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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Social Work 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
101526  Bachelor of Social Work 
ORIGINATOR
Nelson Mandela University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National First Degree(Min 480)  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Promotive Health and Developmental Services 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  480  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2021-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2034-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
87276  Bachelor of Social Work  Level 7  NQF Level 07  510  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the Bachelor of Social Work Degree is to:
  • Provide a well-grounded, generic, professional education that prepares reflexive graduates who are able to engage with people from micro-to macro levels of social work, within a dynamic socio-political context.
  • To equip graduates to engage people in problem-solving, promote social change and development, social cohesion and the empowerment and liberation of people. Underscored by principles of respect for human dignity and diversities, social justice, balancing human rights and its corollary duties and collective responsibilities, and underpinned by theories of social work, social and human sciences and locally specific bodies of knowledge, such qualification, which is benchmarked against the Global Standards for Social Work Education and Training, allows for registration to practice as a social worker in South Africa.

    Rationale:
    This qualification was subjected to an audit by the Council of Higher Education (CHE). As a result, an improvement plan was generated which identified the changes required in the delivery and content of the programme and, after consultation, the Department of Social Development Professions embarked on a comprehensive re-curriculation of the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) qualification. This section presents the key points of the rationale for this re-curriculation.

    The global definition of social work describes social work as both a practice-based profession and an academic discipline which promotes social change and development, social cohesion, and the empowerment and liberation of people. Principles of social justice, human rights, collective responsibility and respect for diversities are central to social work. Underpinned by theories of social work, social sciences, humanities and indigenous knowledge, social work engages people and structures to address life challenges and enhance wellbeing. Social workers therefore operate as change agents in the community, addressing social issues and the effect these have on the lives of individuals, families and communities. Working in the context of social development with a rights-based and empowerment approach, they strive for social justice, equity and the transformation and humanising of politics for the betterment of all. Given the historical, social and political landscape of South Africa, BSW graduates are thus pivotal in the quest for equality and transformation in our society.

    The importance of social work is increasingly being acknowledged. Social work, among others, is being recognised as a scarce skill and the development of strategies was mandated to facilitate the recruitment and retention of these skills. The Department of Social Development developed the Recruitment and Retention Strategy for Social Workers with the aim of determining the conditions which impact on social work as a scarce skill and to provide guidelines for the recruitment and retention of social workers within the social work profession, the sector and the country.

    In addition, increasing demand for social development services and the introduction of new services for children, persons with disabilities, older persons and vulnerable members of society has resulted in a growing demand for social workers in South Africa and the National Development Plan for 2030 has underscored the importance of the social service sector for the well-being of all citizens. The plan maintains that the ranks of social services professionals, including social workers, should be boosted to 55 000 to meet the demand for appropriate basic social welfare services.

    Responding to the social breakdown of families, communities and society requires a range of generic and specialist education and training that is not available to poor communities. The inability of South Africa's social welfare services to provide the quality of care required is reflected in the inadequate supply of social work, community development and child and youth care professionals. It is estimated that the country requires close to 55 000 social service professionals to respond to the country's social welfare needs. Currently, there are approximately 15 000 qualified social workers registered with the South African Council for Social Service Professions. Problems in the supply of qualified social service professionals are also linked to poor working conditions and a lack of funding for social services. Structural conditions in the education and health sectors affect the ability of tertiary institutions to produce social work, community development and social development professionals, as well as specialists.

    This growing demand for social workers has implications for higher education. For example, the Association for South African Schools of Social Work Education Institutions is currently considering how to tailor the intake of BSW students at institutions of higher learning to ensure that a balance between the supply and demand of BSW graduates is maintained. In her covering letter to the CHE in support of the BSW qualification, Prof. Zinn, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Deputy-Vice Chancellor for Teaching and Learning, describes the BSW programme within as responsive to the people of the Eastern Cape and South Africa through local, regional and international service, as well as scholarship and academic leadership".

    The impact of the socio-economic 'triple challenge' of poverty, inequality and unemployment on our society and, in particular, in poor rural provinces such as the Eastern Cape, is a key challenge to development and social justice in South Africa. Because social work graduates enter the employment market equipped to address these social issues on a local, provincial, regional and national level, the education and training of social workers at this institution can make an essential and meaningful contribution to addressing urgent societal needs in contemporary South Africa.

    The re-curriculation of the BSW programme will ensure that the qualification not only aligns to policy and legislative imperatives for social work in South Africa and the draft BSW standard set by the CHE, but is also of innovative academic excellence with an updated indigenous knowledge base firmly situated in a humanising pedagogical approach. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The method of assessment may vary according to the module purpose, its subject matter and the teaching and learning approach. Some modules are theoretically oriented, others require a more practical skills related assessment and there are also work based practical assessments. This will be reflected in the assessment procedures.

    Formative assessment will be based on a combination of assignments during the semester, informal and formal tests, skills assessments and progress evaluations during contact sessions. The results of these assessments will be used to provide feedback to students and lecturers in order to facilitate improved learning.

    The outcomes of the formal assignments and tests will contribute to a cumulative class mark as per pre-arrangement with the students.

    Summative assessments will consist of semester examinations and portfolios of evidence as capstone assessments in the practical modules. The result of these assessments will provide a cumulative final mark for the respective module.

    The assessment topics and tasks, their format and criteria will be set out in the student module guides made available at the beginning of each semester.

    Entry Requirements:
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) granting access to Bachelor's Degree admission.
    And
  • English, Afrikaans or isiXhosa (home language or first additional language).
    And
  • Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises compulsory and elective modules at NQF Levels 5, 6, 7 and 8, totalling 510 credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 94 Credits:
  • Professional English, 12 Credits.
  • Computer Literacy, 6 Credits.
  • Introduction to social work: context and history, 10 Credits.
  • Introduction to social work: theories and field of service, 10 Credits.
  • Social development in SA, 10 Credits.
  • Introduction to social work practice and skills, 10 Credits.
  • Introduction to communication, 6 Credits.
  • Introduction to communication, 6 Credits.
  • Lifespan development, 12 Credits.
  • Understanding cultural diversity A, 6 Credits.
  • Understanding cultural diversity B, 6 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 5:
  • Introduction to sociology, 12 Credits.
  • Social structure and change, 6 Credits.
  • Introduction to psychology, 10 Credits.
  • Introduction to psychology, 10 Credits.
  • Introduction to philosophical arguments, 10 Credits.
  • isiXhosa for beginners, 6 Credits.
  • isiXhosa for beginners, 6 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 114 Credits:
  • Introduction to social work theories , models and approaches, 10 Credits.
  • The professional helping process, 10 Credits.
  • Ethical social work practice, 10 Credits.
  • Social issues in SA, 10 Credits.
  • Social justice and equality, 10 Credits.
  • Social work skills, 10 Credits.
  • Social work practice, 20 Credits.
  • Social psychology, 12 Credits.
  • Health psychology, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to development, 10 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 6:
  • Personality psychology, 12 Credits.
  • Women in Africa, 10 Credits.
  • Health and healing across cultural perspectives, 10 Credits.
  • Marriage, family and kinship in cross cultural perspective,10 Credits.
  • Psychological coping, 12 Credits.
  • Traumatology, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to social work research, 10 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 80 Credits:
  • Statutory intervention and child protection, 10 Credits.
  • Intermediate social work theories, models and approaches, 10 Credits.
  • Casework: theory and skills, 10 Credits.
  • Groupwork: theory and skills, 10 Credits.
  • Community development: theory and skills, 10 Credits.
  • Social work practice: micro, meso, 15 Credits.
  • Social work practice: macro, 15 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 7:
  • Psychopathology, 12 Credits.
  • Relationship psychology, 12 Credits.
  • Applying cultural knowledge, 15 Credits.
  • Evaluation of development programmes, 15 Credits.
  • Human rights, 15 Credits.
  • Crime and society, 15 Credits.
  • Youth studies and youth work, 10 Credits.
  • Intervention with youth, 10 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8:
  • Advanced social work theories, models and approaches, 10 Credits.
  • Advanced social work skills, 10 Credits.
  • Health and wellness, 10 Credits.
  • Social work management and leadership, 10 Credits.
  • Anti-oppressive practice, 10 Credits.
  • Social welfare policy and legislation, 10 Credits.
  • Social work research: process and application, 30 Credits.
  • Social work research: process and application, 40 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1: Develop and maintain professional social work relationships with client systems.
    2. Assess client systems' social functioning.
    3 Plan and implement appropriate social work intervention strategies and techniques at micro, mezzo and macro levels.
    4. Access and utilise resources appropriate to client systems' needs and strengths.
    5. Produce and maintain records of social work interventions, processes and outcomes.
    6. Evaluate the outcomes of social work intervention strategies, techniques and processes Produce and maintain records of social work interventions, processes and outcomes.
    7. Ensure social work intervention.
    8. Negotiate and utilise contracts during social work intervention.
    9. Demonstrate social work values while interacting with human diversity.
    10. Appraise and implement the ethical principles and values of social work.
    11. Use, plan and execute social work research.
    12. Work effectively with social workers and members of inter-sectoral and multi- and/or inter-disciplinary teams in social service delivery.
    13. Identify, select and implement various techniques, methods and means of raising awareness, developing critical consciousness about the structural forces of oppression, exclusion and disempowerment, and use such awareness to engage people as change agents.
    14. Analyse human behaviour with regard to the intersections of race, class, culture, ethnicity, gender, differential abilities and sexual orientation.
    15. Critically appraise social welfare and social work from a global, regional (African) and national perspective.
    16. Critically appraise the current status and position of the social work profession within the South African welfare context.
    17. Apply and uphold the basic values and principles enshrined in the Bill of Rights in the S.A. Constitution in relation to social work service delivery.
    18. Elucidate national, provincial and local governance structures, and the general laws and charters governing social welfare policy and social work services in South Africa.
    19. Describe how social policies and legislation on social issues impact on these issues and how to use legislation ethically and accountably in order to protect and improve the quality of life of client systems from a social work perspective.
    20. Describe the process of how social welfare policy and legislation are developed and influenced.
    21. Describe the roles, functions, knowledge and skills for effective social work supervision and consultation.
    22. Describe the roles, functions, principles and characteristics of management and administration within social service delivery.
    23. Formulate a business plan for the funding of social services.
    24. Identify the influence of the relationship between socio-political and economic factors on social services.
    25. Describe the roles and functions of the social worker within relevant statutory frameworks.
    26. Identify how social security is used optimally for the benefit of client systems.
    27. Identify the purpose, functions and principles of social work within the social development paradigm. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of professional relationships on knowledge of and insight into the nature of client systems and their dynamics.
  • Characterise professional relationships by the purposeful implementation of social work principles at the individual, family, group, community and organisational level.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of professional relationships and ethical parameters.
  • Ensue that enabling environments are created for client systems to develop their full capacity.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Apply assessments which reflect the ability to undertake a comprehensive analysis of client systems' needs and strengths.
  • Analyse client systems' needs and strengths to reflect the application of appropriate theoretical frameworks.
  • Use assessments to demonstrate the use of appropriate social work tools and data.
  • Use assessments which clearly reflect the influence and impact of social circumstances and social systems on client systems' functioning.
  • Perform assessments which demonstrate a holistic approach to client systems' social functioning.
  • Develop assessments resulting in, as far as is reasonable and possible, mutually agreed upon goals.
  • Ensure that assessment processes and conclusions are recorded clearly, systematically and accurately

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Ensure that intervention plans take into account social systems impacting on client systems' functioning.
  • Plan intervention based on assessment and the appropriate use of strategies and techniques to achieve identified goals.
  • Ensure that intervention strategies, models and techniques are based on comprehensive assessment of client systems.
  • Implement intervention strategies and techniques which are purposefully aimed at the achievement of identified goals.
  • Apply interventions which reflect the appropriate application of a range of skills (Range of skills includes, for example communication, problem-solving, networking, negotiation, mediation, advocacy and interviewing skills).
  • Implement intervention strategies and techniques in accordance with corresponding theoretical assumptions.
  • Implement interventions include the appropriate use of social work tools and data.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Identify and utilise resources that are appropriate to client systems' needs, strengths and goals.
  • Link Networking with resources and organisations directly to the needs of client systems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Ensure that client systems' files contain all relevant reports according to agreed upon time frames, standards and procedures.
  • Ensure that reports contain accurate details of all intervention activities, processes and outcomes according to agreed upon or prescribed formats
  • Prepare channel reports as per prescribed procedures, when necessary

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Ensure that evaluations clearly describe the outcomes of the intervention strategies, techniques and processes utilised in relation to the stated goals and client systems' strengths and needs.
  • Use evaluations purposefully as the basis for planning, termination and implementation of on-going services.
  • Utilise evaluations to demonstrate a capacity for self-awareness and reflection

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Ensure that wherever feasible, termination of services is mutually agreed to by the relevant parties and occurs in accordance with social work principles.
  • Complete all administrative aspects of termination in accordance with professional requirements.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Ensure that contracts contain, as far as is reasonable and possible, mutually agreed upon principles, expectations, goals and procedures.
  • Use contracts to guide practice with clients.
  • Ensure that contracts contain an exposition of possible results/consequences of breaching the mutually agreed upon principles, expectations, goals and procedures for both the practitioner and the client system

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Implement assessments, intervention plans, strategies, techniques, and outcomes analysis which reflect sensitivity for diversity and the ability to work with diverse client systems.
  • Ensure that practice demonstrates awareness of different viewpoints and values, and the ability to appreciate these in relation to one's own views and values.
  • Use assessments which explicitly include analysis of possible elements of diversity that may impact on the professional relationship.
  • Demonstrate interaction and teamwork within the practice context to reflect understanding and acceptance of diversity.
  • Ensure that referrals are appropriate to and in accordance with the unique needs of client systems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
  • Demonstrate awareness of and ability to implement social work values and ethical principles through practice.
  • Appraise the practical implications of ethical principles and values for social work practice.
  • Critique provisions in the Code of Ethics of the South African Council for Social Service Professions in relation to its potential limitations and benefits.
  • Recognise the potential impact of personal life experiences and personal values on social work practice

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11:
  • Use research reports to reflect knowledge of, and skills in, social work research
  • Use research reports display a critical appreciation of the link between knowledge construction, research and social work practice.
  • Use descriptions to reflect knowledge of both quantitative and qualitative research paradigms; research designs; sampling procedures; and methods of data collection and data analysis.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 12:
  • Use descriptions to clearly indicate the purpose and value of the team approach in social work services.
  • Use descriptions to clearly and appropriately distinguish between the individual roles and functions of the social work team members (social worker, student social worker, social auxiliary worker and volunteer) in social service delivery.
  • Distinguish the difference between social auxiliary work and social work and highlight their relationship with each other.
  • Understand the Social auxiliary work clearly as providing a supportive and complementary service to social work, focusing particularly on prevention, developmental services and social care.
  • Motivate substantially the critical role played by social auxiliary work within the social welfare context.
  • Use practice to reflect the ability to identify and work with sectors relevant to the identified social problem or issue.
  • Identify clearly the roles and functions of team members in a given context, relevant to the learner's field placement.
  • Reflect the ethics of teamwork through practice.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 13:
  • Select techniques, methods and means of awareness-raising appropriate to the specific social issue, the social context and the level at which such awareness-raising needs to take place.
  • Describe clearly the specific social issue (e.g. homosexuality, gender discrimination, HIV/AIDS, disability) that must be targeted as an area of intervention.
  • Demonstrate the ability to assist individuals, families, groups and/or communities to explore alternative identities in order to enhance self-esteem through practice.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 14:
  • Elucidate clearly how individual, family, group and community identities are formed in relation to socio-structural forces of oppression and/or exclusion by means of analysis.
  • Provide clear indications of how social differentiation and social stratification pave the way for prejudice, ethno-centricism and discrimination through analysis.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 15:
  • Reflect a clear understanding of the key elements, functions and principles of social welfare and social work though analysis.
  • Distinguish clearly the similarities and differences between social welfare and social work by description.
  • Describe Social welfare and social work clearly in terms of the key stages in their historical development against the background of socio-economic and political influences.
  • Examine the various models of social welfare critically in terms of their impact on social service delivery.
  • Describe a clear understanding of the historical and current trends in social welfare and social work on individuals, families, groups and communities.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 16:
  • Outline the core characteristics and qualities of a profession with reference to the social work profession.
  • Evaluate the relationship between social work and other social service professions critically in terms of roles, responsibilities and functions.
  • Appraise the influence of the language and intent of policy documents on the image and status of social work in South Africa.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 17:
  • Describe the provisions of the Bill of Rights clearly.
  • Extrapolate clearly the basic values and principles underlying the Bill of Rights.
  • Evaluate clearly the relationship between the values and principles of the Bill of Rights and those of the social work profession.
  • Identify the social worker's role and functions in protecting and promoting human rights in practical terms.
  • Identify clearly the relevant resources, available to the social worker for the protection of human rights. (Resources include the Public Protector, the Human Rights Commission, the Commission for Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities and the Commission for Gender Equality).
  • Develop an appropriate plan/strategy to address the infringement of human rights.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 18:
  • Outline the respective structure, roles and functions of each sphere of government and their inter-relationships.
  • Identify the roles and functions of the three spheres of government in the provision of social welfare services, and in the development of social welfare policy and legislation.
  • Describe the South African judicial system which includes the structure, roles and powers of the various courts as well as those of social workers.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 19:
  • Describe the nature and extent of social issue/s.
  • Analyse and provide a clear explanation of how social issue/s impact on individuals, families, groups and communities.
  • Identify and evaluate key strengths and weaknesses of current social policies and legislation concerning the social issue/s in relation to social work's values and principles.
  • Identify and describe limitations of the social policy/policies that negatively impact on social service delivery and beneficiaries.
  • Demonstrate the ability to utilise welfare legislation ethically and accountably in the interests of client systems through practice.
  • Motivate and justify proposals for amendments of a social policy for the purpose of improving social services to beneficiaries.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 20:
  • Reflect the steps and phases involved in the process of social policy and legislation development through description.
  • Identify role players involved in formulating social policy and legislation at national and provincial levels in terms of the functions that they perform.
  • Identify the means by which individuals, families, groups, organisations and communities can influence social policy and legislation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 21:
  • Articulate the roles and responsibilities of the supervisee and the supervisor.
  • Describe the transition from the role of supervisee to the role of supervisor.
  • Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the different models (including conventional one-to-one supervision, group supervision, peer supervision, and the use of case-conferences and staff development programmes as supervisory contexts) of supervision.
  • Identify the differences and similarities between supervision and consultation.
  • Describe the role and responsibilities of the consultant.
  • Articulate the ethical implications of supervision and consultation.
  • Reflect on the ability to utilise supervision effectively through practice.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 22:
  • Articulate the qualities, principles and characteristics of management and administration.
  • Describe the skills, roles and duties of a social work manager and administrator.
  • Describe and critique the types and theoretical underpinnings of modern management systems.
  • Reflect a basic understanding of management and administration functions and tasks by means of description.
  • Explain meeting procedures and the roles of office bearers clearly.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 23:
  • Reflect explicit and feasible aims and objectives consistent with an identified problem by means of plans.
  • Elucidate anticipated outcomes within designated time frames through plans.
  • Draw plans specifically containing measures for the sustainability of the programme/project.
  • Reflect a clear and realistic budget through plans.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 24:
  • Identify the impact of prevailing socio-political ideology and funding policies on organisational functioning.
  • Describe the challenges facing social service agencies in relation to technological advances and diminishing social service expenditure.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 25:
  • Describe policies and legislation in respect of areas such as criminal justice, mental health and child and family care.
  • Describe the roles and functions of the social worker in relation to the different courts and court procedures.
  • Reflect ability to work in accordance with statutory and legal requirements and to carry out orders of the court through practice.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 26:
  • Reflect knowledge of the different types of social security benefits available to people in South Africa by means of description.
  • Reflect knowledge of how social security benefits are accessed by means of description.
  • Describe the relationship between social security benefits and poverty alleviation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 27:
  • Describe the relationship between the purpose, functions and principles of social work and those of social development.
  • Reflect a clear understanding of the relationship between economic and social development by description.
  • Reflect a clear understanding of the importance of local economic development through income generation and job creation strategies through description.
  • Identify strategies for human and social capital formation within the social development paradigm.
  • Describe the links between micro and macro development issues.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The method of assessment may vary according to the module purpose, its subject matter and the teaching and learning approach. Some modules are theoretically oriented, others require a more practical skills related assessment and there are also work based practical assessments. This will be reflected in the assessment procedures.

    Formative assessment will be based on a combination of assignments during the semester, informal and formal tests, skills assessments and progress evaluations during contact sessions. The results of these assessments will be used to provide feedback to students and lecturers in order to facilitate improved learning.

    The outcomes of the formal assignments and tests will contribute to a cumulative class mark as per pre-arrangement with the students.

    Summative assessments will consist of semester examinations and portfolios of evidence as capstone assessments in the practical modules. The result of these assessments will provide a cumulative final mark for the respective module.

    The assessment topics and tasks, their format and criteria will be set out in the student module guides made available at the beginning of each semester. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification compares favourably to similar qualifications in the international arena. This has been verified through the South African structures affiliated to the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW). The IASSW recently formulated a draft document on Global Qualifying Standards for Social Work Education and Training and this qualification, by and large, measures up to the standards contained in the global document. This was verified with the Chairperson of the Global Qualifying Standards Committee who is a South African and who serves on the board of the SGB for Social Work. The qualification`s integration of theory and practice enhances the competencies of persons completing the training and will make them highly regarded and actively sought internationally.

    The South African BSW Degree and subsequent registration with SACSSP (South African council for social service professions) compares to the following international qualifications:
  • BSW (Bachelor of social work): This four-year Degree is offered in most Universities in Australia with subsequent registration with AASW (Australian Association of Social Work). The BA Social Work (Bachelor Arts in Social Work) is a three-year Degree offered at Universities in Great Britain with subsequent registration with HCPC (Health and care professions council). 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The Bachelor of Social Work is a four-year Degree and will provide graduates with systemic and specific articulation options such as:

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Masters and Doctoral programmes internally as well as externally, Level 9.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Arts in General and Bachelor in Psychology, Level 8. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced qualification.
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Nelson Mandela University 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.