Programme Overview / brief description

The Master of Medical Social Work (MMSW) at MAHE is a professionally oriented programme designed to bridge the growing demand for skilled medical social workers in India's rapidly evolving healthcare sector. Grounded in a rights-based, equity-oriented, and person-centred approach, the programme equips graduates to address the psychosocial, ethical, and systemic dimensions of health and illness. Through interdisciplinary learning and extensive clinical training, students develop the competencies to work effectively within multidisciplinary healthcare teams, address social determinants of health, advocate for patient rights, and contribute to holistic, compassionate, and evidence-informed healthcare delivery.

Focus

The focus of the MMSW program is to prepare competent, ethical, and reflective medical social work professionals capable of addressing the psychosocial dimensions of health and illness through interdisciplinary practice, evidence-based interventions, leadership, and socially responsive healthcare engagement across clinical and community settings.

Career Prospects

Graduates of the MMSW programme are prepared for diverse and rewarding careers across the healthcare continuum. They can work as Medical Social Workers, Patient Care Coordinators, Clinical Social Workers, Rehabilitation Counsellors, Palliative Care Social Workers, Mental Health Professionals, Case Managers, and Patient Advocates in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, mental health facilities, hospices, public health programmes, NGOs, and international organizations. The programme also provides a strong foundation for leadership roles, research, policy development, teaching, and doctoral studies in health and social care.

USP (Unique Selling Propositions):

• NCAHP Aligned: Conceived as a professional qualification oriented towards recognition under the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) Act, 2021.
• Intensive Clinical Exposure: The Department is well-positioned to run the programme, meeting the required 3,600 hours of clinical exposure through supervised placements at Manipal Hospitals and other partnering hospitals.  
• Global Mobility: Competencies are aligned with international standards, including IASSW-IFSW Global Standards and WFME Global Standards, positioning graduates for global professional registration.
• Research & Evidence-Based: The curriculum integrates interdisciplinary learning and ethical reflection with intensive field engagement and research.

Eligibility Criteria & Admission Process

• Eligibility (Indian Nationals):
  • A regular Bachelor’s in Social Work (BSW) of 3 or 4 years duration from a UGC-recognized university with at least 50% aggregate marks. OR
  • A regular Master’s in Social Work (MSW) from a UGC-recognized institution with at least 50% aggregate marks. OR
  • A four-year Bachelor’s in Medical and Psychiatric Social Work (B.MPSW) with at least 50% aggregate marks.
• Eligibility (International Students): Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Social Work and provide proof of English language proficiency if their qualifying degree was not primarily taught in English.

Selection Criteria

• Selection of eligible candidates is based on merit and personal interview.

Duration of the program: Two-year full-time programme with semester-based curriculum

How to Apply

• Apply at: https://apply.manipal.edu/

Contact

PSPH Office

Phone: 0820 2923449

Email: socialwork.mahe@manipal.edu