Doctor of Social Work

Purpose

This is a Doctorate 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.

The Degree will be conferred only on those learners who have demonstrated 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." This definition is accepted for the purpose of this qualification.

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)

The University of South Africa's (UNISA's) policy on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be applied where required. Due cognicanse need to be take of the requirements of professional affiliation with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) in certain fields such as Social Work.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• A Master's Degree, Level 9 in Social Work and with an average of 60% in the final year.
• Registration with the SACSSP (South African Council for Social Service Professions) as Social Workers, in terms of section 17 of the Social Service Professions Act, 1978.

This qualification consists of the following two compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 9 totalling 180 Credits:

• Research proposal module, 0 Credits.
• Thesis, 360 Credits.

A qualifier will demonstrate the following competencies

• Demonstrate an advanced, comprehensive knowledge base and critical systemic understanding of social work and relevant fields.
• Demonstrate the ability to critically analyse and evaluate knowledge and to apply knowledge, theory and research methods creatively to complex practical, theoretical and epistemological themes/problems in social work. and relevant fields.
• Demonstrate the ability to 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.
• Exhibit the ability to 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.

The thesis meets international standards regarding the proposal, writing style, listing of resources, report on findings, recommendations, conclusion and oral and written presentations.

Integrated Assessment

All assessments will be 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.

Assessment will be done by three external examiners. External examiners are recognised experts in their fields and must not be attached to or affiliated with UNISA. All examiners are recommended by the Departmental Chairperson and/or Departmental Research and Higher Degrees Committee and their names are forwarded for appointment by the College Research and Higher Degrees Committee.

The result of the Doctoral thesis is based on a judicious appraisal of the examiners' reports.

Before awarding of the qualification, a learner must achieve the completion of a research proposal typically within one academic year and completion of research and a research thesis typically within three years and approved by at least three external moderators of whom at least one should be international.