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ASc in Social Work

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Introduction

Gain insight and practical skills to address some current social issues with the Associate of Science Degree in Social Work (ASc SOWK). This programme is designed to provide training for social work assistants to prepare them for work in agencies and communities and to provide appropriate support to social workers. The courses address the theory and practice of social work and human needs and behaviours. Graduates will be able to serve in para-professional positions and advance organizational goals.

Graduates who meet minimum GPA requirements will be eligible for entry to Level 2 of the relevant BSc programme at UWI.

 

Who is this programme for?

The ASc Social Work programme is specifically designed for persons wishing to develop social work skills in order to contribute to resolving problems in their local communities and persons interested in building their qualifications towards a professional qualification in social work.

 

Programme Structure

The associate degree programmes are delivered using a mixed-mode format. Courses are delivered  using online or blended  approaches. Students must have access to a computer and Internet access. Online orientation is conducted before the start of the programme.

Students complete a total of 60 credits normally equivalent to 20 courses. Students explore general education and core courses in a number of areas including:

  • Statistics
  • Principles and Practice of Social Work
  • Ethics for the Human Services
  • Caribbean Social Policy & Social Services
  • Introduction to Social Research
  • Theory & Practice of Social Work

 

When will the programme start?

The programme starts in August of the academic year.

 

Entry Requirements

Applicants should meet lower level matriculation requirements which include:

1.    Holders of five (5) CXC or GCE ‘O’ Level passes or equivalent, not necessarily obtained at the same sitting, as follows:
(i)    English (A), and
(ii)   Mathematics or a foreign language, or an approved science (not Health Science), or additional Mathematics or Geography
(iii)   Three (3) other approved subjects not already counted above.
2.    Persons over the age of 21 on the basis of their overall academic and professional attainments.
3.    Holders of the approved certificates from the School of Continuing Studies, UWI with an acceptable pass in English Language

In addition applicants should have a minimum of three years experience in the social service sector as staff or volunteer.

 

Academic Preparation

Prior to the start of the programme all new participants must take part in an orientation programme held in August of an academic year.  This orientation introduces learners to online study and prepares them for the demands of a UWI Open Campus Associate Degree programme.

OOL1001  Orientation to Online Learning  
IYMS1001  Improving Your Math Skills

Course of Study
Level 1 
SOWK0900
Principles & Practices of Social Work 1

Assessment :

Coursework 40%

Final Exam 60% (face-to-face)

SPAN0900
Introductory Spanish

This course aims to develop the basic communicative skills of students. Students will be equipped with both receptive skills (listening and reading) and productive skills (speaking and writing).

Credits: 
3
SOCI1005
Introductory Statistics for the Behavioral Science

Sem 1 - Assoc S/Work

Must have Math as part of matriculation requirement or do IYMS

MGMT1000
Introduction to Computers

This course deals with the basics, major concepts and principles of computers and computing. Topics covered will include: evolution and classification of computers, computer hardware, software and data communications; computer data processing; and microcomputers in business.

Credits: 
3
FOUN1101
Caribbean Civilisation

This course is designed to develop an awareness of the main process of cultural development in Caribbean societies, highlighting the factors, the problematic and the creative output that have fed the emergence of Caribbean identities. It also develops a perception of the Caribbean as wider than island nations or linguistic blocs and stimulates students’ interest in, and commitment to Caribbean civilization and to further their self-determination.

 

Credits: 
3
FOUN1001
English for Academic Purposes
Level 2 
PSYC1001
Introduction to Psychology

Assessment:

Coursework - 25%

Final Exam -75% (face-to-face)

GOVT1902
Caribbean Political Economy

Assessment:

Coursework - 40%

Final Exam - 60% (face-to-face)

NB: The offering of this in Summer will be dependent on student registration numbers.

 

Required Text:  Ball, Terence and Dagger, Richard  (2005) Political Ideologies and the Democratic Ideal. (6/E). London: Pearson Longman ISBN: 0321390156

Barrow-Giles, Cynthia (2002) Introduction to Caribbean Politics. Kingston: Ian Randle Publishers ISBN: 9766370494

Hardwick, Philip, Khan, Bahadur and Langmead, John (1999) An Introduction to Economics.   (5/E) London: Pearson Education ISBN:0582357152

GOVT1900
Introduction to Administrative Principles & Practices

Assessment:

Coursework - 40%     

Final Exam - 60% (face-to-face)

SOWK0905
Introduction to Caribbean Social Policy and Social Services

Assessment:

Coursework - 40% 

Final Exam -60% (face-to-face)

SOWK1900
Social Work Practicum

Shared with Undergraduate programme: BSc Social Work

Students in the final year must  complete all their  Year 1 (level one and two) and Year 2 (Level one) courses before undertaking the practicum

SOWK1007
Law for Social Workers

Assessment:

Coursework - 20%            

Court Attendance - 5%

Final Exam -75% (face-to-face)

SOWK1003
Theory and Practice of Social Work

Assessment:

Individual assignment - 25%     

Final Exam - 75% (face-to-face)

Students must complete SOWK1001 before taking this course

Prerequisite(s): 
Introduction to Social Work
SOWK0903
Understanding Human Behaviour and the Social Environment

Assessment:

Course Work - 40%     

Final Exam - 60% (face-to-face)

NB: The offering of this in Summer will be dependent on student registration numbers.

Required Text:  Development Through The Lifespan,4,5 or 6/edition, By Laura E. Berk

SOWK0902
Human Growth & Development

Assessment :

Coursework 40%

Final Exam 60% (face-to-face)

SOWK0901
Principles and Practices of Social Work II

Assessment:

Coursework - 40%

Final Exam – 60% (face-to-face)

Students must complete SOWK0900 before taking this course

SOWK0900
Principles & Practices of Social Work 1

Assessment :

Coursework 40%

Final Exam 60% (face-to-face)

SOCI1001
Introduction to Social Research
PHIL1902
Ethics for the Human Services

Exempted if completed ASc. In Social Work

SOWK1001
Introduction to Social Work

Exempted if completed ASc. In Social Work

SOCI1002
Introduction to Sociology

This course will introduce students to classical social theory through an understanding of the work of writers such as Auguste Comte, Max Weber, Karl Marx and George H. Mead. The main focus of this studying is to understand the central ideas of these writers and to reflect on the usefulness of their theory in contemporary Caribbean societies. This reflection will support students’ further investigations of the explanations given for issues on the front line of Caribbean societies’ development agendas. At the same time, students will learn about the central ideas and perspectives of writers such as Edward Kamau Brathwaite, M.G. Smith and George Beckford. The combination of classical and Caribbean schools of social inquiry will set the tone for a synthesizing of perspectives on race, class, gender, ethnicity and the family in society. This process will assist students with developing their theoretical base in social theory, as well as independent thought on happenings in Caribbean society.

Credits: 
3