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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 THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Master of Social Work 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
23995  Master 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.  SFAP - Sub-framework Assignment Pending 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  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  180  Level 8 and above  NQF Level 09  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 0160/05  2006-10-03  2007-06-27 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2008-06-27   2011-06-27  

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 is replaced by: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
58582  Master of Social Work  Level 8 and above  NQF Level 09  180  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
The purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifiers with:
  • Advanced research skills in a chosen field of social work.
  • The competencies to access, analyse, process, transform and critically evaluate existing knowledge in order to achieve an integrated synthesis of the research field.
  • The knowledge and skills to engage in independent social work research, selecting from a range of appropriate research designs, technologies, methods and techniques in the chosen focus area of social work.
  • The ability to produce and communicate the research findings.

    This qualification also allows access to continuation of learning on NQF Level 8, namely the PhD in Social Work.

    Rationale:

    This qualification is designed to provide advanced expertise and research skills in a chosen field, thereby promoting the achievement of social work's core purposes.

    Due to the fact that social work encompasses such a broad spectrum of themes, fields and/or inter-disciplinary areas, it is essential to provide a research qualification that enables candidates to demonstrate advanced research skills, competencies, knowledge and values in a specific focus field.

    Social work plays a major role in addressing the many 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. Dynamic and professionally sound leadership is vital within these sectors in order for social work to impact on social needs.

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

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Candidates who register for this qualification must have NQF Level 7 qualification in Social Work and be registered with the SACSSP as a Social Worker.

    Applicants who fall outside of the above criteria, but who can demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the service provider, that they have an appropriate, related qualification, experiential or work-based learning, which has taken the candidate to the equivalent of an NQF Level 7 Social Work qualification, may be considered for admission into this social work programme.

    Given the ethical parameters of social work education, training and practice, learners must be registered with the SACSSP (South African Council for Social Service Professions) as Social Workers, in terms of section 17 of the Social Service Professions Act, 1978. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    N 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    N/A 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    A qualifier will demonstrate the following competencies:

    1. Demonstrate advanced application of concepts, methods, ethics, theories and analytical processes in relation to a chosen focus field of social work and social welfare.

    2. Access, analyse, transform and critically evaluate existing knowledge by systematically and effectively applying the principles of social work research practices.

    3. Engage in independent social work research and produce and communicate findings in the form of a research report selecting from a range of appropriate research designs, methods, techniques and technologies in the chosen focus area.

    4. Access, process, produce and communicate information effectively to colleagues and other groups.

    On completion of this NQF Level 8 qualification, qualifiers are expected to demonstrate the following exit level outcomes according to the associated assessment criteria:

    1. Demonstrate advanced application of concepts, methods, ethics, theories and analytical processes in relation to a chosen focus area of social work and social welfare.

    2. Access, analyse, transform and critically evaluate existing knowledge by systematically and effectively applying the principles of social work research practices.

    3. Engage in independent social work research and produce and communicate findings in the form of a research report selecting from a range of appropriate research designs, methods, techniques and technologies in the chosen focus area.

    4. Access, process, produce and communicate information effectively to colleagues and other groups.

    Critical Cross-field Outcomes:

    All four of 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.
  • Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation and community.
  • Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.
  • Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
  • Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation.
  • Demonstrate cultural and aesthetic sensitivity in dealings with clients, colleagues and communities.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
  • Demonstrate ethical and professional behaviour.
  • Lay the foundation for life-long learning and ongoing competency. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1.1 Discussions reflect a clear understanding of the context (including policy, legislation and global issues), appropriate concepts, methods, ethics, theories and analytical processes in the chosen field.
    1.2 Presentations reflect the appropriate application of the relevant concepts, methods, ethics, theories and analytical processes in the chosen field.
    1.3 Written work on the chosen field displays critical analyses and a degree of intellectual independence.

    2.1 Current literature and research are accessed, analysed and transformed systematically in the chosen focus area.
    2.2 Evaluations demonstrate clear evidence of effective application of the principles of social work research practice.
    2.3 Conclusions and recommendations are justified by the use of appropriate evidence and arguments.

    3.1 The research inquiry is planned and conducted on the basis of a range of appropriate research designs, methods, techniques and technologies for the specific research problem.
    3.2 Research themes are appropriately identified and demarcated.
    3.3 Analyses of the research theme include a comprehensive and critical review of current literature and investigations.
    3.4 Selected research methods, techniques and technologies are based on a clear understanding of social work research theory & practice.
    3.5 Research reports critically and coherently describe theoretical arguments, the research process, methodology, results, conclusions and recommendations.
    3.6 Research reports reports display skill in extrapolating key findings, justifiable conclusions and making feasible recommendations.

    4.1 Discussions reflect the ability to obtain, process and communicate information effectively to colleagues and other groups.
    4.2 Presentations display analytical skills and a degree of intellectual independence.
    4.3 Written and oral communication convey and appropriately highlights the information to specific target groups.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Assessment to ensure that exit level and critical cross-field outcomes are achieved is based primarily on an independent research report.

    The report must be evaluated by an internal assessor and at least one external assessor. 

    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. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Qualifiers with an NQF Level 8 Social Work qualification may proceed to a Doctoral programme in Social Work (NQF Level 8).

    Articulation possibilities exist both within the tertiary institution offering the Social Work programme and across tertiary institutions. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Internal and external moderation must be available according to the provider's policy. However, external moderation must be available for candidates at Exit Level 8. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    The minimum basic requirements for assessors are the following:
  • Internal assessors must be registered with the SACSSP and possess at least a Masters degree in Social Work (NQF Level 8).
  • External assessors must have an appropriate qualification and/ or appropriate experience in the chosen focus area.

    Assessors must be registered with the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    NOTES 
    This qualification has been replaced by qualification 58582, which is "Master of Social Work", Level 8, 180 credits.

    Registration of providers:

    Providers must be registered as such by the relevant ETQA. 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some of their learning programmes are moved to being recorded against the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replacement.
     
    LP ID Learning Programme Title Originator Pre-2009
    NQF Level    		 NQF Level Min Credits Learning Prog End Date Quality
    Assurance
    Functionary    		 NQF Sub-Framework
    73021  Master of Social Work  University of KwaZulu-Natal  Level 8 and above  NQF Level 09  180  2027-06-30  CHE  HEQSF 
    115470  Master of Social Work in Employee Assistance Programmes  University of Pretoria  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  180       HEQSF 
    115468  Master of Social Work in Health Care  University of Pretoria  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  180       HEQSF 
    115469  Master of Social Work in Play Therapy  University of Pretoria  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  180       HEQSF 
    115471  Master of Social Work in Social Development and Policy  University of Pretoria  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  180       HEQSF 
    72940  Master of Social Work: Clinical Practice  University of KwaZulu-Natal  Level 8 and above  Level N/A:Pre-2009 was L8+  208  2018-12-31  CHE  HEQSF 
    16351  Master of Social Work: Clinical Practice  University of Natal  Level 8 and above  NQF Level 09  208  2009-06-30  Was CHE until Last Date for Achievement  HEQSF 
    73022  Master of Social Work: Welfare Policy  University of KwaZulu-Natal  Level 8 and above  Level N/A:Pre-2009 was L8+  720  2018-12-31  CHE  HEQSF 
    81810  Master of Social Work: Welfare Policy: Social Development  University of KwaZulu-Natal  Level 8 and above  NQF Level 09  720     CHE  HEQSF 
    16352  Master of Social Work: Welfare Policy: Social Development  University of Natal  Level 8 and above  NQF Level 09  720  2009-06-30  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
    73021  Master of Social Work  University of KwaZulu-Natal  
    72940  Master of Social Work: Clinical Practice  University of KwaZulu-Natal  
    73022  Master of Social Work: Welfare Policy  University of KwaZulu-Natal  
    81810  Master of Social Work: Welfare Policy: Social Development  University of KwaZulu-Natal  


    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.