Programme: MSW (Play Therapy) Play-based Intervention (Coursework)

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Code Faculty Department
01251077 Faculty of Humanities Department: Social Work and Criminology
Credits Duration NQF level
Minimum duration of study: 1 year Total credits: 180 NQF level:  09

Programme information

Closing date for applications: 31 July annually.

Admission requirements

  1. BSW degree or equivalent
  2. A weighted average of at least 65% at final-year level
  3. Registration at the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) or with a relevant professional body, where applicable

Additional requirements

A compulsory module in research methodology, namely MWT 864, must be passed.

Pass with distinction

A student passes with distinction when an average mark of 75% (not rounded) is achieved for the core modules and the mini-dissertation, subject to a minimum of 70% for the mini-dissertation.

MWT 864 is a non-credit-bearing module and must be attended satisfactorily as prerequisite for MWT 895.

Core modules

  • Module content:

    *Departmental selection
    Play therapy with the child

    Developmental social work and child welfare; approaches; child development theories; the multi-disciplinary team; the Gestalt play therapy process; therapeutic relationship with the child; sensory awareness and contact; enhancing the sense of self; utilisation of projection; play techniques: drawing.

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  • Module content:

    *Closed - requires departmental selection
    The child in the family
    Play techniques: clay and sand tray work; the child in context of the family; assessment in different contexts (eg therapeutic, forensic, safety and risk); trauma and loss; play-based family intervention.

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  • Module content:

    *Closed - requires departmental selection
    The child in the community

    The effect of adverse conditions; play techniques; biblio play; drama and sociodrama;  puppets and music; prevention, early intervention and early childhood development; resilience in individuals, families and communities.

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  • Module content:

    *Departmental selection
    Research ethics, research approaches, types of research, research designs and research process as applicable to social work.

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  • Module content:

    * Closed - for departmental selection
    Integration and demonstration of theoretical components of play therapy in practice. This include ground principles of play therapy approaches and development theories, principles and techniques of play assessment and play therapy; the implementation of the play therapy process with the child client within his different systems.

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  • Module content:

    A comprehensive report (80-100 pages) on an approved research project based on independent research in a specialist field in social work selected in consultation with a supervisor. Scholastic and advanced research of selected specialist area including the planning, resourcing and managing of processes. Accountability for achieving and evaluating personal and/or group output.

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