Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

What does the programme entail?

The programme entails theoretical and professional training that leads to a professional career in social work. The discipline of social work studies social systems and people’s wellbeing in relation to the environment.

The learning outcomes of the programme include knowledge, skills and values that:

• uphold social justice and human rights;

• enhance the social functioning of individuals, families, groups and communities;

• promote sustainable communities;

• advocate for the removal of structural causes of poverty, inequality, oppression, discrimination and social exclusion;

• guide developmental social work services to individuals, families, groups, organisations and communities;

• inform social work services to protect those who are vulnerable, part of high-risk groups and unable to protect themselves;

• address social needs and issues in the South African social

• welfare policy and legislation context; and

• influence and develop social policy.

Core modules

Core modules include social work, sociology, business management and welfare law.

Elective modules

Elective modules are selected from anthropology, criminology, psychology and sociology.

Postgraduate studies

The following programmes are available:

• BAHons (Criminology);

• MSW specialised programmes in Social Development and Policy; Play-based Intervention, and Healthcare;

• Research-based master’s and doctoral studies in various fields.