Bachelor of Social Work
Health Sciences and Social Services - Promotive Health and Developmental Services
Purpose and Rationale
Bachelor of Social Work Program
Purpose
The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program aims to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to advocate for social change and address issues related to social inequality, exclusion, poverty, and marginalization. Graduates will be prepared to improve socio-economic structures, enhance social functioning, and support vulnerable groups in society through evidence-based interventions. The program is designed to instill values of social justice, Ubuntu, human rights, and respect for indigenous knowledge systems and the environment.
Upon completion of the program, learners will be able to register with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) and practice social work in alignment with ethical principles, human rights, and diversity. They will also be capable of applying South African and international social welfare policies, frameworks, and legislation to address developmental challenges within the country.
The program aims to cultivate change agents who empower individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities to navigate social complexities effectively. Graduates will work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams and engage with stakeholders across various sectors in the social work landscape. The curriculum emphasizes critical reflection and ethical practice, fostering practitioners who contribute meaningfully to social development and transformation.
Rationale
The BSW program aligns with the global recognition of unequal consequences of political, economic, cultural, and social orders on communities and individuals. In South Africa, challenges such as social cohesion, poverty, inequality, and service delivery issues threaten social, economic, and political stability. The National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 seeks to address these challenges by promoting prosperity, equity, active citizenry, and development.
With a focus on the developmental social welfare paradigm, the BSW program responds to the evolving social welfare landscape by training professionals to meet the diverse needs of individuals, families, groups, and communities. Social work serves as a critical component in achieving the goals of the NDP, supporting social and economic development through interventions in various sectors.
By aligning with the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF) and national quality standards, the BSW program aims to contribute to social transformation and address the developmental needs of South African society. Through this practice-based qualification, graduates will be equipped to engage in social change efforts and improve the quality of life for all members of society.
Outcomes
- Describe and analyse the evolution of the social work profession, internationally as well as in South Africa, and its influence on social welfare service delivery.
- Implement and inform relevant national, regional, continental and international policies, charters, conventions, treaties, declarations and legislation in order to address major social needs and issues in the South African social welfare context.
- Promote, restore and maintain the social functioning of individuals, families, groups, organisations and communities to enable them to prevent and alleviate distress, accomplish tasks and use resources effectively.
- Analyse behaviour with regard to the intersections of human diversity in order to address structural and social inequalities.
- Analyse the roles, functions, principles and characteristics of supervision, management and administration within social service delivery.
- Conduct and utilise social work research according to accepted research protocols.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Describe and compare the historical development of social welfare and social work against the background of socio-economic and political influences.
- Analyse the key elements, functions, principles, differences, and similarities of social welfare and social work.
- Critically examine various models of social welfare in terms of their impact on social service delivery.
- Describe the core characteristics, qualities, and values of the social work profession and individual social workers.
- Critically evaluate the relationship between social work and other social service professions in terms of roles, responsibilities, and functions.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Clearly describe The Bill of Rights in the South African Constitution.
- Evaluate the relationship between the values and principles of the Bill of Rights and those of the social work profession.
- Identify and critique the social workers' role and functions in protecting and promoting human rights.
- Clearly identify relevant resources available to social workers for the protection of human rights.
- Outline the structure, roles, and functions of each sphere of government and their inter-relationships in social welfare services provision.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Describe, establish, and maintain professional relationships based on social work principles, values, and ethical principles.
- Undertake assessments of client systems' needs and strengths using relevant theories and models.
- Develop intervention plans based on holistic assessments and appropriate strategies.
- Apply technological tools to enhance social service delivery.
- Work within a team approach to social work service.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Describe specific social issues targeted for intervention.
- Apply techniques to raise awareness about social issues.
- Engage people as change agents, advocates, or lobbyists.
- Analyse the formulation of identities in relation to socio-structural forces.
- Identify the impact of socio-political ideology and funding policies on organisational functioning.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Clearly articulate the roles and responsibilities of the supervisee and the supervisor.
- Describe the transition from the role of supervisee to supervisor.
- Demonstrate effective utilisation of supervision in practice.
- Identify the differences and similarities between supervision and consultation.
- Describe the roles and responsibilities of a consultant.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- Demonstrate knowledge and skills in social work research.
- Formulate research proposals according to research guidelines.
- Implement quantitative and qualitative research paradigms, designs, sampling procedures, data collection, and analysis methods.
- Integrate research ethics in the research project.
- Make recommendations consistent with data analyses and study findings.
Qualification Details
- Type
- National First Degree(Min 480)
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 480
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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