SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

Master of Arts: Social Work

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
14391	Master of Arts: Social Work
ORIGINATOR
University of Witwatersrand
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Master's Degree	Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies		Human Resources
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	240	Level 8 and above	NQF Level 09	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"		SAQA 0695/12	2012-07-01	2014-12-31
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2015-12-31		2018-12-31

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 is replaced by:

Qual ID	Qualification Title	Pre-2009 NQF Level	NQF Level	Min Credits	Replacement Status
96535	Master of Arts in Occupational Social Work	Not Applicable	NQF Level 09	180	Complete

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

The purpose of the qualification is to produce a graduate who is capable of sophisticated and resourceful thinking, knowledge building, leadership and decision-making in the context of social work practice.

The purpose of the qualification is also to enhance the career of the postgraduate by preparing him/her for professional leadership in social work and /or further doctoral study.

Further, the purpose of the qualification is to produce postgraduates who can contribute to the economy and social well-being of South Africa by conducting appropriate research into the human welfare needs of people and the means of addressing these.

There are two routes which can be followed to achieve the Master of Arts in Social Work:
A. Master of Arts in Social Work (by dissertation)
B. Master of Arts in Social Work (by coursework and research report)

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Formally Accredited Learning and Other Qualities
The typical applicant has a Bachelor of Arts (Social Work) degree of the University, or an equivalent University-approved qualification, which needs normally to have been achieved with a certain minimum percentage - consult the application information for the year of study for which application is being made.

Recognition of Prior Learning
Applicants who fall outside of the normal admissions process who can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the University that they have a qualification or experiential- or work based learning which has taken the learner to an equivalent level of a qualification specified above (under Formally Accredited Learning), may be considered for admission and/or for the recognition of prior accredited and/or prior experiential learning. Applicants who, after such assessment, are deemed to have sufficient potential but are in need of further academic development, may be required to broaden their curriculum to include preliminary programmes prior to admission or parallel programmes after admission.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

A. Master of Arts in Social Work (by dissertation)

A1. The qualifying learner is able to access and process information using a range of technologies.

1.1 possess the full range of terminology and key concepts in generic and specialised social work in South African and international literature.
1.2 apply knowledge to primary and secondary research resources, materials and methodologies.
1.3 possess an extensive in-depth meta-cognitive understanding of own position to debates in social work and social welfare.

A2. The qualifying learner is able to communicate and produce information using a range of technologies.

2.1 possess sophisticated understanding of academic conventions.
2.2 understand current debates, research findings required for dissertation.

A3. The qualifying learner demonstrates critical analytic competence and problem solving.

3.1 apply knowledge to critical and analytical approaches to subject matter of generic and specialised social work.
3.2 be competent in basic generic social work knowledge and specialised knowledge.

A4. The qualifying learner demonstrates research competence.

4.1 possess advanced knowledge of research methods and their applications.
4.2 show in-depth understanding of current literature.
4.3 recognise the knowledge base of the social work profession, and show understanding of advanced methods of scientific inquiry, including problem solving and the systematic pursuit of knowledge.

A5. The qualifying learner shows competence to manage her/himself.

5.1 apply knowledge of the importance of individual responsibility in generating ideas for and executing a social work research study.

A6. The qualifying learner demonstrates social competence.

6.1 know when to seek academic interaction with others in order to test own ideas or to gain stimulation.
6.2 understand individual, group and community issues in relation to social welfare and social work.

A7. The qualifying learner shows ecosystemic competence.

7.1 demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the world ecosystemically.
7.2 understand the inter-relatedness of issues and debates between social work and related fields.

A8. The qualifying learner shows disciplinary and/or professional competence (can substitute field of enquiry for discipline).
8.1 understand and use the concepts, methods, theories, analytical and creative processes which are accepted and or contested in social work and allied professions.

B. Master of Arts in Social Work (by coursework and research report)

B1. The qualifying learner is able to access and process information using a range of technologies.

1.1 possess the full range of terminology and key concepts in generic and specialised social work in South African and international literature.
1.2 apply knowledge to primary and secondary research resources, materials and methodologies.
1.3 possess an extensive in-depth meta-cognitive understanding of own position to debates in social work and social welfare.

B2. The qualifying learner is able to communicate and produce information using a range of technologies.

2.1 possess sophisticated understanding of academic conventions.
2.2 understand current debates, research findings required for dissertation.

B3. The qualifying learner demonstrates critical analytic competence and problem solving.

3.1 apply knowledge to critical and analytical approaches to subject matter of generic and specialized social work.
3.2 be competent in basic generic social work knowledge and specialised knowledge.

B4. The qualifying learner demonstrates research competence.

4.1 possess advanced knowledge of research methods and their applications.
4.2 show in-depth understanding of current literature.
4.3 recognise the knowledge base of the social work profession, and show understanding of advanced methods of scientific inquiry, including problem solving and the systematic pursuit of knowledge.

B5. The qualifying learner shows competence to manage her/himself.

5.1 apply knowledge of the importance of individual responsibility in generating ideas for and executing a social work research study.

B6. The qualifying learner demonstrates social competence.

6.1 know when to seek academic interaction with others in order to test own ideas or to gain stimulation.
6.2 understand individual, group and community issues in relation to social welfare and social work.

B7. The qualifying learner shows eco-systemic competence.

7.1 demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the world eco-systemically.
7.2 understand the inter-relatedness of issues and debates between social work and related fields.

B8. The qualifying learner shows disciplinary and/or professional competence (can substitute field of enquiry for discipline).

8.1 understand and use the concepts, methods, theories, analytical and creative processes which are accepted and or contested in social work and allied professions.

CRITICAL CROSS-FIELD OUTCOMES
a) "identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made." See exit level outcomes 3 and 4.
b) "working with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, community." See exit level outcomes 6.
c) "organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively." See exit level outcomes 5.
d) "collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information." See exit level outcomes 1.
e) "communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion." See exit level outcomes 2 and 4.
f) "using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others." See exit level outcomes 1, 2, 4 and 7.
g) "demonstrating and understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation." See exit level outcomes 7.
h) "contributing to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of society at large, by making it the underlying intention of any programme of learning to make an individual aware of the importance of:
i. "reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively;" see exit level outcomes 5.
ii. "participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities;" see exit level outcomes 7; note also that learners act in accordance with the code of conduct of the University and, where relevant, that of the professional discipline being studied.
iii. "being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts;" see exit level outcomes 6.
iv. "exploring education and career opportunities." See exit level outcome 5.
v. Developing entrepreneurial opportunities." See exit level outcomes 7 and 8.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

A. Master of Arts in Social Work (by dissertation)

The qualifying learner is able to...

1.1 develop a sophisticated selection of search strategies for appropriate databases and information resources.
1.2 demonstrate sophisticated critical evaluation of different kinds of data and texts.
1.3 synthesise data within the contextual framework of generic and specialized social work.

2.1 use appropriate conventions and representational technologies to sustain cogent arguments.
2.2 present effectively ideas and theories from generic and specialised social work specific information.
2.3 translate information into situation specific language.

3.1 develop and critically examine innovative approaches in the scholarly and professional field.
3.2 integrate information, theory and context to further knowledge.

4.1 design, execute and write-up a scholarly dissertation that contributes to the advancement of knowledge in social work and social welfare.
4.2 instruct and mentor others in the design, implementation and evaluation of social work research studies.

5.1 be a purposeful, self-directed, resourceful scholar and researcher and social work practitioner.
5.2 demonstrate a capacity to become a mentor/tutor in developing scholarly knowledge and skills in others.
5.3 demonstrate a capacity to balance and manage a range of commitments-life tasks.
5.4 recognise the limits of professional competence.

6.1demonstrate independence initiative, creativity, purposefulness and leadership in professional relationships.

7.1 advanced ability to plan, execute and evaluate social research within an eco-systemic paradigm.

8.1 demonstrate mastery of the methods of scholarly research as they apply to the dissertation and the social work profession.
8.1 demonstrate advanced application of concepts, methods, theories and analytical processes to situations of social work and social welfare concern across a broad range of contexts.
8.3 educate relevant systems on the specific contribution of the social work profession towards individual, group, community and organisation development.
8.4 demonstrate ability to mentor and instruct others in the design, implementation and evaluation of social work research studies.

B. MASTER OF ARTS IN SOCIAL WORK (BY COURSEWORK AND RESEARCH REPORT)

1.1 develop a sophisticated selection of search strategies for appropriate databases and information resources.
1.2 Demonstrate sophisticated critical evaluation of different kinds of data and texts.
1.3 Synthesise date within the contextual framework of generic and specialized social work.

2.1 use appropriate conventions and representational technologies to sustain cogent arguments.
2.2 present effectively ideas and theories from generic and specialized social work specific information.
2.3 translate information into situation specific language.

3.1 develop and critically examine innovated approaches in the scholarly and professional field.
3.2 integrate information, theory and context to further knowledge.

4.1 design, execute and write-up and scholarly research report that contributes to the advancement of knowledge in social work and social welfare.

5.1 be a purposeful, self-directed, resourceful scholar and researcher and social work practitioner.
5.2 demonstrate a capacity to become a mentor/tutor in developing scholarly knowledge and skills in others.
5.3 demonstrate a capacity to balance and manage a range of commitments/life tasks.
5.4 recognise the limits of professional competence.

6.1 demonstrate independence, initiative, creatively, purposefulness and leadership in professional relationships.

7.1 advanced ability to plan, execute and evaluate social research within an eco-systemic paradigm.

8.1 demonstrate mastery of the methods of scholarly research as they apply to the research report and the social work profession.
8.2 demonstrate advanced application of concepts, methods, theories and analytical processes to situations of social work and social welfare concern across a broad range of contexts.
8.3 educate relevant systems on the specific contribution of the social work profession towards individual, group, community and organisation development.

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
The dissertation or research report are forms of integrated assessment.

ASSOCIATED VALUES
A. The qualifying learner is aware of the importance of the need to?

1.1 commit him/herself to evaluate published research in terms of its social implications.

2.1 respect and acknowledge the ownership of intellectual property.

3.1 respect the different ways of constructing knowledge.
3.2 recognise the importance of ethical application of knowledge.

4.1 commit him/herself to ethical research which contributes to sustainable human development.
4.2 commit him/herself to making research a daily activity in order to develop sound work practice.

5.1 value excellence, creativity, accountability and relevance.
5.2 commit him/herself to ongoing reflective social work and professional development of the self and others.

6.1 respect and value research participants and colleagues and what they have to offer.
6.2 commit him/herself to collaborative processes.

7.1 appreciate and deal sensitively with the multiple perspectives of people.
7.2 value people's ability to change and to creatively respond to external change forces.

8.1 commit him/herself to social work professional ethics and standards in research and practice.
8.2 demonstrate an open mind to positions within the social work and allied professions within the social work and allied professions.
8.3 recognise major ethical debates surrounding the practice of social work in the contexts of policy, legislation and social development.
8.4 assume initiative in problem solving.

B. MASTER OF ARTS IN SOCIAL WORK (BY COURSEWORK AND RESEARCH REPORT)

1.2 commit him/herself to evaluate published research in terms of its social implications.

2.1 respect and acknowledge the ownership of intellectual property.

3.1 respect the different ways of constructing knowledge.
3.2 recognise the importance of ethical application of knowledge.

4.1 commit him/herself to ethical research which contributes to sustainable human development.
4.2 commit him/herself to making research a daily activity in order to develop sound work practice.

5.1 value excellence, creativity, accountability and relevance.
5.2 commit him/herself to ongoing reflective social work and professional development of the self and others.

6.1 respect and value research participants and colleagues and what they have to offer.
6.2 commit him/herself to collaborative processes.

7.1 appreciate and deal sensitively with the multiple perspectives of people.
7.2 value people's ability to change and to creatively respond to external change forces.

8.1 commit him/herself to social work professional ethics and standards in research and practice.
8.2 demonstrate an open mind to positions within the social work and allied professions within the social work and allied professions.
8.3 recognise major ethical debates surrounding the practice of social work in the contexts of policy, legislation and social development.
8.4 assume initiative in problem solving.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This section specifies with which other qualifications of the University the qualification was designed to articulate, i.e. formal articulation; therefore the qualification can articulate informally with equivalent qualifications offered by the University, or with other qualifications offered nationally and internationally.

Entry to the qualification
The typical applicant has a Bachelor of Arts (Social Work) degree of the University, or an equivalent University-approved qualification, which needs normally to have been achieved with a certain minimum percentage.

Articulation during the qualification
Learners may convert to the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts when they have completed the coursework component of the MA(Social Work) by coursework and research report but do not continue with the research component of the MA(Social Work).

On completion of the qualification
A qualifying learner may proceed to PhD if the standard of research competence demonstrated by the research report or dissertation for the Masters degree suggests the competence necessary for PhD research.

MODERATION OPTIONS

Internal University requirements govern how and by whom moderation is performed. For example, external examiners are appointed. Such moderation seeks, inter alia, to ensure that, where appropriate, our graduates will be able to comply with professional and statutory requirements. Further, whether an academic entity has a professional orientation or not, the University ensures that its activities are moderated by internal and external review quinquennially. The moderating body for qualifications of the University is the Higher Education Quality Committee of the Council on Higher Education, currently represented by the Interim Higher Education Quality Committee.

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

Internal University quality requirements govern how and by whom assessment may be performed to ensure that assessors have the competence required to assess a qualification of this nature. Once the Higher Education Quality Committee of the Council on Higher Education is constituted and ready to pronounce on issues of quality, the University will respond the HEQC guidance on the registration of assessors. In the interim, the academic staff of the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, are regarded as registered assessors since SAQA has registered the institution as a public higher education provider.

REREGISTRATION HISTORY

As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006; 2009; 2012.

NOTES

N/A

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

When qualifications are replaced, some of their learning programmes are moved to being recorded against the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replacement.

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 Witwatersrand