Established in 1979, the Post Graduate & Research Department of Social Work at Sacred Heart College (Autonomous), Tirupattur stands as a flagship academic centre and the first Post Graduate Department of the College.
For over four decades, it has shaped professional social work education through innovation, academic rigour, and an unwavering commitment to social transformation - producing generations of professionals who serve communities across India and beyond.
From Community Development (1979) to HRM (1980), Youth Development (1988, a national first), and Medical & Psychiatric Social Work (2024), the Department has continually evolved to meet the needs of society and the profession.
Blend social work values with modern HR practices for corporate and developmental organizations.
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Holistic development of rural and urban communities through participatory engagement and SDG-aligned practice.
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India's first postgraduate specialization in Youth Development (1988) - a nationally recognized pioneer.
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Integrate social work expertise with healthcare and mental health practice in hospitals and communities.
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B.Com | M.A. Social Work (TISS, Mumbai) | UGC-NET
MSW | M.Phil. | Ph.D. | MBA (HRM) | UGC-NET
MSW (HR) | M.Phil. | Ph.D. | PGDJPR | UGC-NET
91+ credits integrating theory, fieldwork, research analytics, SPSS & NVivo training, and a mandatory capstone research project.
The deep faculty-student relationship is our USP - nurturing students with commitment, compassion, and professional competence.
2,000+ alumni in NGOs, corporates, government, healthcare, and international development organizations across India and globally.
Ph.D. programme since 2000. Faculty with Scopus & WoS publications. UGC-recognized Resource Centre for Social Work.
SDG-aligned community engagement in adopted villages - Annadapatti, Karuppanur, Palnankupaam, Mel Achamangalm & Chinna Vengayapalli.
Sacred Heart College holds NAAC A++ (5th Cycle, CGPA 3.53/4) - a hallmark of institutional quality and academic excellence.
A premier social work department with four decades of excellence, innovation, and social commitment.
Established in 1979, the Post Graduate & Research Department of Social Work at Sacred Heart College (Autonomous), Tirupattur stands as a flagship academic centre and the first Post Graduate Department of the College. For over four decades, it has shaped professional social work education through innovation, academic rigour, and an unwavering commitment to social transformation.
Founded on the principles of social justice, human dignity, and community empowerment, the Department began with Community Development (1979), expanded to Human Resource Management (1980), and in 1988 made national academic history by introducing Youth Development as a postgraduate specialization - the first of its kind in India. Autonomous status in 1987 and the Doctoral Programme in 2000 further cemented its academic stature.
A key strength is the strong faculty-student relationship, which plays a vital role in nurturing students with commitment and professional competence. Over 45 years, the Department has produced thousands of trained social workers who serve across India and globally.
Vision: To be a centre of excellence in social work education producing socially committed, professionally competent, and ethically grounded change agents.
Mission: To integrate theory, fieldwork, and research in social work education, fostering a commitment to human dignity, social justice, and community empowerment.
Rev. Fr. Joe Arimpoor, SDB - The Visionary Who Built a Legacy
Rev. Fr. Joe Arimpoor, SDB, is the visionary founder of the Post Graduate & Research Department of Social Work at Sacred Heart College (Autonomous), Tirupattur. A distinguished educator, researcher, and institution builder, he dedicated over four decades to youth empowerment, professional social work education, and academic leadership.
A University Gold Medalist from Loyola College, Chennai (1979), he combined academic excellence with grassroots engagement. In 1979, he founded the Department of Social Work at Sacred Heart College. In 1988, he introduced Youth Development as a postgraduate specialization - the first such academic programme in the country.
He pursued advanced studies in the United States, earning an MS in Clinical Social Work and a Ph.D. in Sociology, with further doctoral research at Columbia University.
A pioneering centre for Youth Development studies - first postgraduate specialization in India
A platform integrating theory, fieldwork, and research
A hub for academic innovation and curriculum development
A centre producing socially committed professionals who serve India and the world
"Social work education must be socially relevant, ethically grounded, research-oriented, and youth-focused."
- Rev. Fr. Joe Arimpoor, SDB
Visionary academic leaders who shaped the Department across decades.
The wider institutional story of Sacred Heart College is rooted in the Salesian vision of education, where faith, reason, discipline, and compassionate service together shape the life of the academic community.
These values express the formative spirit that shapes the College's academic culture and continue to influence how leadership, education, and service are understood across the institution.
This value flows from the mission of Sacred Heart College to nurture a sense of the Divine presence in nature and in every human person. It invites both staff and students to cultivate spiritual awareness and live with truth, purity, compassion, and service. By giving primacy to God, the community learns to see God in all people, to serve with humility, and to recognize that service to humanity is truly worship of God.
Don Bosco's educational vision emphasized forming young people into honest and responsible citizens. Honesty builds trust, strengthens relationships, and contributes to the development of society. Through this value, the College seeks to form individuals who remain truthful to themselves and respectful toward others, fostering an environment of integrity and mutual respect.
The College strives to create a learning environment where dignity, equality, and mutual respect are upheld. Every student deserves an atmosphere that is safe, supportive, and free from discrimination or fear. Respect for all ensures that positive relationships flourish within the academic community and that every individual has the opportunity to grow and achieve their potential.
Responsibility empowers individuals to act with accountability and integrity. A responsible person can be trusted to make thoughtful decisions and face challenges without blaming others. Through this value, the College encourages students to develop self-discipline, confidence, and the ability to take ownership of their actions and personal growth.
The pursuit of excellence encourages students to discover their potential and strive toward meaningful achievement. It prepares young people to face life's challenges with determination and clarity. By nurturing a culture of excellence, the College inspires students to set high goals, embrace change positively, and continuously improve themselves in both academic and personal life.
The Rector and Principal provide the spiritual, academic, and administrative guidance that sustains the College's mission and creates the wider institutional context within which the Department grows.
The Rector of Sacred Heart College serves as the spiritual and administrative guide of the institution. Inspired by the Salesian tradition of St. John Bosco, the Rector ensures that the College remains faithful to its mission of holistic education, spiritual growth, and social responsibility. His leadership strengthens the College's commitment to forming young people who are intellectually competent, morally upright, and socially responsible.
The Principal of Sacred Heart College provides academic leadership and strategic direction to the institution. Under the Principal's guidance, the College continues to strengthen its academic programs, research initiatives, and student development opportunities. His leadership ensures that the institution maintains high standards of excellence while nurturing innovation, integrity, and service-oriented learning.
The Department’s academic journey has been shaped by visionary leaders whose scholarship, administrative foresight, and commitment to social transformation have guided its growth across decades. Their leadership not only strengthened academic foundations but also expanded the Department’s engagement with research, professional practice, and community development.
Portraits of the academic leaders whose stewardship shaped the Department’s direction, identity, and standards across generations.
A concise chronological view of the Department’s leadership journey, with each leader connected to the same full profile used in the card grid above.
A dedicated team of scholars, researchers, and practitioners committed to excellence in social work education.
B.Com | M.A. Social Work (TISS, Mumbai) | UGC-NET
MSW | M.Phil. | Ph.D. | UGC-NET
Double Gold Medalist | Ph.D. | UGC-NET | IELTS 8.0
67+ Scopus/WoS articles
MSW | M.Phil. | Ph.D. | UGC-NET Qualified
Specialization: Community Development
M.A. | M.Phil. | SET | UGC-NET
MSW | SET | Diploma in Community Mental Health
A future-ready MSW programme with four specializations and a Ph.D. programme for advanced research.
The MSW Aided Programme (Restructured 2026 onwards) is a professionally designed, four-semester postgraduate degree integrating theory, field immersion, research analytics, policy engagement, and industry specialization - preparing socially responsible and career-ready professionals.
With 91 credits + value-added certifications, continuous fieldwork, research training in SPSS & NVivo, and specialization pathways aligned with emerging societal needs, the programme transforms students into competent, ethical, and innovation-driven social work practitioners.
The MSW-HR programme offers an integrated approach combining core social work values with contemporary human resource management practices, aiming to develop competent HR professionals who can respond effectively to the needs of modern organizations.
The curriculum includes Human Resource Management, Labour Legislation, Industrial Relations, and Corporate Social Responsibility. Emphasis is placed on experiential learning through concurrent fieldwork, block fieldwork, and research projects.
Focused training in Skill Matrix & Competency Mapping, data processing using SPSS and NVivo, and HR in the service sector enhances students' professional readiness.
Talent Forge - The HR Extension Centre providing career readiness, employer engagement, and professional development support.
The Community Development specialization focuses on the holistic development of both rural and urban communities. It prepares students to take up responsible roles such as Community Development Officers, Programme Coordinators, and Monitoring and Evaluation Officers in government departments, NGOs, and civil society organizations.
The specialization provides opportunities in research, training, and corporate social responsibility, enabling students to contribute meaningfully to community welfare and sustainable development initiatives aligned with the SDGs.
Centre for Community Building & Good Governance - Anchoring CD field practice with village adoption and SDG-aligned community interventions.
🏆 National First: Youth Development was introduced as India's first postgraduate specialization of its kind in 1988 - under the founding vision of Rev. Fr. Joe Arimpoor, SDB.
The Youth Development specialization concentrates on youth policy, youth development, and youth work, with a strong emphasis on community-based practice. Students are trained to address the developmental needs and challenges of young people through structured interventions and support systems.
Graduates find opportunities in NGOs, hospitals, counselling centres, career guidance centres, youth skill training centres, and industries - playing a vital role in empowering young individuals and promoting their overall well-being.
Centre for Positive Youth Development - Driving youth leadership, the Job Box career platform, and community-based youth interventions.
The Medical and Psychiatric Social Work specialization focuses on promoting holistic health and psychosocial well-being by integrating social work principles with healthcare practice. It equips students with the knowledge and skills required to work effectively in hospitals, mental health institutions, rehabilitation centres, counselling settings, and community health programmes.
The curriculum emphasizes understanding medical conditions, mental health disorders, patient care, family counselling, casework, and psychosocial interventions, supported by intensive fieldwork and practical training.
Introduced in 2024 - expanding the Department's contribution to healthcare-integrated social work practice.
Centre for Holistic Health and Wellbeing (MNP) - Mental health advocacy, psychosocial support, and community-based health interventions.
The Department offers Ph.D. Programmes in Social Work in both full-time and part-time modes, reflecting its commitment to advancing knowledge and research in social work education since 2000.
Initiated under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Stanislaus Swaminathan, the doctoral programme elevated the Department into a recognized Postgraduate and Research Centre. Doctoral research spans themes including community development, HRM, youth development, mental health, tribal communities, and social policy.
The Department also offered an M.Phil. programme (launched 2010) to strengthen research pathways for aspiring scholars.
Faculty supervisors guiding doctoral scholars through research design, sustained inquiry, and advanced academic mentoring.
Four decades of training, research, consultancy, academic dialogue, and knowledge creation - shaping Social Work education in India.
Faculty members have served as resource persons, trainers, and programme facilitators across leading national institutions, government bodies, NGOs, universities, and industries - delivering structured training in research methodology, youth work, employability, leadership, stress management, SPSS, and community development.
For over four decades, the Department has advanced evidence-based research and field consultancy across India and South Asia - spanning multidimensional poverty assessments, gender studies, CSR evaluations, institutional audits, UNICEF collaborations, and youth programme impact evaluations - covering 59,000+ households and 50,000+ youth.
For over four decades, the Department has actively organized and participated in international, national, and institutional platforms - fostering critical dialogue in youth development, gender justice, governance, mental health, sustainability, and professional social work practice.
Faculty actively contribute through authored and edited volumes - reflecting expertise in social work practice, youth development, leadership, accreditation, research methodology, psychology, disaster management, and community transformation.
Faculty actively publish in national and international peer-reviewed journals - spanning organizational behaviour, HRM, governance, youth studies, gender justice, employability, CSR, public policy, community development, and social psychology.
Dr. Clayton Michael Fonceca ranks among the top 5 most cited faculty in Social Work in Tamil Nadu with 67+ articles in Scopus, WoS, and UGC journals. Two Ph.D. scholars have successfully completed under his supervision.
Distinctive academic and community initiatives that define our Department's character and impact.
The Department promotes environmental responsibility through its green initiative titled "4G - Go Green, Grow Green," organized in collaboration with the Lions Club of Tirupattur Host. This initiative reflects the institution's commitment to sustainability, ecological awareness, and climate-conscious campus development. By encouraging tree plantation, environmental sensitization, and student participation in eco-friendly practices, the programme nurtures environmental stewardship among young professionals. It reinforces the idea that social work education must respond not only to social issues but also to ecological sustainability and intergenerational responsibility.
Industry-Integrated Experiential Learning (5S Practice) Bridging academia with industry, the Department organizes hands-on skill development initiatives such as the 5S Workshop, delivered by experienced industry professionals including representatives from Gabriel India Ltd., Genau Extrusions Pvt. Ltd., and Calimere Technologies. These sessions provide practical exposure to workplace organization, efficiency systems, and professional discipline. The learning extends beyond theory, as students apply the 5S methodology within academic spaces, demonstrating experiential learning in action. Such industry-academia collaboration enhances employability skills, organizational competence, and professional preparedness.
An annual residential rural camp immerses students in the realities of rural life and community challenges. Students design and implement interventions for health, sanitation, education, women's empowerment, and youth development. This signature practice bridges academic theory with grassroots social work, building professional empathy, cultural sensitivity, and problem-solving capacity.
By adopting the villages of Annadapatti, Karuppanur, Palnankupaam, Mel Achamangalm, and Chinna Vengayapalli, the Department ensures structured, long-term community partnership. Interventions are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) - focusing on health awareness, sanitation, educational support, women's empowerment, youth skill development, and environmental conservation.
The Job Box initiative, led by the Centre for Positive Youth Development, serves as a dynamic employability platform connecting students with real-world opportunities. By regularly sharing sector-wise job postings, employer engagement updates, and student success stories, it creates a structured pathway from academic training to professional placement in NGOs, industries, healthcare, and development agencies.
In 2025, the Department established three dedicated Extension Centres aligned with its specialization pathways: Talent Forge (HRM), Centre for Holistic Health and Wellbeing (MNP), and Centre for Community Building & Good Governance - anchoring applied learning with societal impact.
The Department publishes its own annual Newsletter documenting scholarly initiatives, field innovations, and student achievements - fostering a culture of reflection and knowledge dissemination. A professionally curated Placement Brochure showcases student competencies, internships, research, and career readiness, building strong linkages with NGOs, industries, CSR units, and development agencies.
The Department's unique selling point is the deep faculty-student relationship, which plays a vital role in the transformation of students with commitment and professional capacity. Faculty function not only as instructors but as mentors and role models - nurturing students' personal and professional growth through regular dialogue, academic engagement, and co-curricular collaboration.
Four decades of graduates creating meaningful impact across India and the world.
From our pioneering batch of 1979 to our latest graduating batch, our alumni community reflects a proud legacy of academic excellence, professional achievement, and social commitment. Each batch photograph captures a moment in time - friendships forged, aspirations ignited, and journeys that began within our institution's halls.
Over the years, our graduates have made meaningful contributions across academia, corporate leadership, public service, research, social development, and global institutions - carrying forward the values and professionalism they cultivated here.
This Alumni Archive is more than a collection of photographs - it is a celebration of generations who continue to shape communities, organizations, and society at large.
Explore the batches. Relive the moments. Celebrate the journey.
Our distinguished alumni stand as proud ambassadors of the institution's values, professionalism, and social commitment. Across decades, they have emerged as transformative leaders in corporate organizations, academia, public administration, social development agencies, research institutions, and international platforms. From pioneering social entrepreneurs and accomplished civil servants to senior HR leaders, policy advocates, educators, and community change-makers - our prominent alumni continue to create meaningful impact locally, nationally, and globally.
Their journeys reflect not only personal success but also the strength of the academic foundation, ethical training, and field-based learning experiences they received here. This section honors those who have achieved exceptional milestones and continue to inspire current students and future generations.
Showcasing the professional competency and career readiness of our graduating students.
Our Placement Brochures are professionally curated documents that showcase the academic credentials, internship experiences, research contributions, and career competencies of our graduating MSW students - bridging graduates with employers across NGOs, corporates, healthcare, and development organizations.
Features profiles of graduating students from HRM, Community Development, Youth Development, and Medical & Psychiatric Social Work - academic highlights, fieldwork portfolios, research abstracts, and placement summaries.
Profiles all four specializations including the new Medical & Psychiatric Social Work cohort - internship experiences, research contributions, and employer engagement highlights.
Rigorous 4-semester curriculum with field immersion and research analytics training.
Trained in social work values, human rights frameworks, and professional ethics.
Skilled in SPSS, NVivo, data analysis, and applied social research methods.
Yearly documentation of the Department's academic activities, achievements, and institutional progress.
The Annual Report provides a comprehensive account of the Department's activities each academic year - academic events, faculty research, student achievements, fieldwork outcomes, community engagement, placement results, and administrative milestones.
Covers the first year of the Extension Centres, the new Medical & Psychiatric Social Work cohort, faculty publications, placement outcomes, and community development activities.
Begin your journey toward becoming a qualified, compassionate, and career-ready social work professional.
The P.G. & Research Department of Social Work at Sacred Heart College (Autonomous), Tirupattur, invites applications from motivated graduates who are committed to social justice, community transformation, and professional excellence.
Our MSW programme is a two-year, full-time Aided Programme affiliated to Thiruvalluvar University. Admissions are conducted in accordance with Tamil Nadu Government norms and Thiruvalluvar University guidelines. The Department offers four specializations, allowing students to focus their learning on their area of passion and career interest.
Bachelor's degree in Social Work (BSW) - preferred pathway for direct admission
Any Bachelor's degree from a recognized university is also eligible
Minimum percentage as specified by Thiruvalluvar University norms
Reservation and quota norms as per Tamil Nadu Government policy apply
Ph.D. in Social Work: Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) required - research proposal and interview required
Study in an autonomous college accredited with the highest NAAC grade - ensuring nationally recognized quality education.
Affordable, government-aided programme offering quality postgraduate education at minimal cost - accessible to all.
Be part of India's first MSW Youth Development specialization - a nationally unique academic distinction.
Join a network of over 2000 alumni placed across NGOs, corporates, hospitals, government bodies, and international organizations.
The MSW programme is structured to build you into a research-informed, field-tested, and professionally competent social worker. Your two years will include:
Note: The exact list of documents and fee structure is confirmed each academic year by Sacred Heart College (Autonomous). Please contact the Department office or visit the college website for the most current information.
Review the eligibility criteria and confirm your undergraduate qualification meets Thiruvalluvar University requirements.
Collect the form in person from the Department office at Sacred Heart College, Tirupattur, or download it from the college website.
Submit the completed application with all required academic certificates, community certificate, photographs, and identity proof before the deadline.
Shortlisted candidates undergo merit-based selection and specialization counselling. Selected students complete joining formalities and begin the MSW programme.
Celebrating institutional excellence, national recognition, and individual achievements of our department community.
Sacred Heart College (Autonomous) holds some of the highest distinctions in Indian higher education. Our department contributes significantly to these achievements through research, community engagement, and professional social work education.
67+ Scopus/WoS articles. Double Gold Medalist. IELTS 8.0. Supervised 2 Ph.D. scholars.
Extensive research contributions in youth development and adolescent wellbeing.
Founding Post Graduate Department of Sacred Heart College (Autonomous), 1979.
First postgraduate specialization in Youth Development in India (1988).
Active doctoral programme producing scholars across all areas of social work.
Graduates leading NGOs, corporates, government bodies, healthcare, and international agencies.
Reach out to the P.G. & Research Department of Social Work, Sacred Heart College (Autonomous), Tirupattur.
For enquiries related to admissions, research, or alumni activities, please contact us directly.
Post Graduate & Research Department of Social Work
Sacred Heart College (Autonomous)
Tirupattur, Tamil Nadu
A premier Salesian Don Bosco Institution
Email: dswtptshc@gmail.com
Contact: +91 97873 70176 Dr. K. Arockiyaraj
A premier Salesian Don Bosco Institution in Tirupattur, Tamil Nadu - offering diverse undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programmes. Accredited A++ by NAAC (CGPA 3.53/4, 5th Cycle).
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