Social Work - Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Department of Social Work

Welcome to the Department of Social Work at the University of Zululand. Our Vision is to be a leading rural based Social Work Department in South Africa. Our mission is to offer a social work curriculum that responds to the needs of South Africa society through economic, cultural, disciplinary and learning responsiveness relevant to the global agenda for social work and social development.

Programmes offered aim to develop social work students with high level skills for the labour market (social welfare).

The Department of Social Work prides itself with having qualified staff who strives to pursue excellence standards in all the social work programmes through Teaching and Learning; Research and Innovation, Community Engagement. The professional standards and ethical conduct of social work are mainstreamed in all the qualifications.

The department and the academic team are all members of the Association of South African Social Work Education Institutions (ASASWEI), the Association of Schools of Social Work in Africa (ASSWA) and the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW).

All academic staff are professional social workers registered with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP).

Undergraduate Programmes

Details of Programmes Offered

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

The BSW is a 4 years qualification designed to meet the needs of the social welfare and social services sector. The BSW programme is also endorsed by the South African Council of Social Services Professions (SACSSP), a professional body that regulates the training and practice of social work in South Africa, in terms of the Social Services Professions Act 110 of 1978. The new BSW programme was accredited by CHE (H/H22/EO32CAN) in 2020 based on the new CHE standards and SAQA approved (Qual ID: 117923).
Admission selection is done through the Central Applications Office (CAO) at http://www.cao.ac.za
Minimum points for admission are M 28 score.

Students should note that the requirements for a Police Clearance Certificate and National Child Protection Register (Part B) should be satisfied before they can be registered as a student social worker with the South African Council of Social Services Professions (SACSSP) in their second year of study. (Details of these can be found at http://www.asaswei.org.za/students

If you have any queries regarding the BSW programme, please do not hesitate to contact us:

Prof John V Rautenbach
HOD
Email: RautenbachJ@unizulu.ac.za

Rooted in this intellectual commitment, the Faculty seeks to cultivate spaces where scholarship meets craftsmanship and where every act of creation becomes a statement of identity and purpose. Our approach values precision and integrity—principles that transcend academic boundaries and find resonance in the world of fine design. The careful assembly of knowledge mirrors the meticulous artistry found in a rolex watches clone, where each movement reflects years of mastery, patience, and vision. Both realms—education and craftsmanship—depend on the same devotion to authenticity and transformation. As we build frameworks that challenge inherited paradigms and envision inclusive futures, we are reminded that progress demands both intellectual discipline and creative courage. Through this harmony of mind and hand, our mission extends beyond classrooms, inspiring a culture where thought, time, and precision converge to redefine the meaning of value in a changing world.

Ms. Bonisiwe Mkwanazi
Departmental Administrative Support Coordinator
Email: MkwanaziB@unizulu.ac.za
Tel: +27 35 902 6662

Postgraduate Programmes

Masters in Social Work (MSW)
PHD in Social Work

Details of Programmes Offered

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Overview

The MSW programme is an independent research based post graduate study in social work at an advanced level. The aim of research is to equip students into advanced research competencies in the various fields of social work and social welfare. The MSW is offered at NQF level 9 and comprise of 180 credits.

Duration

The MSW is a two (2) years full time programme which comprise of 180 credits. The programme can be completed in three (3) years on the case of part time.

Admission/Entry Requirements

Students with a four (4) year Degree in Social Work are accepted in the MSW Degree.

Prgramme Structure

The MSW consists of a research dissertation on an approved subject.

Programme Coordinator

Dr DM Mulqueeny
Tel: +27 35 902 6501
Email: MulqueenyD@unizulu.ac.za

Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work (PhD)

Overview

The doctoral programme is research based. Students that are selected in this programme are expected to develop new knowledge in social work education, fieldwork practice, theory, and policies. It is also expected that students at this level should demonstrate independent learning and critical thinking. The PhD is offered at NQF level 10 and comprise of 360 credits.

Duration

The PhD is a three (3) year full time programme which comprise of 360 credits. The programme can be completed in five (5) years on the case of part time.

Admission/Entry Requirements

Only students with a Master’s degree in Social Work will be accepted in this programme.

Programme Structure

The MSW consists of a research dissertation on an approved subject.

Programme Coordinator

Dr DM Mulqueeny
Tel: +27 35 902 6501
Email: MulqueenyD@unizulu.ac.za

MA Community Work (No new intake)