Master of Arts in Social Work (Rural Development) | Admissions, TISS

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Tata Institute of Social Sciences

PG Programmes

Programme Details

Master of Arts in Social Work (Rural Development)

Location: Tuljapur

School: School of Rural Development

Intake: 40

Description

Summary of the Programme


The Master of Arts in Social Work (Rural Development) program, offered at the TISS Tuljapur Campus, is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to foster sustainable development in rural communities. Through an interdisciplinary curriculum, practical learning via fieldwork, and a strong focus on social justice, human rights, and community participation, the program addresses the ongoing challenges of poverty, illiteracy, and social discrimination in rural areas. The vision of the program is to develop skilled professionals who can effectively work with rural communities, governmental and non-governmental organizations, applying social work principles to promote sustainable practices and holistic development.

Aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP), this program emphasizes a holistic, interdisciplinary education, encouraging critical thinking and societal participation. Students engage with real-world issues through fieldwork and community engagement, gaining practical experience that complements their academic learning. The program aims to nurture a vibrant civil society by empowering students to become change agents who can address underdevelopment processes and contribute to improving rural livelihoods. Graduates are well-positioned for careers in rural development agencies, policy-making bodies, governmental and non-governmental organizations, and community-based initiatives, making impactful contributions to rural social transformation.

Learning by doing is a vital aspect of the teaching-learning process for adult learners, and as such, the training methods employed are participatory and learner-centered. At the TISS Tuljapur Off Campus, alongside traditional classroom teaching and lectures, practical approaches like fieldwork, group discussions, blended learning, and exposure to field realities are integral to the learning experience. Fieldwork, a cornerstone of social work education, allows students to gain hands-on experience, fostering confidence, teamwork, and the application of theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. It helps students develop a comprehensive understanding of issues, their causes, and intervention strategies. Group discussions provide a unique opportunity for students and faculty to share ideas and experiences in a formal and structured environment, enhancing students' communication skills and teamwork abilities. Blended learning, combining online digital media with traditional in-person instruction, offers flexibility and enhances interactive learning experiences. Additionally, exposure to field realities through placements in community settings, NGOs, and government organizations, as well as interactive sessions with experts, enables students to learn innovative methods and intervention strategies, thus building their capacity to work effectively in diverse field situations.

Programme Objectives


The objectives of the M.A. Social Work in Rural Development Programme (MASW-RD) are to:

  • equip students with knowledge, skills and scientific tools;
  • understand and analyse processes of under-development of rural communities and society in order to develop creative solutions and initiatives for sustainable development;
  • develop knowledge and skills in research, train committed and dedicated youth to work with rural families, communities, organisations and the government for social justice, human rights and human development, especially for the exploited and underprivileged;
  • equip the students for effective people’s participation and democratic decision-making for the sustenance of a vibrant civil society based on equality, equity and freedom from poverty, illiteracy disease and social/gender discrimination/ oppression;
  • enable students examine the modes of resources use and their sustainability, the application of appropriate (both modern and indigenous) technology in ways that will help to raise rural incomes and productivity through appropriate processes of value addition and diversification of the rural economy;
  • enable the students learn the nuances of policy formulation, scientific planning, decision-making, implementation and evaluation processes of rural development.

Programme Outcomes


This program will focus on applying social work principles in rural settings and developing graduates' skills in conducting research and implementing sustainable development initiatives. The program aims to foster a commitment to social justice, human rights, and effective community participation among students.

Graduates will benefit from an intensive four-semester academic engagement that combines theoretical perspectives, practical classes, fieldwork, and internships. This will enable them to work in various settings, including development organizations, government agencies, academia, and community-based organizations.

The program outcomes will involve:

  • Application of Social Work Principles in Rural Settings: Graduates will possess the expertise to effectively apply social work principles in rural environments, addressing unique challenges and collaborating with local stakeholders.
  • Research Competency: Graduates will be skilled in conducting rigorous and ethical research, utilizing various methodologies to gather and analyze data pertinent to social issues in rural settings.
  • Development of Sustainable Initiatives: Graduates will demonstrate the ability to design, implement, and evaluate initiatives that promote long-term social, economic, and environmental sustainability in rural communities.
  • Commitment to Social Justice and Human Rights: Graduates will embody a strong commitment to advocating for social justice and upholding human rights, working to address inequalities and injustices within rural communities.
  • Effective Community Participation: Graduates will excel in fostering community participation, engaging members in meaningful ways to ensure their voices are central to decision-making processes.

By mastering these competencies, graduates will be well-prepared to contribute positively to social work and drive sustainable development in rural settings.

Semesterwise Courses:

 

Semester

Course Code

Course Title

Course Type

Course Credits

Credit Hours

Semester I

FC 01

Societies in India

FC

2

30

 

FC 02

State and Democracy in India

FC

2

30

 

FC 03

India’s Development Experience

FC

2

30

 

CCSW 01

Professional Social Work: History and Ideologies.

CCSW

2

30

 

CCSW 02

Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families

CCSW

2

30

 

CCSW 03

Social Work Practice with Groups

CCSW

2

30

 

CCRD 01

Introduction to Development

CCRD

2

30

 

FW 1

Field Work - I

FW

6

 

 

 

 

 

20

 

Semester II

CCSW 04

Social Work Practice with Communities

CCSW

2

30

 

CCSW 05

Social Work Research

CCSW

2

20

 

CCSW 06

Social Work Skills and Tools for Rural Development

CCSW

2

30

 

CCRD 02

Poverty and Inequality

CCRD

2

30

 

CCRD 03

Farm Non-Farm Linkages and Livelihood Issues

CCRD

2

30

 

CCRD 04

Development Organization and Management

CCRD

2

30

 

CCRD 05

Gender and Development

CCRD

2

30

 

FW 2

Field Work - II

FW

6

 

 

 

 

 

20

 

Semester III

CCSW 07

Social Policy Analysis

CCRD

2

30

 

CCRD 06

Financial Inclusion and Microfinance

CCRD

2

 

 

CCRD 07

Philosophy of Social Sciences Research

CCRD

2

30

 

CCRD 08

Social Movements and Rural Transformation

CCRD

2

30

 

CCRD 09

Environment, Climate Change and Development

CCRD

2

30

 

CCRD 10

Food Security and Sustainable Livelihoods

CCRD

2

30

 

CCRD 11

Rural Development Projects: Policy, Planning and Management

CCRD

2

30

 

CCRD 12

Modes of Natural Resource Use and Sustainable Rural Development

CCRD

2

30

 

FW 3

Field Work - III

FW

6

 

 

 

 

 

22

 

Semester IV

CCRD 13

Models of Rural Entrepreneurship

CCRD

2

30

 

CCRD 14

Decentralized Rural Development

CCRD

2

30

 

CCRD 15

Technology and Development

CCRD

2

30

 

 

Dissertation and Viva-Voce

 

8

 

 

 

Internship

 

NC

 

 

 

 

 

14

 

Choice Based Credit System: A student can choose any two courses totalling 4 Credits from the CBCS basket of all the four Master’s Degree programmes offered by TISS Tuljapur Off Campus/ Swayam)

4

 

 

CBCS RD 01

Rural/Agro-Based Industries and Rural Marketing

2

 

 

 

CBCS RD 02

Advanced Dalit and Tribal Social Work Practice Skills

2

 

 

 

CBCS RD 03

Disaster Management

2

 

 

 

CBCS RD 04

Development Communication

2

 

 

 

CBCS RD 05

Disability and Society

2

 

 

Total Credits (Semester I + II + III + IV)

80

 

 

# Disclaimer: Some courses are under review. The course structure, credit, and title may be subject to minor changes.

FC: Foundation Course, CCSW: Core Course Social Work, CCRD: Core Course Rural Development FW: Fieldwork, CBCS: Choice Based Credit System 

 

Fee Structure:

 

Components M.A. Social Work in Rural Development
Fees Sem I Sem II
Sem III Sem IV
FEE Tuition Fee 16,000 16,000 16,000 16,000
Examination Fee 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000
CHARGES



Field Education / Internship / Experiential Learning Charges 6,000 6,000 6,000 0
IT Charges 2,000 2,000 2,000 2,000
Library Charges 1,500 1,500 1,500 1,500
Other Charges( ID Card, Convocation & Misc.) * 2,500 0 0 0
FUNDS Students' Competency Fund 0 0 0 0
Lab / Studio Fund 0 0 0 0
Development Fund 10,000 0 10,000 0
Students' Union Fund * 500 500 500 500
Alumni Fund * 0 500 0 0
Health Care Fund* 2,000 0 2,000 0
DEPOSITS Caution Deposits (Refundable at the time of exit from programme on submission of No Dues Certificate) 10,000 0    
  Semester wise Course Fee 51,500 27,500 39,000 21,000
  Yearly Fees 79,000 60,000
  Total Course Fee 1,39,000
Institute reserves the right to revise the Fee Structure of programmes if necessary.
Expenses related to Practicum / Study tour / Rural field work / Urban field work/Winter Institute, if any, will have to be met by the students themselves at the time of the activity.
No fee concession is available for self-finanaced programmes.

 

*Institute reserves the rights to revise the Fees Structure of programme if necessary.