Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work

Purpose

This is a qualification that is aimed at creating the opportunity for learners to engage in highly advanced and specialised academic or professional study of and research into an aspect of social work and social welfare services.

Learners will demonstrate the capacity for independent thinking and sustained original research that makes a contribution to the development of well-grounded new knowledge in the field of social work.

Note: The World Health Organisation`s definition of health is a state of complete mental, physical and social well-being is accepted for the purpose of this document as the relevant definition.

Rationale

This qualification is designed to facilitate the acquisition of expertise and research skills to make an original contribution to promoting the achievement of Social Work`s core purposes that are embedded in the following internationally accepted definition, "The social work profession promotes social change, problem solving in human relationships and the empowerment and liberation of people to enhance well-being. Utilising theories of human behaviour and social systems, social work intervenes at the points where people interact with their environments. Principles of human rights and social justice are fundamental to social work." [International Federation of Social Workers and International Association of Schools of Social Work, 2000].

Social work plays a major role in addressing the many needs of South African society through social work services provided within many sectors such as government departments, businesses, Non-Governmental Organisations and in private practice. Dynamic and professionally sound leadership and cutting edge research are vital in order for social work to impact on social needs.

This qualification enables learners to make an original, substantial contribution to the science of Social Work.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

• Admission may be granted through RPL to learners who do not meet the minimum entry requirements.
• All admissions through RPL must be in accordance with the principles laid down in the Unisa RPL Policy.

This qualification can be achieved wholly or in part through Recognition of Prior Learning.

The Unisa RPL office can supply full details of processes relating to the assessment and accreditation of learning from prior experiences. Evidence can be presented in a variety of forms, including international or previous local qualifications, reports, testimonials mentioning functions performed, work records, portfolios, videos of practice and performance records.

All such evidence should be judged according to the general principle of assessment described in the notes to assessors.

Entry Requirements

• A Master of Social Work, Level 9 with a mark of 60% and.
• Registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSPC) as a Social Worker.

Applicants who fall outside of the above criteria, but who have an appropriate, related qualification, experiential or work-based learning, which has taken the learner to the equivalent of a National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 9 Social Work qualification, may be considered for admission into this social work qualification.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work consists of two modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 10 totalling 360 Credits.

Modules

• Research Proposal, 0 Credits.
• Research Project and Thesis, 360 Credits.

1. Demonstrate an advanced, comprehensive knowledge base and critical systemic understanding of social work and relevant fields.
2. Critically analyse and evaluate knowledge and apply knowledge, theory and research methods creatively to complex practical, theoretical and epistemological themes/problems in social work and relevant fields.
3. Identify, conceptualise, design and implement research that addresses complex, well-defined problems at the cutting edge of social work and report results in the form of a thesis in line with academically recognised standards.
4. Act as academic leader and expert in the field of study by effectively presenting and communicating the results of research to specialist and non-specialist audiences using a range of resources for academic/professional discourse.

• Identify and solve problems using critical and creative thinking.
• Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation and community.
• Organise and manage oneself and one`s activities responsibly and effectively.
• Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
• Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation.
• Demonstrate cultural and ethical sensitivity in dealings with clients, colleagues and communities.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
• Demonstrate ethical and professional behaviour.
• Lay the foundation for life-long learning and on-going competency.

Integrated Assessment

All assessments are conducted in line with the principles of assessment as defined in the University of South Africa (UNISA) Assessment Policy.

Submitted proposals are assessed and approved by the supervisor and Departmental Research and Higher Degrees Committee to be ratified by the College Research and Higher Degrees Committee.

When a learner's thesis is nearing completion, he/she informs the Registrar of his/her intention to submit if for examination at least two months before the anticipated date. After consultation with the co-supervisor (where applicable), the supervisor gives the learner permission to submit.

Assessment will include input from three external examiners, and all must be recognised experts in their fields and must not be attached to or affiliated with UNISA. At least one of the external examiners should be from a county other than South Africa. All examiners are recommended by the Department Chairperson and/or Departmental Research and Higher Degrees Committee and their names are forwarded for appointment by the College Management Committee.

The completed report of the panel of examiners is regarded as the examiners' final recommendation. The result of the doctoral thesis is based on a judicious appraisal of the examiners' reports.

After the result of the learner's thesis has been approved, the non-examining chairperson makes the examiners' report available to the Chairperson of the Department, the supervisor, the co-supervisor, the learner and the other examiners if requested.

In addition, learners must demonstrate the ability to engage in the field of Social Work in an integrative way, dealing with Information Science challenges strategically and effectively. It is recommended for this ability to be demonstrated by the publication of at least one article based on the research, in a scientific peer reviewed journal.