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
84629  Master of Social Work 
ORIGINATOR
Nelson Mandela University 
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  Preventive Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Level 8 and above  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
  • To equip learners with advanced in depth knowledge and skills to enable to work effectively with individuals, couples, families and small groups as clinical practitioners in a variety of contexts;
  • to prepare them for employment in the public and private sectors and private practice;
  • to develop a well rounded professional that can work holistically using an ecological systems perspective with a developmental, strengths and preventative focus. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • A four-year Bachelors degree in Social Work or a Honours Bachelors degree in Social work.
  • Registration as a social worker with the Council for Social Service Professions.
  • At least two years employment as a social worker after completion of a fourth year qualification.
  • Selection requirements set out by the Department of Social Development Professions. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Specific Exit-level Outcomes

    Qualifying graduates will be able to work effectively in a wide range of contexts.

    Learners will be able to:

    Practical Competencies

    1.1 Identify, analyse, assess and intervene in complex problems and concerns presented by client systems utilising appropriate theories, methods, techniques and strategies for its solution.
    1.2 Adapt to new challenges and seek innovative solutions to problems in the lives of human systems.

    Foundational Competencies

    1.3 Demonstrate mastery of sophisticated theoretical material that aims to facilitate change processes in the lives of micro sized systems.
    1.4 Analyse and critically evaluate the literature that relates to the field of clinical social work.
    1.5 Challenge available knowledge and theories and generate new approaches to existing problem conditions.

    Reflexive Competencies

    1.6 Demonstrate the ability to conduct independent research through the application of advanced research methodology and to disseminate research findings to relevant stakeholders.
    1.7 Act as consultant in the area of research specialisation and communicate findings in publications and at conferences [linked to critical outcome].
    1.8 To make value judgement in line with the profession's accepted Code of ethics.

    2. Critical Cross-field Outcomes

    The graduate will be able to:

    2.1 Think critically and creatively throughout the processes of change and intervention in which he/she might engage in (specific outcome 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3).
    2.2 Collect, analyse, synthesize and critically evaluate information pertaining to practice and concerns of people as members of micro systems (specific outcome 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 and 1.4).
    2.3 Utilise information effectively to affect and facilitate the process of change in the lives of systems with which they are dealing (specific outcome 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3).
    2.4 Communicate and engage effectively and in depth with micro sized systems (specific outcome 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 and 1.4).
    2.5 Use social science technology in a responsible manner in order to facilitate change in the lives of micro systems (specific outcome 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.5 and 1.8).
    2.6 Work from a holistic ecological systems perspective with a sensitivity for the interconnectedness of systems and the inherent strengths and diversity which they are bringing to the contact (specific outcome 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.5 and 1.8).
    2.7 Continue growth as a professional person and contribute towards the development of knowledge and expertise in the area of specialization (specific outcome 1.6, 1.7 and 1.8).
    2.8 Work effectively as a member of inter-disciplinary teams to address the concerns that affects the lives of micro systems specific outcome (1.7 and 1.8).
    2.9 Assist with the education and training of undergraduates through a process of consultation and supervision (specific outcome 1.8). 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The criteria for assessing learners are based on the learning outcomes listed, whereby they must be able to:
  • Generate a comprehensive and theoretically sound intervention plan for a specific system based on sophisticated theories and strategies for intervention;
  • Generate assessment criteria and tasks that reflects the ability to work in depth with human concerns;
  • Demonstrate the mastery of a wide selection of intervention models and the ability to integrate them where possible and appropriate;
  • Evaluate their intervention strategies and change the efforts accordingly where necessary;
  • Research an area of interest within the programme and suggest innovative ways and means to deal with the specific issue or concern.
  • Work effectively as a member of an inter-disciplinary team to ensure the best possible service to a client system.

    Strategies for Integrated Assessment

    The strategies that will be used to ensure that the specific and critical cross-field outcomes are achieved are:
  • At least 5 video and or audio recordings of work with a specific sized client system that demonstrates the application of relevant theories and models of intervention;
  • At least three complete case records and/or presentations used at case conferences;
  • Documentation that illuminates understanding of (a) a selected primary model or strategy of intervention; and (b) a secondary model or strategy of intervention;
  • A critical analysis and evaluation of the above (self- and peer assessment).

    A research treatise on a selected area of interest relevant of the area of study and/or the programme. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal level
  • Subject to admission requirements of the Programmes the learner can articulate to Masters in Health and Welfare within NMMU.
  • The qualification will also grant the bearer entrance into private practice and registration with the South African Association for Social Workers in Private Practice.

    Vertical level

    This qualification is recognised by other universities nationally and will provide the graduate with the entrance requirements to doctoral studies at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University as well as other universities. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Theoretical (coursework) modules will be moderated internally and externally.
  • Examination papers will be externally moderated.
  • Assignments, conferences, case presentations, workshops will be moderated by external examiners and experts from the field of clinical practice. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
  • Assessors should at least have a Masters qualification in Social Work.
  • Assessors should be registered at the Council for Social Service Professions.
  • Assessors should have a minimum of at least two years practical experience.
  • Supervisor, co-supervisor and external examiners should at least be in possession of a Masters degree in Social Work. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2009; 2012; 2015. 

    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. Nelson Mandela University 


    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.