Welcome to the Department of Social Work, Stellenbosch University. We invite you to learn more about our Department during your visit to our website.
The Department of Social Work was established in 1931 as part of a larger Department that included Psychology and Sociology. On 1 July 1957 a separate Department of Social Work was officially established. Throughout its history, the Department was known for its outstanding academics and alumni who conducted ground-breaking research in social work, and who were instrumental in establishing social work as a profession in South Africa.
We offer a four-year Bachelors-degree, which is accredited by the South African Council for Higher Education, as well as a Master's (minimum one-year registration) and PhD (minimum two-year registration) programmes entailing research projects.
Our longstanding hallmark is student-centred, value-driven teaching and learning to cultivate leaders in social work and social development. Our teaching and learning philosophy are guided by our core values namely: excellence; accountability and integrity; human dignity and respect; innovation and criticality; and ownership and leadership. Ultimately, our values engender overarching attributes as typified by engaged citizens, well-rounded individuals, and dynamic professionals.
We strive to produce cutting-edge research, which is disseminated consistently in leading local and international publications. Social Work/Maatskaplike Werk, a journal for the social work practitioner (since 1965), is published quarterly by this Department.
The practice education programme of the Department is regarded as the standard bearer of our social impact. Around 300 students are annually placed for continuous practice education at approximately 40 welfare organisations, supervised by some 55 social workers in the field. In total, practice education comprises approximately 100 continuous community projects, 240 small groups of 8 sessions each, continuous intervention with 500 individuals/families, 80 sessions mentoring vulnerable children, and 65 research exercise projects.
The Department is committed to ongoing and rigorous efforts to promote professional values that are responsive to social development, human rights, social inclusion, and the needs and aspirations of local communities in our teaching, research and social impact. The Department is therefore dedicated to passing on a scholarly theoretical body of knowledge as well as substantive practice experience and wisdom to sub
Contact us
+27 21 808 2069
[email protected]
Physical address
Room 470
Arts and Social Sciences Building
Corner of Merriman Avenue and Ryneveld Street
Stellenbosch
“Enjoy your visit to our website and we look forward to seeing you on campus and/or to collaborate with you in the near future! ”
Our Programmes
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
This four-year professional programme equips students with the skills, knowledge and attitudes required to practice as social workers. The programme combines theoretical learning with practical experience, preparing students to meet the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) standards.
Masters in Social Work (MSW)
A research-based programme designed for students to conduct independent studies in a specialised area of social work. This programme includes the completion of a thesis and aims to develop advanced knowledge and critical research skills.
PhD in Social Work
This doctoral programme is awarded upon completing an independent research project that contributes to new knowledge in social work. Students work closely with supervisors to explore and address complex social challenges.
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