Introduction to PGDCOUN: IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work Counselling Admission 2026. The School of Social Work at IGNOU offers this one-year program in ODL mode, blending social work principles with counseling skills for real-world applications in education, healthcare, corporate, and community settings. Unnati Education guides you through every step — from 0 to 100.
The decision to choose this program is much more than a simple academic one. The programme is about contributing to stability, well-being and positive changes in society. Students prefer the IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work Counselling for these reasons:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme Code | PGDCOUN |
| Programme Name | Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work Counselling |
| Type | Post Graduate Diploma |
| Mode of Study | Open and Distance Learning (ODL) |
| School | School of Social Work, IGNOU |
| Duration | Minimum 1 Year — Maximum 4 Years |
| Medium of Instruction | English and Hindi |
| Eligibility | Graduation in any discipline from a recognized university |
| Total Credits | 36 |
| Support Partner | Unnati Education: Admission, Assignments & Exam Support |
Last Date (Tentative): The session typically closes around 31 January 2026. Apply early to ensure timely enrollment and access to materials. Unnati Education manages portal login, form filling, subject selection, and confirmation tracking to keep your registration error-free.
Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling Social Work (PGDCOUN) prepares the learner to see human behaviour through professional eyes. It helps them understand emotional struggles, community pressures, family issues and social challenges. The programme provides learners with the knowledge and skills to understand counselling as a science and ethical practice that demands training. There are core theoretical courses as well as a component of practical work. The courses cover foundational topics, psychosocial principles, counselling approaches and social work methods. Study material, assignment, practicum, and reflection are all included in the 36-credit programme.
This curriculum is designed to ensure that students gain an understanding of the social behavior, emotional needs, and counselling responsibilities within diverse settings—from urban schools to rural communities.
| Course Code | Title of the Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MSW-1 | Origin and Development of Social Work | 4 |
| MSW-12 | Introduction to Life Characteristics and Challenges | 4 |
| MSW-13 | Introduction to Psychological Basis of Counselling | 4 |
| MSW-14 | Relevance of Social Case Work in Counselling | 4 |
| MSW-15 | Basics of Counselling | 4 |
| MSW-16 | Fields of Counselling | 4 |
| MSWL-11 | Social Work Practicum | 12 |
| Total | — | 36 |
Every course progresses from understanding people through to using counselling methods. Learners benefit by exploring: What social problems do to individuals and families? What makes people feel emotionally drained? What do counsellors do in crisis? What social work principles support good counselling? What are the ethical standards?
Simple and inclusive eligibility designed for learners from education, healthcare, psychology/sociology, HR, NGOs, corporate, public administration, and social welfare. Flexible for fresh graduates or experienced professionals—Unnati Education verifies and guides enrollment step-by-step, truly from 0–100.
Objectives: The program aims at social work education: enhancing learners' knowledge of principles; introducing counselling as a structured, ethical process; building capacity to support individuals, communities, families; identifying causes of social/emotional problems; knowledge of fields like family, education, corporate, rehabilitation, community counselling; equipping for dynamic environments; applying casework principles confidently. Clarity, ethics, empathy, and problem-solving are key skills.
This course will prepare you to confidently work within a variety of organisations, treating others with patience, empathy, and professionalism.
It is a programme that opens doors to multiple career paths. Some of the most common career paths are:
This diploma prepares you for long-term careers in mental health, social work, community service, and education. Benefits Summary: One-year diploma; comprehensive counseling understanding; social work foundations and human behavior; field experience; multiple career options; flexible ODL; covers diverse areas; prepares for human-centered work; open to all graduates; builds real-world confidence.
Every step of your IGNOU educational journey is supported by us. At first, the programme can be overwhelming for newcomers. With clear instructions, the students can manage it and find meaning.
IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work Counselling offers learners a meaningful path for those passionate about supporting individuals, communities, and families with professionalism and compassion. In today's society, where emotional and social issues are rising, the need for trained counsellors is essential across sectors. This diploma provides a strong foundation for professional and personal development.
Unnati Education is there for learners at every stage—from initial planning to diploma completion. We guide you throughout, ensuring a structured, smooth journey from 0 to 100 with clarity and confidence.
