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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Social Work 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
101834  Bachelor of Social Work 
ORIGINATOR
University of South Africa 
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
62459  Bachelor of Social Work  Level 7  NQF Level 08  510  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose, curriculum and architecture of the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is premised on the notion that the tasks, roles and functions of social workers are to act as advocates and catalysts for social change within society. Social workers graduating from the BSW will be in a position to improve the socio-economic structures and enhance the social functioning and adaptive fit of all, including the vulnerable groups in their environment. The BSW will equip its graduates to address many of the consequences of social inequality, exclusion, poverty and marginalisation through evidence-based interventions. The overarching values that guide social work education and training are: social justice, Ubuntu, human rights and respect for indigenous knowledge systems and the environment.

Qualifying learners will be able to register with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) and practice social work in accordance with its (SACSSP) policy on ethics, values and principles of human rights, social justice and recognition of human diversity.

Furthermore, qualified learners will be able to interpret, implement and apply South African and, in some cases, regional, continental and international social welfare policies, frameworks, guidelines and legislation to address vulnerability, poverty and other developmental challenges faced by the citizens of South Africa. Qualifying learners will be able to serve as change agents to empower individuals, families, groups, organisations and communities, to enhance their social functioning and their problem-solving capacities in order to cope with the social complexities and challenges that exist in South Africa. In addition, they will be able to work in multi-disciplinary teams, interact and network with all relevant stakeholders through inter-sectoral collaboration within the social work landscape in South Africa.

Given the rights of society, much effort is given in this qualification to the development of practitioners who are critically reflective and able to practise within the values and ethical perspective of the Social Work profession.

The ultimate purpose of the qualification is to ensure that all graduates will be able to contribute meaningfully to enhance the quality of life for all, by means of social development and transformation through acquired knowledge, skills and values.

Rationale:
It has been recognised by, amongst others, the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW), the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW), and the International Council on Social Welfare (ICSW) "that the past and present political, economic, cultural and social orders, shaped in specific contexts, have unequal consequences for global, national and local communities and have negative impacts on people" (Global Agenda, 2012).

Although basic human rights are enshrined in the South African Constitution, South Africa remains beset with major challenges ranging from poor social cohesion, poverty, inequality and poor service delivery, which constitute major threats to its social, economic and political stability. To intensify a coordinated response to address these challenges, the government of South Africa has developed the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 (National Planning Commission 2012) which is intended to unite all South Africans around a common programme in order to achieve prosperity and equity, promote active citizenry, strengthen development, democracy and accountability, bring about faster economic growth, higher investment and greater labour absorption, focusing on key capabilities of people and the state, building a capable and developmental state, encouraging strong leadership throughout society to work together to solve problems. The social development sector is one of the major role players in achieving the aims of the NDP. It is also recognised that the environment within which social welfare services are rendered has changed, which necessitated legislative and policy reviews to make social welfare programmes and services responsive to the needs of society (the marginalised and the most vulnerable groups) as informed by the NDP as well as White Paper for Social Welfare.

South Africa has adopted the developmental social welfare paradigm thus supporting a people-centred approach to social and economic development. Social work plays a major role in addressing the many developmental needs of the South African society through social work services provided within many sectors such as government departments, businesses, non-governmental organisations and in private practice.

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) will play a major role in addressing diverse contexts and needs of individuals, families, groups and communities in South Africa through the training and development of social workers. The Bachelor of Social Work is a practice-based, professional qualification that will contribute positively to the government's agenda of social transformation. The proposed programme has been aligned to the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF) and takes into account the outcomes of the National Programme Review of the Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC). 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Applicants who fall outside of the admissions criteria, but who can demonstrate that they have a qualification, experiential or work-based learning (which has taken the learner to the equivalent of a Level 4 qualification) may be considered for admission into the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Degree qualification. New learners who have attended part of a similar qualification at another institution will gain admission based on the admission and selection processes described in this document, and will be able to accumulate and be exempted from certain equivalent modules as per individual application.

Entry Requirements:
  • Senior Certificate with endorsement.
    Or
  • National Senior Certificate granting access to Bachelor's Degree studies and with an appropriate pass in English and .four content subjects.
    Or
  • A Certificate in Social Auxiliary Work (Level 4) with one year of professional practice as a registered Social Auxiliary Worker.
    Or
  • An approved Higher Certificate, Level 5. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules at Levels 5, 6, 7 and 8 totalling 552 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at Level 5: 108 Credits:
  • Introduction to Social Welfare and Social Welfare, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Social Work as a Profession, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to the Landscape of Social Work Practice, 12 Credits.
  • Practising Workplace English, 12 Credits.
  • Language through an African Lens, 12 Credits.
  • Basic Psychology, 12 Credits.
  • Psychology in Society, 12 Credits.
  • Community, Society and Inequality in a Globalised World: Introduction to Sociology, 12 Credits.
  • Understanding South Africa: Families, Education, Identities and Inequality, 12 Credits.

    Elective Modules at Level 5: 24 Credits (Choose two modules):
  • Introduction to Development Studies, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Criminology; Crime Offenders and Criminal Behaviour, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Criminology: Victims and Reduction of Crime, 12 Credits.
  • The Anthropological Study of Culture in a Multicultural Context, 12 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at Level 6: 108 Credits:
  • The Social Work Helping Process within a Developmental Approach, 12 Credits.
  • Focus Areas and Fields of Social Work Practice, 12 Credits.
  • Social Welfare Policy within the South African Context, 12 Credits.
  • Social Work Management, Administration, Supervision and Ethics, 12 Credits.
  • Social Work Practice, 24 Credits.
  • HIV/Aids Care and Counselling, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Law for Social Workers, 12 Credits.
  • Research in Social Sciences, 12 Credits.

    Elective Modules at Level 6: 36 Credits (Choose three modules):
  • Personality Theories, 12 Credits.
  • Child and Adolescent Development, 12 Credits.
  • Community Psychology: Re-imagining community, 12 Credits.
  • Theories of Social Change, 12 Credits.
  • Globalisation and Social Change in South Africa, 12 Credits.
  • Sociology of Families and Social Problems, 12 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at Level 7: 84 Credits:
  • Case Work: Theories, Approaches and Models, 12 Credits.
  • Group Work: Theories, Approaches and Models, 12 Credits.
  • Community Work: Theories, Approaches and Models, 12 Credits.
  • Child, Youth, Family Care and Related Legislation, 12 Credits.
  • Integrated Social Work Practice, 36 Credits.

    Elective Modules at Level 7: 60 Credits (Choose five modules):
  • Social Psychology, 12 Credits.
  • Abnormal Behaviour and Mental Health, 12 Credits.
  • Cognition: Thinking, Memory and Problem Solving, 12 Credits.
  • Psychological Research, 12 Credits.
  • Transformative Counselling Encounters, 12 Credits.
  • Thinking Sociologically: Research methodology, 12 Credits.
  • Industrial Sociology, 12 Credits.
  • Sociology of Education, 12 Credits.
  • Group Dynamics, 12 Credits.
  • Theorising Modernity: Classical and Contemporary Social Theory, 12 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at Level 8: 132 Credits:
  • Integrated Service Delivery in Social Welfare, 24 Credits.
  • Social Welfare Macro Policy, 12 Credits.
  • Social Work Management, Administration and Supervision, 12 Credits.
  • Advanced Integrated Social Work Practice, 60 Credits.
  • Statutory work and report writing, 12 Credits.
  • Social Work Research Report, 12 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. 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.
    2. 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.
    3. 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.
    4. Analyse behaviour with regard to the intersections of human diversity in order to address structural and social inequalities.
    5. Analyse the roles, functions, principles and characteristics of supervision, management and administration within social service delivery.
    6. Conduct and utilise social work research according to accepted research protocols. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Describe and compare the 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 and their impact on individuals, families, groups, organisations and communities.
  • Analyse the key elements, functions, principles, differences and similarities of social welfare and social work.
  • Critically examine the 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 of 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 the relevant resources, available to the social worker for the protection of human rights.
  • Outline the respective structure, roles and functions of each sphere of government and their inter-relationships in terms of the provision of social welfare services, including the process of social welfare policy and legislation development.
  • Describe and analyse relevant pieces of legislation, charters, conventions, treaties and declarations, including their impact on social welfare policy and social work practice.
  • Describe the South African judicial system including the structure, roles and powers of the various courts as well as those of all professionals involved.
  • Describe and explain the nature and extent of social issues in terms of how they impact on individuals, families, groups, organisations and communities.
  • Identify and evaluate key strengths and weaknesses of current social policies and legislation, concerning the social issues and service delivery.
  • Describe the steps and phases involved in the process of social policy and legislation development and amendments.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Describe, establish and maintain professional relationships, characterised by the purposeful implementation of social work principles, values and ethical principles at the micro-, meso-and macro-levels.
  • Undertake assessments of client systems' needs and strengths within a framework of a diverse range of relevant theories, perspectives and models.
  • Develop intervention plans based on holistic assessment and the appropriate use of strategies, techniques and resources in order to achieve identified goals at the appropriate level of service delivery.
  • Apply various technological tools, platforms and techniques in order to enhance social service delivery.
  • Select referrals to appropriate resources according to agreed-upon methods of referral.
  • Prepare contracts containing mutually agreed upon principles, expectations, goals and procedures.
  • Compile various types of reports according to the required format and purpose.
  • Develop and maintain standards and procedures for client systems' files containing all relevant reports, according to agreed-upon time frames, standards and procedures.
  • Evaluate the outcomes of the intervention strategies, techniques and processes utilised in relation to the stated goals, and client systems' strengths and needs.
  • Demonstrate sensitivity for diversity and the ability to work with diverse client systems, within diverse fields of service.
  • Describe the purpose and value of the team approach in social work services, specifically including multi-disciplinary and inter-sectoral collaboration.
  • Work within the team approach in social work service, specifically including multi-disciplinary and inter-sectoral collaboration.

    Associated Assessment criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Describe the specific social issue(s) that must be targeted as an area of intervention.
  • Apply selected techniques, methods and means of awareness to raise appropriate to the specific social issue(s), the social context and the level at which such awareness-raising needs to take place.
  • Engage people as change agents, advocates and/or lobbyists, by building on their strengths and resources.
  • Analyse the formulation of individual, family, group, organisation and community identities in relation to socio-structural forces of oppression and/or exclusion.
  • Describe the relationship between social differentiation and social stratification (in respect of factors such as race, class, culture, ethnicity, gender, differential abilities and sexual orientation) and the creation of prejudice, ethno-centrism and discrimination.
  • Identify and critique the impact of prevailing socio-political ideology and funding policies on organisational functioning.
  • Clearly describe the relationship between the purpose, functions and principles of social work as a profession and those of social development, as an approach.
  • Analyse the relationship between economic and social development and the importance of local economic development through income generation, entrepreneurial and job-creation strategies.
  • Clearly describe the links between micro-and macro-developmental issues.
  • Identify and compare strategies for human and social capital formation within the social development paradigm.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Clearly articulate the roles and responsibilities of the supervisee and the supervisor.
  • Clearly describe the transition from the role of supervisee to the role of supervisor.
  • Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the different models of supervision (including conventional one-to-one supervision, group supervision, peer supervision, and the use of case-conferences and staff development programmes as supervisory contexts).
  • Demonstrate the effective utilisation of supervision in practice.
  • Identify and explain the differences and similarities between supervision and consultation.
  • Clearly describe the roles and responsibilities of the consultant.
  • Describe the ethical implications of supervision and consultation.
  • Explain the qualities, principles and characteristics of management and administration within the social work profession.
  • 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.
  • Apply project management principles to ensure the sustainability of a programme/project.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of and skills in social work research in the development of research reports.
  • Identify the link between knowledge construction, research and social work practice in research reports.
  • Formulate research proposals according to the appropriate research guidelines.
  • Demonstrate the application of social science theory and research in the research project.
  • Describe and implement quantitative and qualitative research paradigms; research types; research designs; sampling procedures; and methods of data collection and data analysis.
  • Integrate research ethics in the design, implementation and reporting of the research project.
  • Make recommendations that are consistent with data analyses and study findings.

    Integrated Assessment:
    For the qualification to be awarded, a candidate must have successfully achieved the outcomes of each of the compulsory modules that constitute the qualification, as well as in a set number of electives.

    Evidence of learning competency (knowledge, skills, values, attitudes and expertise) and of the candidate's ability to achieve the purpose of the qualification as a whole at the time that the qualification is awarded is required by means of comprehensive and integrated assessment (constituting a range of formative and summative assessments). Continuous formative and summative assessment methods are used in the form of written assignments, reports, portfolios, self-assessments, orals and examinations. A range of assessment methods to assess combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflective competencies will be utilised at all levels. When designing assessments, assessors will make use of the relevant NQF level descriptors to determine the level of complexity of the assessment. In order to authenticate assessments, assessments will be based on real-life world experiences, for instance, case studies, scenarios and simulations. Both formative and summative assessment may be venue-based or non-venue-based.

    Formative and summative assessment will be conducted within the guidelines of the institution's Assessment Policy. The learner's summative assessment mark will comprise a year mark (ranging between 20-40%) that will be gained from the specified number of compulsory assignments and a written examination in each module which comprises a range of 60-80% of the total summative assessment mark. The pass mark shall be a minimum of 50% acquired from both formative and summative assessment in a proportionate ratio, a sub-minimum of 40% will apply and 75% shall constitute a pass with distinction. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) 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 the new qualification largely measures up to the standards contained in the global document.

    The major similarities include, admission criteria, content of the qualifications, the required approval of the qualification by the professional body as well as the duration of the qualification. The only differences are fieldwork placement hours, number of levels, time limits for completion of the Degree and credits.

    The following summary provides an overview of salient aspects of the qualification and outlines similarities and differences:

    Open University (OU): United Kingdom (UK):
    BA (Honours) Social Work:

    The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) approved the Open University's BA (Honours) Social Work (England), and successful completion entitles learners to apply for registration as a social worker. Learners need to be working in a social care agency and be registered and supported by one's employer, but learners can pay their own fees. Key features of the qualification include:
  • Continue in one's employment while studying, earning while learning.
  • Study through work-based and distance learning.
  • Develop the knowledge and practical skills that underpin effective practice.
  • Learn to deal with difficult and sensitive issues while working within a complex professional system.

    This Degree has three stages, each comprising 120 Credits.
  • Stage 1 includes a module introducing health and social care followed by a module, which explores the ideas and ways of working with people that underpins social work practice with a range of different service user groups.
  • Stage 2 starts with a module covering the law and social work in England and Wales and is followed by a practice module, which includes a 70-day placement.
  • At Stage 3, the prospective applicant chooses one module from a choice of three and concludes the Degree with a practice module where he/she will undertake a 100-day placement.

    Similarities:
  • Both the qualifications are approved by the professional body and on completion of the Degree the qualified social workers have to be registered with the Professional Council.
  • As a teaching strategy both qualifications use Online Distance Learning.
  • Both qualifications have good balance between theory and practice.
  • Time limit to complete the Degree is eight years at both universities.
  • Both universities have a strong emphasis on working with three groups of clients, namely individuals, groups and communities.

    Differences:
  • Open University UK curriculum is divided into three stages/levels of incremental learning and teaching while this qualification is divided into four levels.
  • This qualification has the highest credits at level four as compared to other levels. The OU's BA (Honours) Social Work (England) has an equal number of credits for each level, which is 120.

    Open University of Tanzania:
    Bachelor of Social Work Degree:
  • The learners will learn about various topics including social work ethics and values; theories and practice in social work with individuals, families, groups, community and organizations; issues of human behaviour and social environment; the how and what of social work field practicum; empowering the marginalized population; social security issues and social welfare policy, gender, disaster management, population health and development, research methods and psychology and counselling.
  • These are issues, which will equip them with the skills, knowledge and competence of providing services to clients of different status at micro, meso and macro levels. The graduands will be refined social workers with high practical competences in social work helping processes, social welfare and experts in psychology and counselling.

    Similarities:
  • Both Universities have an ODeL approach.
  • Both qualifications have good balance between theory and practice.
  • Time limit to complete the Degree is eight years at both universities.
  • Both universities have a strong emphasis on working with three groups of clients, namely individuals, groups and communities.
  • Developmental approach to social work practice is emphasised in both qualifications. The profession is regarded as paying great attention to the vulnerable groups, disadvantaged and marginalised ones. Furthermore, the qualification is embedded in social justice and human rights towards provision of help and access to quality, equality and equitable social services. Definitely, the qualification will produce real social work profession generalist practitioners that will ultimately initiate positive societal changes.

    Differences:
  • Open University of Tanzania curriculum is divided into three stages/levels of incremental learning and teaching while this qualification is divided into four levels.

    Central Queensland (QC) University Australia:
    Bachelor of Social Work (Honours):
  • The Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) aims to produce professionally qualified social workers who are able to fulfil the practice standards of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and who will be eligible for membership with the AASW.
  • Social workers pursue social justice or work to redistribute resources that assist client groups to achieve social inclusion, support people to enjoy better quality of life, and facilitate individual and community wellbeing.

    Similarities:
  • Both the qualifications are approved by the Professional body and on completion of the Degree the qualified social workers have to be registered with the Professional Council.
  • Applicants must be eligible for a Blue Card (Working with Children Check) and undergo a satisfactory national police clearance check, which is similar to one of the institution's admission requirements.
  • All learners must maintain recency of professional knowledge and skills throughout the course. In order to meet this criterion, learners must complete their course of study within eight years (part time) from the date of first enrolment in the course as in the case with this qualification.
  • The Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) comprises of a four-year course with the final year of the course including a research module, as in the case with this university.
  • Both qualifications introduce learners to the values of the profession, presenting its knowledge and skills. Both qualifications further equip graduates with the professional capacity to work with individuals, groups, families, organisations, neighbourhoods, communities, and societies.

    Differences:
  • The formatting and core structure of the qualification is different, for instance, the qualification has 28 units (modules) and the total credit points is 192. This qualification consists of 19 modules and a total of 552 Credits.
  • Field placements are compulsory in Years 3 and 4 of the course, available during specified terms.
  • This qualification requires field placements as this is compulsory from second level of study. Learners have to undertake an interview with the Field Education Coordinator to determine placement readiness. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers articulation possibilities with the following qualifications:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • An approved Bachelor Honours Degree, Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Gender Studies, Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Sociology, Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Psychology, Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master's Degree in Social Work, Level 9. 
    		•

    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. University of South Africa 


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