North West University Social Work

North West University Social Work, Social Work is a profession. It means you will undergo special expert training before you may practice as a social worker. The work includes a range of services which can be rendered to individuals, groups and communities. Professional service rendering occurs with regard to a wide variety of issues in order to help people to help themselves.

What does a Baccalaureus of Social Work entail?

The Social Work profession needs talented young people to help South Africa develop its most valuable resource – its people. For this qualification, one (1) program is presented. It is a professional qualification which enables you to register at the South African Council for Social Service Professions. The objective of this program is to train students as social workers to do therapeutic and developmental work and to effectively fulfil their role as stipulated by the South African Council for Social Service Professions.

Manner of presentation and duration of programme

During the four years, you acquire experience in a variety of social work settings and environments that include Child and Youth Care Centres and Non-Governmental Organisations. You gain experience in all social work methods that include case work, group work, community work, management and research.
In general:

It is a four-year, full-time qualification
In your 4th year, you have a 3-month internship
Social Work is a very scarce skill in South Africa
In your second year, you register at the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) as student social worker.

During the 4 years you acquire a variety of experience on different fields of services that include:

Child and youth care;
Working with the elderly;
Working at Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO’s);
Community service and
Presenting group work.

What are the admission requirements for the degree?

No student will be allowed into the BSW–programme unless he/she has furnished written proof that he/she has not been convicted of any offence against a child in terms of the 61 Sexual Offences Act (Act 23 of 1957) and the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act, 32 of 2007.
A student should be in possession of a full Matriculation exemption certificate with an average pass mark of at least 60% during the matriculation examination.
APS-score: The results achieved in four designated subjects plus two NSC subjects will be taken into consideration. The results achieved in Life orientation will not be taken into account. The required APS-score is 28
Language requirement: A pass mark of 50-59% (level 4) in the language of teaching and learning concerning home language or first additional language level.

What is the selection process of the degree?

Prospective students will be subject to a selection process consisting of the following components:

Completion of a variety of psychometric selection tests (test battery)
If indicated, an interview with a selection panel.

Postgraduate studies

Successful completion of the program grants admission to a Master degree in Social Work. Admission is subject to a selection process and available capacity in the subject group.

Career opportunities

Occupation in public service (SAPD, SANDF, DSD), private sector (private practice) or the academia. Other institutions also enrol social workers like NGO’s (Child Welfare, NG Welfare etc.), churches, schools and large companies.

Welcome to the page for social work on the Vaal Triangle Campus of the NWU! On this page you will find information about the projects and services rendered by the social worker.
Projects and Services

The Meal-A-Day ProjectThe Meal-a-Day project is a project that provides a meal to deserving, needy students. Application and screening procedures are applied. These application forms can be obtained from Student Counselling and Development. For more information, please contact Student Counselling and Development.

Charity Begins at Home

This is a project that supports the meal-a-day project. It has two components: Mandela Day and the Rector’s Christmas Tree.
Mandela day — 67 items: Departments and staff are encouraged to donate sixty seven items like toiletries and non-perishable foodstuffs (but any other donations are also welcome) on 18 July each year.
Companies within the Vaal Triangle are encouraged to donate toiletries, non-perishable food and gifts from the first to the fifteenth of December each year.
Everybody is encouraged to “adopt” a student. This means you attend to the needs of the students: Materialy as well as financially.
Drug and Alcohol abuseOn drug and alcohol abuse we offer the following counselling and support:

Awareness and Wellness campaigns
Counselling to students who are addicted and dependent on alcohol and drugs
Referrals to rehabilitation centres
After care and support during and after discharge from rehabilitation centres
Support to the student’s family
Support groups for affected students
Support students who have been arrested for drinking and driving
Create dialogue on prevention and treatment of alcohol abuse

HIV/AIDSWe see HIV/AIDS as a serious issue and therefore we offer the following support in conjunction with the campus clinic:

Counselling and support to infected and affected students
Awareness and prevention campaigns
Promote voluntary testing for HIV
Promote dialogue on HIV-related matters

Other Social ProblemsThe social worker also offers counselling and support relating to the following problems :

Sexual abuse and rape
Pregnancies
Death of family members
Financial difficulties