Social Development

Master of Arts by Coursework and Research Report in the field of Social Development.

Overview

Master of Arts by Coursework and Research Report in the field of Social Development: Programme code: ACA00; Plan code: AFASDEV60

This course is offered as a full-time (1 year) or part-time (2 years) postgraduate degree. It comprises of four different modules; three of the modules address relevant issues in the field of Social Development and the fourth module is a research report.

Curriculum

SOCW 7013A: Social Development

This module contextualises and conceptualises social development globally, regionally and within the South African context. Developmental Social Work and Social Welfare principles, relevant theoretical frameworks, approaches and strategies applicable to social development, as well as the process of social development are considered. This module enables students to develop in-depth knowledge and understanding of different focus areas relevant to social development. The responsibilities and contributions of various institutional role-players in social development are explored. Students will be able to debate and critique the different aspects and focus areas within a social development context.

SOCW7014A: Social Policy

This module contextualises and conceptualises social policy globally, regionally and within the South African context. The values, ideologies, and other determinants that inform and influence social policy development and analysis are discussed. Students are exposed to various theoretical frameworks, models and approaches for understanding the policy making process. This module is designed to enable students to develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the methods used and steps followed in policy making and analysis within the social development context. This module will enable students to interpret social policy outcomes, critique social policy implementation, and conduct monitoring and evaluation. Students will be skilled in using appropriate tools in advocating for policy change.

SOCW7015A: Programme Design and Management

This module contextualises and conceptualises project/programme design and management in relation to social development and social policy. Students will be equipped with in-depth knowledge and advanced skills in designing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating projects/programmes within the social development context. This module is designed to equip students with knowledge and skills to use appropriate tools and techniques in project/programme design and management. Students will gain knowledge about ethical principles, roles and functions relevant to project/programme management. Case studies on project/programme design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation (M&E) within the global, regional and South African context will be examined.

SOCW7017A: Research Report (full-time) OR

SOCW7027A: Social Development Research Report (part-time) - Part 1

SOCW7028A: Social Development Research Report (part-time) - Part 2

The completion and submission of a research report between 20 000 and 30 000 words on an approved topic relevant to the field of Social Development is required. A departmental research supervisor will guide the student during the research process.

Entry Requirements

Entrance requirements are:

  • An Honours degree with subjects in the Social Sciences, approved by the Social Work Department;
  • SAQA NQF level 8 for international Honours degrees;
  • Minimum average of 65% in the Honours degree (excluding the research mark);
  • Minimum of 65% for the Honours research report;
  • Be able to attend three one-week classes in the first year of study (full time) or three one-week classes in the first year and one week of classes in the second year of study (part time);
  • Attend a selection interview; and
  • Accepted applicants are required to attend a five-day orientation programme inclusive of a research methodology refresher course.

Please submit the Social Work Department Form with your Postgraduate Application via the self-service portal. 

Applicants who are accepted, are required to attend a five-day orientation programme inclusive of a research methodology course.

University Application Process

  • Applications are handled centrally by the Student Enrolment Centre (SEnC). Once your application is complete in terms of requested documentation, your application will be referred to the relevant School for assessment. Click here to see an overview of the Wits applications process.
  • Please apply online. Upload your supporting documents at the time of application, or via the Self Service Portal.
  • Applicants can monitor the progress of their applications via the Self Service Portal.
  • Selections for programmes that have a limited intake but attract a large number of applications may only finalise the application at the end of the application cycle.

Please note that the Entry Requirements are a guide. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee a place. Final selection is made subject to the availability of places, academic results and other entry requirements where applicable.

International students, please check this section.

For more information, contact the Student Call Centre +27 (0)11 717 1888, or log a query at www.wits.ac.za/askwits.

University Fees and Funding

Click here to see the current average tuition fees. The Fees site also provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments. Once you have applied you will be able to access the fees estimator on the student self-service portal.

For information about postgraduate funding opportunities, including the postgraduate merit award, click here. Please also check your School website for bursary opportunities. NRF bursaries: The National Research Foundation (NRF) offers a wide range of opportunities in terms of bursaries and fellowships to students pursuing postgraduate studies. External bursaries portal: The Bursaries South Africa website provides a comprehensive list of bursaries in South Africa.