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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Bachelor of Social Work 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
23994  Bachelor of Social Work 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Social Work 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
The individual Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary for each Learning Programme recorded against this qualification is shown in the table at the end of this report.  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National First Degree(Min 480)  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  480  Level 7  NQF Level 08  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 091/21  2021-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2030-06-30  

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 
The purpose of this professional four-year qualification is to equip learners with:
  • 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.
  • The ability and competence to assist and empower individuals, families, groups, organisations and communities to enhance their social functioning and their problem-solving capacities.
  • The 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.
  • The 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.
  • The skills to work effectively within teams, including social work teams, multi- and inter-disciplinary teams as well as multi-sectoral teams.

    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. This qualification aims to meet these demands and consequently there are no exit levels in Social Work other than at pre-2009 NQF Level 7 (new NQF Level 08). However, this does not prevent providers from awarding a qualification at NQF Level 5 or 6 provided that the words `Social Work` are not included in the qualification`s title.

    The ethical parameters of social work education, training and practice, require that learners must be registered with the SACSSP (South African Council for Social Service Professions) as student social workers.

    The successful completion of the qualification will enable the learner to be registered with the SACSSP and practise as a social worker.

    Rationale:

    This qualification is designed to meet the core purposes of Social Work which are 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 Federation of Social Workers and International Association of Schools of Social Work, 2000].

    South Africa has adopted the social development paradigm of welfare, thus supporting a people-centred approach to social and economic development. Social work plays a major role in addressing the many development needs of South African society through social work services provided within many sectors such as government departments, businesses, non-governmental organisations and in private practice.

    Lack of social cohesion, poverty and inequality constitute major threats to a country`s social, economic and political development. South Africa now has the highest Gini co-efficient in the world, with an exceptionally rapid developing black middle class, so much so that the Gini co-efficient within the Black communities is close to the national norm. This indicates a pattern change - with exceptionally high rates of inequality emerging within population groups, with the socio-economic status of the majority of people essentially remaining unchanged. This situation results in fermenting disappointment and conflict. Social work plays a major role in addressing the needs of individuals, families, groups and communities. It is also the task of social workers to act as advocates and watch-dogs for the poorest and most marginalised members of our society; to help people identify the impact of social and economic oppression and exclusion; and to engage people in social action to alter socio-economic structures and to improve their life circumstances.

    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.

    Given the rights of civil society and the ethical requirements of the profession, heavy weighting is given in this qualification to the development of practitioners who are critically reflective and able to practise within the value perspective of the social work profession. The overarching values that guide social work education and training are social justice and respect for all.

    The social work qualification is also designed to enable learners to pursue further personal and professional development and to promote life-long learning. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Learners who register for this qualification must have the following skills equivalent to NQF Level 4:
  • Reading, writing, listening and speaking in English as at least 80% of all textbooks and documentation are in English.
  • The ability to undertake independent learning.

    A typical applicant will have a NQF Level 4 qualification, equivalent to matriculation with full exemption or an appropriate access-route qualification approved by the service provider. A learner with the FET Certificate in Social Auxiliary Work (NQF Level 4) will gain access to the Social Work qualification.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    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 NQF Level 4 qualification) may be considered for admission into the social work programme. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    N/A 

    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. Produce and maintain records of social work interventions, processes and outcomes.

    Range:
    Records include, for example situational analyses, assessments, process, progress and statutory reports as well as correspondence relating to client systems.

    6. Evaluate the outcomes of social work intervention strategies, techniques and processes.

    7. Terminate social work intervention.

    8. Negotiate and utilise contracts during social work intervention.

    9. 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.

    10. Appraise and implement the ethical principles and values of social work.

    11. Use, plan and execute social work research.

    Range:
    Includes knowledge and appropriate application of the various research designs and methodologies used.

    12. Work effectively with social workers and members of inter-sectoral and multi- and/or inter-disciplinary teams in social service delivery.

    13. 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.

    14. Analyse human behaviour with regard to the intersections of race, class, culture, ethnicity, gender, differential abilities and sexual orientation.

    15. Critically appraise social welfare and social work from a global, regional (African) and national perspective.

    16. Critically appraise the current status and position of the social work profession within the South African welfare context.

    17. Apply and uphold the basic values and principles enshrined in the Bill of Rights in the S.A. Constitution in relation to social work service delivery.

    18. 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.

    19. 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.

    20. Demonstrate understanding of how social welfare policy and legislation are developed and influenced.

    21. Demonstrate understanding of the roles, functions, knowledge and skills for effective social work supervision and consultation.

    22. Demonstrate understanding of roles, functions, principles and characteristics of management and administration within social service delivery.

    23. Formulate a business plan for the funding of to fund social services.

    24. Identify the influence of the relationship between socio-political and economic factors on social services.

    25. Demonstrate understanding of the roles and functions of the social worker within relevant statutory frameworks.

    26. Identify how social security is used optimally for the benefit of client systems.

    27. Identify the purpose, functions and principles of social work within the social development paradigm.

    Critical Cross-field Outcomes:

    The exit level outcomes and the associated assessment criteria listed above are consistent with the following Critical Cross-field Outcomes listed in Section 7(3) of the NSB Regulations:
  • Identify and solve problems using critical and creative thinking. (Exit Level Outcomes 2, 3, 4, 6, 11, 13, 17, 19, 23, 25)
  • Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation and community. (Exit Level Outcomes 3, 4, 12, 13, 18, 21, 22, 25)
  • Organise and manage oneself and one`s activities responsibly and effectively. (Exit Level Outcomes 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 11, 13, 22, 25)
  • Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information. (Exit Level Outcomes 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 19)
  • Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation. (Exit Level Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 11, 13, 23)
  • Demonstrate cultural and aesthetic sensitivity in dealings with clients, colleagues and communities. (Exit Level Outcomes 1-27)
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation. (Exit Level Outcomes 1-27)
  • Demonstrate ethical and professional behaviour. (Exit Level Outcomes 1-27)
  • Lay the foundation for life-long learning and ongoing competency. (Exit Level Outcome 12, 13, 21) 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1.1 Professional relationships are purposefully founded on knowledge of and insight into the nature of client systems and their dynamics.
    1.2 Professional relationships are characterised by the purposeful implementation of social work principles at the individual, family, group, community and organisational level.
    1.3 Professional relationships clearly demonstrate an understanding of ethical parameters.
    1.4 Enabling environments are created for client systems to develop their full capacity.

    2.1 Assessments reflect the ability to undertake a comprehensive analysis of client systems` needs and strengths.
    2.2 Analyses of client systems` needs and strengths reflect the application of appropriate theoretical frameworks.
    2.3 Assessments demonstrate the use of appropriate social work tools and data.
    2.4 Assessments clearly reflect the influence and impact of social circumstances and social systems on client systems` functioning.
    2.5 Assessments demonstrate a holistic approach to client systems` social functioning.
    2.6 Assessments result in, as far as is reasonable and possible, mutually agreed upon goals.
    2.7 Assessment processes and conclusions are recorded clearly, systematically and accurately.

    3.1 Intervention plans take into account social systems impacting on client systems` functioning.
    3.2 Intervention plans are based on assessment and the appropriate use of strategies and techniques to achieve identified goals.
    3.3 Intervention strategies, models and techniques are based on comprehensive assessment of client systems.
    3.4 Intervention strategies and techniques are purposefully aimed at the achievement of identified goals.
    3.5 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).
    3.6 Intervention strategies and techniques are appropriately implemented in accordance with corresponding theoretical assumptions.
    3.7 Interventions include the appropriate use of social work tools and data.

    4.1 Resources that are identified and utilised are appropriate to client systems` needs, strengths and goals.
    4.2 Referrals to appropriate resources are made according to agreed upon methods of referral.
    4.3 Networking with resources and organisations is linked directly to the needs of client systems.

    5.1 Client systems` files contain all relevant reports according to agreed upon time frames, standards and procedures.
    5.2 Reports contain accurate details of all intervention activities, processes and outcomes according to agreed upon or prescribed formats.
    5.3 Reports are channelled as per prescribed procedures, when necessary.

    6.1 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.
    6.2 Evaluations are purposefully used as the basis for planning, termination and implementation of on-going services.
    6.3 Evaluations demonstrate a capacity for self-awareness and reflection.

    7.1 Wherever feasible, termination of services is mutually agreed to by the relevant parties and occurs in accordance with social work principles.
    7.2 Preparation of client systems for termination of services is timeous and realistic.
    7.3 Termination is based, as far as is reasonable and possible, on the achievement of goals and the client systems` ability to function independently.
    7.4 All administrative aspects of termination are completed in accordance with professional requirements.

    8.1 Contracts contain, as far as is reasonable and possible, mutually agreed upon principles, expectations, goals and procedures.
    8.2 Contracts are used to guide practice with clients.
    8.3 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.

    9.1 Assessments, intervention plans, strategies, techniques, and outcomes analyses reflect sensitivity for diversity and the ability to work with diverse client systems.
    9.2 Practice demonstrates awareness of different viewpoints and values, and the ability to appreciate these in relation to one`s own views and values.
    9.3 Assessments explicitly include analyses of possible elements of diversity that may impact on the professional relationship.
    9.4 Interaction and teamwork within the practice context reflect understanding and acceptance of diversity.
    9.5 Referrals are appropriate to and in accordance with the unique needs of client systems.

    10.1 Practice demonstrates awareness of, and ability to implement social work values and ethical principles.
    10.2 The practical implications of ethical principles and values for social work practice are critically appraised.
    10.3 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.
    10.4 The potential impact of personal life experiences and personal values on social work practice is clearly recognised.

    11.1 Research reports reflect knowledge of, and skills in, social work research.
    11.2 Research reports display a critical appreciation of the link between knowledge construction, research and social work practice.
    11.3 Research proposals reflect a well-formulated plan for the research.
    11.4 Research ethics are clearly identified and considered in the design and implementation of research activity.
    11.5 Descriptions reflect knowledge of both quantitative and qualitative research paradigms; research designs; sampling procedures; and methods of data collection and data analysis.
    11.6 Interpretations of data and the recommendations are consistent with data analyses and study findings.
    11.7 Practice demonstrates the application of social science theory and research.
    11.8 Research processes are executed in accordance with accepted research protocol.

    12.1 Descriptions clearly indicate the purpose and value of the team approach in social work services.
    12.2 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.
    12.3 The definitions of social auxiliary work and social work highlight the differences between the two and their relationship with each other.
    12.4 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.
    12.5 The critical role played by social auxiliary work within the social welfare context is substantially motivated.
    12.6 Practice clearly reflects a critical understanding of the contribution made and valuable role played by volunteers in social service delivery.
    12.7 Practice reflects the ability to identify and work with sectors relevant to the identified social problem or issue.
    12.8 The roles and functions of team members in a given context, relevant to the learner`s field placement, are clearly identified.
    12.9 Practice reflects the ethics of teamwork.

    13.1 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.
    13.2 The specific social issue (e.g. homosexuality, gender discrimination, HIV/AIDS, disability) that must be targeted as an area of intervention is clearly described.
    13.3 The social and cultural context against which the intervention takes place is clearly elucidated.
    13.4 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.
    13.5 Practice demonstrates the ability to assist individuals, families, groups and/or communities to explore alternative identities in order to enhance self-esteem.
    13.6 Practice reflects efforts to engage people as change agents, advocates and/or lobbyists by building on their strengths and resources.

    14.1 Analyses clearly elucidate how individual, family, group and community identities are formed in relation to socio-structural forces of oppression and/or exclusion.
    14.2 Analyses provide clear indications of how social differentiation and social stratification pave the way for prejudice, ethno-centricism and discrimination.
    14.3 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.

    15.1 Analyses reflect a clear understanding of the key elements, functions and principles of social welfare and social work.
    15.2 Descriptions clearly distinguish between the similarities and differences between social welfare and social work.
    15.3 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.
    15.4 The various models of social welfare are critically examined in terms of their impact on social service delivery.
    15.5 Descriptions contain a clear understanding of the historical and current trends in social welfare and social work on individuals, families, groups and communities.

    16.1 The core characteristics and qualities of a profession are outlined with reference to the social work profession.
    16.2 The defining characteristics of social work, as a profession, are clearly articulated.
    16.3 The relationship between social work and other social service professions is critically evaluated in terms of roles, responsibilities and functions.
    16.4 The influence of the language and intent of policy documents on the image and status of social work in South Africa is critically appraised.

    17.1 The provisions of the Bill of Rights are clearly described.
    17.2 The basic values and principles underlying the Bill of Rights are clearly extrapolated.
    17.3 The relationship between the values and principles of the Bill of Rights and those of the social work profession is critically evaluated.
    17.4 The social worker`s role and functions in protecting and promoting human rights are identified in practical terms.
    17.5 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)
    17.6 An appropriate plan/strategy is developed to address the infringement of human rights.

    18.1 The respective structure, roles and functions of each sphere of government and their inter-relationships are clearly outlined.
    18.2 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.
    18.3 Descriptions of relevant sections of legislation and charters include their impact on social welfare policy and social work practice.
    18.4 Descriptions of the South African judicial system include the structure, roles and powers of the various courts as well as those of social workers.

    19.1 The nature and extent of social issue/s are clearly described.
    19.2 Analyses provide a clear explanation of how social issue/s impact on individuals, families, groups and communities.
    19.3 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.
    19.4 Limitations of the social policy/policies that negatively impact on social service delivery and beneficiaries are clearly identified and described.
    19.5 Practice reflects the ability to utilise welfare legislation ethically and accountably in the interests of client systems.
    19.6 Proposals for amendments of a social policy are motivated and justified for the purpose of improving social services to beneficiaries.

    20.1 Descriptions reflect the steps and phases involved in the process of social policy and legislation development.
    20.2 Role players involved in formulating social policy and legislation at national and provincial levels are identified in terms of the functions that they perform.
    20.3 The means by which individuals, families, groups, organisations and communities can influence social policy and legislation, are clearly identified.
    20.4 An appropriate plan/strategy is developed to influence social policy and /or legislation in respect of at least one social issue.

    21.1 The roles and responsibilities of the supervisee and the supervisor are clearly articulated.
    21.2 The transition from the role of supervisee to the role of supervisor is clearly described.
    21.3 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.
    21.4 The differences and similarities between supervision and consultation are clearly identified.
    21.5 The role and responsibilities of the consultant are clearly described.
    21.6 The ethical implications of supervision and consultation are clearly articulated.
    21.7 Practice reflects the ability to utilise supervision effectively.

    22.1 The qualities, principles and characteristics of management and administration are clearly articulated.
    22.2 The skills, roles and duties of a social work manager and administrator are clearly described.
    22.3 The types and theoretical underpinnings of modern management systems are described and critiqued.
    22.4 Descriptions reflect a basic understanding of management and administration functions and tasks.
    22.5 Meeting procedures and the roles of office bearers are clearly explained.

    23.1 Plans reflect explicit and feasible aims and objectives consistent with an identified problem.
    23.2 Plans elucidate anticipated outcomes within designated time frames.
    23.3 Plans specifically contain measures for the sustainability of the programme/project.
    23.4 Plans reflect a clear and realistic budget.

    24.1 The impact of prevailing socio-political ideology and funding policies on organisational functioning is clearly identified.
    24.2 The challenges facing social service agencies in relation to technological advances and diminishing social service expenditure are clearly described.

    25.1 Policies and legislation in respect of areas such as criminal justice, mental health and child and family care are clearly described.
    25.2 The roles and functions of the social worker in relation to the different courts and court procedures are clearly described.
    25.3 Practice reflects ability to work in accordance with statutory and legal requirements and to carry out orders of the court.

    26.1 Descriptions reflect knowledge of the different types of social security benefits available to people in South Africa.
    26.2 Descriptions reflect knowledge of how social security benefits are accessed.
    26.3 The relationship between social security benefits and poverty alleviation is clearly described.

    27.1 The relationship between the purpose, functions and principles of social work and those of social development is clearly described.
    27.2 Descriptions reflect a clear understanding of the relationship between economic and social development.
    27.3 Descriptions reflect a clear understanding of the importance of local economic development through income generation and job creation strategies.
    27.4 Strategies for human and social capital formation within the social development paradigm are identified clearly.
    27.5 The links between micro and macro development issues are clearly described.

    Integrated Assessment:

    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 arena. This has been verified through the South African structures affiliated to the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW). The IASSW recently formulated a draft document on Global Qualifying Standards for Social Work Education and Training and this qualification, by and large, measures up to the standards contained in the global document. This was verified with the Chairperson of the Global Qualifying Standards Committee who is a South African and who serves on the SGB for Social Work.

    The qualification`s integration of theory and practice enhances the competencies of persons completing the training and will make them highly regarded and actively sought internationally. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Learners successfully completing this Social Work qualification may proceed to a Masters programme in Social Work or further learning programmes in Social Work and other related fields, depending on the electives chosen and the entry requirements of such programmes.

    Depending on the combination of credits taken, horizontal articulation will be possible with other social service professions` 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 
    Internal and external moderation arrangements must be available according to the provider`s policy. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    The minimum basic requirements for assessors of theoretical and practical learning are the following:
  • Registration with the SACSSP.
  • At least a professional degree in Social Work.
  • A minimum of 5 years appropriate experience. 
    		•

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

    NOTES 
    Course Requirements:

    The qualification contains both a theoretical and a field practice component that are inextricably intertwined and that cannot be separated in terms of credits and levels. The Exit Level Outcomes with their associated assessment criteria are also formulated to demonstrate this inter-relationship. Learners must be able to demonstrate competencies in practice, which means that they must be exposed to practical experience. Consequently, fieldwork placements occur throughout the learning programme in a variety of settings, ranging from observation and laboratory sessions to actual service delivery within a social service organisation.

    Registration with the SACSSP as a student social worker is a statutory requirement when learners actually engage in providing services to individuals, families, groups and communities. 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    LP ID Learning Programme Title Originator Pre-2009
    NQF Level    		 NQF Level Min Credits Learning Prog End Date Quality
    Assurance
    Functionary    		 NQF Sub-Framework
    7093  Bachelor of Arts: Social Work  Stellenbosch University  Level 7  NQF Level 08  480     CHE  HEQSF 
    87276  Bachelor of Social Work  Nelson Mandela University  Level 7  NQF Level 07  510     CHE  HEQSF 
    73035  Bachelor of Social Work  University of Pretoria  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  480     CHE  HEQSF 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THESE LEARNING PROGRAMMES: 
    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.
     
    LP ID Learning Programme Title Accredited Provider
    7093  Bachelor of Arts: Social Work  Stellenbosch University  
    87276  Bachelor of Social Work  Nelson Mandela University  
    73035  Bachelor of Social Work  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.