School Social Work

Overview

Master of Arts in Social Work by Coursework and Research Report in the field of School Social Work: Programme code: ACA17; Plan code: AFASCWS62

This course is offered on a part-time basis over two years of study. It comprises of two theory courses which provide students with in-depth knowledge in school social work to critically analyse and address relevant matters in the specialised field of study. In addition, students are required to use advanced skills to implement applicable interventions on micro, meso and macro levels within the educational context during advanced field practice over two years. Lastly, students are required to do a research study and complete a research report relevant to the field of school social work.

Currently, this is the only programme in School Social Work in South Africa.

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities with your MA in Social Work in the field of School Social Work include:

• Practicing as a School Social Worker registered with the SACSSP in your private capacity
• Employment in the public sector, especially in the Department of Social Development and/or the Department of Education
• Employment in the Independent Schools System
• An academic career, researching and lecturing in the specialised field of School Social Work

Curriculum

SOCW7033A: Advanced Theory and Practice in the field of School Social Work

This course introduces key concepts about school social work as a specialised field of social work. The course consists of an in-depth analysis of the ethics, norms and standards of school social work. It examines the educational context, applicable legislations, policies, and procedures. Fundamental theoretical perspectives and methods of social work applicable in the educational setting are examined. The course also critically interrogates proficiency in dealing with cultural diversity and reflects on the contribution of school social workers as part of the multi-disciplinary team in addressing the emotional, socio-economic, and behavioural barriers to learning preventing learners from achieving their full potential.

SOCW7034A: Contextual Issues in the field of School Social Work

This course focuses on relevant societal issues affecting the progress and performance of learners. The course consists of an in-depth analysis of a combination of complicated social problems (poverty, substance use, gender-based violence, different forms of abuse, school violence, health issues) confronting learners and hindering them to develop their capabilities and reach their potential in becoming empowered and independent citizens. The course also examines different methods of interventions on different levels and provides candidates with advanced skills to empower and capacitate learners, teachers and parents to adequately deal with barriers to learning.

SOCW7031A: Advanced Field Practice in School Social Work - Part 1

In year one, this course focuses on the integration of advanced skills in working with individuals and families. It equips students to do holistic assessments of the learners' contexts and to undertake applicable brief interventions within the educational context.

It also provides critical feedback to the necessary role players as a member of the multi-disciplinary team within the school context. The course also examines different direct methods of interventions in school social work on different levels and provides students with advanced skills to support, empower and capacitate learners, teachers and parents to adequately prevent, early detect and deal with barriers to learning.

SOCW7032A: Advanced Field Practice in School Social Work - Part 2

In year two, this course focuses on the integration of advanced skills in working with groups and school communities. It equips students to do holistic assessments of the learners' and educational contexts to undertake applicable group (meso) and community (macro) interventions within the educational context to prevent and early detect barriers to learning. The course also examines different direct methods of interventions in school social work on different levels and provides students with advanced skills to support, empower and capacitate learners, teachers and parents to prevent, early detect and adequately deal with barriers to learning.

SOCW7035A: School Social Work Research Report - Part 1

The course examines the key components of research and explores the different research paradigms, approaches, and designs; the formulation of research questions, aims and objectives and/or hypotheses; the critical value of the literature review; population, sample and sampling procedures; different research instruments and methods of data collection and data analysis. In addition, it provides students with the fundamentals of validity and reliability or trustworthiness of research and ethical principles to consider when doing research. This course is designed to equip candidates to formulate and finalise a research proposal in year one.

SOCW7036A: School Social Work Research Report - Part 2

Early in year two, students apply for ethics clearance through one of the Wits University Human Research Ethics Committees. Once ethics clearance has been obtained, data collection commences. Collected data are analyse and writing up the findings or results in a research report that is submitted for examination is the final step in the process.

Entry Requirements

The entry requirements are:

• The successful completion of a Bachelor of Social Work (four-year curriculum) 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% from the undergraduate social work research report;
• At least two years' work experience as a social worker preferably within a school setting will be an advantage;
• Registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP). If candidates are going to undertake their field practice in another country, then they need to be registered as a social worker with the professional board of the specific country;
• A SAQA NQF level 8 for international Honours degree in Social Work;
• Able to attend four class weeks in the first year of study and two class weeks in the second year of study; and
• Attend an interview with a Selection Committee

Please note: The entrance requirements allow your application to be considered; it does not guarantee admission.

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

University Application Process

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.