SAQA 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.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Social Work 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
73036  Master of Social Work 
ORIGINATOR
University of Pretoria 
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 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Promotive Health and Developmental Services 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Level 8 and above  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0733/25  2024-06-30  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2027-06-30   2029-06-30  

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:
The purpose of the Master of Social Work qualification is to equip candidates with advanced expertise, knowledge, and research skills in social work. This qualification aims to deepen the learners' understanding of social work principles, theories, and practices, focusing on promoting social change, solving problems in human relationships, and empowering individuals and communities. Learners will gain a comprehensive understanding of human behaviour, social systems, and the interaction between individuals and their environments.

The target candidates for this qualification include practicing social workers seeking to specialise in a sub-field, candidates aiming at an academic career in the field of social work, and professionals looking to enhance their skills and competencies. Completing this qualification will benefit learners by providing them with advanced skills and knowledge, enabling them to assume leadership roles in various sectors such as government, non-governmental organizations and private practice, or entry into an academic career. Additionally, it promotes personal and professional development, aligning with the requirements for continuous professional development (CPD) mandated by the South African Council for Social Services Professions (SACSSP).

The Master of Social Work follows an academic and professional pathway, preparing learners for advanced roles in social work practice, education, and research. After achieving this qualification, graduates will have an in-depth understanding of advanced social work theories and practices, research methodologies, and specialized knowledge in their chosen sub-field of social work. They will be capable of critically analysing and addressing complex social issues, designing and implementing effective interventions, and contributing to the advancement of social work as a profession. Graduates will be responsible for providing high-quality social work services, leading initiatives for social change, and promoting social justice and human rights within their professional practice.

A qualified graduate will be able to:
  • Apply advanced theories and practices of social work to address complex social issues.
  • Conduct rigorous research to inform social work practice and contribute to the body of knowledge in the field.
  • Design, implement, and evaluate effective social work interventions.
  • Lead and manage social work programs and initiatives within various sectors.
  • Advocate for social justice, human rights, and the empowerment of individuals and communities.
  • Provide specialized services in their chosen sub-field of social work.

    In addition, graduate attributes, including advanced methods, procedures, and techniques in social work, will be integrated into the learning process. This qualification emphasises the importance of accessing, processing, and managing information, producing and communicating information effectively, and adhering to ethical standards in social work practice. Learners will also develop key competencies such as problem-solving, teamwork, self-management, interpreting information, effective communication, and the application of science and technology in social work. These attributes and competencies are essential for professional growth and effective practice in the diverse and dynamic field of social work.

    Rationale:
    The Master of Social Work will provide the necessary advanced expertise, knowledge, and research skills in social work, thereby promoting the achievement of social work's core purposes 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 Social Work Association for Schools of Social Work (IASSW) and International Federation of Social Workers

    Since social work encompasses such a broad spectrum of themes, fields, and/or interdisciplinary areas, it is essential to provide a qualification that enables candidates to acquire advanced skills, competencies, knowledge, and values in social work as well as a degree of independent thinking. In view of the highly specialised fields in social work, social workers in practice eagerly take up a master's qualification in a sub-field of practice. The primary pathway for obtaining a master's qualification in social work is typically through coursework, emphasizing specialised education and training aligned with various sub-fields of social work practice. This pathway not only caters to professionals seeking specialized skills in social work practice but also serves as an entry point for individuals aspiring to develop as researchers in the field, paving the way for doctoral studies and careers in academia or research.

    Social work plays a major role in addressing the many needs of South African society through social work services provided in many sectors such as government departments, business, non-governmental organisations, and in private practice. Dynamic and professionally sound leadership is vital within these sectors in order for social work to impact on social needs.

    This social work qualification is also designed to enable candidates to pursue further personal and professional development and to promote life-long learning. Continuous professional development (CPD) is required by the South African Council for Social Services Professions (SACSSP) to practice social work. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 9, totalling 180 Credits.

    Research Master's:
    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 9, 180 Credits:
  • Dissertation: Social work, 180 Credits

    Or
    Coursework Master's:
    Compulsory modules, NQF Level 9, 180 Credits:
  • Mini-dissertation in Social Work, 90 Credits.
    And

    Elective Modules, NQF Level 9, 90 Credits (Choose modules from one stream):

    Stream One:
  • Social development 1, 30 Credits.
  • Social development 2, 30 Credits.
  • Social policy, 30 Credits.

    Or
    Stream Two:
  • Social healthcare 1, 30 Credits.
  • Social healthcare 2, 30 Credits.
  • Social healthcare 3, 30 Credits.
  • Social health care: Practical, 30 Credits.
    Or

    Stream Three:
  • Play therapy with the child, 30 Credits.
  • The child in the family, 30 Credits.
  • The child in the community, 30 Credits.
  • Play therapy: Practical, 30 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate advanced application of concepts, methods, ethics, theories, and analytical processes in relation to a chosen focus area of social work and social welfare.
    2. Access, analyse, transform, and critically evaluate existing knowledge.
    3. Access, process, produce, and communicate information effectively to colleagues and other groups.
    4. Engage in independent social work research and produce findings in the form of a research report, selecting from a range of appropriate research designs, methods, techniques, and technologies in the chosen focus area.
    5. Demonstrate in-depth understanding of own position in relation to major debates within social work and the chosen field of social work and social welfare.
    6. Demonstrate specialist forefront knowledge and expertise in the chosen field of social work and the competency to apply these creatively within the chosen field.
    7. Critically analyse and evaluate the outcomes of social work interventions, techniques, strategies, or processes in the chosen field.
    8. Demonstrate advanced understanding of social work values, principles of human rights and social justice, and competency in their application in the chosen focus field. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Discuss and reflect on the context (including policy, legislation, and global issues), appropriate concepts, methods, ethics, theories, and analytical processes in the chosen field.
  • critically analyse presentations, reflect and apply relevant concepts, methods, ethics, theories, and analytical processes in the chosen field.
  • Written work on the chosen field displays a degree of intellectual independence.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Access, analyse, and transform systematically current literature and research in the chosen focus area.
  • Evaluate and demonstrate clear evidence of effective application of the principles of social work research practice.
  • Use appropriate evidence and arguments to justify conclusions and recommendations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Obtain, process, and communicate information effectively to colleagues and other groups.
  • Apply analytical skills in the presentation and display a degree of intellectual independence.
  • Convey a written and oral communication nd appropriately highlight the information to specific target groups.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Plan and conduct the research inquiry based on a range of appropriate research designs, methods, techniques, and technologies for the specific research problem.
  • Identify and demarcate research themes appropriately
  • Analyse the research theme, including a comprehensive and critical review of current literature and investigations.
  • Select research methods, techniques, and technologies based on a clear understanding of social work research theory and practice.
  • Critically and coherently describe theoretical arguments in research reports, the research process, methodology, results, conclusions and recommendations.
  • Apply research report skills in extrapolating key findings, justifiable conclusions, and make feasible recommendations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Motivate own position to specific debates based on a sound integration of relevant theory, practice, research, and a degree of independent, creative thinking.
  • Discuss one's own position and its feasibility in relation to major debates.
  • Clearly and cogently communicate written and oral explanations of own position.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Analyse the problems and issues, reflect a purposeful and critical application of advanced theory, current knowledge, and expertise in the focus area.
  • Intervene and/or recommend purposeful and creative plans to seek solutions based on theory and proven methods in the chosen field.
  • Discuss and/or interventions, reflect and apply advanced and appropriate skills, strategies and techniques in accordance with corresponding theoretical assumptions in the chosen field.
  • Include the appropriate research and/or interventions and creative use of social work tools and/or data relevant to the chosen field.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Evaluate and comprehensively describe outcomes of interventions, techniques, strategies or processes in relation to the stated goals and in accordance with corresponding theoretical assumptions.
  • Evaluate and critically analyse outcomes in accordance with the identified needs and issues within the chosen focus area.
  • Evaluate and purposefully use as the basis for planning, implementation, and recommendations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Discuss how the integration of social work values with human rights principles and social justice is reflected in the chosen focus field.
  • Describe and apply social work values, human rights principles, and social justice in the selected focus field.
  • Analyse, reflect and/or practice the purposeful application of social work values, human rights principles and social justice in the selected focus field.
  • Analyse and/or practice the ethical principles guiding social work practice in the selected focus field.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The Master of Social Work by research is assessed through a dissertation by independent research on an approved topic in a chosen field of study. The dissertation will be presented to internal as well as external examiners for assessment.

    The Master of Social Work by coursework is assessed through both formative and summative assessment (ratio of 40/60%). Assessment is done in both contact and online assessment modalities.

    The following integrated assessment methods are used to ensure that exit levels are achieved:
  • Written assignments and/or assessments.
  • Seminars
  • Written examinations

    An independent research report assessed by two external assessors or an internal assessor and at least one external assessor. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The South African Master of Social Work aligns with the internationally recognized standards and practices as outlined by the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW) and the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW). The global standards for social work education and training, established by these organizations, ensure that social work qualifications maintain a consistent and high-quality framework worldwide.

    Comparison with Social Work qualifications in other Countries.

    Country: United Kingdom:
    Institution: University of Edinburgh
    Qualification Title: Master of Social Work (MSW)
    Duration: 2 years full-time.
    Credits: 240 UK credits (equivalent to 120 ECTS credits).
    Entry Requirements:
  • An undergraduate degree in social work or a related field, relevant work experience, and English proficiency (IELTS 7.0).

    ELOs/Content/Modules:
  • Core areas include social work theory, practice skills, research methods, ethics, and specialised fields such as child protection and mental health.

    Assessments:
  • A combination of coursework, practical placements, and a dissertation.
    Articulation:
  • Graduates can progress to doctoral studies or advanced professional practice roles.

    Country: United States of America
    Institution: Columbia University
    Qualification Title: Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW)
    Credits: 60 credits (equivalent to approximately 30 ECTS credits).
    Duration: 2 years full-time.
    Entry Requirements:
  • A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, relevant work or volunteer experience, and English proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS).

    ELOs/Content/Modules:
  • Core curriculum includes human behavior in the social environment, social work practice, policy analysis, research, and specialized tracks in fields such as health, mental health, and family services.

    Assessments:
  • Mix of coursework, fieldwork placements, and a capstone project.

    Articulation:
  • Opportunities for doctoral programs, leadership roles in social services, or specialized clinical practice.

    Similarities and Differences:
  • Entry Requirements: Both countries require a related undergraduate degree and relevant experience, emphasizing the importance of a strong foundational knowledge and practical experience.
  • ELOs/Content/Modules: The core areas of study are similar, focusing on theory, practice, ethics, and specialized fields. Both programs ensure a comprehensive education that prepares graduates for advanced practice.
  • Credits: The credit systems differ, reflecting the different academic structures, but both require substantial coursework and fieldwork.
  • Assessments: Both use a mix of theoretical and practical assessments, including dissertations or capstone projects.
  • Duration: The standard duration is 2 years full-time, ensuring an in-depth educational experience.
  • Articulation: Both qualifications provide pathways to doctoral studies and advanced professional roles, highlighting their focus on career development and academic progression.

    The Master's qualification in Social Work in South Africa aligns with the Global Standards for Social Work Education and Training adopted by the IASSW and IFSW.

    These standards emphasise the following:
  • Quality of Education: Ensuring a high level of academic and professional training.
  • Competency-Based Learning: Focusing on developing advanced skills, knowledge, and values required for effective social work practice.
  • Ethical Practice: Upholding the principles of human rights and social justice as fundamental to the profession.
  • Research and Innovation: Encouraging independent thinking and research to contribute to the development of the field.
  • Lifelong Learning: Promoting continuous professional development to maintain competence and advance in the profession.

    Conclusion:
    The South African Master's qualification in Social Work is comparable to international qualifications in terms of entry requirements, educational outcomes, content, duration, and progression opportunities. It adheres to global standards, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for advanced practice and leadership roles within the social work profession, both locally and internationally. This comparability supports learner mobility and enhances the qualification's recognition and value on a global scale. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Arts, NQF Level 9
  • Master of Child Care and Protection, NQF Level 9
  • Master of Arts in Social and Behavioural Studies (HIV-AIDS), NQF Level 9
  • Master of Social Work in Clinical Social Work, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Social Work in School Social Work, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Development Studies
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Social Work, NQF Level 10.

    Diagonal Articulation:
    There is no registered qualification for diagonal articulation. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Recorded in 2015. 

    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.
     
    1. University of Pretoria 


    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.