Master of Social Work

The purpose of this qualification is to provide qualified leaners with

• Advanced research skills in a chosen field of social work.
• The knowledge and skills to engage in an independent social work research, selecting from a range of appropriate research designs, technologies, methods and techniques in the chosen focus area of social work.
• The ability to produce and communicate the research findings.
• Advanced, in-depth knowledge of a specific field of social work and social welfare.
• The competencies to effectively, critically and systematically access, analyse, process, transform and critically evaluate existing knowledge to achieve an integrated synthesis in the research field.
• The ability to practically apply advanced professional skills in the chosen field.

Rationale

Social work encompasses a broad spectrum of themes, fields and inter-disciplinary areas. Therefore, it is essential to provide a qualification that enables learners to acquire advanced skills, competencies, knowledge and values in social work as well as a degree of independent thinking.

The qualification allows learners to develop advanced skills in research as well as a selected area of expertise necessary for the pipeline development for the doctoral qualification. This qualification is further designed to provide the necessary expertise, knowledge and research skills in social work, thereby promoting the achievement of social work's core purposes 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].

The social work profession promotes social change, problem-solving in human relationships and the empowerment and liberation of people to enhance well-being, using advanced knowledge and skills to advance the promotion of social justice within communities by contributing to policy changes and implementation. Social work is regulated by the South African Council for Social Service Professions who review all qualifications of Social Work across the country regularly.

Typical learners are social workers who would like to advance their knowledge within the different domains of social work practice such as provided within many sectors such as government departments, businesses, non-governmental organisations and in private practice. The learner can implement skills attained in the qualification to contribute to sound leadership that is vital within these sectors for social work to impact on social needs.

This social work qualification is also designed to enable candidates to pursue further personal and professional development and to promote life-long learning. The value will be added to society as the knowledge acquired by the qualification can be implemented to address both societal and economic challenges.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

This qualification allows for Recognition of Prior Learning for a learner to attain entry/access to this qualification and to gain exemptions from some qualification requirements. Where an entry criterion applies, a prospective leaner may use prior learning experience in the field of public health to gain entry to the qualification. Submission of a portfolio of evidence as proof of practical experience from an appropriate setting will enable the learner admission to the qualification. Access to the qualification through Recognition of Prior Learning is possible if the learner produces evidence of having achieved the appropriate outcomes level of knowledge, skill, and competence. Access to the qualification is achievable if the learner can provide formal proof of credits earned towards the outcomes from an accredited service provider.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

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

Or

• Bachelor of Social Science Honours, NQF Level 8.

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

Compulsory Module, Level 9

• Full Dissertation, 180 Credits.

1. Demonstrate advanced application of concepts, methods, ethics, theories and analytical processes about a chosen focus area of social work and social welfare.
2. Access, analyse, transform and critically evaluate existing knowledge.
3. Access, process, produce and communicate information effectively to colleagues and other groups.
4. Engage in independent social work research and produce findings in the form of a research report selecting from a range of appropriate research designs, methods, techniques and technologies in the chosen focus area.
5. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of own position in relation to major debates within social work and the chosen field of social work and social welfare.
6. Demonstrate specialist forefront knowledge and expertise in the chosen field of social work and the competency to apply these creatively within the chosen field.
7. Critically analyse and evaluate the outcomes of social work interventions, techniques, strategies, or processes in the chosen field.
8. Demonstrate advanced understanding of social work values, principles of human rights and social justice and competency in their application in the chosen focus field.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Discussions reflect a clear understanding of the context (including policy, legislation and global issues), appropriate concepts, methods, ethics, theories and analytical processes in the chosen field.
• Presentations reflect the appropriate application of the relevant concepts, methods, ethics, theories and analytical processes in the chosen field.
• Written work on the chosen field displays critical analyses and a degree of intellectual independence.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Current literature and research are accessed, analysed and transformed systematically in the chosen focus area.
• Evaluations demonstrate clear evidence of effective application of the principles of social work research practice.
• Conclusions and recommendations are justified by the use of appropriate evidence and arguments.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Discussions reflect the ability to obtain, process and communicate information effectively to colleagues and other groups.
• Presentations display analytical skills and a degree of intellectual independence.
• Written and oral communication conveys and appropriately highlight the information to specific target groups.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• The research inquiry is planned and conducted based on a range of appropriate research designs, methods, techniques and technologies for the specific research problem.
• Research themes are appropriately identified and demarcated.
• Analyses of the research theme include a comprehensive and critical review of current literature and investigations.
• Selected research methods, techniques and technologies are based on a clear understanding of social work research theory & practice.
• Research reports critically and coherently describe theoretical arguments, the research process, methodology, results, conclusions and recommendations.
• Research reports display skill in extrapolating key findings, justifiable conclusions, and making feasible recommendations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Motivations of own position to specific debates are based on a sound integration of relevant theory, practice, research and a degree of independent, creative thinking.
• Discussions demonstrate an understanding of one's own position and its feasibility in relation to major debates.
• Written and oral formats clearly and cogently communicate explanations of own position.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Analyses of the problems and issues reflect a purposeful and critical application of advanced theory, current knowledge and expertise in the focus area.
• Interventions and recommendations reflect purposeful and creative plans to seek solutions based on theory and proven methods in the chosen field.
• Discussions and interventions reflect the advanced application of appropriate skills, strategies and techniques in accordance with corresponding theoretical assumptions in the chosen field.
• Research and interventions include the appropriate and creative use of social work tools and data relevant to the chosen field.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Evaluations comprehensively describe outcomes of interventions, techniques, strategies or processes in relation to the stated goals and in accordance with corresponding theoretical assumptions.
• Evaluations critically analyse outcomes in accordance with the identified needs and issues within the chosen focus area.
• Evaluations are purposefully used as the basis for planning, implementation and recommendations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Discussions reflect the integration of social work values with human rights principles and social justice in the chosen focus field.
• Descriptions demonstrate a coherent understanding of the application of social work values, human rights principles and social justice in the chosen focus field.
• Analyses and practice reflect the purposeful application of social work values, human rights principles and social justice in the chosen focus field.
• Analyses and practice exhibit a critical understanding of the ethical principles guiding social work practice in the chosen field.

Integrated Assessment

Integrated Assessment procedures to ensure that the purpose of qualification is achieved

Formative Assessment

• Supervised assistance by the promoter throughout the period of study.
• Peer evaluation during seminar presentations.
• Presentations to the supervisor throughout the period of study.

Summative Assessment

• Submission of the dissertation for examination.