Master of Social Work

Purpose

The primary purpose of the Master of Social Work (MSW) is to train and educate researchers who will be able to independently or collectively contribute to uplift Social Work as a profession and add to the body of knowledge. The qualification will increase the knowledge of research and social issues that will be addressed in studies.

The qualification affords learners to develop scientific knowledge that contributes to policy development, new theories and strengthening of practice interventions. The qualification will also engage learners in capacity training to improve their skill in research, as a preparatory process for doctoral studies/doctorate.

Learners will thus develop analytical skills; write research, dissertation and reports which will increase employment opportunities.

The qualification intends to

• generate knowledge and understanding about social issues.
• design, test strategies and interventions for social development through research.
• equip learners, to promote specialisation of services for empowering people in response to local, provincial and national or regional rural needs of service users.
• enable learners to have the opportunity to expand their knowledge to deal with social issues through research.

Rationale

The research could make a contribution to the realisation of the country's social development outcomes, or more pertinently to the achievement of the policy expectation.

In the 21st century the socio-economic problems faced by communities are increasing, particularly in the developing world such as South Africa. Social workers, as one of the role players in social development, therefore need specialised knowledge and skills to attend to social problems and to contribute to the achievement of the country's social development goals.

The qualification will address the need for more postgraduate learners to do research, which is currently a challenge in South Africa.

• It is critical to have a MSW qualification to follow a Bachelor of Social Work for those learners who want to pursue a higher qualification that provides them with a broader scope of the profession and a specialised knowledge.
• The MSW will address the needs of the province where the social workers can render a service to the rural areas.
• It will increase the research output of the institution.
• The qualification is research-based and it is only obtainable through an approved full dissertation.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

In line with the institution's policy, recognition of prior learning will be extended to deserving experienced learners who can demonstrate evidence that despite not having all the entry requirements, they have concrete evidence in the form of a compiled portfolio that they can cope with the qualification expectations if enrolled. Evidence of prior learning provided by the learners will be verified by the institution's registrar.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), NQF Level 8.

Or

• Bachelor of Arts Honours in Social Work, NQF Level 8.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory module at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory Module, Level 9: 180 Credits

• Dissertation, NQF Level 9.

1. Use, plan and apply social work research.
2. Deal with discourses, to defend and communicate appropriate ideas for research and promote specialisation and specific skills.
3. Tackle the socio economic, educational, cultural, political and religious aspects of South Africa.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Plan independently and implement tasks to promote research at an advance level.
• Write proposal utilising appropriate research steps.
• Demonstrate in-depth understanding of research concepts to critically evaluate current research and elevate scholarship in the discipline.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Demonstrate and expand knowledge relating to specific field of Social Work and Social Development service delivery.
• Lead in terms of autonomous ethical research.
• Understand and implement research.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Demonstrate a critical awareness of existing/current problems and be knowledgeable in terms of their academic discipline.
• Apply research with critical judgement followed by beneficial conclusions and recommendations.
• Demonstrate independent comprehension, interpretation and data analysis, followed by sound judgement.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment criteria will cover

• Formative assessment will be conducted through the following stages: writing of proposal, submission of proposal, standardised research chapters, followed by a verbal and written presentation of the dissertation.
• Summative assessment method will apply: The supervisor(s) and two external examiners form a committee that will assess the dissertation.

Assessment will be based on the completion of a dissertation.

Each of the examiners shall comment on the work in writing, and give a clear breakdown on how they arrived on the final grading of the dissertation.