAHV	2150

BSW Colleges in Karnataka

College Name	Fees (INR)
St. Joseph College Bangalore	55,550
Acharya Institute Of Graduate Studies	67,425
Field Marshal KM Cariappa College	15,725
St. Philomena's College	33,500
Bangalore University	1,857

BSW Colleges in Bangalore

College Name	Fees (INR)
St. Joseph College Bangalore	55,550
Bangalore University	1,857
Acharya Institute Of Graduate Studies	67,425

BSW Colleges in Guwahati

College Name	Fees (INR)
Royal Global University	70,000
Assam Down Town University	90,000
NERIM Group Of Institutions	65,200
KKHSOU	4900
NEF College, Guwahati	55,000

BSW Colleges in Ahmedabad

College Name	Fees (INR)
BAOU	8,000
Silver Oak University	35,000
Sabarmati University	60,000
Shri Bhikhabhai Patel Arts College	12,500
Institute Of Language Studies And Applied Social Sciences	32,850

BSW Colleges in Tamil Nadu

College Name	Fees (INR)
Stella Maris College Chennai	2,400
Madras School Of Social Work	46,850
Dr. M.G.R. Educational And Research Institute	30,000
Bishop Appasamy College Of Arts And Science	42,000
Cauvery College For Women	12,050

BSW Colleges in Gujarat

College Name	Fees (INR)
MSU Baroda	55,740
BAOU	8,000
Sardar Patel University	57,725
Parul University Vadodara	40,000
KJ Institute Of Engineering And Technology	26,000

BSW Colleges in Madhya Pradesh

College Name	Fees (INR)
RKDF University	20,000
DAVV Indore	20,500
SPU Balaghat	16,500
CV Raman University Khandwa	17,000
Indore School Of Social Work, Indore	20,000

Top Distance Colleges for BSW

College Names	Admission Process	BSW Course Fees (INR)
IGNOU	Merit Based	12,000
Annamalai University	Merit Based	6,580
Karnataka State Open University	Merit Based	5,350

Studying Social Work Abroad

Studying social work abroad offers many advantages, including excellent infrastructure, experienced faculty, and research opportunities. Additionally, candidates may benefit from more attractive placement options. However, before applying to a foreign university, it is essential to take the following considerations into account.

Firstly, prospective students should conduct detailed research on the university's ranking in comparison to other institutions. 

Secondly, they must ensure they meet the necessary entrance requirements, such as English language proficiency tests like TOEFL or IELTS and professional exams such as GRE or GMAT.

Thirdly, those interested in studying and working overseas are required to familiarise themselves with relevant visa regulations for each country. 

Finally, aspiring international students should become aware of the fees associated with different universities and any applicable scholarship options.

If you are unsure whether a Bachelor of Social Work is the right choice for you, then our Brainwonders Counselling team can provide guidance and help make the decision easier. We will assist you in determining which course best suits your needs and aligns with your academic and professional goals. Our experienced counsellors will provide individualised advice to initiate you on the path towards long-term fulfilment. 

FAQs on Bachelor of Social Work

1.What qualifications are required to pursue a Bachelor of Social Work in India?

A: To pursue a Bachelor of Social Work in India, applicants must have a minimum 12th class grade with minimum 50% aggregate for general category, 45% for OBC/SC/ST/Pwd category from any recognized board of education.

2. What kind of jobs could I find after completing a Bachelor of Social Work?

A: After completing a Bachelor of Social Work, candidates can pursue various careers related to the field such as Counselling Psychologists, Clinical Social Workers, Community Workers, Residential Care Officers, Youth and Family Support Workers, Community Development Workers and so on.

3. How long does it take to complete a Bachelor of Social Work?

A: A Bachelor of Social Work typically requires 3 years of full-time study or six semesters. 

4.Can I do an MBA after BSW?

A: Upon successful completion of a Bachelor of Social Work program from an accredited institution, with a minimum score of 50%, students may pursue an MBA degree.