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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Doctor of Social Work 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
109541  Doctor of Social Work 
ORIGINATOR
University of South Africa 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Doctoral Degree  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  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 10  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   2031-06-30  

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 does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
This is a Doctorate that is aimed at creating the opportunity for learners to engage in highly advanced and specialised academic or professional study of and research into an aspect of social work and social welfare services.

The Degree will be conferred only on those learners who have demonstrated the capacity for independent thinking and sustained original research that makes a contribution to the development of well-grounded new knowledge in the field of Social Work.

Note: The World Health Organisation`s definition of health is, "a state of complete mental, physical and social well-being." This definition is accepted for the purpose of this qualification.

Rationale:
This qualification is designed to facilitate the acquisition of expertise and research skills to make an original contribution to promoting the achievement of Social Work`s core purposes that are embedded in the following internationally accepted definition.

The social work profession promotes social change, problem solving in human relationships and the empowerment and liberation of people to enhance well-being. Utilising theories of human behaviour and social systems, social work intervenes at the points 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].

Social work plays a major role in addressing the many needs of South African society through social work services provided within many sectors such as government departments, businesses, Non-Governmental Organisations and in private practice. Dynamic and professionally sound leadership and cutting edge research are vital in order for social work to impact on social needs.

This qualification enables learners to make an original, substantial contribution to the science of Social Work. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The University of South Africa's (UNISA's) policy on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be applied where required. Due cognicanse need to be take of the requirements of professional affiliation with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) in certain fields such as Social Work.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • A Master's Degree, Level 9 in Social Work and with an average of 60% in the final year.
  • Registration with the SACSSP (South African Council for Social Service Professions) as Social Workers, in terms of section 17 of the Social Service Professions Act, 1978. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following two compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 9 totalling 180 Credits:
  • Research proposal module, 0 Credits.
  • Thesis, 360 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    A qualifier will demonstrate the following competencies:
  • Demonstrate an advanced, comprehensive knowledge base and critical systemic understanding of social work and relevant fields.
  • Demonstrate the ability to critically analyse and evaluate knowledge and to apply knowledge, theory and research methods creatively to complex practical, theoretical and epistemological themes/problems in social work. and relevant fields.
  • Demonstrate the ability to identify, conceptualise, design and implement research that addresses complex, well-defined problems at the cutting edge of social work and report results in the form of a thesis in line with academically recognised standards.
  • Exhibit the ability to act as academic leader and expert in the field of study by effectively presenting and communicating the results of research to specialist and non-specialist audiences using a range of resources for academic/professional discourse. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The thesis meets international standards regarding the proposal, writing style, listing of resources, report on findings, recommendations, conclusion and oral and written presentations.

    Integrated Assessment:
    All assessments will be conducted in line with the principles of assessment as defined in the University of South Africa (UNISA) Assessment Policy.

    Submitted proposals are assessed and approved by the supervisor and Departmental Research and Higher Degrees Committee to be ratified by the College Research and Higher Degrees Committee.

    Assessment will be done by three external examiners. External examiners are recognised experts in their fields and must not be attached to or affiliated with UNISA. All examiners are recommended by the Departmental Chairperson and/or Departmental Research and Higher Degrees Committee and their names are forwarded for appointment by the College Research and Higher Degrees Committee.

    The result of the Doctoral thesis is based on a judicious appraisal of the examiners' reports.

    Before awarding of the qualification, a learner must achieve the completion of a research proposal typically within one academic year and completion of research and a research thesis typically within three years and approved by at least three external moderators of whom at least one should be international. 

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Social Work is an internationally recognised profession guided by an internationally accepted definition. Countries throughout the world recognise Social Work as an essential profession, and offer learning programmes at different levels. This Masters qualification compares favourably to similar qualifications internationally as it complies with the Global Standards for Education and Training of the Social Work Profession of the International Federation of Social Work (IFSW) and International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW). 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The horizontal articulation to related Doctoral Degrees is possible. Qualifying learners may also progress to Postdoctoral study. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS 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.
     
    NONE 


    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.