Human and Social Studies - General Social Science
The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) programme is designed to meet the core purposes of Social work which are embedded in the following internationally accepted definition of the discipline and profession: The social work profession promotes social change, problem-solving in human relationships and the empowerment and liberation of people to enhance well-being. It utilises theories of human behaviour and social systems, social work and intervenes at the point 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 BSW curriculum is in line with the programme goals and the purposes of the Qualification, which are to equip learners with the following:
The characteristics and needs of professional education are catered for in the design of the programme, in that students understand the profession for which they are being trained. The curriculum design is very explicit on the knowledge and skills/competences to be achieved by students, and the importance of the ethical conduct in the profession is adequately communicated to the students.
In 2007 the University of Venda, in line with a directive from the Council for Higher Education (CHE) and South African Council of Social Services Professions (SACSSP), introduced the new Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Degree, which is based on the 27 Exit Level Outcomes. The BSW programme was approved by the relevant university structures, such as the School Board, Senate and the University Council. The BSW is designed to meet the needs of the social welfare and social services sector. The BSW programme is accredited by the South African Council of Social Services Professions (SACSSP), a professional body that regulates the training and practice of social work in South Africa, in terms of the Social Services Professions Act 110 of 1978.
The candidates of the BSW will operate in various employment opportunities as a Social Worker, Programme Manager, Lecturer and etc. As stated, this is a professional qualification. The needs of South Africa and employers demand that Social Workers are well grounded in general practice with knowledge, understanding and skills in a variety of settings. Social workers are equipped to deal with many of the consequences of social inequality, poverty and marginalisation. These include, amongst others, high levels of unemployment, child abuse, domestic violence, crime, drug abuse and HIV/AIDS. Because, Social Work profession in South Africa was declared as a scarce skill by government, the University of Venda sees itself as playing a part in the alleviation of the shortage of Social Workers. The majority of students are on the National Department of Social Development (DSD) scholarship and upon completion they are required to work for DSD. However, some candidates take employment opportunities in Non-Government Opportunities (NGO's), Academia, National and Provincial Departments of Social Development, Health as well as Correctional Services.
These criteria serve as a comprehensive guide for evaluating the proficiency and competence of learners in Social Work at the exit level.
This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.