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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
111050  Doctor of Philosophy in 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 07 - Human and Social Studies  General Social Science 
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 qualification 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.
Learners will demonstrate 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 is accepted for the purpose of this document as the relevant definition.

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):
  • Admission may be granted through RPL to learners who do not meet the minimum entry requirements.
  • All admissions through RPL must be in accordance with the principles laid down in the Unisa RPL Policy.

    This qualification can be achieved wholly or in part through Recognition of Prior Learning.
    The Unisa RPL office can supply full details of processes relating to the assessment and accreditation of learning from prior experiences. Evidence can be presented in a variety of forms, including international or previous local qualifications, reports, testimonials mentioning functions performed, work records, portfolios, videos of practice and performance records.
    All such evidence should be judged according to the general principle of assessment described in the notes to assessors.

    Entry Requirements:
  • A Master of Social Work, Level 9 with a mark of 60% and.
  • Registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSPC) as a Social Worker.

    Applicants who fall outside of the above criteria, but who have an appropriate, related qualification, experiential or work-based learning, which has taken the learner to the equivalent of a National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 9 Social Work qualification, may be considered for admission into this social work qualification. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work consists of two modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 10 totalling 360 Credits.

    Modules:
  • Research Proposal, 0 Credits.
  • Research Project and Thesis, 360 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate an advanced, comprehensive knowledge base and critical systemic understanding of social work and relevant fields.
    2. Critically analyse and evaluate knowledge and apply knowledge, theory and research methods creatively to complex practical, theoretical and epistemological themes/problems in social work and relevant fields.
    3. 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.
    4. 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 
  • Identify and solve problems using critical and creative thinking.
  • Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation and community.
  • Organise and manage oneself and one`s activities responsibly and effectively.
  • Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
  • Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation.
  • Demonstrate cultural and ethical sensitivity in dealings with clients, colleagues and communities.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
  • Demonstrate ethical and professional behaviour.
  • Lay the foundation for life-long learning and on-going competency.

    Integrated Assessment:
    All assessments are 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.

    When a learner's thesis is nearing completion, he/she informs the Registrar of his/her intention to submit if for examination at least two months before the anticipated date. After consultation with the co-supervisor (where applicable), the supervisor gives the learner permission to submit.

    Assessment will include input from three external examiners, and all must be recognised experts in their fields and must not be attached to or affiliated with UNISA. At least one of the external examiners should be from a county other than South Africa. All examiners are recommended by the Department Chairperson and/or Departmental Research and Higher Degrees Committee and their names are forwarded for appointment by the College Management Committee.

    The completed report of the panel of examiners is regarded as the examiners' final recommendation. The result of the doctoral thesis is based on a judicious appraisal of the examiners' reports.

    After the result of the learner's thesis has been approved, the non-examining chairperson makes the examiners' report available to the Chairperson of the Department, the supervisor, the co-supervisor, the learner and the other examiners if requested.

    In addition, learners must demonstrate the ability to engage in the field of Social Work in an integrative way, dealing with Information Science challenges strategically and effectively. It is recommended for this ability to be demonstrated by the publication of at least one article based on the research, in a scientific peer reviewed journal. 
    		•

    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 qualifications at different levels. This Doctoral 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).

    Furthermore, Unisa forms part of an internationally recognised accreditation system whereby university qualifications are evaluated against international comparators and accredited accordingly; for example, Unisa's qualifications are accredited in the International Handbook of Universities and in the Commonwealth Universities' Yearbook. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification articulates horizontally with others at Level 10 within the subfield.
    The Doctor of Philosophy is the final step on the academic ladder. No further upward articulation is possible although learners may choose to pursue their studies at any level of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) to suit their personal and professional needs. 

    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.