CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AND FURTHER EDUCATION

Employability: Social work graduates can work in a variety of settings and roles within civil society, the private and public sectors.

•         Within the civil society development arena, social workers can assume roles such as project manager, programme director, monitoring and evaluation coordinator, manager of welfare organisations, training and development facilitators, community development workers/officers, advocacy officers, disaster management officers and managers among other roles.
•         In the public sector social workers are employed in a range of roles which include among others, social welfare officers, school social workers, probation officers, counsellors, therapists, and social policy development roles.
•         In the private sector social work graduates are sought after to assume roles in occupational social work, human resources, training and development, change management consultants, customer service consultants and managing corporate social responsibility initiatives

 Further Studies: Specialised Masters and Doctoral studies in Social Work.

PROGRAMME DELIVERY

Teaching and Learning Methods: Lectures, tutorials, role plays, seminars, group work, field-based activities, work-related learning, dissertation, individual independent study.

Assessment Methods: Written and oral examinations, tests, written and practical assignments, field reports, seminar presentations, work-related learning reports, dissertations and continuous assessment.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of the programme a graduate will be able to:

• Assess client systems and their social functioning.
• Plan and implement appropriate social work intervention strategies and techniques when working with individuals, groups and communities
• Plan, and execute social work research and utilisation of findings to inform social work intervention.
• Understanding how social welfare policies and legislation are developed and influenced.
• Understand roles, functions, knowledge and skills for effective social work supervision.
• Identify the purpose, functions and principles of social work within the developmental social work paradigm
• Formulate project plans for funding social services.
• Work effectively in an inter-sectoral and multi- and/or inter-disciplinary setting to deliver social services.
• Understanding of roles, functions, principles and characteristics of management and administration within social service delivery.

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

Module                                                                                                                    Credits

Level 1 Semester 1

SWK131Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare                                                    12

SWK132 Ethics and Values in Social Work                                                                         12

PSY132 Introduction to Psychology                                                                                     12

PSY133 Introduction to Social Psychology                                                                          12

SOC 131 Introduction to Sociology                                                                                      12

HCS 135 Introduction to Information Technology                                                               12

CS131  Communication Skills                                                                                  12

Level 1 Semester 2

SOC139 Introduction to Social Anthropology                                                                      12

SWK133 Human Behaviour and the Social Environment                                                    12

Elective Modules (choose four)

PSY137 Psychology of Counselling                                                                                      12

SOC 214 Sociology of Development                                                                                    12

SOC418 Rural and Urban Development                                                                               12

SWK134 Criminal Justice System in Zimbabwe                                                                  12

SWK135 Advanced and Contemporary Theoretical Perspectives in SW                             12

HRM 117 Principles of Human Resource Management                                                       12

Level 2 Semester 1

SWK231 Introduction to Social Work with Individuals and Families                                  12

SWK 232 Introduction to Social Work with Groups                                                             12

SWK 233 Introduction to Social Work with Communities                                                   12

SWK 234 Socio-Economic Development                                                                             12

GSS 231Gender Studies for Social Sciences                                                                         12                     

ENT 235Entrepreneurship                                                                                                     12

 Level 2 Semester 2

SWK236 Advanced Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families                            12

SWK237 Advanced Social Work Practice with Groups                                                       12

SWK238 Advanced Social Work Practice with Communities                                              12

SWK 239 Research Methods and Statistics                                                                          12

Elective Modules (choose two)

SWK240 Occupational Social Work                                                                                     12

SOC208 Sociology of Organisations                                                                                     12

PSY235 Human Resources Psychology                                                                                12

 Level 3 Semester 1

SWK 330 Work Related Learning Placement Report                                                           40

 Level 3 Semester 2

 SWK 341 Industrial Attachment/ Work- Related Learning Report                                                   30                     

SWK 342 Work Supervisor Reportand Oral Presentation                                                    20

SWK 343 Academic Supervisor Report                                                                                30

Level 4 Semester 1

SWK 431 Social Policy                                                                                            12

SWK 432 Advanced Research Methods in Social Work                                                      12

SWK 433 Child Protection                                                                                                    12

SWK 434 Management and Administration of Social Welfare Organisations                     12

SWK435 Integrated Fields of Social Work Practice                                                             12

SWK436 Disaster Management                                                                                            12

Level 4 Semester 2

SWK437 435 Research Project                                                                                             36

Elective Modules (choose three)

SWK438 Programme design and management                                                                     12

SWK439 Social Entrepreneurship                                                                                         12

SWK440 Humanitarian Practice in Emergencies                                                                               12

SWK441 Social Planning and Social Development                                                              12

PSY433 Organisational Psychology                                                                                      12

MODULE SYNOPSES

SWK131 Introductions to Social Work and Social Welfare

This module introduces students to the social work profession by looking at the basic functions and mission of social work. It examines the historical development of the profession of social work. The module explores the International, African and Zimbabwean historical narratives on the history and growth of social work as a profession. Students shall also be introduced to the major intervention methods of social work practice as well as the social service delivery structures as mirrored in the social welfare system. The historical commitment of the social work profession to social justice and the elimination of poverty shall be a major theme of this module. As such, the module provides a comprehensive grounding for social work students and gives them a fuller appreciation of what the profession entails.

 SOC 131 Introduction to Sociology

In this module, students gain a theoretical foundation for understanding social issues. The module begins with a discussion of the theoretical origins of Sociology, its key concepts, similarities and differences with other social science subjects. Students are expected to acquire critical, analytical and practical skills that will also serve them in other social science modules as well. Students are introduced to some critical evaluation of discourse on the nature, antecedents and trends in sociological theorising.

 PSY 133 Introductions to Psychology

The module introduces students to the fundamental principles of Psychology. It is designed to not only provide the tools necessary to study human behaviour and mental processes but to also present a sample of the major areas of Psychology as a discipline. The module explores the integrative domains of Psychology inclusive of biological, evolutionary, cognitive, developmental, social and clinical psychology. There will be a comprehensive coverage of core concepts, which are grounded in both classic studies, and in current and emerging research, including reference to the DSM-5 in discussions of psychological disorders. The emphasis of the module is two-fold: Firstly, to enable students to appreciate the diversity and richness of the discipline of Psychology; Secondly, to acquaint students with important principles, theories, concepts and findings in Psychology.

CS 131 Basic Communication Skills

Refer to the Department of Communication Skills.

HCS 135 Introduction to Information Technology

Refer to the Department of Information Systems.

PSY 133   Social Psychology

This module builds students’ knowledge of the scientific understanding of the nature and causes of individual and group behaviour and thought processes in social settings. It studies concepts that enable an understanding of the way people think about, feel, and behave, and how they influence and are influenced by others. Students are introduced to perspectives, research methods, and empirical findings of Social Psychology. Topics covered include impression formation, conformity, prosocial behaviour, interpersonal attraction, persuasion, stereotyping and prejudice. Throughout the module, emphasis will be placed on developing critical and integrative ways of thinking about theory and research in Social Psychology

ENT 235 Entrepreneurship 1

Refer to the Department of Entrepreneurship

GSS 231 Gender Studies for Social Sciences

Refer to Faculty Regulations

SOC 139 Introduction to Social Anthropology 1

The module will explore the human resources practices in the Local Government sector. The module will cover issues inclusive of, the HR legal framework in the Local Government sector, employee resourcing, human resource planning, reward management and motivation, performance management, and human resource development among other issues.

SWK 133 Human Behaviour and the Social Environment

The module on human behaviour and social environment builds on the one on Introduction to Social Work and introduces students to the theoretical perspectives regarding the person-in-environment focus which is a key premise upon which social work bases its practice. The module introduces students to the systems theory, ecological perspective and the ecosystems perspective. These theoretical perspectives shall help students to understand individuals as members of social systems such as families, groups, organisations and communities. The strengths perspective, empowerment, and resiliency constructs shall also be examined.

 PSY137: Psychology of Counselling

This module is designed to provide learners, who embark on professional studies, with a comprehensive overview of the Counselling profession with an emphasis on the need, role, qualities, relationship building and ethical practice in Counselling. Learners will be introduced to both counselling and therapeutic theories to understand their tenets and applicability to the various contexts of counselling practice such as child, adolescent, couple, career, drug abuse counselling and counselling of special populations. Learners are therefore given an opportunity to explore different counselling practical skills, techniques and process models that guide the practice of Counselling. This will be achieved through interaction and experiential learning approaches such as role-plays, which will also be analysed to prepare students on how to handle clients’ psychosocial problems.

SOC214 Sociology of Development

Refer to the regulations of the Department of Sociology.

SOC418 Rural and Urban Development

Refer to the regulations of the Department of Sociology

SWK136 Human Rights and the Law in Social Work

This module introduces social work students to the subject of human rights and the law. Students shall have a fuller appreciation of the various legislations that govern social work practice. In addition, students shall also gain knowledge and understanding of the various psycho-social perspectives on human rights and develop an understanding of challenges in the realisation of socio-economic rights. Using the law, students shall be able to engage in anti-discriminatory practice with a clear understanding of the role that social workers play in the realisation of the human rights of people and communities with whom they work.

SWK134 The Criminal Justice System in Zimbabwe

The module on the criminal justice system in Zimbabwe is designed to give social work students a foundational understanding of the criminal justice system and their role in it. This module examines the contribution of social work in the criminal justice system within the Zimbabwean context. Global best practices are also explored. The module shall equip students with a detailed understanding of the roles and skills that social workers should have and apply when implementing micro, meso and/or macro interventions in this specialised field of service. Students shall be exposed to the different perspectives and approaches in dealing with those involved and affected by crime and develop competence in applying different models of service delivery to different client systems in an integrated and multidisciplinary team approach. Diversion programmes and restorative justice processes are explored as alternative forms of sentencing, rehabilitation and delivery of justice.

SWK135 Advanced and Contemporary Theoretical Perspectives in Social Work

The module on Advanced and contemporary theoretical perspectives in social work introduces students to major theories in contemporary social work. The module is designed to engender critical thinking in students as well as foster the ability to examine and understand phenomena and issues using different theoretical lenses. Among other emerging issues and paradigms, students shall be introduced to critical and radical social work perspectives, feminist perspectives, anti-oppressive practice, conflict theory, structuralism and postmodernism. The works of theorists such as Michel Foucault, Saul Alinsky, Paulo Freire and Frantz Fanon shall be interrogated. Students shall also be introduced to the decolonisation praxis within social work as well as examining debates about indigenous social work practice.

HRM Human Resources and Management

Refer to the regulations of the Department of Human Resource Management.

PSY235 Human Resources Psychology

Refer to the regulations of the Department of Psychology.

SWK 231 Introduction to Social Work with Individuals and Families

This module introduces students to micro practice as a major method of social work that is used when working with individuals and families. The module equips students with the skills and competencies that are necessary for them to intervene and help clients using the casework method and prepares them for generalist social work practice with individuals and families. The modules emphasise the values, knowledge, processes and skills necessary for effective assessment and intervention on the micro level

SWK 232 Introduction to Social Work with Groups

Group work practice primarily involves working with small groups within which individual and shared goals of social work clients are met. The purpose of the module on social work with groups is to equip students with theoretical and practice knowledge skills necessary to utilise the group work method as a modality in enhancing the well-being of individuals within the group work context. Students shall learn about the group work process, the role of the worker and the various techniques that are necessary for effective facilitation of group work.

SWK 233 Introduction to Social Work with Communities

Social workers who practice community work endeavour to address systemic and structural issues that create social problems. As such, they work to achieve social justice through structural change. This module shall enable students to define community work, explore the historical roots of community work, examine the various components of community work, learn about the community work process and learn about one model of community development as a building block to the module on advanced macro practice. 

 SWK 234 Socio-Economic Development

The module provides students with an introduction to development as a concept as well as the theories informing development policies, development skills, articulating development issues that affect the communities and solutions to improve the socio-economic development of Third World countries. Moreso, it integrates topical issues that affect and are affected by development policies adapted in developing countries with a deliberate bias on Zimbabwe as well as the dynamics of urban and rural development. The module helps students to think systematically and analytically about the socio-economic problems and issues of Third World countries with particular reference to Zimbabwe. The module also focuses on imparting knowledge to students on the selected issues on socio-economic development like housing, education, and unemployment to mention a few. It also provides the students with skills on problem-solving and management of development in Third world countries. Furthermore, it equips students with analytical skills on policy-making and reformulation where necessary. This is crucial in assisting students to apply the principles of economic development to the world of social work focusing on objectives such as helping students develop a better understanding of the socio-economic challenges of the Third World in general and Zimbabwe in particular, assisting students to explore selected social policy areas, such as education, housing and unemployment and consider key issues and policy options and to assist students to apply socio-economic development ideologies to the social work profession.

SWK 239 Research Methods and Statistics

This module introduces students to social research methods. The module covers the following: research paradigms (positivism and anti-positivism), conceptualisation of qualitative and quantitative research methods, characteristics/qualities of qualitative and quantitative research methods, research problems, research questions, aim and objectives of a study and ethical considerations in research. It allows students to demonstrate an understanding of statistics, which includes the use of statistical tables and formulae in analysing and interpreting research data.

 SWK 236 Advanced Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families

Building on the knowledge and generic skills acquired in the introductory module on micro practice, this module is designed to deepen students’ competencies to work with individuals and families. Students shall be exposed to various theoretical approaches that can be used to work with clients. Many different practice models influence the way social workers choose to help people meet their goals. 

SWK 238 Advanced Social Work Practice with Communities

The module on advanced social work with communities builds on the knowledge that students would have acquired in the Introduction to Community Work module. It is designed to enable students to gain a detailed understanding of how communities function, and have an appreciation of the limits and possibilities of creating and sustaining change in communities. The module aims to develop students’ knowledge of the theories and skills they need to effectively engage in community work practice. Using case studies from a range of fields of practice, students shall be able to gain a fuller appreciation of the politics and complexity of community work. Vital and innovative skills in the practice of community work shall be developed.

SWK 237 Advanced Social Work Practice with Groups

This module builds on the group work knowledge and skills that are taught in the introduction to meso practice. The module aims to deepen students’ understanding of group dynamics and applicable theories when using this method of intervention. The module familiarises students to the principles of selected group work theories and techniques for effective advanced practice. As such, students shall be able to evaluate and apply theories of group dynamics and group structural variables used in social group work practice. The approaches covered include Cognitive behaviourism; Feminism; Psychoanalysis; Humanism and Empowerment/self-directed approaches. Using the approaches above, this module enables students to; plan, formulate, and implement effective group interventions with diverse populations.

SWK240 Occupational Social Work

Occupational social work (previously known as industrial social work) is an area of specialisation in social work which focuses on interventions at the workplace. It seeks to meet the welfare needs of employees whilst also contributing to the realisation of organisational goals. The module covers the following: definition of occupational social work, history of occupational social work, theories underpinning occupational social work, social problems and social issues undermining the social functioning of workers and their families (conflict, HIV and AIDS, substance abuse, sexual orientation etc.), employee assistance programmes. The module also considers corporate social responsibility initiatives. Emphasis shall be on how social workers intervene to address the myriad of problems or issues at the workplace and shall encompass interventions at micro, meso and macro levels.

SOC208 Sociology of Organisations

Refer to the regulations of the Department of Sociology.

PSY209 Human Resources Psychology

Refer to the regulations of the Department of Psychology.

SWK330 Work-Related Placement Report

The students will submit a comprehensive work placement report which shows their understanding of the organisation placed.

SWK341 Work-Related Learning Report

As part of the examination, the students will be required to submit a comprehensive academic report of their work-related learning experience to the department and it will be marked and awarded a mark that will be ratified by the departmental examinations board.

 SWK342 Work-Related Academic Supervisor’s Report

As part of the examination, the students will be assessed and awarded a mark by the academic supervisor and this will be presented to the departmental examinations board for processing of final marks.

 SWK343 Work-Related Learning Supervisor’s Report

The employer will assess the student and award a mark which will be presented to the departmental examinations board for processing of final marks.

SWK 431 Social Policy

Social policy is increasingly being considered as a method of social work practice. This module introduces students to the study of social policy and social services. Specifically, the module enables students to understand how social policies are used as instruments for promoting and safeguarding human well-being. It covers the following: Conceptualisation of social policy, objectives of social policy, determinants of social policy, social policy process, including the main actors in the policy process, models of social policy and social services in Zimbabwe. This module shall also equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to undertake meaningful social policy analysis. The module will also expose students to social policy analysis: a systematic and scientific evaluation of the extent to which a social policy can achieve its intended goals or objectives. Social policy analysis is carried out either before the policy is implemented or after the policy has been implemented. Thus, social policy analysis focuses on either the potential of the policy or its actual impact. This module shall therefore equip students with the knowledge and skills needed in undertaking meaningful social policy analysis. Students shall be exposed to the different approaches to social policy analysis. Students shall also be allowed to undertake a policy analysis of a policy of their choice.

SWK 434 Management and Administration of Social Welfare Organisations

Through career progression in various fields of practice, most social work graduates become administrators within welfare organisations and other related settings. In some cases, entry-level social workers are required to provide direct supervision and leadership to junior staff, especially paraprofessionals. It is therefore essential that social work graduates should be fully capacitated to handle management, administration and supervision functions as they enter the world of practice. To this end, this module is designed to equip students with skills in management, administration and supervision. Students will be introduced to various theories and models that are used in management and administration.

SWK 435 Integrated Fields of Social Work Practice

 This module exposes students to integrated practice in social work focusing on varied fields. Using the major methods of social work intervention students shall be introduced to specialised social work intervention focusing on persons with disabilities, community health; social work with refugees and migrant communities and gerontology among other thematic areas that will be selected in response to the prevailing socio-economic and political landscape. Each of the thematic areas shall be explored in detail and students will be taught how to integrate their theoretical and practice skills when working with these diverse population groups.

SWK 436 Disaster Management

Disaster management is an important area of practice in social work. Disaster management seeks to mitigate the negative impact of emergencies (such as natural disasters, and human-made disasters) on human well-being. The module covers the following topics: rationale for humanitarian practice, emergency assistance, disaster preparedness and recovery strategies, prevention, early warning systems, vulnerability assessments and resource mobilisation.

SWK 433 Child Protection

This module focuses on laws, policies, services and regulations that protect children from abuse, violence, neglect and exploitation. A holistic approach to the needs of children shall be adopted. Special attention shall be given to risk factors that children and their families are exposed to. Relevant topics covered include child labour, harmful cultural practices, children in need of alternative care, birth registration, child abuse (sexual, physical, psychological and neglect), child justice, child trafficking and child protection in emergencies and case management. Relevant human rights instruments shall be looked at to understand how these can be harnessed for effective child protection.

SWK432 Advanced Research Methods in Social Work

This module builds on the Introduction to Social Research Methods and seeks to enhance students’ understanding of the research process. Students are thus equipped with the knowledge and skills to undertake empirical research. The module covers the following topics: research design, research instrumentation, data collection in qualitative and quantitative research, data analysis in qualitative and quantitative research, and theoretical frameworks in research. Students shall be required to develop a research proposal.

 SWK 437 Dissertation

Students shall be required to undertake research on a topic of their choice subject to approval by the Department. The dissertation provides students with an opportunity to apply their research knowledge and skills. To this end, students shall carry out an empirical study under the guidance of a supervisor appointed by the Department. Students choose a topic relevant to social work which must be approved by the supervisor appointed by the Department. Students shall be involved in the entire research process from the conceptualisation of the study to the write-up of the dissertation. The required length of the dissertation must be between 10 000- 15000 words.

SWK438 Programme Design and Management

Programme design and management have become an integral part of the day-to-day activities in many human service organisations within the public sector, the private sector and more so in the Non-profit sector context. Given that social policies are realised via social projects and programmes, skills in project and programme design and management have become widely sought after. This module in programme design and management provides a solid educational foundation for students to be able to plan and manage successful development projects and programmes. The module combines knowledge, tools, techniques and methods that are commonly utilised in managing successful programmes and projects in any field whilst providing insight into the complex challenge of managing people-oriented development projects.

 SWK439 Social Entrepreneurship

Social entrepreneurship is a field and practice that is increasingly gaining prominence as an effective approach to social change. It is a practice that has seen business and non-profit leaders designing, growing, and leading mission-driven enterprises in a way that has led to the blurring of boundaries between the for-profit and the non-profit sector.  As the traditional lines blur between non-profit enterprises, government, and the private sector, social work students must understand both the opportunities and challenges in this new landscape. As such, the module on social entrepreneurship introduces students to this relatively new area of inquiry. Students shall largely engage in case-based learning and examine the history, development, major debates and growth of social entrepreneurship as a field of inquiry.

SWK440 Humanitarian Practice in Emergencies

Humanitarian practice in emergencies is an important area of practice in social work. Humanitarian practice seeks to mitigate the impacts of emergencies (such as natural disasters and armed conflicts) on human well-being. The module covers the following topics: rationale for humanitarian practice, emergency assistance, disaster preparedness and recovery strategies, prevention, early warning systems, vulnerability assessments and resource mobilisation.

 SWK441 Social Planning and Social Development

This module focuses on how social planning can be used to achieve the goals of social development. The strategies for achieving social development shall be examined. These strategies include investments in human and social capital, employment creation and decent work, asset building, promoting microenterprises and social protection. The focus shall also be on the nature of social planning and the theories underpinning social planning. The module also covers social planning techniques. The African Union Social Policy Framework shall be used to contextualise the drive towards social development.

PSY433: Organisational Psychology

The module gives an overview role of personnel management in organisations studying areas such as the nature and role of leadership, organizational structure and the application of psychological theories in addressing personnel problems. The module also examines the behaviour of people in various work settings within the context ofcognitive, learning, social, emotional and personality factors. It also provides knowledge on industrial psychology and its related concepts equipping students with the theoretical base of psychology from an industrial perspective