Advanced Diploma in Public Administration

To provide qualifiers with an integrated and effective mix of knowledge, skills and applied competence at the Advanced Diploma level in governance, public management and administration, and Southern African cooperation and development, thereby providing them with enhanced opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth, gainful economic activity and rewarding contributions to society.

To expose students to new forms of teaching and learning methodologies, which are innovative, interactive and experiential in focus, and designed to stimulate critical thinking and problem solving.

To address past educational imbalances and disadvantage by broadening the school of Government's target groups to include a greater number of students, particularly black students and women, who possess practical experience in governance and public management but lack formal educational qualifications.

To promote access, progression and life-long learning for student with practical experience but underdeveloped training and educational backgrounds, by providing them with opportunities to progress to more advanced forms of education and training at the Postgraduate diploma and Masters level.

To add to the skills base of university graduates in South Africa and the Southern African region in the areas of governance, public administration and management, and regional cooperation and development.

To offset the current shortfall in South Africa of appropriately educated and trained black and female professionals (at the middle and senior management levels) in the public sector.

To promote the values of democratic accountability, social equity, ethical conduct, transparency, responsiveness and representativeness as key dimensions of the processes of political and administrative transformation in South Africa.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Access may be gained to the qualification through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Entry Requirements

• Bachelor Degree, Level 7, in Public Administration plus a minimum of three years' appropriate practical work experience in the areas of governance and public administration and management.
• Diploma, Level 6 in Public Administration plus a minimum of three years' appropriate practical work experience in the areas of governance and public administration and management.

Learners who successfully exit the programme, will have an understanding of, and an ability to interpret and critically analyse:

1. The historical, political, administrative, economic and social context of governance in contemporary South Africa, as well as key regional and international influences.
2. The legislative framework for governance, the principal structures and functions of government at national, provincial and local levels, and the dynamics of inter-governmental relations.
3. The key issues and challenges facing the transformation of the South African public sector, strategies for change.
4. The key issues and challenges facing the policy making process, and the strengths and limitations of current policy processes in South Africa and the Southern African region.
5. The relevance of gender in the study of governance, and the importance of gender equity in the structures and functions of public institutions.
6. The importance of democratic accountability, social equity, ethical conduct, transparency, responsiveness and representativeness as key dimensions of the processes of political and administrative transformation in South Africa.

• Organising an analysing information in a coherent and systematic way.
• Designing a carrying out research under supervision.
• Communicating effectively with peers and the broader community, both orally and in writing.
• Articulating and promoting their own ideas whilst remaining sensitive to the ideas of others.
• Preparing clear and concise reports and conducting effective individual and group presentations.
• Basic keyboard and word processing skills.
• Carrying out critical analysis and evaluation of government policies and programmes.
• Identifying, analysing and solving problems in a creative and systematic way.
• Organising and managing their own time effectively.
• Working independently and in groups.
• Assuming responsibility and accountability for the achievement of personal and group goals.

Integrated Assessment

A variety of Integrated Assessment methods are used, both formative and summative. These are designed to test practical skills and competencies as well as theoretical and descriptive knowledge. The assessment methods include tests and examinations, as well as a range of academic and practical assignments (essays, practical research reports, policy papers, internship reports, case studies, individual and group projects and presentations) designed to develop the full potential of each learner and to realise the multiple learning outcomes of the qualification/programme.

Although all modules must be passed (with a minimum of 50%) to attain the qualification, students are afforded the opportunity to supplement examinations and assignments, and to repeat modules (up to a maximum of three). On-going academic development support is provided to all learners (targeted in particular at those who are relatively weak, especially in terms of writing and presentation), to develop their practical and communication skills and to enable them to succeed.