About Master in Social Work [MSW]
Master of Social Work [MSW] at St Thomas' College, Thrissur is a 2-year full-time postgraduate programme offered on campus, under the self-financing stream, affiliated to the University of Calicut. The course covers social work theory and practice, community development, social welfare administration, research methods, counselling, and field work, preparing students for careers in NGOs, government social welfare departments, hospitals, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and community development organisations. The programme is popular among students committed to social service and human development. The total course fee is approximately Rs. 84,785 for the entire duration.
Admissions for the 2026-27 academic year are expected to open through the Calicut University Centralised Admission Process for PG (PGCAP 2026) tentatively in June 2026. For the 2025-26 session, the PGCAP registration closed on June 13, 2025, and the closing date for admission was September 8, 2025. The new batch is expected to commence in October/November 2026.
Key Points
- The Department of Social Work at St Thomas' College offers the MSW programme under the self-financing stream, with a strong emphasis on field work and practical training.
- The college is accredited by NAAC with A++ Grade (3.7/4) and holds a NIRF India Ranking of 53 (2025).
- The programme includes mandatory field work placements in NGOs, hospitals, government departments, and community organisations.
- Graduates are eligible for careers in social welfare, community development, HR management, counselling, and CSR roles.
- The programme is affiliated to the University of Calicut and follows the university's curriculum and examination pattern.
St Thomas' College MSW Fees
The MSW programme at St Thomas' College, Thrissur is offered under the self-financing stream. The total fee for the entire 2-year programme is approximately Rs. 84,785. The fee is payable semester-wise as per university and college norms.
Fee Structure
| Fee Component | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (Total for 2 years) | Included in total |
| Other Charges | Included in total |
| Total Fees | 84,785 |
- Fees are subject to revision as per University of Calicut and Government of Kerala norms.
- SC/ST candidates may be eligible for fee concessions as per government norms.
- Students are advised to confirm the exact fee breakup with the college at the time of admission.
St Thomas' College MSW Admission 2026
Admissions to MSW at St Thomas' College, Thrissur are conducted through the Calicut University Centralised Admission Process for PG (PGCAP), a merit-based allotment system. Candidates are ranked based on an index mark calculated from their undergraduate performance. For 2025-26, PGCAP registration closed on June 13, 2025, and the admission process concluded by September 2025. For 2026-27, the process is expected to follow a similar timeline starting June 2026.
College Admission Dates
| Event | 2025-26 Date | 2026-27 (Tentative) |
|---|---|---|
| PGCAP Registration Opens | June 2025 | June 2026 |
| PGCAP Registration Closes | June 13, 2025 | June 2026 |
| First Allotment | July 2025 | July 2026 |
| Admission Closing Date | September 8, 2025 | September 2026 |
| Batch Commencement | October/November 2025 | October/November 2026 |
Entrance Exam Dates
| Exam | Event | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Kerala PGCET 2026 | Registration Opens | April 24, 2026 (Tentative) |
| Kerala PGCET 2026 | Registration Closes | May 10, 2026 (Tentative) |
| Kerala PGCET 2026 | Admit Card | May 21, 2026 (Tentative) |
| Kerala PGCET 2026 | Exam Date | May 31, 2026 (Tentative) |
| Kerala PGCET 2026 | Result | August 1, 2026 (Tentative) |
Note: St Thomas' College Thrissur follows the Calicut University PGCAP process for MSW admissions. Candidates should verify with the college directly regarding any additional requirements.
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Candidates must hold a Bachelor's Degree in any discipline recognised by the University of Calicut with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks/grade.
- Aggregate marks/grade means the total marks/grade obtained for Part I English and Part III (Core and Complementary). For disciplines without English, only main and subsidiary marks/grade are considered.
- SC/ST candidates need only a pass in the qualifying examination; OBC/OEC candidates may be eligible for relaxation as per university norms.
Admission Process:
- Register on the Calicut University PGCAP portal (pgcap.uoc.ac.in) during the registration window.
- Submit academic details and choose preferred colleges and programmes.
- Index mark is calculated based on undergraduate marks as per Calicut University norms.
- Allotment is made based on index mark, category, and college/programme preference.
- Candidates must report to the college within the stipulated time after allotment and complete the admission formalities.
- Original documents including mark sheets, transfer certificate, and community certificate (if applicable) must be submitted at the time of admission.
St Thomas' College MSW Scholarships 2026
Students enrolled in MSW at St Thomas' College, Thrissur can avail a range of government and institutional scholarships. The college has an active scholarship wing that guides students in identifying and applying for suitable scholarships.
Available Scholarships
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Amount | Provider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Post-Matric Scholarship (SC/ST) | SC/ST students | As per government norms | Government of Kerala / Central Govt. |
| e-Grantz Scholarships | OBC/OEC/SC/ST students | Varies by category | Government of Kerala |
| UGC Fellowships and Scholarships | Merit-based / category-based | Varies | University Grants Commission |
| Central Sector Scholarship | Top students from state boards | Rs. 20,000 per year (PG) | Ministry of Education, Govt. of India |
| Merit-cum-Means Scholarship | Students with financial need and academic merit | Varies | Ministry of Minority Affairs / State Govt. |
- Students must apply for e-Grantz scholarships through the portal: e-grantz.kerala.gov.in
- Scholarship deadlines vary each year; students should check the college notice board and respective portals regularly.
- The college has a dedicated scholarship wing that assists students in identifying and applying for suitable scholarships.
St Thomas' College MSW FAQs
Ques. Is MSW at St Thomas' College Thrissur an aided or self-financing programme?
Ans. The MSW programme at St Thomas' College Thrissur is offered under the self-financing stream. The total fee for the 2-year programme is approximately Rs. 84,785, which is higher than the aided programmes at the college.
Ques. What is the eligibility for MSW at St Thomas' College Thrissur?
Ans. Candidates must hold a Bachelor's Degree in any discipline from a recognised university with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks. SC/ST candidates need only a pass in the qualifying examination.
Ques. Is there an entrance exam for MSW admission at St Thomas' College Thrissur?
Ans. No separate entrance exam is conducted by the college. Admissions are done through the Calicut University PGCAP (Centralised Admission Process for PG), which is a merit-based allotment using the index mark derived from undergraduate marks.
Ques. What are the career options after MSW from St Thomas' College Thrissur?
Ans. Graduates can pursue careers in NGOs, government social welfare departments, hospitals (medical social work), corporate CSR departments, community development organisations, counselling centres, and can also pursue Ph.D. programmes in Social Work.
Ques. Does MSW at St Thomas' College Thrissur include field work?
Ans. Yes, the MSW programme includes mandatory field work placements as a core component of the curriculum. Students are placed in NGOs, hospitals, government departments, and community organisations for practical training, which is essential for the degree.
Ques. Can engineering or science graduates apply for MSW at St Thomas' College Thrissur?
Ans. Yes, candidates with a Bachelor's Degree in any discipline (including engineering, science, commerce, or arts) from a recognised university with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks are eligible to apply for MSW at St Thomas' College Thrissur through the PGCAP process.