| Qualification code: | 90088 |
| NQF level: | 8 |
| Total credits: | 552 |
| SAQA ID: | 101834 |
| APS/AS: | 21 |
| Maximum time to complete this qualification: | 10 years |
Purpose statement:
The purpose, curriculum and architecture of the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is premised on the notion that the tasks, roles and functions of social workers are to act as advocates and catalysts for social change within society. Social workers graduating from the BSW will be in a position to improve the socio-economic structures and enhance the social functioning and adaptive fit of all, including the vulnerable groups in their environment. The BSW will equip its graduates to address many of the consequences of social inequality, exclusion, poverty and marginalisation through evidence-based interventions. The overarching values that guide social work education and training are: social justice, Ubuntu, human rights and respect for indigenous knowledge systems and the environment. Qualifying learners will be able to register with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) and practice social work in accordance with its (SACSSP) policy on ethics, values and principles of human rights, social justice and recognition of human diversity. Furthermore, qualified learners will be able to interpret, implement and apply South African and, in some cases, regional, continental and international social welfare policies, frameworks, guidelines and legislation to address vulnerability, poverty and other developmental challenges faced by the citizens of South Africa. Qualifying learners will be able to serve as change agents to empower individuals, families, groups, organisations and communities, to enhance their social functioning and their problem-solving capacities in order to cope with the social complexities and challenges that exist in South Africa. In addition, they will be able to work in multi-disciplinary teams, interact and network with all relevant stakeholders through inter-sectoral collaboration within the social work landscape in South Africa. Given the rights of society, much effort is given in this qualification to the development of practitioners who are critically reflective and able to practise within the values and ethical perspective of the Social Work profession. The ultimate purpose of the qualification is to ensure that all graduates will be able to contribute meaningfully to enhance the quality of life for all, by means of social development and transformation through acquired knowledge, skills and values.
This qualification contains modules with work-integrated learning components, which will require you to spend time away from your home and responsibilities, to gain the required industry exposure through applying your theoretical understanding in a workplace. You will be expected to complete tasks which will reflect your experience and skills gained while in the workplace. These tasks will be formally assessed and grades awarded.
Your admission to Unisa is dependent on you meeting the specific admission requirements for your chosen qualification.
A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with Degree endorsement with a minimum of 60% for English as language of teaching and learning and 60% for a further four content subjects in their matric final examination;
or
A Senior Certificate (SC) with matriculation exemption or qualify for the exemption from the Matriculation Board with at least a C symbol on HG or a B symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning and 60% for any four content subjects;
or
A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with degree endorsement/ A Senior Certificate with exemption and a Certificate in Social Auxiliary Work (NQF Level 4) with one year of professional practice as a registered Social Auxiliary Worker; or relevant Higher Certificate at NQF level 5.
Furthermore, applicants, should take note that this is a selection qualification, in which they will be assessed to ascertain suitability to the profession. In addition to the above requirements, applicants will be subjected to the following:
1. A police clearance for criminal convictions checks aligned with the definition of a 'fit and proper person' by the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP). Applicants must submit this clearance certificate at the time of registration,
2. Two testimonials from credible sources, such as a school leader, a religious leader, or a community leader.
Students must be registered with the SACSSP during their second level of studies. The Department of Social Work at UNISA will facilitate registration with the Council.
Applicants who do not meet the admission requirements as indicated above but have Social Auxiliary Work certificate, may apply for admission via RPL provided they have:
1. worked in a welfare setting for a minimum of 3 years, of which at least one (01) year was permanent.
2. Social Auxiliary Work certificate with 60% at NQF level 5 and 65% at NQF level 4
3. For more information on RPL criteria visit: http://www.unisa.ac.za/rpl
Pay the application fee once you've received your student number:
Please note that this application fee is non-refundable even if you decide not to study through Unisa, do not qualify for admission to Unisa or cannot be offered a space due to limited spaces available.
Click here to find out more about Unisa's student fees, and the bursaries and loans for Unisa students.
Apply for admission to undergraduate qualifications for the 2026 academic year between 18 August and 10 October 2025.
Please take note of the following:
Unisa will send the necessary information about registration dates and the registration process to all successful applicants who have confirmed their acceptance of Unisa's offer. Visit www.unisa.ac.za/register for registration information.