Little known at home but a nationally recognised institute, the Roda Mistry College of Social Work and Research Centre (RMCSW) in Hyderabad was ranked among the top 10 colleges in the country. The institute, which was established in 1966, has been motivating generations of students to take up the unconventional discipline of social work in spirit and in profession.
“The reason why I am here is because I feel a sense of social responsibility and if I can make it my profession, it is the best that can be,” says K Sajith Reddy, a final-year bachelors in Social Work (BSW) student. The USP of the institute is the importance given to social work as a discipline coupled with intensive on-field training and regular evaluation. “We are sent on observation visits to the field during first year, followed by working with urban and rural poor and interning with NGOs, hospitals for those interested in clinical psychology or for case studies. The practical aspect of the course is interesting as it gives something new to work on everyday,” says P Swarnalatha, speaking for her classmates.
Courses
The college, affiliated to Osmania University, offers undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD programmes in social work. “We have received permission from Andhra Pradesh State Council for Higher Education to double the intake for the academic year 2012-13 for our postgraduate programme in MSW. The number of students appearing for the entrance examination for admission to MSW has also been on the rise due to the lucrative career opportunities,” says Vanila Bhaskaran, principal, RMCSW.
The institute offers three specialisations in MSW, which include human resources, medical and psychiatric social work and community development.
The campus houses a hostel, though most of the students are day-scholars and has ample space for recreation for the students. Situated in Gachibowli, the campus is also home to a lake which provides the perfect backdrop for discussions and recreation.
Admission process
The admissions to BSW course is based on merit while Osmania University conducts the entrance for MSW. The BSW course is funded by the government and the course fee is close to `2,000 per annum while MSW is a self-funded course and the fee charged is close to `17,000 per year.
Placements
The field of social work opens up various avenues for students and the campus placement stands testimony to it. “Placements are a continuous process in the college and we are contacted by NGOs and companies directly for eligible candidates. We also have a dedicated placement cell for MSW students who are employed in government projects, NGOs, hospitals and clinics as well as by the corporate sector,” says the principal. Many of the alumni from the college have gone on to start their own NGOs and think-tanks that work in diverse fields ■
— payal@newindianexpress.com