Advanced Certificate in Public Administration for Community Service

Purpose

The Advanced Certificate qualification is designed to use critical learning tools to probe and deepen knowledge in key areas of Public Administration and Local government, as well as instil practice strategies to begin changes and ignite development potential in our local communities. The 'wholeness' of the Advanced Certificate course is in its strong multidisciplinary content, which is seen as an innovative approach to the hydra-headed challenges facing local government in South Africa.

Rationale

The Institution has been undergoing a process of restructuring the organisation of its services to the communities it serves. As a result of this restructuring, the Department of Public Administration is introducing an innovative course focused on a new academic dispensation committed to offering accessible higher education in a dynamic environment of excellence and innovation. The University is committed to the growth and development of our people as the key to our continued excellence and quality. The Advanced Certificate in Public Administration for community service represents a one year journey of learning, discovery and insight for participants whose locus of work and experience is at the community level. The Advanced Certificate in Public Administration for Community Service builds on the competences acquired in the Higher Certificate qualification. The learners will focus on the ability to analyse the effects of government policies, and to use business and statistical tools to solve organisational or government problems.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL is applied using the Institution's RPL policy which adheres to clearly stipulated criteria. The Institution admission policy, promotes access and equal opportunity to tertiary education at all levels through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy. RPL will be applied by requesting prospective RPL candidates to submit a portfolio comprising work related experiential work as profiles of work related short certificate (CE) courses. These will be assessed and admission determined accordingly in terms of the Institution policy and criteria on RPL.

Entry Requirements

Admission to the qualification is based on candidate in possession of

• A Higher Certificate in Public Administration for Community Service or related discipline at NQF Level 5 or its equivalent.

This qualification consists of six compulsory modules at NQF Level 6 totalling 120 credits.

• Public Policy, 24 Credits.
• Public Financial Management, 16 Credits.
• Introduction to Public Sector Monitoring and Evaluation, 16 Credits.
• Community Governance and Leadership, 24 Credits.
• Development Management Theories, 16 Credits.
• Community Entrepreneurial Management, 24 Credits.

1. Communicate effectively and efficiently in writing and verbally with others in the same field.
2. Apply public management knowledge and skills to give effect to public policies.
3. Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate more advanced and technically more complex Public administrative related information.
4. Participate in the preparation and implementation of capital and operational budgets and the development.
5. Work ethically and effectively with others as a member of a senior management team in the development of the public sectors.

These criteria are applicable across all or combinations of the Exit Level Outcomes in an integrated way

• Complex public administrative problems are identified and resolved in a critical and creative manner.
• Solutions for economic, social, political and technological problems in public service delivery are identified.
• Strategic planning is adopted to develop initiatives aimed at effective delivery of services.
• Policies are interpreted and applied accordingly.
• Strategies and financial plans are developed for the improvement of the quality of life of citizens.
• Technical public administration related problems are solved in such a way that sustainable developmental outcomes are ensured.
• Knowledge and practical skills to address theoretical and practical management problems are applied.
• Essential managerial skills that lead to informed decision making are employed.
• Advice, guidance and analysis are provided regarding the impact of legislation on overall delivery objectives, priorities and processes.
• Service delivery objectives are evaluated and updated on an ongoing basis.
• Implementation processes are coordinated, monitored and reviewed in line with overall public sector policies and procedures.

Integrated Assessment

Theory and practice are integrated in assessment through the use of practice case studies and assignments that target local problems. This simulates the management of systems based on an understanding of the roles and relationships between elements within wider governance and administrative contexts.