Study Start | Find Courses From Every Campus

Purpose and Rationale

The purpose of the qualification is to produce professional graduates in the field of Social Work, who will be able to deliver effective services to solve social problems or to address personal, community or social development needs. The purpose of the qualification is also to enhance the career of the graduate by enabling him/her to use higher order and lateral thinking, and general social work knowledge. Further, the purpose of the qualification is to produce graduates who can contribute to the economy and social well-being of South Africa by preventing and minimizing the serious educational and vocational consequences of social problems.

Outcomes

The qualifying learner is able to communicate and produce information using a range of technologies. 2.1 understand academic conventions for writing and oral participation. 2.2 demonstrate basic computer literacy. 2.3 understand his/her position in relation to debates.

The qualifying learner demonstrates critical analytic competence and problem solving. 3.1 know and understand how knowledge is reported within disciplines. 3.2 know and understand critical approaches to knowledge. 3.3 understand course debates, concepts, issues and concerns in social work and associated disciplines.

The qualifying learner demonstrates research competence. 4.1 know and understand how knowledge is used for limited research enquiries. 4.2 recognise the disciplinary paradigms within which research is carried out, in social work and associated disciplines.

The qualifying learner shows competence to manage her/himself. 5.1 apply the knowledge needed for self-directed, independent learning and social work practise. 5.2 apply the knowledge necessary for ongoing professional development as a social worker. 5.3 apply knowledge to the challenges and problems posed in social work practise.

The qualifying learner demonstrates social competence. 6.1 understand individual and group dynamics and processes. 6.2 understand the importance of the collaborative process. 6.3 have an awareness of multiple sources of knowledge.

The qualifying learner shows ecosystemic competence. 7.1 identify areas requiring professional social work intervention. 7.2 understand the role of other professional and stakeholders in the implementation of intervention programmes. 7.3 understand the relationship between the individual and family, and local, national and global issues.

The qualifying learner shows disciplinary and/or professional competence (can substitute field of enquiry for discipline). 8.1 to apply knowledge to understand and guide intervention with individuals, families, groups and communities who have social problems or development needs. 8.2 articulate the continuities and discontinuities between social work and related disciplines. 8.3 demonstrate understanding of the role of other professions and stakeholders, and understanding of how to work with others in a team. CRITICAL CROSS-FIELD OUTCOMES a) "identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made." See exit level outcomes 3 and

b) "working with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, community." See exit level outcomes

c) "organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively." See exit level outcomes

d) "collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information." See exit level outcomes

e) "communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion." See exit level outcomes 2 and

f) "using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others." See exit level outcomes 1, 2, 4 and

g) "demonstrating and understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation." See exit level outcomes

h) "contributing to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of society at large, by making it the underlying intention of any programme of learning to make an individual aware of the importance of: i. "reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively###" see exit level outcomes

ii. "participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities###" see exit level outcomes 7### note also that learners act in accordance with the code of conduct of the University and, where relevant, that of the professional discipline being studied. iii. "being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts###" see exit level outcomes

iv. "exploring education and career opportunities." See exit level outcome

v. Developing entrepreneurial opportunities." See exit level outcomes 7 and 8.

Assessment Criteria

The qualifying learner will be able to...

1. Academic Skills

1.1 Carry out basic database searches for subject literature.
1.2 Identify a range of historical and ideological positions within texts and other data.
1.3 Identify, extract, organize and fully reference information in a range of resources.

2. Communication Skills

2.1 Use accurate English for writing and speaking.
2.2 Synthesize information to articulate clearly sustained argument.
2.3 Use appropriate writing skills.

3. Analytical Skills

3.1 Analyze information and knowledge.
3.2 Extrapolate and integrate information and theory to solve problems and plan activities within specific contexts.

4. Research Skills

4.1 Recognize and evaluate the status of evidence, arguments or theoretical positions in research.
4.2 Collect relevant data in relation to research questions.
4.3 Evaluate research in relation to the debates within the discipline of Social Work.

5. Problem-Solving Skills

5.1 Generate one's own solutions/strategies to difficulties.
5.2 Be a purposeful learner.
5.3 Make connections between university knowledge and skills, and professional social work practice.

6. Interpersonal Skills

6.1 Work constructively with diversity.
6.2 Receive and execute tasks responsibly.
6.3 Integrate feedback into own and group development.

7. Professional Skills

7.1 Evaluate, plan and execute professional social work services ecosystemically.

8. Social Work Skills

8.1 Effectively analyze social problems or developmental needs and plan, implement and evaluate professional social work interventions.
8.2 Take a position in relation to competing paradigms and debates within social work.

Integrated Assessment

The final assessment practices including a research report involve criteria pertaining to all outcomes for the degree to ensure that these outcomes are integrated with one another. Learners are expected to apply the knowledge, skill and values from the disciplines they have studied to issues and problems in practicing Social Work and in the Social Sciences.

Associated Values

The qualifying learner is aware of the importance of the need to:

1.1 Appreciate accurate representation and acknowledgment of work of others.
1.2 Commit him/herself to evaluate published research and its implications for social work.
2.1 Show a full awareness of responsibility and integrity in production and communication of information.
3.1 Value responsible decision-making.
3.2 Be sensitive with regards to different ways of constructing knowledge.
4.1 Take ethical responsibility with respect to research subjects.
5.1 Value the process of life-long learning.
5.2 Be creative and use initiative.
5.3 Recognize the limits of a social worker's professional competence.
6.1 Recognize and value diversity.
6.2 Recognize and value collaborative processes.
6.3 Believe in people's capacity to change.
7.1 Respect and value the interconnectedness of environments.
8.1 Recognize major ethical debates in social welfare and in social work practice.
8.2 Show an open mind to diverse portions within the discipline of social work.

Qualification Details

Type

National First Degree(Min 480)

NQF Level

Min. Credits

480

SAQA Source

More Information

Education Cost Calculator

Select Province

Bachelor of Social Work