Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work

Duration: 2 years

Credit Load: 430

Minimum Credit Load: 360

Maximum Credit Load: 430

Maximum MBK Credit Load: 285

ZNQF Level: 9

PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAMME

The Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work programme offers a generic social work education that prepares students to practice as qualified social workers in a variety of social work settings.

The programme also aims at producing social workers with the competencies to practice, not only in Zimbabwe but regionally and internationally as well. The programme helps students to understand the genesis of socio-economic problems and their impact on human well-being. Students are expected to use this as the basis for designing appropriate intervention strategies to restore or enhance human well-being.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

For all entry pathways candidates must have at least five Ordinary Level subjects/ National Foundation Certificates including English Language at grade C or better.

Normal Entry: A good pass in any sociology and psychology degree from any recognized

University. Students enrolled on this programme should have passed the following courses;

Introduction to Psychology
Introduction to Sociology
Introduction to Social Anthropology
Introduction to Social Psychology
Communication Skills

Special Entry: Any other relevant qualification in line with the Zimbabwe National Qualifications Framework (ZNQF), awarded by a recognised university, college or institute.

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

DSWK531Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare 15

DSWK532 Ethics and Values in Social Work 15

DSWK534 Introduction to Social Work with Individuals and Families 15

DSWK534 Introduction to Social Work with Groups 15

DSWK535 Introduction to Social Work with Communities 15

DSWK536 Human Behaviour and the Social Environment 15

Elective Modules (choose one)

DSWK546 Occupational Social Work 15

DSWK549 Theoretical Perspectives in Social Work 15

Level 1 Semester 2

DSWK537 Advanced Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families 15

DSWK538 Advanced Social Work Practice with Communities 15

DSWK539 Advanced Social Work Practice with Groups 15

DSWK540 Integrated Fields of Social Work Practice 15

DSWK545 Disaster Management 15

Elective Modules (choose three)

DSWK541 Human Rights and the Law in Social Work 15

DSWK542 The Criminal Justice System in Zimbabwe 15

DSWK543 Advanced and Contemporary Theoretical Perspectives in SW 15

DSWK544 Social Planning and Social Development 15

DSWK547 Program Design and Management 15

DSWK548 Humanitarian Work in Emergencies 15

Level 2 Semester 1

DSWK631 Socio-Economic Development 15

DSWK632 Social Policy 15

DSWK633 Management and administration of social welfare organisations 15

DSWK634 Research Methods in Social Work 15

DSWK635 Social Entrepreneurship 15

DSWK636 Child Protection 15

Level 2.2

DSWK638 Research Project 45

DSWK639 Work- Related Learning

MODULE SYNOPSES

SWK531 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.

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.

DSWK541 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.

DSWK542 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.

DSWK543 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 decolonization praxis within social work as well as examining debates about indigenous social work practice.

DSWK533 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.

DSWK534 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.

DSWK535 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.

DSWK631 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 of 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 socio-economic challenges of the Third World in general and Zimbabwe in particular, to assist 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.

DSWK634 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.

DSWK537 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. Building on

DSWK538 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.

DSWK539 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 with 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.

DSWK546 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.

DSWK 639 Work Integrated Learning

In the third year of study, students shall go for work-related learning for a period ranging from 8 to 12 months. During the placement period, students are expected to be in settings that provide them with the opportunity to undertake a range of social work roles which expose them particularly to the three primary methods of social work intervention which are micro, meso and macro practice. It is also expected that students shall be exposed to administration and research among other learning experiences. In work-related learning, students shall have the opportunity to integrate the theory taught in class into practice. During the placement period, students are expected to be in settings that provide them with the opportunity to undertake a range of social work roles which expose them particularly to the three primary methods of social work intervention which are micro, meso and macro practice. It is also expected that students shall be exposed to administration among other learning experiences. At least two visits and two telephonic supervision sessions shall be done by the academic supervisor from the University to ensure that students are monitored and supported in their learning. It is also expected that students shall be placed in agencies where there are social workers who will play the role of agency supervisor. In cases where this is not possible, the university shall appoint a social worker from other nearby organisations to regularly monitor and supervise the student in conjunction with the agency contact person under whom the student shall be placed.

DSWK632 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.

DSWK633 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.

DSWK540 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.

DSWK545 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.

DSWK636 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.

DSWK638 Research Project

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.

DSWK547 Programme Design and Management

Programme design and management have become an integral part of the day-to-day activities in many human service organizations 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.

DSWK635 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.

DSWK548 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 ad 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.

DSWK544 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.

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Overview

Career Opportunities

Programme Structure