Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) — Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is a professional undergraduate degree that prepares students for careers in social welfare, community development, and social justice. Typically the course is for three to four years. It blends theory and practice, equipping students with knowledge about social problems, social policies, welfare systems, and professional methods. Emphasis is placed on human rights, ethics, empowerment, and working respectfully with diverse and marginalized populations.
Students learn counseling, advocacy, case management, community organisation, research methods, and public policy. Practical fieldwork and internships provide hands-on experience with vulnerable groups, helping students develop empathy, cultural sensitivity, and ethical decision-making. BSW graduates take up roles across government agencies, non-governmental organisations, healthcare, education, rehabilitation centres, and international development organisations.
The BSW curriculum is designed to balance foundational theory with applied practice. Core subjects build academic grounding and professional skills. Key subjects commonly included are:
Introduction to Social Work
Human Growth and Development
Sociology and Social Problems
Psychology for Social Work
Social Work Methods and Practices
Community Organization
Social Welfare Administration
Communication Skills
Research Methodology
Field Work Practicum
Coursework typically includes lectures, seminars, group work, simulations, and supervised field placements. Electives may cover topics such as public health, child welfare, gerontology, disability studies, gender studies, and substance abuse rehabilitation.
Practical training and internships
Fieldwork practicum is a central element of BSW. Practical components allow students to:
Work in hospitals, schools, community centres, NGOs, or government welfare departments.
Participate in home visits, needs assessments, counselling sessions, and community mobilization activities.
Design and implement small interventions and evaluate outcomes.
Reflect on professional ethics and personal development under faculty supervision.
Internships and practicum hours are valuable for building a portfolio and professional references. They also expose students to real-world challenges and interprofessional collaboration.
SALARY RANGE
₹1.8L - 7 Lakhs
per annum
Ashoka University
Bengaluru
Cambridge College
Bengaluru