MA Social Work (Occupational)

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

Overview

Master of Arts in Social Work by Coursework and Research Report in the field of Occupational Social Work: Programme code: ACA14; Plan code: APASOCW61

The occupational social work programme is offered on a part-time basis only and comprises two theory courses which address relevant issues in the specialised field of occupational social work, as well as a two-year practical internship. In addition, students are required to complete a research report in the field of occupational social work.

Curriculum

SOCW 7018A: Advanced Theory and Practice in Occupational Social Work

This course defines what occupational social work practice is and explores why it is a specialised field of social work.  Students are exposed to various models and theoretical frameworks of occupational social work in order to understand current discourses in the field.  Students are given the opportunity to learn and be equipped with advanced knowledge and skills to intervene on micro, meso and macro methods of practice in an occupational setting. The course also addresses issues that emerge from working in a secondary setting, such as ethical dilemmas and professional practice. In addition, the course examines current trends in South African work settings, the development and relevance of employee assistance and wellness programmes, employees at risk and workplace policy.

SOCW7020A: Contextual issues For Advanced Occupational Social Work Practice

This course emphasises the contextual environment in which the occupational social worker works and how macro factors need to be analysed, considered, and understood in order to ensure that occupational social work intervention is holistic and appropriate to the employee and the organisation. Macro-level factors such as societal, economic and transformational change are explored in order to provide students with frameworks with which to understand and analyse legislatory requirements and dynamics that organisations are required to operate within. Both sociological and psychological perspectives of work are explored in order to equip students to analyse the work environment through different lenses.   

SOCW7023A: Occupational Social Work Research Report - Part 1

SOCW7024A: Occupational Social Work Research Report - Part 2

The student is required to submit a research report of not less than 20 000 words and not more than 30 000 words on an approved topic relating to occupational social work. A research supervisor will guide the student during the research process.

SOCW7029A and SOCW7030A: Advanced Field Practice in Occupational Social Work

Each student’s field instruction programme is individualised and aims to take into account the needs of students, the objectives and structure of their employing organisations as well as the course requirements.  Students are required to conduct individual counselling sessions with employees, to facilitate groups in the workplace (educational or therapeutic) and to implement a change management project in their organisation. Students register for this course over two years: SOCW7029A in the first year of study and SOCW7030A in the second year of study.

Entry Requirements

Entrance requirements include the following:

  • The successful completion of a four year Bachelor or Honours degree in Social Work, with a minimum average of 65% in the final year of study (excluding the research report mark);
  • A minimum of 65% for the undergraduate social work research report is required;
  • At least two years’ work experience as a social worker;
  • Registered with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) as a social worker;
  • A SAQA NQF level 8 for international Honours degree in Social Work;
  • Be able to attend five weeks of classes in the first year of study and one week in the second year of study; and
  • The successful outcome of the selection process, which includes the completion of a written assignment and attendance at an interview with a Selection Committee.

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

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.