IGNOU MSW 1st Year Syllabus 2025 – Complete Guide with Course Codes

Are you planning to pursue a Master of Social Work (MSW) from IGNOU? Understanding the IGNOU MSW 1st year syllabus is the first step toward your academic success. In this blog, we’ll break down the full syllabus structure for the first year — including course codes, subjects, credits, and important updates for the 2025 session.

Whether you’re a new student or planning to join soon, this guide will help you stay informed and prepared.

Before we dive into the first-year syllabus in detail, it’s also helpful to know what lies ahead. If you’re curious about the second-year subjects, you can check the IGNOU MSW 2nd Year Syllabus. It gives a complete picture of the course structure and helps you plan your academic journey better.

About the IGNOU MSW Programme

The Master of Social Work (MSW) programme offered by Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is designed to provide professional training in social work theory and practice. It covers essential areas like social justice, development, human rights, and global issues such as HIV/AIDS and migration.

The MSW programme is spread over two years and includes both theory and practical components. The first year lays the foundation of professional social work with core concepts and fieldwork training.

IGNOU MSW 1st Year Syllabus 2025 – Overview

Academic Year: 2025
School: School of Social Work (SOSW)
Medium of Instruction: English & Hindi
Total Credits (1st Year): 36
Important Note: There is NO exit option after the first year. Completion of both years is mandatory to earn the MSW degree.

IGNOU MSW 1st year Compulsory Courses (All are Mandatory)

The IGNOU MSW 1st year syllabus includes three compulsory core subjects that provide the foundational knowledge of social work.

These subjects are essential to understanding the evolution, values, and ethics of social work practice in India and globally.

IGNOU MSW First Year Elective Courses (Choose Any Two)

Students must select any two electives from the list below as part of the IGNOU MSW 1st year syllabus. Each elective carries 6 credits.

Tip: Choose electives that align with your career interests, such as research, international work, or justice systems.

IGNOU MSW 1st Year Practical / Field Work Courses (Mandatory)

Fieldwork is an integral part of the IGNOU MSW programme. You’ll gain hands-on experience through supervised placements.

These components involve working directly with NGOs, communities, or social agencies under a supervisor’s guidance.

Total Credit Summary – IGNOU MSW 1st Year (2025)

Let’s break down the credit distribution for the first year of the MSW programme at IGNOU:

Core Theory Courses – 3 Subjects (Total: 18 Credits)

These are compulsory foundation courses that introduce you to the basics of social work, its historical background, Indian perspectives, and professional values.

• MSW-001 – Origin and Development of Social Work – 6 Credits
• MSW-002 – Professional Social Work: Indian Perspectives – 6 Credits
• MSW-005 – Social Work Practicum and Supervision – 6 Credits

Subtotal: 3 courses × 6 credits = 18 Credits

Elective Courses – Choose Any 2 (Total: 12 Credits)

You need to select any two electives from a list of five available courses. These electives allow you to focus on specialized areas based on your interest and career goals.

• MSW-003 – Basic Social Science Concepts
• MSW-004 – Social Work and Social Development
• MSW-006 – Social Work Research
• MSWE-010 – Social Work in African Context
• MSW-032 – Social Work and Criminal Justice

You must pick any two of the above.
Subtotal: 2 courses × 6 credits = 12 Credits

Field Work Practicum – MSWL-013 (6 Credits)

This course involves direct field engagement where you work under a supervisor in a social work setting such as NGOs, hospitals, schools, or community organizations.

• MSWL-013 – Field Work Practicum – I – 6 Credits

Subtotal: 6 Credits

Block Placement – MSWL-014 (6 Credits)

This is a full-time field training module, usually conducted after theory papers are over. You’ll be placed in a social work agency or NGO for hands-on experience over a defined period.

• MSWL-014 – Block Placement – 6 Credits

Subtotal: 6 Credits

Final Credit Total – MSW 1st Year

Key Highlights of IGNOU MSW 1st Year Syllabus

• Emphasis on practical training and internship
• Inclusion of international and contemporary themes (e.g., African context, criminal justice)
• No exit option — students must complete both years for the full MSW degree
• Flexible medium of study (English and Hindi)

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Final Thoughts

If you’re enrolled or planning to enroll in the IGNOU MSW programme, understanding the IGNOU MSW 1st year syllabus is crucial for planning your studies and fieldwork. Make sure you select your electives wisely and complete your practical assignments on time to stay on track.

Let us know in the comments or contact us via WhatsApp for guidance on IGNOU MSW!