Bachelor of Arts Honours in Public Administration

Purpose

The qualification aims to develop graduates who are intellectually independent and who can ultimately become specialist in their fields with the ability to engage in sustainable local socioeconomic practices and to undertake research activities while adhering to ethical protocols. Graduates will have acquired relevant theoretical knowledge and insights to approach public administration issues from a variety of perspectives, demonstrating competence and lifelong learning leading to successful careers in the public sector.

Rationale

The discipline of Public Administration is constantly revolving as the internal (micro) and external (macro) environments so too change. This translates into numerous challenges that confront government and the public service in terms of a variety of issues including, inter alia, service delivery. Communities are demanding better and more efficient services from government which places the public sector under additional pressure to deliver. The violent protest action manifesting itself throughout the country is evidence of this. The public service needs graduates who are equipped with the necessary skills to make a meaningful contribution within the workplace. The qualification in Public Administration as a discipline provides a platform for approaching the challenges. The key to developing future leaders, bureaucrats and academics is education and training in Public Administration and the Honours Degree qualification reflects this by providing graduates with the knowledge and skills to deliver improved services to local communities.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The Nelson Mandela University (NMU) RPL Policy will be applied.

Entry Requirements

The minimum requirement for admission is

• A Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration.

This qualification comprises of compulsory and elective module at Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level, 8 120 Credits

• Advanced Administrative Theories, 30 Credits.
• Advanced Financial Administration, 20 Credits.
• Research Theory and Application, 20 Credits.
• Advanced Personnel Administration, 20 Credits.
• Research Paper, 30 Credits.

Elective Modules

• Advanced Municipal Administration, 20 Credits.
• Advanced Provincial Administration, 20 Credits.
• Applied Conflict Management Skills, 20 Credits.

1. Demonstrate a coherent and critical understanding of the theory, research methodologies and techniques relevant to the discipline of Public Administration.
2. Relate theory to practice and vice-versa.
3. Identify, analyze and deal with complex and/or real world problems and issues drawing systematically and creatively on the theory, research methods and applicable literature.
4. Demonstrate applicable knowledge of public administration theories and practices with an ability to conceptualise new approaches and contribute to knowledge development through their research.
5. Produce a concise and well-structured research report of approximately.

15 000 words (60 to 70 pages) demonstrating

• Appropriate research approach and operationalisation; an appropriate research design.
• Appropriate data collection.
• Processing and analysis.
• Demonstrate an ability to draw appropriate conclusions and research report writing skills.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome

• Assess a critical understanding of theories applicable to the discipline of Public Administration, Public Sector Financial Administration, Public Sector Human Resources.
• Analyse and evaluate complex problems facing the public sector and synthesize and interpret relevant data.

Integrated Assessment

The research project; in its design, preparation and presentation draws from all knowledge areas covered and therefore is used for Integrated Assessment. Also used are the case studies and practical projects.

The qualification will include both formative and summative assessments for the modules, which will be taught. Formative Assessments will be provided by means of practical assignments. These will be used to provide formal feedback on the performance to the candidates (students). Tests will take the form of both Formative and Summative Assessments. The final mark will comprise of 40% (class mark) and 60% (examination mark).

Written examinations will be assessed internally by the relevant module presenter and thereafter externally moderated. External moderators are discipline experts and their appointment will be ratified by the Faculty's FMC. The research paper will be internally evaluated by the relevant supervisor and will also be externally examined by a suitable examiner appointed by the relevant Postgraduate committees in the Faculty.