The University of the West Indies, Mona

The MSW programme is designed to equip persons for professional practice in the Caribbean. It is acknowledged that some graduates will seek employment outside of the region. The programme seeks to respond to labour market needs, and to remain responsive to the challenges and possibilities of the contemporary and emerging Caribbean. The programme maintains its alignment with the voluntary global standards developed by the International Association of the Schools of Social Work (IASSW) of which the programme at Mona is a member.
The programme continues to be anchored in internationally recognised core principles guiding the social work profession: the dignity and worth of the person, the centrality of relationships for effecting change, and a commitment to social justice. It is grounded in a framework characterised by its person in environment, evidence informed, inclusive and strengths-based perspective. Further, the teaching and learning process of SW programme at UWI Mona is informed by a Social Development orientation, with its focus on social participation and on capability development at individual and institutional levels.

Expected outcomes
A graduate of the proposed MSW programme will:

1. Be able to analyse complex social issues and make relevant proposals regarding how they might be addressed.
2. Be able to identify and provide a justification for the course of action chosen in situations in which ethical issues arise.
3. Demonstrate competence in the assessment, development and implementation of appropriate plans for work with systems of different sizes, in at least one of the following fields: children and youth and their families, geographic or other types of communities, or social service delivery or social planning organisations.
4. Demonstrate a knowledge of how legislative and other institutional processes affect the life chances of vulnerable or marginalised groups.
5. Be able to use research to inform practice.
6. Be able to engage in the process of representation and negotiation to secure legislative and/or institutional reform or change to improve the life chances of vulnerable or marginalised groups.
7. Be able to make effective use of supervision, including seeking it from other sources if it is not available in one’s immediate work environment.
8. Within 2-3 years of completion of the programme be capable of providing supervision to paraprofessional staff and persons with entry-level qualifications in social work or closely related fields.
9. Demonstrate a commitment to on-going professional development by regularly identifying and participating in such activities.
10. Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of self-care by putting in place arrangements for regular debriefing, rest and renewal.

The best performing graduates of the programme will be capable of:

1. Pursuing a higher degree.
2. Providing leadership to service agencies and professional or civic organisations.
3. Serving as instructors in paraprofessional and undergraduate social work education programmes.

Admission to the MSW programme is granted on a competitive basis. Applicants are expected to have a GPA in excess of 2.85 and have a demonstratable record of paid or voluntary experience in the social sector.
Candidates with no professional experience but a strong academic record will be considered for admission, as will persons with qualifications in a related discipline. In the latter instances, the candidate may be required to take additional courses and/or to complete additional hours of practicum.

Cost

The MSW is a UGC-funded programme. See fees guide for costing.