2020-2021
Master of Social Work
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Master of Social Work
WORLD CLASS-EDUCATION
Offered by India’s only UNESCO Chair in Gender Equality and Women’s empowerment, Amrita MSW is a two-year full-time residential program which offers world-class opportunities in the field of Social Work. Amrita’s Integrated BSW/MSW program is a specialized program that allows eligible students to complete both BSW and MSW degrees at an accelerated pace, as well as specialize in several interdisciplinary areas in social work.
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This program prioritizes the Sustainable Development Goals and other emergent, multi-disciplinary areas within social work. These cutting-edge areas include systems thinking approaches and exploring innovative solutions to sustainable development. To encourage social work research and practice that is multidisciplinary, the program encourages prospective students from all disciplines to apply, including engineering, sciences, anthropology, sociology, and beyond.
Master of Social Work
UNESCO CHAIR IN GENDER EQUALITY AND WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT (INDIA)
“Women and men are of equal value, like two wings of a bird. For without the two in perfect harmony, humanity cannot progress.” - Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, (Amma) Chancellor, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham (University)
Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi (Amma), Chancellor of Amrita University, has made outstanding and universally-acknowledged global contributions in the areas of women’s empowerment and gender equality, having dedicated her entire life to the mission of serving humanity. Under the guidance of Chancellor Amma, the Amrita Center for Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality under the UNESCO Chair, has made significant collaborations with various interna-
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
tional and grassroots partners around the world and has organized key events, conducted training programs and other impactful initiatives that furthered its goals. Chancellor Amma herself believes that the main purpose of education should be to impart a culture of the heart. All training and educational initiatives therefore work with the mission to impart ‘Education for Life’, rather than just ‘Education for living’.
UNESCO Chair in Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (India)
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Master of Social Work
THE UNESCO CHAIR SEEKS TO IMPACT THE INDIVIDUAL, COMMUNITY AND GREATER SOCIETY THROUGH RESEARCH, IMPLEMENTATION AND EDUCATION. In its fourth year, Amrita’s UNESCO Chair strives to promote international, inter-university cooperation and networking to enhance institutional capacities and collaborative work. It was
in the fall of 2016 that Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham (University) and UNESCO inaugurated India’s first-ever Chair on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment.
Focus areas of UNESCO Chair: • Designing tools and methods for effective interventional strategies towards the empowerment of women and strengthening gender equality with community’s active and inclusive participation. • Focusing on six holistic dimensions of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals defined as: safety and security, economic vitality, education, political, social and cultural environment, environmental quality and health. • Understanding and mapping the vulnerabilities in communities to finally support India’s progress towards achieving the UN’s 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development.
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Master of Social Work
“The one thing that differentiates us is that we are very human-centric in our approach to research and development. This means that we involve our end-user in the design and implementation of the work. Skill development is perhaps the most substantial and sustainable solution to the problem of changing environments. We live in a time of uncertainty and empowering people with relevant skills is the best way for them to be empowered and transcend poverty. We uphold the idea that education is our birthright and should be accessible in the remotest parts of India without barriers of gender, caste, economic status, and geographic location.”
Dr. Bhavani Rao UNESCO Chairholder
ABOUT AMRITA’S UNESCO CHAIR “Universities such as Amrita have a guiding and strategic role to play. This UNESCO Chair will be at the crossroads of research and action, with the ambition to develop toolkits focusing on vital areas and better mapping of vulnerabilities.” Dr. Peter Wells Chief of Higher Education Section UNESCO “This is certainly the first-ever UNESCO chair in this discipline. What is truly remarkable is the strategy, where it is proposed to map out vulnerabilities of women and girls at various levels and from different perspectives, and through research, study, training, and an exchange of best practices, to find the best possible solutions, replicable by others. My thanks to Amrita for the inspired idea and for the beautiful project. I am confident that through this chair, which is Amma’s and UNESCO’s gift, Amrita will make sure that both the ceiling and the floor for women will be raised.” Dr. Ruchira Kamboj Ambassador & Permanent Representative of UNESCO, Paris
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Master of Social Work
“Nothing is more noble than creating centres of excellence in education, and Amrita University is among the best in the country. The UNESCO Chair in Gender Equality and Women Empowerment will play a vital role in future. It takes care of all the millennium development goals, as they are directly or indirectly linked to the health, welfare and upliftment of women, be it maternal health, education, sanitation or infant mortality.” Prakash Javadekar Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister of Information and Broadcasting
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Master of Social Work
THE CENTER FOR GENDER EQUALITY AND WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT: WHERE RESEARCH MEETS ACTION The Center for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham is a research focused academic center for promoting gender equality and fostering women’s empowerment with a special focus on technology and other innovative methods. This center offers diverse courses
on key fo-cus areas, pilot radical ideas, and collaborate with leading universities and institutions to advance the initiatives. The center acts as a major resource center for the implementa-tion of various development projects under-taken by Amrita University and its parent organization, MA Math.
EN EM PL IM N T IO TA
ED UC AT IO N
The CWEGE mission is built upon the three pillars of education, implementation, and action research.
ACTION RESEARCH
The CWEGE research agenda continues with a system’s thinking-based approach to mapping women’s vulnerabilities throughout rural India. The approach remains focused through the lens of six dimensions ((i) safety and security, (ii) economic vitality, (iii) education, (iv) political, social and cultural environment, (v) environmental quality and (vi) health), and how they inter-
sect with the different context levels of women’s lives. Our primary focus over the last six months has been improving and refining our data collection strategies, engaging with subject matter experts in the areas outlined above in order to ensure quality of research, and planning an expansion of our original pilot field venture.
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Master of Social Work
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Sooraj P S, PhD Scholar (UGC-SRF), Department of Women’s Studies,
“Pursuing MSW fromAmrita after my science graduation was the best decision of my life. It was a smooth transition from the objective, predictable world of natural sciences to the subjective and thoroughly fascinating world of social sciences. I was fully engaged in social discourses, and I began to truly appreciate the beautiful and diverse tapestry of Indian society.”
University of Calicut
“Today, when I look back I realize MSW from Amrita was one of the best investments I have ever made in myself.” Hima Fernandez (2009 Batch) Asst.cordinator, Prajwala, Hyderabad & Programme Manager, Additional Skill Acquisition Programme, Govt. of Kerala
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham holds India’s only UNESCO Chair in Women’s Empowerment Gender Equality (CEWEGE) and offers a leading integrated social work program. The integrated B/MSW is a structured 5-year program that leads to a Masters Degree “After crossing many milestones in Social Work, with an option to graduate with a Bachelors Degree at the end of the in life, I always look back and tell 3rd year. myself that “I am proud to be an Amritian”. Yes I am, and always Deepak.S, (2011 Batch) will be.” Protection Officer (I.C.), District Child Protection Unit, Social Justice Department, Kollam.
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Master of Social Work
MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK (M. S. W.)
The Amrita MSW is a two-year full-time residential program which requires high levels of concentration, long hours of work and sustained commitment from students. Its credit-based system allows tremendous flexibility in matters of course design, curricula, timeframe, teaching and learning methodologies, and evaluation procedures. The curriculum is on par with that of the best international institutions in the field of Social Work, while taking into account the specific requirements of the Social Work profession in the Indian context. The MSW program maintains a healthy balance between classroom sessions and field practice.
Students are involved in field work with selected agencies, both concurrent with academic courses and separately in blocks. In the fourth semester, students are required to do a ten-week research project with a social service organization in their area of specialization. This gives them exposure to the functioning of social service organizations, familiarizes them with their future roles in the profession and teaches them to do field-based research projects and create research reports and presentations. MSW students also provide counseling services for local people with psycho/ social/emotional problems and have developed several grant proposals. Page 9 of 23
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The MSW Student Association works to raise awareness of human needs in this era of technology. It frequently displays wall posters on current social issues, problems and needs, to inform and educate students and the public. Students also conduct seminars and workshops on Drugs and Alcohol Abuse, Suicide Prevention and Crisis Management. MSW students are also active in Amrita’s diverse cultural and spiritual activities.
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham has been in a long standing cooperation with foreign universities, organizations and related institutions.International partnerships involve programs in education and research suited to national as well as international development. These innovative programs prepare students to become advocates for social equality and social justice.
Vision The vision of the Department of Social Work is LOVING to SERVE and SERVING to LOVE.
Mission To prepare the students for specialized, evidence and rights-based practice among the oppressed, at risk, vulnerable and general populations. The MSW program provides rigorous intellectual base, opportunities for skill development and a value-based educational experience.
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Master of Social Work
Program Objective PO1 - Critical Thinking PO2- Effective Communication PO3- Social Interaction PO4- Effective Citizenship PO5- Ethics PO6- Environment and Sustainability PO7- Self-directed and Life-long Learning
Program Specific Outcome PSO1 – Experiential learning and engagement of vulnerable population through field work activities. PSO2 – Social problem solving through research Page 11 of 23
Master of Social Work
FIELD WORK OPPORTUNITIES
National Level • NIMHANS, Bangalore • Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement, Mysore • Narayana Hrudayalaya Medical Centre, Bangalore • St. Johns Medical College, Bangalore • SCARF(schizophrenia Research Foundation), Chennai • Coimbatore Cancer Foundation (GKNM) Hospital, Coimbatore • SRM, Chennai • Chaitanya Hospital, Mumbai • Bedrock , Nagapattanam • Baniyan, Chennai • SION Hospital, Mumbai • Hand in Hand, Kanchipuram • DHAN foundation, Madurai • World Wide Fund • Key stone foundation, Ooty • ACCORD,Goodalur • UNNATHI, Ahemadabad • St.Johns Hospital, Bangalore • CRY, Bangalore • MYRADA , Mysore • Tambarum Trust, Chennai
State Level • Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi • DCPU, Kollam • Amala Institute of Medical Science, Thrissur • Little Flower Hospital and Research Centre, Angamaly • Kusumagiri Mental Health Centre, Kakkanad • Govt Children’s home & Old age home, Kollam • Quilon Social Service, Kollam • KRDA Sureksha Project, Vallikeezhu • I C D S & Panchayat institutions • Mahila Mandir, Kolam • Dr. Nair’s hospital Kollam • SoS Village, Aluva & Thrissur • Mental Health Action Trust, Kozikode • VRC, Malapuram • Sahayi Trust Thiruvananthapuram • Rasta, Wayanad • Pariyaram Medical College, Kannur • Alzheimer’s related disorders society of India, Kochi • Medical Mission Hospital, Kollenchery • Kerala Rural Development Agency, Kollam • Manovikas , Sasthamkotta Page 12 of 23
Master of Social Work
HIGHLIGHTS OF AMRITA MSW PROGRAM
EXPOSURE TO UNESCO, UNDEF AND UNICEF FUNDED PROGRAMS
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT EXCHANGE OPPORTUNITIES
MULTI-DISCIPLINARY FIELD ACTION PROJECTS THROUGH LIVE-IN-LABS
INTERNATIONAL PHD FELLOWSHIPS & INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
PLACEMENT & TRAINING IN SOCIAL WORK RELATED PROJECTS & PROGRAMS OF MA MATH
STRUCTURE OF MSW PROGRAM 1
Theory classes
2
Field Work (Concurrent & Internship)
3
Research projects & Publication
4
Block placements
Duration : 2 years Level : Post Graduate Type : Degree Eligibility : Graduation in any disciple
COLLABORATIONS & RECRUITERS International Level
• UNESCO • UNDEF • UNICEF • Central School Dubai
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Master of Social Work
National Level
• Prerana, Mumbai • Prajwala, Telegana • Azim Premiji foundation, Pondichery • Hand in hand Chennai • The Richmond Fellowship Society, Bangalore • NIMHANS, Bangalore • Smile foundation, Bangalore • BEDROC, Nagapattanam • TISS project , Kollam • Green Peace foundation, Hyderabad
State level
• Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi • Hornbill foundation, Athirapally • Sree chitra Trinal institute for science and technology, Thiruvanandapuram • Dr. Nair’s Hospital, Kollam • District Mental Health Unit, Kollam • Harrisons Malayalam Ltd., Kochi • People Pro Trainers and Consultants Pvt Ltd, Kakkanad • Reach Out, Thrissur • Ashoka Trust for Research Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) • District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) Kollam & Palakad • Kerala coconut development board, Thiruvananthapuram • Qulion Social Service Society, Kollam • Divya Hridaya Ashram,Kollam • Balashram Ramakrishna Math, Alappuzha • Central School, Kollam • Nirbhaya Cell, Thiruvananthapuram • Kudumbasree project, Thiruvananthapuram • KSACS , Kannur • VRC, Malapuram • SOS village project , Eranakulam • Munnar,Wildlife sanctuary • Swedesi Science Movement, Eranakulam • Institute of Disaster Management, Thiruvananthapuram Page 14 of 23
Master of Social Work
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Master of Social Work
MSW - EXTENSION ACTIVITIES
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Rural/Tribal Camp
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PLA camps
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Study tour
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Observation visit in field agencies
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Leadership training program for coconut producers society in collaboration with coconut development board
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Live in labs projects in AServe villages
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Employment engagement survey in collaboration with Harrison Malayalam Ltd
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Amala bharatham campaign in Sabarimala
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Observation of important days
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International Day for Disaster Reduction Street play shows in collaboration with Kerala State Disaster
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Management Authority
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Awareness program on personal hygiene
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Anti alcohol campaigning
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Life skill education in schools
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Medical camps in elderly homes
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Blood donation camps
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Green initiatives in schools & panchayat
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Master of Social Work
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Lay Counseling training in MAM Trivandrum
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Exam Stress management class in schools
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Habitat study in perumbalam island
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Mangroove visits
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Plastic free campaign
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Faculty development program for Amrita Hostel wardens
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Field action project on monitoring the implementation of Right to Education Act.
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Street vendors survey in collaboration with kollam municipality
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Aranmula Heritage village Protection Action council
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Master of Social Work
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Master of Social Work
MSW - ENRICHMENT PROGRAMMES •
International conference on Mental health (Buffalo University)
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International colloquium on Social welfare programs (Indo- Swedish Collaboration)
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International colloquium on Mental health policies ( St.Ambrose University, USA)
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Intercampus workshop on Indian Constitution & Social Legislation,
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Intercampus workshop on Public Health
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Intercampus workshop on Psycho social Care in disaster Management
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Certificate course in Research methodology
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Certificate course in child protection & child rights
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Workshop on Disaster management
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Workshop on Tribal affairs
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Workshop on Biodiversity and social science
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Workshop on documentary & short film festival
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Workshop on Child rights
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Workshop on Life Skill Education
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Workshop on communicating to communities ( Role of folk media for development communication)
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Master of Social Work
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National Seminar on Genetically Modified Crops
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Yoga & Meditation camps
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Guidance and Counseling Services
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Program development training
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Workshop on Street Theatre
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ToT on social entrepreneurship
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Participatory Rural Appraisal
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Social Audit
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Gender Sensitivity
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Web page designing
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Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS)
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Fundamentals of Computer and MS office
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Music Therapy
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ToT on Life skills Education
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Seminar series
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International & national Conference
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Invited talk by international faculty
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Student & Alumni Meets
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Alumni Association- ASWAAS
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Master of Social Work
Admissions! Apply now! Get in touch with our Admissions team about how you can apply.
Email: WhatsApp: +919745511104 mswamritapuri@am.amrita.edu
CONTACT US Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham Amritapuri, Clappana P O, Kollam - 690525, Kerala, India
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Master of Social Work
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