PhD Social Work - Eligibility, Admission, Syllabus, Institutes, Scope

Mohit Dhulia
Updated on December 28, 2023

A PhD in Social Work is a three-year doctoral program. Candidates who are currently working or would like to work in the welfare and development sectors will benefit from the PhD program. The term “social work” refers to a variety of services aimed at assisting and uplifting the poor, elderly, and in need. This course is designed specifically for professionals who want to advance in their profession and careers. It is a research-based course in which candidates are expected to work in a specific field. They do their own research into the issues that plague our society. The program’s duration varies by institution, the minimum duration is 2-3 years from the date of registration, and the maximum is 5-6 years.

You’ll also gain skills and knowledge in policy making, teaching, sociology, and other fields. Students seeking a degree after completing their MSW (Masters in Social Work) could also pursue a Doctorate in Social Work (DSW), while those interested in research can pursue a PhD.

PhD Social Work: An Overview

The following are some of the major highlights of a PhD in Social Work, as well as the duration, eligibility criteria, admission procedure, and course fee:

Level of Course	Doctorate Degree
Duration	3-6 years
Type of Examination	Semester
Eligibility Criteria	Master Degree / M.Phil in a related subject
Process of Admission	Entrance exam and personal interview
Average Fee for the Course	INR 1000 to 2 lacs
Average Salary in the beginning	INR 2 lacs to 8 lacs
Top Areas of Employment	Human Services Industry, Publishing Houses,Educational Institutes, Newspapers, Magazines, Philosophical Journals, Research Institutes, Consultancy Services, Law Firms, etc.
Top Positions of Job	Social and Community Service Manager, School and Career Counselor, Lecturer & Professor, Social and Human Service Assistant, Health Educator and Community Health Workers, Teachers and Researchers, Human Services Worker, Writer or Editor, Journalist, Novelist, Philosophical Journalist, Researcher, Scientist, etc.

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PhD Social Work Eligibility Criteria

Candidates seeking admission to the PhD program in social work should meet the following minimum requirements:

Admission to a doctoral program requires a master’s degree in social work. In some subjects, completing a Masters in Philosophy (M.Phil.) is required before beginning a PhD program. M.Phil. students will be exempt from the entrance exams as well.
Some prestigious universities require candidates to pass an all-India level examination, such as the University Grants Commission’s National Eligibility Test for Lectureship (NET).
When M.Phil. candidates are admitted to PhD programs, they are not required to take an entrance examination or complete course work, and they are considered to have met the UGC (Minimum standards and process for awarding M.Phil. or PhD degree) requirements.
In other cases, if a candidate has completed an M.Phil. at one university and then transfers to another for a PhD, the new university may credit and exempt the previous university’s course work. Moreover, such a candidate will be required to take the same entrance exam as a new candidate who is enrolling in a PhD program for the first time. This procedure will be followed by candidates who have earned a PhD from a foreign university.
Some prestigious universities require candidates to pass an all-India level examination, such as the University Grants Commission’s National Eligibility Test for Lectureship (NET). Candidates in their final year of a qualifying degree examination are eligible to apply. However, attested copies of their qualifying degree certificates/final transcripts must be submitted.

PhD Social Work: Course Syllabus

The program consists of both curriculum and academic research; the amount of coursework required depends on the candidate’s prior experience and the research project they are working on. Essentially, the program entails:

Coursework
Pedagogy
Qualifying Examination
Preparation of Research Proposal
Thesis Work

The PhD Social Work course curriculum is based on the Indian college/university curriculum. Depending on the university, the syllabus may differ slightly.

First Semester	Second Semester
Social Work – History and Ideologies	Management of Developmental and Welfare Services
Work with Individuals and Families	Social Work Research and Statistics
Work with Groups	Social Work Practicum – II
Work with Communities	Social Work Practicum – III
Human Growth and Development	Communication and Counselling / or Gandhian Approach to Welfare and Development
Social Work Practicum – I	Personal and Professional Growth / or Population and Environment
Third Semester	Fourth Semester
Human Resource Management	Employee Relations and Legislation
Social Work Practicum – IV	Mental Health and Psychiatric Social Work
Social Work with Tribal and Rural Communities/ or Organisational Behaviour and Organisational Development	Major Project
Preventive and Social Medicine and Medical Social Work/ or Rehabilitation and Aftercare Services	Social Work Practicum – V
Social Policy, Planning, and Development / or Legal System In India	Social Work Practicum – VI
–	Human Resource Development and Employee Wellness / or Case studies

PhD Social Work Admission Procedure

The university’s entrance exam is used to determine admission to most colleges and universities. A personal interview follows the exam, which includes a profile assessment, research work/proposal, and work experience.
Rather than holding an entrance exam, a few universities/colleges invite candidates for an interview based on their qualifying exam scores.
Students are admitted to distance learning institutes such as IGNOU based on the IGNOU OPENMAT entrance exam. Every course has an application process that takes place twice a year. Candidates can apply whenever it is convenient for them.

Admission based on merit.

Admission to colleges such as the University of Madras, Madras School of Social Work, and others is based on merit, or the grades earned in master’s degree programs.
Also, according to the UGC Regulations 2016, those who have passed the UGC-NET/UGC-CSIR NET/SLET /GATE/teacher fellowship holder (KSET, SET, etc.) or the M.Phil Program are exempt from the Entrance Examination. A Research Skill Assessment Test and a Personal Interview should be taken by these candidates.

Admission based on Entrance

Entrance tests are used by some of the best universities in the world, including TISS Mumbai, Delhi University, Loyola College, and Christ University. Exams are usually held at the university level, or they are chosen based on the results of state or national entrance exams. The following are the steps in the admissions process via entrances:

Step 1: Candidates must fill out an application form, upload documents, and pay the application fee to be considered for the entrance exam.
Step 2: Candidates can get their admit cards and register for the entrance exam.
Step 3: The results will be announced, and the institutes that will accept the exam will publish their cut-off lists.
Step 4: After passing the cut-off, candidates can apply to the academic institutions.
Step 5: The candidate will be contacted by the institute for a personal interview.
Step 6: After document verification, candidates who passed the interview can enroll.

PhD Social Work: Admission procedure for International Candidates

For foreign nationals, the eligibility requirements for admission to the M.Phil./PhD program are the same as for Indian nationals. A panel of faculty members will conduct telephonic interviews with students. Upon acceptance, the student will be given a provisional admission offer, which will be confirmed once the student’s grades have been verified. At least once a year, the scholar is supposed to visit the institute.

Students from the SAARC as well as other low-income countries pay different fees than students from developed countries. Foreign students pursuing a PhD at a university outside of the United States can also apply for affiliation with the Institute.

PhD Social Work: Important Documents Required

Mark-list of the last qualifying degree examination
Research Proposal
Documentary proof of the date of birth
A character certificate (from the head of the institute from which the student has obtained his qualifying degree.
Gap certificate (if applicable)
No objection certificate from the employer (if employed)
Migration Certificate (No objection certificate from the university last attended)
passing/degree certificate of the last qualifying degree examination.

Students should be aware that if the aforementioned certificates are not attached to their application, their application will not be taken into account for admission.

PhD Social Work: Important Entrance Exams

Various universities in India hold research entrance exams for PhD social work candidates. Admission is granted based on a student’s performance on the entrance exams or qualifying exams, followed by an interview. The following are the dates for some universities:

Loyola College PhD Test: In the month of July, Loyola College in Chennai held a Research Admission Test.
Christ University PhD Exam: In the month of June, Christ University, Bangalore, held a Research Admission Test.
UGC NET: After June, the National Testing Agency will conduct UGC NET on behalf of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to determine eligibility for Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) and Lectureships (LS)/ Assistant Professorships in Indian universities and colleges.
The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, conducts the Research Aptitude Test for admission to all four TISS campuses.
DUET: Delhi University’s mid-year entrance exam for admission to postgraduate and research programs.

PhD Social Work: Focus Areas

PhD social work is a broad subject. For a better understanding, a few fundamental points about the course are listed below:

PhD Social Work is a study program that lasts 2-3 years but can last up to 4-6 years depending on the candidates’ dedication to their dissertation.
Candidates pursuing the course will be required to select a specialization area in order to conduct proper research. The study will be based on real-life issues that affect our society.
Everything from individual case management to service delivery practices to human service system reform will be covered in this course.
The PhD program’s idea is to produce leaders who will advance social work practice through research and education.
Because PhD courses have a limited number of seats, they are usually funded by the government or the institute through scholarships.
Students learn how to find and use both qualitative and quantitative data to better understand and communicate effectively about human experience and to make better decisions.

PhD Social Work in Tata Institute of Social Sciences

Candidates admitted to the PhD program may be advised by the interview panel to take certain pre-requisite research methodology courses offered by the Center for Research Methodology to M.Phil. students. These courses are also available through the Center for Research Methodology in a modular format.
A candidate accepted into the PhD program will work with a guide, or a guide and a co-guide, who will supervise them. A Doctoral Advisory Committee (DAC) will be formed to keep track of the progress.
Not later than three years from the date of enrollment in the PhD program, the scholar must submit three copies of the thesis containing the results of his or her research work. A one-year extension may be granted at the suggestion of the guide and the Research Council. Students who do not submit their thesis within four years of registering may have to deal with the process of deregistration automatically. If they want to continue with the program, they will have to register again.
At least three months before the thesis is due, the research scholar should submit three copies of the final title and synopsis (of around 1,500 words) to his or her guide, as well as give a seminar presentation.
At least one paper in a peer-reviewed journal is required of the scholar. Two invigilators from outside the institute will evaluate the thesis. At the annual convocation, the scholar who has finished the PhD program will be granted the degree.

PhD Social Work: Preparation Plan

Candidates should be familiar with the syllabus and exam pattern before beginning their preparation for the PhD Social Work entrance exam.

Exam Pattern: Exam patterns vary by university, but the most common one is divided into two papers, Paper 1 and Paper 2. The syllabus for Paper 1 is the same for all subjects, whereas the syllabus for Paper 2 is determined by the subject chosen by the candidate.
Although the syllabus for various exams may differ, candidates may benefit from knowing the common topics that are typically covered in PhD Social Work exams. The following are some of the most common topics:

Nature and Development of Social Work

Society, Human Behavior and Communities

Social Work with Individuals and Groups

Social Work with Communities and Social Action

Research in Social Work: Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches

Administration, Welfare and Development Services

Social Policy, Planning and Social Development

Indian Constitution, Social Justice, Human Rights, and Social Work Practice

Areas of Social Work Practice

If you get good grades on your qualifying exams, you can get into a good college or institute.
In addition, your performance on entrance exams administered by various universities or state/national bodies should be sufficient to pass the cutoffs.
It is necessary to have general aptitude, general English, general awareness, and subject matter knowledge.
Securing a seat in a prestigious institute needs a strong academic background, research work, and professional work experience.
Keep track of eligibility, course cut-offs, the application process, application deadlines, application fees, and other notifications in newspapers, official websites, educational magazines, and other publications to ensure you don’t miss out on any colleges that offer PhD Social Work.
Preparation for entrance exams should begin as soon as possible so you’ll have sufficient time to perfect your background understanding and quantitative skills.
To improve time management skills during entrance exams, practice as many papers and questions as possible.

PhD Social Work: Top Institutes

Some of the best institutes in the country that offer the course are listed below, along with their locations and fees.

Ranking by India Today	Institute	Place	Average Fee (Annually)	Average Annual Salary
1	Tata Institute of Social Sciences – TISS	Mumbai	INR 44,667	INR 5,00,000 – INR 600,000
2	Rajagiri College Of Social Sciences	Cochin	No fees charged (Sponsored by the government)	INR 2,50,000
3	Delhi University	Delhi	INR 20,600	INR 4,00,000 – INR 4,50,000
4	Madras School of Social Work	Chennai	INR 16,680	INR 4,00,000 – INR 5,00,000
5	Loyola College	Chennai	INR 18,000	INR 3,00,000 – INR 3,50,000
7	Christ University	Bangalore	INR 30,000	INR 3,00,000 – INR 4,00,000
9	Banaras Hindu University – BHU	Varanasi	INR 3,256	–
11	Manipal Academy Of Higher Education	Manipal	INR 59,000	–
13	Central University Of Rajasthan	Ajmer	INR 24,055	–
14	Janardan Rai Nagar Rajasthan Vidyapeeth University	Udaipur	INR 42,300	–

Here are some of the possible topics for your PhD in social work:

Rural Development, Governance, and Sustainable Livelihoods
Social Work Education
Violence Against Women
Mental Health
Social Movements and Health
Geriatric Social Work
Tribal Studies and Empowerment Practice
Feminist Social Work
Disability and Access,
Inclusive Education
Disability and Relationships
Poverty, Social Policy and Program
Migration
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Navayana Buddhist Studies

PhD Social Work: Important Scholarships Offered

UGC Junior Research Fellowships: Junior Research Fellowships from the University Grants Commission are accessible to scholars who have passed the UGC’s National Eligibility Test. For the first two years, the fellowship is worth Rs. 12,000/-per month, and for the next two years, it is worth Rs. 14,000/- per month. There is also a contingency grant of Rs. 10,000/-per year for the initial two years and Rs. 20,500/-per year for the next two years.

Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowships –Applicants admitted to the M.Phil. and PhD programs from Scheduled Castes are eligible to apply for the UGC’s Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship. The fellowship is worth Rs. 8,000/-for the first two years and Rs. 9,000/- for the next three. The contingency grant is Rs. 10,000 per year for the first two years and Rs. 20,500 per year for the final three years. Students who do not have access to a hostel will be eligible for a house rent allowance based on the UGC guidelines.

The Jamsetji Tata Research Scholarships: The Jamsetji Tata Trust has established five disaster management research scholarships. These scholarships pay Rs. 10,000/-per month and include a Rs. 40,000/-annual contingency grant.

School of Rural Development Fellowships: The School of Rural Development offers two PhD fellowships with a monthly stipend of Rs. 10,000 each.

TISS Fellowships: A scholarship of Rs. 2,000/-per month is provided to all research scholars who do not have numerous different sources of financial support. Researchers can also apply for funding to help with data collection. The Research Council assists eligible scholars based on funding availability. Fellowships in the fields of education, disaster management, media and cultural studies, globalization, and urban studies are available to research scholars through Institute projects.

PhD Social Work: A Comparison among Institutes

The table below contains a comparison of the top universities that offer PhD social work programs. The ranking, course fees, eligibility, admission process, and salary were all considered in the comparison.

Basis of Comparison	TISS, Mumbai	Christ University, Bangalore	Madras School of Social Work, Chennai
Highlight	TISS was founded in 1936 and is accredited by NAAC and UGC. It offers a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and research programs.	Christ University was founded in 1969 and is accredited by the NAAC and the UGC. It is India’s first native Syrian Catholic religious congregation.	The University of Madras is affiliated with the Madras School of Social Work. It was founded in 1952 and is accredited by NAAC. It also offers a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and research programs.
Place	Mumbai	Bangalore	Chennai
Ranking by India Today	1	7	4
Eligibility Criteria	55 percent in a Master’s degree (50 percent for SC/ST & PWD) or a GPA of 3.5 in a Social Science or Allied discipline.	55 percent in a master’s degree program with an M.Phil. Students who have passed the CSIR NET/ JRF/ GATE or SLET will be excluded from the M.Phil degree requirement.	Completion of a post-graduate program in social work or another relevant field.
Process of Admission	The Research Aptitude Test (RAT) is the first step, followed by academic performance, work experience, a statement of purpose, and an interview.	The university administers an entrance exam, which is followed by an academic score and an interview.	Merit in the qualifying degree examination
Average Fees (Annually)	INR 44,667	INR 30,000	INR 16,680
Monthly Stipend Offered	INR 3,000 – 5,000	INR 8,000	–
Top Hires	Midday, Piramal Healthcare,\| Reliance \| Teach For India, Hindustan Times,The Hindu, The Times Of India, The Indian Express, etc.	Schneider Electric, GAAR, Bharat Electronics, L&T Komatsu, Hope Foundation, CRY, Make A Wish, etc.	TVS Srinivasan Services Trust, Mphasis, Ashok Leyland,Cognizant, Ernst & Young, SYNTEL, etc.

PhD Social Work: Suitable Candidates for the Course

This course is best suited for individuals who are genuinely enthusiastic about making a contribution of original knowledge in the area of social work. To publish a research paper, one must have a broad and deep understanding of the subject.
A Doctor of Philosophy is also a good option for those who want to continue their education for a few more years.
Individuals interested in becoming a university professor or a researcher in a specific field can enroll in any of the institutes that offer a doctor of philosophy degree. If you need a PhD for a promotion in academia, a raise in salary, or a stable job in academia, this course is for you. These individuals should enroll in state-run universities and part-time PhD programs.

PhD Social Work: Important Book Recommendations

For PhD social work preparation, candidates can consult the following well-known books:

Name of the Book	Name of the 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

Numerous international universities offer a doctoral degree in social work that is both broad and diverse. Doctoral degrees are more up-to-date because their curriculum is based on industry standards. The following are some of the most prestigious universities that offer a PhD in Social Work:

National University of Singapore, Singapore
Mount Royal University, Canada
University of Adelaide, Australia
The University of Manchester, UK
Sacred Heart University, USA
University of Kent, UK
Alice Salomon University, Germany
University of London, UK
Michigan State University, USA
Kingston University, UK

PhD Social Work: Distance Courses

Every year, a large number of students pursue a PhD through distance education. IGNOU, Christ University, and others are some of the best options.

The minimum distance PhD course duration is three years, and the maximum distance PhD course duration is six years.
The eligibility and admission criteria for pursuing a PhD from a distance are the same.
Students are admitted based on their academic performance.
For those interested in pursuing this course from a distance, there is no age restriction.
IGNOU is a well-known institute that offers distance learning courses in a variety of fields, including PhD Social Work. Since 1985, it has helped working professionals continue their education while maintaining a job. They usually hold online classes and send out study materials on a regular basis.

Some of the universities that offer PhD Social Work Distance Education are listed below.

Institute Name	Place	Duration of Course	Average Fees (Annually)
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)	New Delhi	Min 2-3 years and Max. 5-6 years	INR 16,600
Christ University	Chennai	Min 2-3 years and Max. 5-6 years	INR 60,000
Venkateshwara Open University	Naharlagun	Min 2-3 years and Max. 5-6 years	INR 49,000

PhD Social Work and PhD Sociology: Key Differences

Both courses last 3-6 years, but PhD Sociology differs from PhD Social Work in terms of purpose, course structure, job prospects, salary, and other factors, as shown in the table below.

Basis of Comparison	PhD Social Work	PhD Sociology
Highlight	Social Work is a professional and academic course whose area of study is designed to improve the self satisfaction of an individual, group, or community living in a marginalized area.	Sociology is a subject that covers a wide range of topics relating to humans and human society, including crime, religion, family, the state, race, social class, culture, social stability, radical change, and so on.
Type of Examination	Semester	Semester
Average Annual Fees	INR 1,000 to 2 lacs	INR 4,000 to 5 Lacs
Duration of Course	3-6 years	3-6 years
Eligibility Criteria	Master Degree / M.Phil in related subjects	Post-graduation / M.Phil in Arts
Process of Admission	An entrance exam, followed by personal interview	An entrance exam, followed by personal interview
Top Institutes	Delhi University, Delhi Loyola College, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai Chennai Christ University, Bangalore	Presidency University, Kolkata IIT, Kanpur Christ University, Bangalore Banasthali Vidyapith, Jaipur Jadavpur University, Kolkata
Roles of Job	Human Services Industry, Publishing Houses, Newspapers, Educational Institutes,Magazines, Philosophical Journals, Research Institutes, Consultancy Services, Law Firms, etc.	Political Scientist, Policy Analysts, Management Consultants, Social Workers, Survey Researchers, Pollsters, College Professor, Sociologist,Human Resources (HR) Representatives, Public Relations Specialists, Guidance Counselors, among others such.
Average Annual Salary	INR 2 to 8 Lacs	INR 4 to 15 Lacs

PhD Social Work: Top Job Profiles

There are numerous career options in the field of social work. It is entirely dependent on the candidate’s preferred field of employment. The jobs are usually in industries that have a high demand for development and improvement.

They can work for the government and contribute to the betterment of society. Identifying issues at the micro-level and macro-level and finding solutions to them are examples of such jobs. Poverty, addiction, physical and mental health issues, and family issues are among the issues.
Graduates can also work for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to address a specific issue.
They are able to work for private businesses. Such graduates are frequently hired by private companies to manage their CSR programmes.
They can work as lecturers, professors, social and community workers, researchers, Social Activists, Writer/Editor, Journalist, Philosophical Journalist, Scientist, and other professions.

Below are some of the job opportunities available to PhD social workers, along with their descriptions and salaries.

Position of Job	Description of Job	Average Salary (Annually)
Social and Community Service Managers	Managers of social and community service programs and organisations are in charge of coordinating and organizing them. They are responsible for supervising employees who provide public social services.	INR 2 to 3 lakh
School and Career Counsellors	School counselors are in charge of assisting students in developing social and academic skills and achieving academic success. Career counselors are responsible for assisting people in making career decisions by assisting them in developing skills or selecting a career or educational program.	INR 2 to 4 lakh
Social and Human Service Assistants	Client services, including family support, are provided by social and human service assistants in a variety of fields, including rehabilitation, psychology, and social work. They are responsible for assisting other workers, such as social workers, as well as assisting clients in locating benefits or community services.	INR 5 to 6 lakh
Health Educators and Community Health Workers	Health educators are responsible for instilling healthy habits in their students. They are in charge of developing and implementing strategies to improve people’s and communities’ health. Community health workers are in charge of gathering data and discussing health issues with members of particular populations or communities..	INR 3 to 4 lakh
Researchers	In government or private organisations, as well as institutes, universities, and college departments, researchers are responsible for conducting research.	INR 4 to 6 lakh

Some other important areas of Employment

Electrical Product Design Engineer
Lecturer & Professor
Human Services Industry
Consultant
Scientist
Educational Institutes
Development and Test Engineer
Publishing Houses
Journalist
Independent Consultant
Engineering Technologist
Newspapers
Law Firms
Researcher
Human Services Worker
Philosophical Journals
Philosophical Journalist
Research Institutes
Magazines
Novelist, Writer or Editor
Consultancy Services

PhD Social Work: Benefits and Scope

Prospective social work scholars, educators, and researchers typically enroll in social work PhD programs for the following reasons:

The PhD Social Work course teaches a variety of services aimed at assisting and enhancing the welfare of poor and mature people.
Professional and academic courses whose area of study is designed to improve the self-satisfaction of an individual, group, or community living in a marginalized area.
PhD Social Work educates people who work in the welfare and development sectors or want to work in the future.
A PhD prepares a candidate to work as a social worker in a variety of capacities. Interventions are carried out by social workers through policy, research, direct practice, community organizing, and teaching.
A PhD is designed for those who need to work as an understudy for an additional year or two. Anyone interested in becoming a college professor or a field researcher can enroll in any of the universities or institutes that offer a doctor of philosophy degree.
The PhD in Social Work demonstrates a candidate’s superiority and mastery of the field, which is a rewarding accomplishment.
In most fields, a PhD or equivalent is now required for a chosen profession as a university professor or researcher.
A doctorate degree allows you to keep up with the growing frontiers of knowledge and offers research training that is relevant to the country’s current social and economic goals.