Ph.D. in Social Work:

Aims:

• To equip scholars who are capable of designing and assessing innovative interventions and policies in social work.
• To enhance knowledge regarding the social, economic, and political determinants that affect vulnerable groups.
• To foster social justice and ensure the rights of marginalized groups.

Objectives:

• Scholars will be able to exhibit their skills in theories of social work, research, and models of practice.
• Scholars will be able to undertake research aimed at addressing pressing social work issues, including poverty, inequality, child welfare, mental health, and substance abuse.
• scholars will be able to assess the effectiveness of social work interventions and programs.
• scholars will be able to advocate for social justice and equity policies.
• scholars will exhibit leadership skills in social work.
• Social WorkPh.D. programme / Course Outcomes:
• Knowledge and Understanding:

1. Show a thorough and advanced understanding of fundamental social work theories, concepts, principles, and values. This involves critical awareness of the historical, philosophical, and ethical underpinnings of the social work profession.
2. Have a deep understanding of specialized fields in social work. This will be reflected in the student’s area of research specialization (e.g., child welfare, mental health, community development, medical social work, etc.).
3. Critically analyze available social work practice and research. This encompasses comprehension of the strengths and weaknesses of various research methodologies, intervention methods, and theoretical frameworks.
4. Understand socio-political and economic contexts in which social issues and social work practice are created. This encompasses a critical sensitivity to social issues of justice, inequality, oppression, and discrimination.
5. Show in-depth knowledge of research methods, qualitative and quantitative, applicable to social work research. This includes understanding research design, data collection, data analysis, and interpretation.

• Research Skills and Competencies:

1. Develop and communicate meaningful and innovative research questions that are pertinent to social work.
2. Design and carry out independent, high-quality, and ethical research studies. Use relevant research methodologies (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods) to tackle challenging social work problems.
3. Collect, analyze, and interpret data accurately, using the relevant statistical or qualitative analysis methods.
4. Critically appraise and synthesize existing research literature to inform their own research.
5. Contribute to new knowledge and understanding in social work.
6. Exhibit academic writing and scholarly communication skills.
7. Exhibit Ethical Conduct in Research practice the highest level of ethical behavior at all times in research activities, including data collection, analysis, and reporting, to protect human subjects and adhere to the principles of integrity and transparency.

• Research Skills and Competencies:

1. Formulate and articulate meaningful and creative research questions that are relevant to social work.
2. Develop and conduct independent, high-quality, and ethical research studies.
3. Apply appropriate research methodologies (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods) to address complex social work issues.
4. Collect, analyze, and interpret data correctly using the appropriate statistical or qualitative analysis techniques.
5. Appraise and synthesize existing research literature critically in order to inform their own research.
6. Participate in the generation of new knowledge and understanding in social work.
7. Demonstrate academic and scholarly communication skills.
8. Demonstrate Ethical Conduct in Research: Practice the highest standards of ethical conduct at all times in research, including data collection, analysis, and reporting, to safeguard human subjects and follow the values of integrity and transparency.

• Communication and Dissemination Skills:

1. Effectively communicate research results to diverse groups of people, including academics, practitioners, policymakers, and the general public.
2. Provide research results at professional conferences and workshops.
3. Publish research results in refereed journals.
4. Participate in academic discourses and debates on social work topics.
5. Teach and mentor students effectively in social work theory and research methods.

• Professional Development and Leadership:

1. Exhibit a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development.
2. Contribute to the development of the social work profession through research, teaching, and service.
3. Take leadership positions in social work organizations and communities.
4. Use social work values and ethics in research and practice.
5. Collaborate with other professionals to solve complex social problems.
6. Advocate for social justice and human rights.