IGNOU MSW Counselling (MSWC) Syllabus 2026: Year-wise Subjects, Credits and Study Blocks
Part of IGNOU Syllabus: IGNOU Syllabus 2026: Programme-wise Course Structure
IGNOU MSW Counselling (MSWC) syllabus structure: 2 years, 72 credits
The IGNOU Master of Social Work (Counselling) (MSWC) syllabus spans two years, with a total of 72 credits. Each year carries 36 credits. The programme provides both academic learning and professional education in Counselling.
The first year of the IGNOU MSW Counselling programme includes core social work courses such as MSW 1 Origin and Development of Social Work (4 credits) and MSW 2 Professional Social Work: Indian Perspectives (4 credits). It also has significant practical components: MSWL46 Social Work Practicum-I (8 credits) and MSWL47 Block Placement (8 credits). The second year focuses on counselling specialisation, with courses like MSW 13 Introduction to Psychological Basis of Counselling (4 credits) and MSW 15 Basics of Counselling (4 credits). Field Work in the MSW (Counselling) programme has a 40 percent weightage for the practicum, which includes MSWL48 Social Work Practicum-II (8 credits) and MSWL49 Internship (8 credits). The programme fee is Rs. 18,500/- per year for the July 2026 session, making the total fee for the minimum two-year duration Rs. 37,000.
MSW Counselling (MSWC) structure at a glance
| Semester / group | Courses | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1st year | 7 courses | 36 |
| 2nd year | 7 courses | 36 |
Syllabus for other programmes: IGNOU syllabus, programme by programme.
IGNOU MSW Counselling (MSWC) 1st year subjects: Origin and Development of Social Work
The first year of the IGNOU MSW Counselling (MSWC) programme focuses on foundational social work concepts and practical application. MSW 1, “Origin and Development of Social Work,” provides a historical context for the profession, carrying 4 credits. This theoretical base is crucial before moving to courses like MSW 2, “Professional Social Work: Indian Perspectives,” which also carries 4 credits.
Practical components are significant in the first year. MSWL46, “Social Work Practicum-I,” is the heaviest course, accounting for 8 credits. This practicum is complemented by MSWL47, “Block Placement,” which also carries 8 credits, providing intensive field experience. MSW 5, “Social Work Practicum and Supervision,” is another 4-credit course that connects theoretical learning with supervised practice, preparing students for these larger practical components
IGNOU MSW Counselling (MSWC) 1st year: courses and credits
| Course code | Course title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MSW 1 | Origin and Development of Social Work | 4 |
| MSW 2 | Professional Social Work: Indian Perspectives | 4 |
| MSW 5 | Social Work Practicum and Supervision | 4 |
| MSW 8 | Social Group Work: Working with Groups | 4 |
| MSW 9 | Community Organisation Management for Community Development | 4 |
| MSWL46 | Social Work Practicum-I | 8 |
| MSWL47 | Block Placement | 8 |
IGNOU MSW Counselling (MSWC) 2nd year subjects: Introduction to Life Characteristics and Challenges
The second year of the IGNOU MSW Counselling (MSWC) programme focuses on applying foundational knowledge to practical counselling scenarios. MSW 12, “Introduction to Life Characteristics and Challenges,” carries 4 credits and introduces core concepts. This course provides the base for understanding human development and common issues, which later courses like MSW 15, “Basics of Counselling,” build upon.
The heaviest workload in the second year comes from the practical components. MSWL48, “Social Work Practicum-II,” and MSWL49, “Internship,” each contribute 8 credits. These courses require significant field engagement and direct application of the theoretical knowledge gained from courses such as MSW 13, “Introduction to Psychological Basis of Counselling,” and MSW 16, “Fields of Counselling.”
IGNOU MSW Counselling (MSWC) 2nd year: courses and credits
| Course code | Course title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MSW 12 | Introduction to Life Characteristics and Challenges | 4 |
| MSW 13 | Introduction to Psychological Basis of Counselling | 4 |
| MSW 14 | Relevance of Social Case Work in Counselling | 4 |
| MSW 15 | Basics of Counselling | 4 |
| MSW 16 | Fields of Counselling | 4 |
| MSWL48 | Social Work Practicum-II | 8 |
| MSWL49 | Internship | 8 |
IGNOU student services
IGNOU MSW Counselling (MSWC) assessment: assignments, term-end exams and pass marks
IGNOU MSW Counselling (MSWC) courses are assessed through assignments and term-end examinations. Assignments are compulsory for all courses. Learners must submit their assignment responses before they can appear for the Term-End Examination (TEE).
Assignments for the current session are available for download from the IGNOU website. These Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) must be submitted to the Coordinator of the learner’s Learner Support Centre. If an assignment is failed, it must be re-submitted. Once an assignment is passed, it cannot be re-submitted to improve the grade.
Term-end examinations are held twice a year, in June and December, at examination centres across India and abroad. There are two daily exam sessions: 10 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 5 PM, as per the December 2026 TEE schedule. The examination fee is Rs. 200 per theory course. For project and practical exams, the fee is Rs. 300 for up to 4 credits and Rs. 500 for courses above 4 credits, applicable from the January 2023 admission cycle.
Learners can write their exam in Hindi, even if they registered in the English medium, except for language programmes. Hall tickets are uploaded on the University website and are not sent by post. Attendance at practical sessions is compulsory for programmes that include them, such as the IGNOU MSW Counselling programme, where 40 percent weightage is given for the practicum.
Exam and assignment guides: IGNOU assignment format; IGNOU TEE date sheet and IGNOU result and grade card.
IGNOU MSW Counselling (MSWC) study material: printed blocks and eGyanKosh
IGNOU provides printed self-instructional study material as a print book or e-book for the IGNOU MSW Counselling programme. Learners receive a 15% discount on the programme fee if they opt for soft copies instead of printed material. The eGyanKosh repository contains self-learning material for over 3923 courses across 384 programmes.
The first year of the MSW Counselling programme has 36 credits, including MSWL46 Social Work Practicum-I (8 credits) and MSWL47 Block Placement (8 credits). The second year also has 36 credits, with MSWL48 Social Work Practicum-II (8 credits) and MSWL49 Internship (8 credits). Field Work in the MSW Counselling programme gives 40 percent weightage to the practicum.
Counselling sessions are held according to the schedule set by the Learner Support Centre. Technology-enabled support is available through Gyan Darshan, Gyan Vani, Swayam Prabha, and web-based support. The programme fee for the full minimum duration of two years is Rs. 37,000, excluding registration, development, and exam fees. The programme is offered in English and Hindi medium.
Study support: IGNOU study material status; IGNOU previous year question papers and IGNOU regional and study centres.
Notices and Documents from IGNOU
Common IGNOU Questions
What is the total fee for the IGNOU MSW Counselling programme?
The total programme fee for the minimum two-year duration of IGNOU MSW Counselling is Rs. 37,000. This amount covers the programme fee for both years, based on the July 2026 prospectus, but excludes additional charges like registration, development, and examination fees.
How many credits are in the first year of IGNOU MSW Counselling?
The first year of the IGNOU MSW Counselling programme carries a total of 36 credits. This includes core courses such as MSW 1 Origin and Development of Social Work and practical components like MSWL46 Social Work Practicum-I, which is an 8-credit course.
Which courses in the IGNOU MSW Counselling programme involve practicum or fieldwork?
The IGNOU MSW Counselling programme includes significant practicum and fieldwork components. In the first year, MSWL46 Social Work Practicum-I and MSWL47 Block Placement each carry 8 credits. The second year features MSWL48 Social Work Practicum-II and MSWL49 Internship, both also worth 8 credits.
Is there a specific focus for fieldwork in the MSW Counselling programme?
Yes, fieldwork in the IGNOU MSW Counselling programme places a strong emphasis on specialization in Counselling. Practicum components account for 40 percent weightage of the overall programme, ensuring practical training alongside academic learning.
How many credits are in the second year of IGNOU MSW Counselling?
The second year of the IGNOU MSW Counselling programme also has a total of 36 credits. This year includes courses like MSW 15 Basics of Counselling and substantial practical work, with MSWL48 Social Work Practicum-II and MSWL49 Internship each contributing 8 credits.
Which year of the IGNOU MSW Counselling programme has more credits?
Both the first and second years of the IGNOU MSW Counselling programme carry an equal number of credits, with 36 credits allocated to each year. This balances the academic and practical workload across the minimum two-year duration.
What is the annual programme fee for IGNOU MSW Counselling?
The annual programme fee for IGNOU MSW Counselling is Rs. 18,500 per year, as stated in the July 2026 prospectus. This fee is paid annually for the minimum two-year duration of the programme.
Can I study the IGNOU MSW Counselling programme in Hindi?
Yes, the IGNOU MSW Counselling programme is offered in both English and Hindi mediums. Learners can choose their preferred medium for study and examinations, except for specific language programmes.
Where can I find the study blocks for IGNOU MSW Counselling courses?
The self-learning material for IGNOU MSW Counselling courses, including study blocks, is available on eGyanKosh. This digital repository contains self-instructional material for over 3923 courses across 384 programmes.
What is the minimum duration to complete the IGNOU MSW Counselling programme?
The minimum duration to complete the IGNOU MSW Counselling programme is 2 years. Learners have a maximum of 4 years to complete all requirements for the Master's degree.