Yearbooks

Programme: MSW Social Development and Policy (Coursework)

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Code Faculty Department
01251076 Faculty of Humanities Department: Social Work and Criminology
Credits Duration NQF level
Minimum duration of study: 1 year Total credits: 180 NQF level:  09

Programme information

Closing date for applications: 31 July annually.

Admission requirements

  1. BSW degree or equivalent
  2. A cumulative weighted average of at least 65% at final-year level
  3. Registration at the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) or with a relevant professional body, where applicable

Additional requirements

  • At least two years appropriate practice experience.
  • A compulsory module in research methodology, namely MWT 864, must be passed.

Pass with distinction

A student passes with distinction when an average mark of 75% is achieved for the core modules and the mini-dissertation, subject to a minimum of 70% for the mini-dissertation.

Minimum credits: 90

Core modules

  • Module content:

    *Closed - requires departmental selection
    Conceptualisation and application of knowledge and skills of a developmental approach to social welfare, social work, social services and social development within an international, Southern African and South African perspective. Overview of the macro-socioeconomic, political and environmental context in which social welfare, social development and social work are implemented. New challenges for the implementation and facilitation of the developmental approach on all intervention levels in various practice settings.

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  • Module content:

    *Departmental selection
    Conceptualising and contectualising social welfare and economic development in addressing poverty and inequalties. The relatedness between human, social and economic development and how social work can implement and facilitate integrated sustainable community and social development. The place and role of participation, capacity building and empowerment of communities, and in particular that of women, in sustainable community and social development. Identification and analyses of challenges for social and economic development and the role of social work in the integration of social and economic development.

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  • Module content:

    *Departmental selection
    The role and impact of politics and socio-economic development on the conceptualization and implementation of social policy for development from a international, Southern African and South African context. The process and skills of policy analysis, policy formulation, policy communication and policy implementation. The principles and challenges of the political role of the social worker in the influencing, formulation and execution of social policy.

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  • Module content:

    *Departmental selection
    Research ethics, research approaches, types of research, research designs and research process as applicable to social work.

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Minimum credits: 90

Core modules

  • Module content:

    A comprehensive report (80-100 pages) on an approved research project based on independent research in a specialist field in social work selected in consultation with a supervisor. Scholastic and advanced research of selected specialist area including the planning, resourcing and managing of processes. Accountability for achieving and evaluating personal and/or group output.

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The information published here is subject to change and may be amended after the publication of this information. The General Regulations (G Regulations) apply to all faculties of the University of Pretoria. It is expected of students to familiarise themselves well with these regulations as well as with the information contained in the General Rules section. Ignorance concerning these regulations and rules will not be accepted as an excuse for any transgression.

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