TNOU MSW 2026: Eligibility, Fee, Duration and Syllabus
Tamil Nadu Open University (TNOU) offers a Master of Social Work (MSW) distance education programme following a semester pattern under the School of Social Sciences. The curriculum includes mandatory fieldwork practicum in Semesters I, II, and III and a 75 to 100 page research project in Semester III. Online applications for the Academic Year 2026–27 session are open through 13 October 2026.
Key facts
| Programme | Master of Social Work (MSW) |
|---|---|
| Offering School | School of Social Sciences |
| Mode & Pattern | Distance Mode / Semester Pattern |
| Fieldwork Practicum | Compulsory in Semesters I, II, and III |
| AY 2026–27 Admission Last Date | 13 October 2026 |
| TEE Aug 2026 Project Submission Last Date | 23 October 2026 |
MSW Programme Overview and Fieldwork Practicum
The Master of Social Work (MSW) is a postgraduate distance learning programme offered by the Department of Social Work under the TNOU School of Social Sciences. The programme is designed on a semester pattern to equip students with professional social work skills, field practice methods, and knowledge for social transformation.
Fieldwork practicum is mandatory during Semesters I, II, and III. Students complete fieldwork placements at self-selected social welfare agencies, such as government institutions, voluntary organisations, hospitals, industrial units, or community development blocks. Supervised by academic counselors from Learner Support Centres and agency supervisors, students must submit completed fieldwork reports before the commencement of semester examinations.
Semester III Research Project Evaluation
In Semester III, each student must select a social work issue and complete a research project under a qualified guide from an affiliated college, research institute, or university approved by TNOU.
The project report must be between 75 and 100 pages, inclusive of all tables, diagrams, and annexures, formatted according to university standards.
MSW Research Project Assessment Scheme
| Assessment Component | Evaluating Authority | Marks Allocation |
|---|---|---|
| Internal Assessment | Research Guide | 30 Marks |
| External Evaluation | Panel of Experts (Central Evaluation) | 70 Marks |
| Total Marks | Combined Evaluation | 100 Marks |
Admission Process and Important Dates for AY 2026–27
Admissions for the Academic Year 2026–27 session are managed online. The extended deadline for fresh registration and document submission is 13 October 2026.
Students enrolled in the August 2026 Term End Examination (TEE) cycle must submit their project work on or before 23 October 2026. TNOU has not published the specific tuition fee or entry eligibility criteria for the MSW programme on its site as of 03 October 2026.
- Open the TNOU online admission portal and select the link for fresh application registration.
- Fill in personal and academic details and select the Master of Social Work (MSW) programme.
- Upload required certificates and passport photograph.
- Pay the application fee online and save the confirmation acknowledgment.
Curriculum Design and Career Opportunities
The MSW syllabus is framed and updated by the TNOU Curriculum Development Cell in accordance with UGC Regulations and TANSCHE guidelines to ensure ODL alignment and practical skill development.
Graduates can pursue career opportunities across social service sectors including healthcare, education, industrial human resources, correctional services, family and child welfare, and rural, urban, or tribal development initiatives.
Department and Faculty Contact Details
Students seeking academic guidance, supervisor approvals, or information regarding fieldwork can contact the Department of Social Work at the Saidapet campus.
Department of Social Work Contact Directory
| Designation | Contact Person | Email / Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor of Social Work | Tmt. J. Renee Arathi | reneearathij@tnou.ac.in / +91 9487504298 |
| School of Social Sciences Office | Director, SOSS | tnousoss1@gmail.com / 044-24306654 |
| Campus Address | Tamil Nadu Open University | 577 Anna Salai, Saidapet, Chennai – 600015 |
Important TNOU links
| What you can do | Official page |
|---|---|
| Register online for MSW admission AY 2026-27 | tnouportal.in/OnlineadmissionHomeAY2026.aspx |
| Explore School of Social Sciences programmes | tnou.ac.in/SchoolSocial.php |
| View Curriculum Development Cell updates | tnou.ac.in/Cell-CDC.php |
| Check prospectus publications | tnou.ac.in/ProspectusNew.php |
Frequently asked questions
Is fieldwork compulsory for the TNOU MSW distance programme?
Yes, fieldwork practicum is mandatory during Semesters I, II, and III. Students complete supervised agency placements in welfare centers, hospitals, or government blocks and submit reports before semester examinations.
What are the research project requirements for TNOU MSW?
In Semester III, students complete a research project report of 75 to 100 pages under an approved guide. Evaluation consists of 30 marks for internal assessment by the guide and 70 marks for external central evaluation.
What is the last date to apply for TNOU MSW for the AY 2026–27 session?
The extended last date for online admission for the Academic Year 2026–27 session is 13 October 2026 through the official TNOU online portal.
What is the submission deadline for TEE August 2026 project reports?
Students appearing in the August 2026 Term End Examination must submit their projects on or before 23 October 2026. Submissions after this date are not accepted for that examination cycle.
Is the 2-year BCA lateral entry program at TNOU worth pursuing for diploma holders?
TNOU offers a BCA Lateral Entry programme for candidates who have completed a university-recognized three-year diploma after 10th standard or a two-year diploma after 12th standard.
Where is the Department of Social Work located?
The Department of Social Work operates under the School of Social Sciences at TNOU’s main campus: 577, Anna Salai, Saidapet, Chennai – 600 015.
Sources
Written from the official TNOU pages and documents below, as read on 3 October 2026.
- Master%20of%20Social%20Work%20-%20Non-Semester.pdf tnou.ac.in/…/Master%20of%20Social%20Work%20-%20Non-Se
- Online Admission tnouportal.in/…/OnlineadmissionHomeAY2026.aspx
- Curriculum Development Cell tnou.ac.in/…/Cell-CDC.php
- School of Social Sciences tnou.ac.in/…/SchoolSocial.php