National Institute of Social Development (NISD) is the premier institution in Social Work education in Sri Lanka. We are recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) as a degree awarding Institute, under section 25A of the Universities Act No.16 of 1978. NISD is a statutory body functioning under the purview of the Ministry of Social Empowerment & Welfare. NISD is committed to be an educational institution producing professional social workers to serve the social welfare system and to promote social development.
Subjects and Courses
Master of Social Work
The Master’s degree programme in Social work aims to produce professionally qualified and managerially competent manpower to service the social welfare system and thereby promote Social development. This program is designed to provide advanced knowledge in social work encompassing a qualitative shift from knowledge acquisition to the development of analytical skills, critical appraisal and production of knowledge through critical inquiry. It will provide clear leadership and expertise to professional practitioners and persons in managerial positions.
Bachelor of Social Work
The Bachelor of Social Work degree programme conducted by the NISD aims to produce professional social workers with a good grasp of social work values, capable of managing social welfare services, competent to engage in quality teaching and research and promote peace and harmony in a multi-ethnic Sri Lanka.
Diploma/Higher Diploma in Social Work
The Diploma/Higher Diploma in Social Work program aim to produce professional generic social practitioners to meet the requirements for effective social work interventionists in the country. It is a full time two year program re-designed to comprise of the Diploma in Social Work (DipSW) in the first year and the Higher Diploma in Social Work (HDipSW) in the second year conducted through classroom teaching, on-site-teaching-learning and field practice exercises. During the field work practice students learn the practice of social work in different communities and agencies under the close supervision of trained professional social workers. This professional course anticipates the students to be committed learners working with people in need.
Diploma / Higher Diploma in Counseling
The Diploma program in Counseling was reviewed and revised and the Higher Diploma in Counseling was developed to fit into the SLQF hierarchy. The Diploma program consisting of 10 course modules is conducted in 405 hours of class room lectures (6 hours per week) and 135 hours of field practice (12 hours per week). Within the field practicum period, students are taught to apply the theoretical knowledge that they gained in the class room to real field (ground) settings under the close supervision provided by trained professionals. The field placements are full time sessions including the field practicum.
Diploma in Child Protection
This national diploma programme in child protection focuses on skills development of professionals in child protection, child welfare and the other related fields in Sri Lanka. It is designed in keeping with the qualification framework advocated by the Quality Assurance and Accreditation Council of the UGC in Sri Lanka.
Diploma in Gerontology/Elder care
This Diploma program in Gerontology/Elder care is designed for individuals who wish to develop their careers in the field of Gerontology/Elder care, to those already employed or active in Gerontology/Elder care or related fields who wish to enhance their career paths. It is also offered to those seeking challenging and meaningful career changes in response to new opportunities created by an aging society. Upon completion of this program with interdisciplinary courses, the students are expected to be well equipped with problem-solving and research skills Responding to a demand for a longer living and healthier public it helps to prepare students to develop individualized career paths in the elder care based service industries.
