Undergraduate Diploma in Social Work
September 14, 2026 2026-09-14 14:05Undergraduate Diploma in Social Work
Name of Programme: Undergraduate Diploma in Social Work
Duration: 3 years
Minimum Credit Load: 120
Maximum Credit Load: 180
Actual load: 152
Total MBKs Credit 96
1.0 PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAMME
The Undergraduate Diploma in Social Work programme offers an introductory social work education that prepares students to practice at the entry point of social work qualification 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 introduces students to the genesis of socio-economic problems and their impact on human well-being.
2.0 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.
2.1 Normal Entry
Ordinary Level passes/ National Foundation Certificates including English Language.
2.2 Special Entry
Candidates who have attained a Certificate in Social Work), awarded by a recognised university, college or institute.
3.0 PROGRAMME CHARACTERISTICS
3.1 Areas of Study
Social Work.
3.2 Specialist Focus
Social Work.
3.3 Orientation
Developmental Social Work.
3.4 Distinctive Features
The programme introduces students to the profession of social work using a student-centred approach.
4.0 CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AND FURTHER EDUCATION
4.1 Employability
Diploma in Social work graduates can work in a variety of settings and roles within civil society, the private and public sector.
- Within the civil society development arena, social workers can assume roles such as project officer, programme officer, monitoring and evaluation coordinator, officer 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 corporate social responsibility initiatives.
4.2 Further Studies
Bachelor of Social Work Honours Degree, Masters and Doctoral studies in Social Work.
5.0 PROGRAMME DELIVERY
5.1 Teaching and Learning Methods
Blended learning methods: Online and physical lectures; Online and physical tutorials, online and physical role plays, online and physical seminars, group work, field-based activities, work related learning, dissertation, individual independent study.
5.2 Assessment Methods
Written and oral examinations, tests, written and practical assignments, field reports, seminar presentations, work related learning reports, research projects and continuous assessment.
6.0 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.
7.0 GENERAL PROVISIONS
The Diploma in Social Work is a three -year programme. Students go for work related learning during the second level of semester two of study.
8.0 PROGRAMME ASSESSMENT
8.1 Continuous assessment: 40%
In-class Test (50%), Assignments (50%)
8.2 Written Examinations : 60%
8.3 Other:
- a) Work Related Learning is assessed based on Industrial Attachment/Work Related Learning report (30%), assessment by Work Supervisor (40%), and assessment by Academic Supervisor (30%).
9.0 PROVISION FOR PROGRESSION
9.1 Students shall earn at least 64 credits per level to be allowed to progress to
the next level.
9.2 To be allowed to take advanced modules students must pass introductory methods modules.
10.0 FAILURE TO SATISFY EXAMINERS
A candidate who fails to satisfy the Examiners in terms of these General Academic Regulations and Faculty Regulations may be required by senate to:-
- write supplementary examinations
- retake
- proceed to the next level of the programme carrying one or more modules from a processing level
- repeat
- discontinue
- withdraw and reapply after two years
11.0 GRADING AND CLASSIFICATION
Diplomas shall be awarded the following categories; distinction, merit, credit and pass. The following marking scheme shall be used:
80% and above : Distinction
70-79% : Merit
60-69% : Credit
50-59% : Pass
Below50% : Fail
12.0 DIPLOMA WEIGHTING
12.1 All academic levels shall be considered for purposes of degree weighting.
13.0 PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
Module *Prerequisites Credits
Level 1 Semester 1
HCS 135 Introduction to Information Technology 12
CS131 Communication Skills 12
UDSWK 101 Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare 8
UDSWK 102 Introduction to Ethics and Values in Social Work 8
Level 1 Semester 2
UDSWK 103 Community Health 8
PSY132 Introduction to Psychology 12
SOC131 Introduction to Sociology 12
PSY 133 Introduction to Social Psychology 12
Level 2 Semester 1
SOC139 Introduction to Social Anthropology 12
UDSWK 104 Introduction to Case Work 8
UDSWK 105 Introduction to Group Work 8
UDSWK 106 Introduction to Community Work 8
UDSWK 107 Introduction to Occupational Social Work 8
Level 2 Semester 2
UDSWK 108 Human Behaviour and the Social Environment 8
UDSWK 201 Introduction to Socio-Economic Development 8
UDSWK 202 Advanced Case Work *UDSWK 104 8
UDSWK 203 Advanced Group Work *UDSWK 105 8
UDSWK 204 Advanced Community Work *UDSWK 106 8
UDSWK 205 Introduction to Social Research Methods and Statistics 8
Level 3 Semester 1
UDSWK 206 Social Policy and Administration 8
UDSWK 207 Criminal Justice System in Zimbabwe 8
UDSWK 208 Human Rights and the Law in Social Work 8
UDSWK 209 Integrated Social Work Methods 8
UDSWK 210 Research Project *UDSWK205 24
Level 3 Semester 2
UDSWK 211 Field Work *UDSWK202; UDSWK203; UDSWK204 16
14.0 MODULE SYNOPSES
UDSWK101: INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL WORK AND SOCIAL WELFARE
The module introduces students to the social work profession of social work. It introduces issues inclusive of the definition of social work, functions and mission of social work, values and ethics, the historical development of social work, the methods of social work and social welfare models and theory.
UDSWK102: INTRODUCTION TO ETHICS AND VALUES IN SOCIAL WORK
This module introduces students to social work ethical principles and standards related to clients, colleagues, employers, the profession of social work and society. Students also acquire the knowledge base required to identify ethical issues, equip them with the necessary skills needed to resolve ethical dilemmas and the capacity to make ethical decisions when confronted with
conflicting duties and choices that arise within practice settings.
UDSWK 103: COMMUNITY HEALTH
The module provides a foundational understanding of health issues and the role of social workers in the primary, secondary and tertiary health sectors. The module covers definition of health, communicable diseases, non communicable diseases, health policy and legislation.
SOC131: INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY
In this module, students gain a theoretical foundation for understanding social issues. The module begins with a discussion of the theoretical origins of Sociology, its key concepts, similarities and differences with other social science subjects. Students are introduced to some critical evaluation of discourse on the nature, antecedents and trends in sociological imagination and theorising.
PSY132: INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY
The module offers a broad introduction to basic psychology knowledge by introducing students to the science of behaviour and cognitive processes. The module provides students with major psychological theoretical perspectives that explain behaviour and cognitive processes: Biological, psychodynamic, behaviourism, humanism and cognitive. Students will also be presented with major areas of psychology as a discipline such as, biological, evolutionary, cognitive, developmental, social and clinical psychology.
CS 131: BASIC COMMUNICATION SKILLS
The module raises awareness in students on the importance of effective professional oral and written communication in social work. The module also introduces students to the concept of communication skills acquisition, assessment, decision making and intervention in social work. The module capacitates students to demonstrate effective and appropriate skills in communicating information and professional opinion to colleagues, clients (service users) and care givers.
HCS 135: INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
The module gives students a basic understanding of computers and their processes. Basic information literacy; the use of computer systems and literacy training programmes on the MSU Library are introduced to students. Students will cover basic Computer concepts, Data processing psycho, Number system, Computer arithmetic, Types of computers, Computer peripherals, System software and application software, ata communications and Introduction to application packages.
PSY133: INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY
Building on the knowledge acquired in the introduction to psychology module, the module helps students understand and explain how thoughts, feeling and behaviour of individuals are influenced by actual, imaginary and implied presents of others. Students are introduced to perspectives, research methods, and empirical findings of Social Psychology. Topics to be covered include social influence, group processes, prosocial behaviour and aggression.
SOC 139: INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL ANTHROPOLOGY
The module explores conceptual and developmental issues in social anthropology. It starts by exploring the conceptual issues relating to the emergence of social anthropology. It addresses topics such as ideology, politics, production and economic systems, law and order, leadership in traditional and modern states. The module probes the opportunities and challenges that culture poses for African and other developing economies. Particular attention is paid to comparative and holistic perspectives. Ethnocentrism and cultural relativism are looked at in the light of globalisation. The module remains true to anthropology through numerous case studies and various methods of investigation employed in this discipline. Ultimately, the module appraises the role played by anthropology in augmenting sociology.
UDSWK 104: INTRODUCTION TO CASE WORK
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 defines casework, covers the history of case work, Principles and values of casework, the four Ps of casework, the casework process, casework skills and a critique of casework. The module is a building block to the module on advanced micro practice.
UDSWK 105: INTRODUCTION TO GROUP WORK
This module introduces students to group work as a meso method of social work practice. The module covers the history of meso social work, types of groups, social work ethics in group work and group formation. The module is a building block to the module on advanced meso practice.
UDSWK 106: INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNITY WORK
This module introduces students to macro social work as method of social work practice this module enables students to define community work, explore the historical roots of community work and examine the approaches to community work: locality development; social action and social planning. The module is a building block to the module on advanced macro practice.
UDSWK 107: INTRODUCTION TO OCCUPATIONAL SOCIAL WORK
Students are introduced to occupational social work roles, settings and interventions at micro, meso and macro levels. The module covers issues inclusive of internal and external employees problems, employees assisted programmes EAPs, corporate responsibility programmes and legal framework and the roles of social workers.
UDSWK 108: HUMAN BEHAVIOUR AND THE SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT
The module introduces students to the theoretical perspectives regarding the person-in environment focus. The module introduces students to the systems theory, ecological perspective and the ecosystems perspective. The module borrows theories from sociology, psychology and other disciplines. These theories form the foundational theoretical and knowledge base of social work interventions and methods.
UDSWK 201: INTRODUCTION TO SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The module provides 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. The module covers issues inclusive of, poverty, development theories, foreign aid, migration, housing and evolving national and global development blue prints such as NDS 2 and Sustainable Development Goals.
UDSWK 202: ADVANCED CASE WORK
This module is designed to deepen students’ competencies to work with individuals and families. The module exposes students to various theoretical approaches that can be used to work with individuals in social work. The Perlman’s casework process is unpacked.
UDSWK 203: ADVANCED GROUP WORK
This module is designed to deepen students’ competencies to work with individuals in groups. The module familiarises students to 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.
UDSWK 204: ADVANCED COMMUNITY WORK
Building on the Introduction to community work module, the module deepens students understanding and use of community work approaches of locality development, social action and social planning. The module covers community mobilization, gender mainstreaming and gate keeping among other community work issues
UDSWK 205: INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL RESEARCH METHODS AND STATISTICS
This module introduces students to social research methods. The module covers the following: research paradigms (positivism and anti-positivism), the conceptualization of qualitative and quantitative research methods, characteristics/qualities of qualitative and quantitative research methods, research problems, research questions, aim and objectives of a study; ethical considerations in research and analyzing and interpreting research data.
UDSWK 206: SOCIAL POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION
The module introduces students to social welfare policies, the policy formulation process and the challenges of policy implementation. The effects of social policy administration on marginalized and vulnerable populations will also be analysed.
UDSWK 207: THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM IN ZIMBABWE
This module examines the contribution of social work to the criminal justice system within the Zimbabwean context. 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. The module helps students appreciate the various statutory roles social workers have. Students shall be exposed to the different perspectives and approaches in dealing with those involved and affected by crime and to 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.
UDSWK 208: INTRODUCTION TO HUMAN RIGHTS AND THE LAW IN SOCIAL WORK
This module provides students with an appreciation of the various legislations that govern social work practice. In addition, students gain knowledge and understanding of the various psycho-social perspectives on human rights. Furthermore, the module develops students’ understanding of challenges in the realisation of socio-economic rights and the role that social workers play in the realisation of the human rights of people and communities with whom they work.
UDSWK 209: INTEGRATED SOCIAL WORK METHODS
The module integrates social work methods of casework, group work, community work, social work research and social administration. The module use different scenario inclusive of refugee, older persons, orphans among other vulnerable population to help students explore the use of social work methods, knowledge and skills base, and exiting legal framework responding to presenting problems.
UDSWK 210: RESEARCH PROJECT
The module provides students with an opportunity to carry out research on a topic of their choice subject to approval by the Department. The module thus provides and imparts practical skills and knowledge in research.
UDSWK 211: WORK RELATED LEARNING/ FIELDWORK
In the third year of study, students go for work related learning for a period of 2 semesters. During the placement period students placed 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 casework, group work and community work.
