Department of Social Work (MSW) - Kristu Jayanti University

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About the Department

The Department of Social Work strives to nurture ethical, socially responsive and competent professionals with the capability to address complex social challenges at local, national and global levels. The MSW programme offered by the department integrates robust theoretical foundations with immersive field learning, ensuring the necessary values, skills, and knowledge paramount to practising professional social work. The three specialisations offered as part of the programme are Medical and Psychiatric Social Work, Human Resource Management and Social Development.

The MSW programme is characterised by learner-centred pedagogy, experienced faculty with academic and field expertise, and structured fieldwork training in collaboration with NGOs, hospitals, government agencies, community-based organisations, and industries. Research competence, participatory approaches, rights-based practice and evidence-based interventions are the hallmarks of the programme. The curriculum is also aligned with emerging social issues, ranging from migration to environmental sustainability.

The department equips students with critical thinking, leadership and other practical competencies to meet the needs of the evolving academic and professional landscape. Students are prepared for impactful careers in social services, the development sector, research, policy advocacy, and allied professional domains.

Practice-Based Learning

Learning extends beyond the classroom through observation visits, concurrent fieldwork, block placement, research and community-based activities.

Evidence-Based Research Practice

Students and faculty engage with research, research methodology, publications and emerging areas of social concern, supporting evidence-informed social work practice.

Community Engagement

Community organisation programmes and field-based initiatives connect academic learning with the experiences and priorities of communities.

Department of Social Work (MSW)
ACADEMIC PATHWAYS

Programmes Offered

Postgraduate and doctoral pathways in professional social work practice.

Postgraduate Programmes

PhD Programmes

Dr. Winnie Joyce A

Dr. Winnie Joyce A

Associate Professor & Head, Department of Social Work

HOD's Message

Welcome to the Department of Social Work at Kristu Jayanti (Deemed to be) University, Bengaluru. Social work is a profound commitment to human dignity, justice and lasting change. The Department cultivates compassionate leadership that listens with empathy, acts with integrity, and stands in solidarity with communities seeking wellbeing.

Our programme combines rigorous theory with meaningful practice. Through the Social Work Lab, concurrent placements, rural immersion camps and partnerships across urban, corporate and healthcare settings, engagement with diverse populations is central to our approach. True to the “KJU Way,” we emphasise holistic growth—ethical clarity, resilience, reflective practice and a spirit of service.

Our experienced faculty offer mentorship that encourages critical inquiry, purposeful research, and evidence-based practice. Contemporary methods such as data analytics and alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals strengthen the impact of our interventions. Strong links with NGOs, hospitals and corporate partners ensure relevance and responsiveness to evolving social needs.

We remain steadfast in our commitment to empowering lives, transforming society, and upholding the dignity of every person. At Kristu Jayanti, Social Work is not merely taught—it is lived.

ACADEMIC & RESEARCH EXCELLENCE

Department Highlights

Ethical, socially responsive professionals prepared for complex social challenges.

Department Library

Academic resources supporting social work education, research and student learning.

Research Resources

Resources supporting quantitative and qualitative research, data analysis, academic writing and research dissemination.

Fieldwork & Practice Learning

Structured observation visits, concurrent fieldwork, social work camp, block placement and community-based learning connect academic knowledge with professional practice.

Community Engagement

Students participate in community organisation and social development activities that connect academic learning with real-world social challenges.

Research & Publication

Faculty and students engage in research, publications, conferences, seminars and research-oriented academic activities.

COLLABORATIVE ECOSYSTEM

Industry Collaborations

Active institutional partnerships and structured fieldwork networks connecting academic social work with premier healthcare institutions, NGOs, development bodies, and corporate CSR initiatives.

MoUs & Strategic Partners

NEISSR

Social Work Education & Professional Learning

Bangalore Baptist Hospital

Healthcare & Medical Social Work

Functional Vocational Training & Research Society (FVTRS)

Livelihoods, Skill Development & Community Development

BOSCO Bangalore

Child & Youth Development

Helping Hand Welfare Society

Community Welfare & Social Development

MANNA

Community Development & Social Support

Promotion of Oppressed Communities Education and Economic Development (PROCEED)

Social Development & Economic Empowerment

Fieldwork Agency Partners

St. John's Medical College & Hospital
Bangalore Baptist Hospital
Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology
Aster CMI Hospital
Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences & Research
HCG Cancer Centre
Vydehi Cancer Centre
NIMHANS
IMHANS
Kauvery Hospitals
M. S. Ramaiah Memorial Hospital
St. Martha's Hospital
St. Philomena's Hospital
Spandana Hospital
Karnataka Health Promotion Trust (KHPT)
SOCHARA
Sukino Healthcare
Medico Pastoral Association
VOSARD
MYRADA
Dream India Network
BIRDS (Brothers Integrated Rural Development Society)
Menda Foundation
Sumangali Seva Ashrama
ECHO
Rise Against Hunger India
Vathsalya Charitable Trust
BOSCO Bangalore / BOSCO – Yuvodaya
Akshara Foundation
Agastya International Foundation
Christel House India
BOSCH
Akshadhaa Foundation
Tata Electronics
Quess Corp Limited
Gokaldas Exports
Indian Designs
Mind Tree
Sartorius Stedim India Pvt. Ltd.
Schneider Electric
STUDENT ENGAGEMENT

Student Life & Fests

Dynamic student-run academic associations, national research conferences, community skill labs, and field-based outreach programmes.

Clubs & Community Initiatives

Clubs & Societies

Student-run academic, research, and cultural associations fostering leadership, social justice, and community advocacy.

Inclusive Climate Resilience for Communities

A value-added learning programme connecting climate resilience with social justice, gender equity, participatory assessment and community-based action.

Community Sanitation and Healthy Living

A community organisation initiative conducted with BIRDS at BDS Nagar, Narayanapura, focusing on health awareness among vulnerable populations.

Student Leadership Programme on Mental Health First Aid

A student-led initiative in which MSW students facilitated awareness on mental health first aid for students of Karnataka College of Pharmacy.

Observation Visit to VISTHAR

An academic field exposure introducing students to civil-society practice, social justice, peacebuilding and participatory approaches.

Human Rights Day Activities

Student engagement through quiz and discussion-based activities focused on human rights, critical analysis and professional social work values.

Global Perspectives: Social Initiatives at BIRDS

An exposure initiative connecting academic visitors and social work education with community-based development practice.

Flagship Events & Conferences

National Conference on Public Policy for Equity, Inclusion & Human Dignity

Interdisciplinary dialogue bringing together scholars, policymakers, and practitioners on human dignity and inclusion.

National Seminar on Trauma and Mental Health

National seminar integrating academic, professional and practitioner perspectives on psychosocial interventions.

Annual Department Fests & Guest Lectures

Annual fests, national workshops, expert symposiums, and guest lecture series connecting students with seasoned field leaders.

National Conference on Public Policy for Equity, Inclusion and Human Dignity: Contemporary Challenges and Future Directions

The Department organised a National Conference on “Public Policy for Equity, Inclusion and Human Dignity: Contemporary Challenges and Future Directions”, bringing together scholars, researchers, policymakers, practitioners and students to engage in interdisciplinary dialogue on contemporary public policy challenges and evidence-informed approaches to equity, inclusion and human dignity.

CAREER PLACEMENTS

Prominent Recruiters

Leading hospitals, healthcare institutions, NGOs, corporate CSR divisions, and international development agencies recruiting our MSW graduates.

HCG Hospitals
Aster CMI Hospital
TUSLA Child and Family Agency
Zugimpex Group
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Meet the Faculty

Learn from experts. Grow into professionals.

Faculty Portrait

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VOICES OF SUCCESS

Alumni Journeys

Hear directly from our graduates making an impact globally.

"My journey as part of the 2010–2012 Master of Social Work batch remains one of the most cherished phases of my life. Those two years were about discovering my passion and shaping my professional identity through theory and hands-on field experience. Community visits, block placements and fieldwork deepened my understanding of social realities. The confidence, skills and values I gained have played a crucial role in shaping my career with clarity and purpose."

Hannah Jeyasingh

Hannah Jeyasingh

MSW (2010–2012)

"Studying at Kristu Jayanti College has been one of the best decisions of my life. The college provided an environment that encouraged self-expression, learning and personal growth. The faculty consistently placed their trust in us, which motivated us to perform at our best. Whatever I am today is largely because of the strong foundation laid by Kristu Jayanti College and its committed faculty members."

Benjamine Charles

Benjamine Charles

MSW (2009–2011)