University of the Free State UFS Department of Social Work

At this very moment, there are people only you can reach … and differences only you can make (Dooley). But to do this you need to study …

Social Work

“Social work is both a profession and an academic discipline that promotes social change and development, social cohesion, and the empowerment and liberation of people to address life challenges and enhance quality of life. Principles of social justice, human rights, collective responsibility and respect for diversities are central to social work” (IFSW, 2014). Therefore, the aim of our four-year undergraduate BSW qualification is to provide students with an academic and clinical professional toolkit to address, and execute the above-mentioned goals (SAQA 10105/14).

The purpose of the Bachelor of Social Work degree is to provide a well-grounded, generic, professional education that prepares reflexive graduates who are able to engage with people from micro- to macro- levels of social work, within a dynamic socio-political and economic context. The qualification is designed to equip graduates to engage people and structures to address life challenges and enhance well-being. Principles of social justice, human rights, collective responsibility and respect for diversities are central to social work and are reinforced by theories of social work, social sciences, humanities and indigenous knowledge. Therefore, the aim of our four-year undergraduate BSW qualification is to provide students with an academic and clinical professional toolkit to address, and execute the above-mentioned goals (IFSW 2014, SAQA 10105/14 and CHE 2015).

Students are exposed to practical experience in different social service organisations throughout the learning programme, thereby acquiring practical skills, social work knowledge, and the conduct necessary for the profession. Registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions as a student social worker is a statutory requirement because they engage in providing professional social services to individuals, families, groups, organisations, and communities.

Our Department of Social Work also offers a research Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) and a doctoral degree in Social Work (PhD with specialisation in Social Work). The research master’s degree requires two years’ study that entails research with the main purpose of developing advanced competencies in research and expert knowledge in the field of study. The doctoral degree is attained through a three- to four-year programme. It involves research with the focus on producing substantial, independent, in-depth, and publishable work. The research must meet international standards, must be unique or innovative, and it must make a significant contribution to the discipline or practice of social work.

Do you like the academia? Do you want to assist people, and make a difference in society? Then you are the ideal candidate for a qualification in social work.