Summary of the Faculty
The Faculty of Applied Social Sciences at Zimbabwe Open University is committed to high-quality undergraduate and graduate instruction across the social sciences. We pride ourselves in providing students with the opportunity to engage in hands-on educational experiences and apply academic concepts, strategies, and techniques to contemporary, real-world issues. Guided by the University’s 2020-2023 Strategic Plan, we have centred our efforts on innovative technology enabled teaching and learning, through Education 5.0 expanding the volume and quality of high impact research, community service, innovation and industrialisation. The Faculty recognises that central to the university achieving its ambitions is the capability and capacity of its workforce. The Faculty therefore is committed to developing staff, building capacity and giving individuals the necessary support to deliver the university’s strategic priorities. The proffered vision and plan are designed to transform the Faculty into a hub for unsurpassed student-centred teaching and learning; outstanding research and innovative work that will serve communities towards positive social change. As a Faculty our central concern is to recruit versatile academics that suit our diverse programme range.
Faculty Vision
To be the Faculty of choice in Open and Distance Electronic Learning (ODeL) in Applied Social Sciences.
Faculty Mission
Empowering the world in the Applied Social Sciences sphere through high quality heritage based ODeL
Faculty Core Values
The Faculty embraces the University’s Shared Core Values:
*Customer – Driven
*Innovation
*Accountability
*Integrity
*Teamwork
As a unit our core values are:
*Ubuntu
*Human relationships
*Service to others
*Multi-disciplinary
The general entry requirement is that a candidate must have a minimum of 5 ‘O’ level passes including English Language, Mathematics subjects at Grade C or better for some programmes, or a National Diploma or a Higher National Diploma in the relevant area of study from a recognized institution. Programmes such as Counselling and Psychology require candidates to register with Allied Health Professions Council of Zimbabwe.
Special Entry Requirements
Other qualifications and relevant work experience can be considered for special entry.
Degree Programmes offered by the Faculty
Bachelor of Social Sciences in Development Studies (4 years)
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Counselling (4 years)
Bachelor of Education (Honours) in Inclusive Education (4 years Pre-service/2 years’ in-service)
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Records and Archives Management (4/3/2 years)
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Library and Information Science (4/3/2 years)
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Psychology (4 years)
Bachelor of Science Special (Honours) in Psychology (1 year) for those with Bachelor of Science in Psychology (3 years)
Post Graduate Diploma in Development Studies (18 months)
Diploma in Disability Studies (2years)
Master of Social Sciences in Development Studies (18 months)
Master of Science in Counselling (2 years)
Master of Science in Peace, Leadership and Governance (2 years)
Master of Education in Inclusive and Special Needs Education (18 months)
Master of Philosophy (MPhil) (2-5 years) in all programmes
Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) (3-8 years) in all programmes