Eligibility
The Master of Philosophy in Social Work is a postgraduate research degree, so an applicant needs a completed master's degree in social work; candidates from closely related social science disciplines are read at some institutions, and the college states in its notification which qualifications it will accept. Selection normally combines the marks of the master's degree with an entrance test or written assessment of research aptitude and an interview at which the candidate discusses a proposed area of study and is matched with a supervisor. The minimum marks, the relaxations allowed for reserved categories and the number of places available are decided by the college for each admission cycle.
About M.Phil. (Social Work)
The Master of Philosophy in Social Work at Marian College Kuttikanam, Peermade, is a research degree for postgraduates in social work who want to move from professional practice into systematic enquiry. The work divides between taught papers and a supervised dissertation: students cover social work research methodology, quantitative and qualitative design, sampling, data analysis, social theory and the policy context of welfare in India, then carry a single study from a research question through fieldwork to a thesis defended before examiners. Because the college sits among the plantation settlements of the Kerala high ranges, much of the fieldwork within reach concerns migrant labour, tribal communities, health access and rural livelihoods. It suits practitioners preparing for doctoral study, for teaching posts in social work departments, or for research and evaluation work with development organisations.
