Master of Social Work

• To equip learners with advanced in depth knowledge and skills to enable to work effectively with individuals, couples, families and small groups as clinical practitioners in a variety of contexts;
• to prepare them for employment in the public and private sectors and private practice;
• to develop a well rounded professional that can work holistically using an ecological systems perspective with a developmental, strengths and preventative focus.

• A four-year Bachelors degree in Social Work or a Honours Bachelors degree in Social work.
• Registration as a social worker with the Council for Social Service Professions.
• At least two years employment as a social worker after completion of a fourth year qualification.
• Selection requirements set out by the Department of Social Development Professions.

1. Specific Exit-level Outcomes

Qualifying graduates will be able to work effectively in a wide range of contexts.

Learners will be able to

Practical Competencies

1.1 Identify, analyse, assess and intervene in complex problems and concerns presented by client systems utilising appropriate theories, methods, techniques and strategies for its solution.

1.2 Adapt to new challenges and seek innovative solutions to problems in the lives of human systems.

Foundational Competencies

1.3 Demonstrate mastery of sophisticated theoretical material that aims to facilitate change processes in the lives of micro sized systems.

1.4 Analyse and critically evaluate the literature that relates to the field of clinical social work.

1.5 Challenge available knowledge and theories and generate new approaches to existing problem conditions.

Reflexive Competencies

1.6 Demonstrate the ability to conduct independent research through the application of advanced research methodology and to disseminate research findings to relevant stakeholders.

1.7 Act as consultant in the area of research specialisation and communicate findings in publications and at conferences [linked to critical outcome].

1.8 To make value judgement in line with the profession's accepted Code of ethics.

1. Critical Cross-field Outcomes

The graduate will be able to

2.1 Think critically and creatively throughout the processes of change and intervention in which he/she might engage in (specific outcome 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3).

2.2 Collect, analyse, synthesize and critically evaluate information pertaining to practice and concerns of people as members of micro systems (specific outcome 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 and 1.4).

2.3 Utilise information effectively to affect and facilitate the process of change in the lives of systems with which they are dealing (specific outcome 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3).

2.4 Communicate and engage effectively and in depth with micro sized systems (specific outcome 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 and 1.4).

2.5 Use social science technology in a responsible manner in order to facilitate change in the lives of micro systems (specific outcome 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.5 and 1.8).

2.6 Work from a holistic ecological systems perspective with a sensitivity for the interconnectedness of systems and the inherent strengths and diversity which they are bringing to the contact (specific outcome 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.5 and 1.8).

2.7 Continue growth as a professional person and contribute towards the development of knowledge and expertise in the area of specialization (specific outcome 1.6, 1.7 and 1.8).

2.8 Work effectively as a member of inter-disciplinary teams to address the concerns that affects the lives of micro systems specific outcome (1.7 and 1.8).

2.9 Assist with the education and training of undergraduates through a process of consultation and supervision (specific outcome 1.8).

The criteria for assessing learners are based on the learning outcomes listed, whereby they must be able to

• Generate a comprehensive and theoretically sound intervention plan for a specific system based on sophisticated theories and strategies for intervention;
• Generate assessment criteria and tasks that reflects the ability to work in depth with human concerns;
• Demonstrate the mastery of a wide selection of intervention models and the ability to integrate them where possible and appropriate;
• Evaluate their intervention strategies and change the efforts accordingly where necessary;
• Research an area of interest within the programme and suggest innovative ways and means to deal with the specific issue or concern.
• Work effectively as a member of an inter-disciplinary team to ensure the best possible service to a client system.

Strategies for Integrated Assessment

The strategies that will be used to ensure that the specific and critical cross-field outcomes are achieved are

• At least 5 video and or audio recordings of work with a specific sized client system that demonstrates the application of relevant theories and models of intervention;
• At least three complete case records and/or presentations used at case conferences;
• Documentation that illuminates understanding of (a) a selected primary model or strategy of intervention; and (b) a secondary model or strategy of intervention;
• A critical analysis and evaluation of the above (self- and peer assessment).

A research treatise on a selected area of interest relevant of the area of study and/or the programme.