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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Social Work 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
96522  Bachelor of Social Work 
ORIGINATOR
University of Venda 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National First Degree(Min 480)  Field 07 - Human and Social Studies  General Social Science 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  480  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  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
2027-06-30   2029-06-30  

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 
Purpose:
The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) programme is designed to meet the core purposes of Social work which are embedded in the following internationally accepted definition of the discipline and profession: The social work profession promotes social change, problem-solving in human relationships and the empowerment and liberation of people to enhance well-being. It utilises theories of human behaviour and social systems, social work and intervenes at the point 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].

The BSW curriculum is in line with the programme goals and the purposes of the Qualification, which are to equip learners with (BSW Qualification, 2009):
  • Skills to challenge structural sources of poverty, inequality, oppression, discrimination and exclusion.
  • Knowledge and understanding of human behaviour and social systems and the skills to intervene at the points where people interact with their environments in order to promote social well-being.
  • Ability and competence to assist and empower individuals, families, groups, organisations and communities to enhance their social functioning and their problem- solving capacities.
  • Ability to promote, restore, maintain and enhance the functioning of individuals, families, groups and communities by enabling them to accomplish tasks, prevent and alleviate distress and use resources effectively.
  • An understanding of and the ability to demonstrate Social Work values and the principles of human rights and social justice while interacting with and assisting the range of human diversity.
  • Understanding and ability to provide social work services towards protecting people who are vulnerable, at-risk and unable to protect themselves.
  • Knowledge and understanding of both the South African and the global welfare context and the ability to implement the social development approach in Social Work services.
  • Understanding of the major social needs, issues, policies and legislation in the South African Social Welfare context and the Social Worker`s role and contribution.
  • Skills to work effectively within teams, including social work teams, multi-and inter-disciplinary teams as well as multi-sectoral teams.

    The characteristics and needs of professional education are catered for in the design of the programme, in that students understand the profession for which they are being trained. The curriculum design is very explicit on the knowledge and skills/competences to be achieved by students and the importance of the ethical conduct in the profession is adequately communicated to the students. As part of the requirements to enter the profession, the Department has embarked on oath-taking ceremonies as a means of inculcating professional insight and ethical conduct among Social Work students.

    Through exposing students to formal lectures, laboratory sessions and field placements, the curriculum ensures that students master the skills, techniques and methodologies germane to professional social work practice. Field work practice and placement forms an integral of the curriculum. In the curriculum there is a clear distinction of what the department does in the area of linking the theory and practice components of the programme. Specific staff members are allocated responsibilities to coordinate field placements and to ensure that students, field supervisors and academic/university-based supervisors are guided by the curriculum specifications. The Department recently embarked on conducting dialogues with field supervisors in the Limpopo Province about the curriculum, emphasising the role that practicals play in the training of Social Work students.

    Service learning programmes are part of the institutional and academic planning; this is captured in one of the Institutions' strategic objectives called Community Engagement. The Community Engagement wing of the university facilitates work based learning opportunities for various departments in the university. Most of these opportunities are located in the neighbouring communities.

    Students are made aware of the requirement to achieve Exit Level Outcomes in order to progress through the BSW Degree programme to completion. Competences expected of students who successfully complete the programme are explicitly stated in the module outlines. All the modules taught in the programme are linked to specific outcomes and competences that must be achieved by students.

    Rationale:
    In 2007 the University of Venda, in line with a directive from the Council for Higher Education (CHE) and South African Council of Social Services Professions (SACSSP), introduced the new Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Degree, which is based on the 27 Exit Level Outcomes. The BSW programme was approved by the relevant university structures, such as the School Board, Senate and the University Council.

    The BSW is designed to meets the needs of the social welfare and social services sector. The BSW programme is accredited by the South African Council of Social Services Professions (SACSSP), a professional body that regulates the training and practice of social work in South Africa, in terms of the Social Services Professions Act 110 of 1978.

    The candidates of the BSW will operate in various employment opportunities as a Social Worker, Programme Manager, Lecturer and etc.

    As stated, this is a professional qualification. The needs of South Africa and employers demand that Social Workers are well grounded in general practice with knowledge, understanding and skills in a variety of settings. Social workers are equipped to deal with many of the consequences of social inequality, poverty and marginalisation. These include, amongst others, high levels of unemployment, child abuse, domestic violence, crime, drug abuse and HIV/AIDS.

    Because, Social Work profession in South Africa was declared as a scarce skill by government, the University of Venda sees itself as playing a part in the alleviation of the shortage of Social Workers. The majority of students are on the National Department of Social Development (DSD) scholarship and upon completion they are required to work for DSD. However, some candidates take employment opportunities in Non-Government Opportunities (NGO's), Academia, National and Provincial Departments of Social Development, Health as well as Correctional Services. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The University of Venda has a Recognition of Prior Learning Policy in place, which is implemented by some programmes of the University. With regard to RPL, applicants who fall outside of the admissions criteria, but who can demonstrate (to the satisfaction of the service provider) that they have a qualification, experiential or Work-Based Learning (which has taken the learner to the equivalent of a Level 4 qualification) may be considered for admission into the Social Work programme. The Department of Social Work has however not admitted any candidate based on RPL yet.

    Entry Requirements:
    The Department of Social Work at the University of Venda operates within the expectations set out by the institutional policy document on admission of students. The prospective student is admitted to the university based on the achievement of 26 points. The admission of students into the University does not imply that the student has been admitted into the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) programme. The students are selected based on the highest M- Score achieved. Due to the demand in the Social Work discipline, students with the above- mentioned points have found it difficult to be selected into BSW programme. Students are selected on the basis of academic performance (highest points scored). The Department has however developed an admissions policy which derives from the institutional Policy on Admissions. The departmental policy also attempts to guide the university with regard to the intake of students as prescribed by the South African Council for Social Services Profession (SACSSP).

    South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) requires that an applicant for BSW must have the following:
  • Level 4 Qualification (equivalent to full Matriculation Exemption).
  • Appropriate access route qualification approved by the service provider.
  • Further Education and Training (FET) Certificate in Social Auxiliary work (Level 4).
  • Recognition of Prior Learning for applicants with a qualification experiential learning.
  • Reading, writing and speaking in English.
  • The ability to undertake independent learning.

    To ensure that the students are able to meet the level of complexity as required for BSW programme; as stipulated by SAQA's requirement, the University of Venda's admission procedure states that:
  • The student must be in possession of a Matriculation Certificate with at least a D symbol in English Standard Grade or an E symbol in English Higher Grade.
  • Have satisfied the provisions for admission and registration as set out in the calendar as well as the rules for the School of Human and Social Sciences.
  • Have passed a selection test.
  • National Senior Certificate and an adequate achievement in English. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    Modules in the programme are coherently planned with regard to content, credits and rules of combination, as reflected in Part 6 of the calendar. This content is informed by the prescribed Exit Level Outcomes (ELOs) and the Associated Assessment Criteria (AACs). For the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) programme, the requirement is that 320 of the 510 Credits be on core Social Work content. Rules of combinations are reflected in the University Calendar (Part 6: School of Human and Social Sciences).

    Through the prescribed core, fundamental and elective modules, the BSW programme at the University succeeds in graduating Social Work students in accordance with nationally accepted standards in South Africa.

    In terms of credits, the entire BSW Degree consists of 510 Credits distributed as follows:
  • Core Modules, 320 Credits.
  • Fundamental Modules, 10 Credits.
  • Elective Modules, 180 Credits.

    The 320 social work core credits are designed to meet the minimum standards of the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACCSP) and South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). All the theory modules are valued at 10 Credits and all practical work modules are valued at 20 Credits, and research at 30 Credits.

    Core Modules:
  • Introduction to Social Work, 10 Credits.
  • Core Elements of Social Work, 10 Credits.
  • Practical Work; Self and Social Awareness, 20 Credits.
  • Introduction to Social Work Methods of Intervention, 10 Credits.
  • Assessment in Social Work, 10 Credits.
  • Human Behaviour and the Social Environment, 10 Credits.
  • Legislation and Social Functioning, 10 Credits.
  • Practical Work in Social Work (Integrated Methods), 20 Credits.
  • Practical Work in Social Work (Casework), 20 Credits.
  • Intermediate Social Work Intervention, 10 Credits.
  • Specialised Areas in Social Work, 10 Credits.
  • Social Work Related Policies, Legislation and Practice, 10 Credits.
  • Introduction to Research in Social Work, 10 Credits.
  • Practical Work: Group Work, 20 Credits.
  • Practical Work: Community Work, 200 Credits.
  • Advanced Social Work: Marriage Counselling and Family Guidance, 10 Credits.
  • Special Problems areas in Social Work, 10 Credits.
  • Social Work Management and Supervision, 10 Credits.
  • Social Work Research Project, 30 Credits.
  • Advanced Practical: Casework, 20 Credits.
  • Advanced Practical: Group Work, 20 Credits.
  • Advanced Practical: Community Work, 20 Credits.

    The programme design makes a reasonable balance between theoretical, practical and research components of learning. There are specific exit level outcomes and competences linked to both theory and practice to ensure a deliberate achievement of integration of theory and practice. In ensuring provision for a reasonable balance of theoretical, practical and experiential components of learning, a variety of educational activities are employed, such as:
  • Assignments.
  • Case studies.
  • Field work and block placement.
  • Individual and group presentations.
  • Laboratory sessions.
  • Lectures.
  • Observations.
  • Research projects and reports.
  • Self-studies.
  • Seminars and supervision. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Develop and maintain professional social work relationships with client systems. Range: Includes individuals, families, groups, communities and organisations.
    2. Assess client systems' social functioning. Range: Social functioning includes roles, needs, interactions, strengths, challenges and aspirations.
    3. Plan and implement appropriate social work intervention strategies and techniques at micro, mezzo and macro levels. Range: Micro level refers to the individual, family and small, informal group. Mezzo level refers to formal organisations, groups and networks. Macro level includes broader levels of community and society as well as international and global spheres.
    4. Access and utilise resources appropriate to client systems' needs and strengths. Range: Resources may include physical, financial, technological, material and social, as well as relevant professionals and persons.
    5. Evaluate the outcomes of Social Work intervention strategies, techniques and processes.
    6. Terminate social work intervention.
    7. Negotiate and utilise contracts during Social Work intervention.
    8. Demonstrate social work values while interacting with human diversity. Range: Human diversity Includes race, culture, religion, ethnicity, language, sexual orientation, political orientation, age, differential abilities, and socio- economic status.
    9. Appraise and implement the ethical principles and values of Social Work.
    10. Use, plan and execute Social Work Research. Range: Includes knowledge and appropriate application of the various research designs and methodologies used.
    11. Work effectively with Social Workers and members of inter-sectoral and multi- and/or inter- disciplinary teams in social service delivery.
    12. Identify, select and implement various techniques, methods and means of raising awareness, developing critical consciousness about the structural forces of oppression, exclusion and disempowerment, and use such awareness to engage people as change agents.
    13. Analyse human behaviour with regard to the intersections of race, class, culture, ethnicity, gender, differential abilities and sexual orientation.
    14. Critically appraise Social Welfare and Social Work from a global, regional (African) and national perspective.
    15. Critically appraise the current status and position of the Social Work profession within the South African Welfare context.
    16. Apply and uphold the basic values and principles enshrined in the Bill of Rights in the South African Constitution in relation to Social Work service delivery.
    17. Elucidate national, provincial and local governance structures, and the general laws and charters governing social welfare policy and social work services in South Africa. Range: Relevant sections include the Non-Profit Organisations' Act, the Social Services Professions Act, the National Advisory Council's Act, the Social Assistance Act, the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, the Skills Development Act, the Labour Relations Act and Agreements such as the International Convention on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the African Charter on Human and People's Rights.
    18. Demonstrate understanding of how Social Policies and Legislation on Social Issues impact on these issues and how to use legislation ethically and accountably in order to protect and improve the quality of life of client systems from a social work perspective. Range: Pertinent social issues may include poverty, unemployment, HIV/AIDS, child abuse and neglect, drug abuse, disabilities, domestic violence, prostitution, compulsive gambling, crime and housing.
    19. Demonstrate understanding of how Social Welfare Policy and Legislation are developed and influenced.
    20. Demonstrate understanding of the roles, functions, knowledge and skills for effective Social Work supervision and consultation.
    21. Demonstrate understanding of roles, functions, principles and characteristics of management and administration within social service delivery.
    22. Formulate a business plan for the funding of social services.
    23. Identify the influence of the relationship between socio-political and economic factors on social services.
    24. Demonstrate understanding of the roles and functions of the Social Worker within relevant statutory frameworks.
    25. Identify how social security is used optimally for the benefit of client systems.
    26. Identify the purpose, functions and principles of Social Work within the social development paradigm. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Professional relationships are purposefully founded on knowledge of and insight into the nature of client systems and their dynamics.
  • Professional relationships are characterised by the purposeful implementation of social work principles at the individual, family, group, community and organisational level.
  • Professional relationships clearly demonstrate an understanding of ethical parameters.
  • Enabling environments are created for client systems to develop their full capacity.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Assessments reflect the ability to undertake a comprehensive analysis of client systems' needs and strengths.
  • Analyses of client systems' needs and strengths reflect the application of appropriate theoretical frameworks.
  • Assessments demonstrate the use of appropriate Social Work tools and data.
  • Assessments clearly reflect the influence and impact of social circumstances and social systems on client systems' functioning.
  • Assessments demonstrate a holistic approach to client systems' social functioning.
  • Assessments result in, as far as is reasonable and possible, mutually agreed upon goals.
  • Assessment processes and conclusions are recorded clearly, systematically and accurately.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Intervention plans take into account social systems impacting on client systems' functioning.
  • Intervention plans are based on assessment and the appropriate use of strategies and techniques to achieve identified goals.
  • Intervention strategies, models and techniques are based on comprehensive assessment of client systems.
  • Intervention strategies and techniques are purposefully aimed at the achievement of identified goals.
  • Interventions reflect the appropriate application of a range of skills (Range of skills includes, for example communication, problem- solving, networking, negotiation, mediation, advocacy and interviewing skills).
  • Intervention strategies and techniques are appropriately implemented in accordance with corresponding theoretical assumptions.
  • Interventions include the appropriate use of Social Work tools and data.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Resources that are identified and utilised are appropriate to client systems' needs, strengths and goals.
  • Referrals to appropriate resources are made according to agreed upon methods of referral.
  • Networking with resources and organisations is linked directly to the needs of client systems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Evaluations clearly describe the outcomes of the intervention strategies, techniques and processes utilised in relation to the stated goals and client systems' strengths and needs.
  • Evaluations are purposefully used as the basis for planning, termination and implementation of on-going services.
  • Evaluations demonstrate a capacity for self-awareness and reflection.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Wherever feasible, termination of services is mutually agreed to by the relevant parties and occurs in accordance with Social Work principles.
  • Preparation of client systems for termination of services is timeous and realistic.
  • Termination is based, as far as is reasonable and possible, on the achievement of goals and the client systems' ability to function independently.
  • All administrative aspects of termination are completed in accordance with professional requirements.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Contracts contain, as far as is reasonable and possible, mutually agreed upon principles, expectations, goals and procedures.
  • Contracts are used to guide practice with clients.
  • Contracts contain an exposition of possible results/consequences of breaching the mutually agreed upon principles, expectations, goals and procedures for both the practitioner and the client system.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Assessments, intervention plans, strategies, techniques, and outcomes analyses reflect sensitivity for diversity and the ability to work with diverse client systems.
  • Practice demonstrates awareness of different viewpoints and values, and the ability to appreciate these in relation to one's own views and values.
  • Assessments explicitly include analyses of possible elements of diversity that may impact on the professional relationship.
  • Interaction and teamwork within the practice context reflect understanding and acceptance of diversity.
  • Referrals are appropriate to and in accordance with the unique needs of client systems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Practice demonstrates awareness of, and ability to implement social work values and ethical principles.
  • The practical implications of ethical principles and values for social work practice are critically appraised.
  • The provisions in the Code of Ethics of the South African Council for Social Service Professions are critiqued in relation to its potential limitations and benefits.
  • The potential impact of personal life experiences and personal values on Social Work practice is clearly recognised.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
  • Research reports reflect knowledge of, and skills in, Social Work Research.
  • Research reports display a critical appreciation of the link between knowledge construction, research and Social Work practice.
  • Research proposals reflect a well-formulated plan for the research.
  • Research ethics are clearly identified and considered in the design and implementation of research activity.
  • Descriptions reflect knowledge of both quantitative and qualitative research paradigms; research designs; sampling procedures; and methods of data collection and data analysis.
  • Interpretations of data and the recommendations are consistent with data analyses and study findings.
  • Practice demonstrates the application of Social Science theory and research.
  • Research processes are executed in accordance with accepted research protocol.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11:
  • Descriptions clearly indicate the purpose and value of the team approach in Social Work services.
  • Descriptions clearly and appropriately distinguish between the individual roles and functions of the Social Work team members (Social Worker, Student Social Worker, Social Auxiliary Worker and volunteer) in social service delivery.
  • The definitions of Social Auxiliary Work and Social Work highlight the differences between the two and their relationship with each other.
  • Social auxiliary work is clearly understood as providing a supportive and complementary service to Social Work, focusing particularly on prevention, developmental services and social care.
  • The critical role played by Social Auxiliary Work within the Social Welfare context is substantially motivated.
  • Practice clearly reflects a critical understanding of the contribution made and valuable role played by volunteers in social service delivery.
  • Practice reflects the ability to identify and work with sectors relevant to the identified social problem or issue.
  • The roles and functions of team members in a given context, relevant to the learner's field placement, are clearly identified.
  • Practice reflects the ethics of teamwork.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 12:
  • Selected techniques, methods and means of awareness-raising are appropriate to the specific social issue, the social context and the level at which such awareness-raising needs to take place.
  • The specific social issue (e.g. homosexuality, gender discrimination, HIV/AIDS, disability) that must be targeted as an area of intervention is clearly described.
  • The social and cultural context against which the intervention takes place is clearly elucidated.
  • Practice demonstrates the ability to engage individuals, families, groups and/or communities in critical and reflective discussion regarding the impact of oppressive forces in their lives.
  • Practice demonstrates the ability to assist individuals, families, groups and/or communities to explore alternative identities in order to enhance self-esteem.
  • Practice reflects efforts to engage people as change agents, advocates and/or lobbyists by building on their strengths and resources.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 13:
  • Analyses clearly elucidate how individual, family, group and community identities are formed in relation to socio-structural forces of oppression and/or exclusion.
  • Analyses provide clear indications of how social differentiation and social stratification pave the way for prejudice, ethno-centricism and discrimination.
  • Descriptions clearly elucidate the relationship between social differentiation and social stratification (in respect of factors such as race, class, culture, ethnicity, gender, differential abilities and sexual orientation) and access to power, position, privilege, income, status and resources.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 14:
  • Analyses reflect a clear understanding of the key elements, functions and principles of social welfare and social work.
  • Descriptions clearly distinguish between the similarities and differences between social welfare and social work.
  • Social welfare and social work are clearly described in terms of the key stages in their historical development against the background of socio-economic and political influences.
  • The various models of Social Welfare are critically examined in terms of their impact on social service delivery.
  • Descriptions contain a clear understanding of the historical and current trends in Social Welfare and social work on individuals, families, groups and communities.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 15:
  • The core characteristics and qualities of a profession are outlined with reference to the social work profession.
  • The defining characteristics of Social Work, as a profession, are clearly articulated.
  • The relationship between social work and other social service professions is critically evaluated in terms of roles, responsibilities and functions.
  • The influence of the language and intent of policy documents on the image and status of Social Work in South Africa is critically appraised.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 16:
  • The provisions of the Bill of Rights are clearly described.
  • The basic values and principles underlying the Bill of Rights are clearly extrapolated.
  • The relationship between the values and principles of the Bill of Rights and those of the Social Work profession is critically evaluated.
  • The social worker's role and functions in protecting and promoting human rights are identified in practical terms.
  • The relevant resources, available to the social worker for the protection of human rights are clearly identified (Resources include the Public Protector, the Human Rights Commission, the Commission for Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities and the Commission for Gender Equality).
  • An appropriate plan/strategy is developed to address the infringement of human rights.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 17:
  • The respective structure, roles and functions of each sphere of government and their inter-relationships are clearly outlined.
  • The roles and functions of the three spheres of government in the provision of Social Welfare services, and in the development of Social Welfare Policy and Legislation, are clearly identified.
  • Descriptions of relevant sections of legislation and charters include their impact on Social Welfare Policy and Social Work practice.
  • Descriptions of the South African judicial system include the structure, roles and powers of the various courts as well as those of Social Workers.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 18:
  • The nature and extent of social issue/s are clearly described.
  • Analyses provide a clear explanation of how social issue/s impact on individuals, families, groups and communities.
  • Key strengths and weaknesses of current social policies and legislation concerning the social issue/s are identified and evaluated in relation to social work's values and principles.
  • Limitations of the social policy/policies that negatively impact on social service delivery and beneficiaries are clearly identified and described.
  • Practice reflects the ability to utilise welfare legislation ethically and accountably in the interests of client systems.
  • Proposals for amendments of a Social Policy are motivated and justified for the purpose of improving social services to beneficiaries.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 19:
  • Descriptions reflect the steps and phases involved in the process of Social Policy and Legislation development.
  • Role players involved in formulating social policy and legislation at national and provincial levels are identified in terms of the functions that they perform.
  • The means by which individuals, families, groups, organisations and communities can influence social policy and legislation, are clearly identified.
  • An appropriate plan/strategy is developed to influence social policy and/or legislation in respect of at least one social issue.
  • The roles and responsibilities of the supervisee and the supervisor are clearly articulated.
  • The transition from the role of supervisee to the role of supervisor is clearly described.
  • The advantages and disadvantages of the different models (including conventional one-to-one supervision, group supervision, peer supervision, and the use of case- conferences and staff development programmes as supervisory contexts) of supervision are clearly described.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 20:
  • The differences and similarities between supervision and consultation are clearly identified.
  • The role and responsibilities of the consultant are clearly described.
  • The ethical implications of supervision and consultation are clearly articulated.
  • Practice reflects the ability to utilise supervision effectively.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 21:
  • The qualities, principles and characteristics of management and administration are clearly articulated.
  • The skills, roles and duties of a Social Work Manager and Administrator are clearly described.
  • The types and theoretical underpinnings of modern management systems are described and critiqued.
  • Descriptions reflect a basic understanding of management and administration functions and tasks.
  • Meeting procedures and the roles of office bearers are clearly explained.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 22:
  • Plans reflect explicit and feasible aims and objectives consistent with an identified problem.
  • Plans elucidate anticipated outcomes within designated time frames.
  • Plans specifically contain measures for the sustainability of the programme/project.
  • Plans reflect a clear and realistic budget.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 23:
  • The impact of prevailing socio-political ideology and funding policies on organisational functioning is clearly identified.
  • The challenges facing social service agencies in relation to technological advances and diminishing social service expenditure are clearly described.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 24:
  • Policies and legislation in respect of areas such as criminal justice, mental health and child and family care are clearly described.
  • The roles and functions of the Social Worker in relation to the different courts and court procedures are clearly described.
  • Practice reflects ability to work in accordance with statutory and legal requirements and to carry out orders of the court.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 25:
  • Descriptions reflect knowledge of the different types of social security benefits available to people in South Africa.
  • Descriptions reflect knowledge of how social security benefits are accessed.
  • The relationship between social security benefits and poverty alleviation is clearly described.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 26:
  • The relationship between the purpose, functions and principles of Social Work and those of social development is clearly described.
  • Descriptions reflect a clear understanding of the relationship between economic and social development.
  • Descriptions reflect a clear understanding of the importance of local economic development through income generation and job creation strategies.
  • Strategies for human and social capital formation within the social development paradigm are identified clearly.
  • The links between micro and macro development issues are clearly described.

    Integrated Assessment:
    All assessment practices in the Department of Social Work are guided by the university's assessment policy. The Department has developed its own assessment policy derived from the university's assessment policy. Different manners of assessment are clearly stipulated in both policies. The Department is currently using both formative and summative forms of assessment, as stipulated in the assessment policy. These forms of assessment are reflected in each course outline.

    Throughout the qualification programme the following assessment strategies are used to ensure that exit level and critical cross-field outcomes are achieved:
  • Written assignments, tests (or examination equivalent tests) and/or examinations.
  • Fieldwork reports on different methods of social work practice; case-studies; class presentations.
  • Observations of field practice.
  • Joint evaluations with agency-based field supervisors and with learners.
  • Simulations in structured learning environments.
  • Oral examinations.
  • Portfolios of learning materials and independent research projects.

    Fieldwork is individually supervised and assessed on an individual and/or group basis. In addition, assessment for suitability for the profession takes place on a continuous basis in relation to each learner. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification compares favourably to similar qualifications in the international field. This has been verified through the South African structures affiliated to the International School of Social Work (ISSW) which University of Venda is part of. The qualification's integration of theory and practice enhances competencies of persons completing the training and will make them highly regarded and actively sought internationally.

    The Degree type, its Assessment Criteria and Outcomes are in line with/aligned to the University of Ljubljana in Slovenia; University of Keele in England and Hochschule Angewandte Wissenschaft und Kuenste (HAWK) University in Germany. The programme also provides quality research that is comparable with international research standards. It is a fourth year programme which allows candidates to enrol for any related Masters' Degree internationally. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Depending on the combination of credits taken, horizontal articulation will be possible with other Social Service professions in Level 9 programmes, for example, Child and Youth Care, Probation Work and Community Development. Horizontal articulation will also be possible with other disciplines such as Gender Studies, Psychology and Sociology. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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 Venda 


    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.