Perceived Benefits of Postgraduate Qualifications Among Social Workers Without Postgraduate Qualifications

Abstract

In this article, I report on findings on the perceived fruits of earning postgraduate qualifications among social workers in South Africa. A qualitative research methodology was selected for the study, made up of a purposive sample of some social workers in the employ of the Department of Social Development. Ten social workers without postgraduate qualifications who had five years and above of working experience were interviewed in the Driekop area in the Limpopo province. The data received were analysed using thematic analysis. Three themes were identified, indicating that social workers perceive postgraduate education to be essential for mitigating mediocrity in the field. Postgraduate qualifications were seen as significant in promoting opportunities and advancing skills. On the other hand, it was learnt that in South Africa marginalisation of the social work profession in essence devalued postgraduate qualifications. This study becomes important to employers (retention strategists) and sheds light on the value of pursuing postgraduate education in social work.