Bachelor of Social Science Honours in Public Policy

Public Policy Programme is an academic and broadly vocational qualification, which aims to equip learners with an understanding of the processes and structures, through which policy development and implementation take place. The qualification will also provide learners with the skills required to conduct research which is policy directed. Such academic and vocational training is crucial in South Africa at present given the need for new policy formulation to address the multiplicity of social problems and developmental goals. The policy field is a growing one in South Africa in both the private and the public sector, and job opportunities for learners who have qualified from the public policy qualification will be in demand in both of these sectors.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution conducts RPL in terms of the policy and guidelines of the institution to recognise other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience. In cases where learners do not comply with the formal admission requirements, the institution applies its RPL policy.

Entry requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Social Science in Public Policy, NQF Level 7.

• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the political processes involved in public policy.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the stakeholders involved in the policy process.
• Demonstrate knowledge of current policy concerns and outcomes, and their impact on social development.
• Identify policy-related issues and evaluate their importance.
• Understand the social context in which public policies are constructed.
• Present arguments and perspectives both orally and in written form.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of most contemporary societies, and the causes of inequality.
• Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the key theoretical debates and methodologies used in the public policy arena.
• Conduct primary research.

• Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the general field of enquiry.
• Demonstrate detailed knowledge of specific areas of inquiry in the qualification.
• Understand the interrelationships amongst various areas of the field of knowledge
• Analyse components/issues/factors/structure etc.
• Grasp the theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of the area of study.
• Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of current critical debates.
• Summarise, compare and evaluate a substantial body of knowledge.
• Construct a sustained argument, formulate questions and work towards solutions.
• Command the conceptual discourse of the field of public policy.
• Develop a clear understanding of the historical and contemporary state and possible future of the disciplinary areas in which she/he is working.
• Command academic English at an appropriate level.
• Solve problems, both theoretical and applied pertaining to the analysis, formulation and implementation of public policy.
• Have an appropriate understanding of the disciplines concerned, in particular, sociology and political studies.
• Contextualise the study of public policy within the social environment and the historical understanding.
• Demonstrate. Demonstrate familiarity with information technology at an appropriate level.
• Understand diversity.
• Manage individual study.
• Work efficiently with groups.
• Present findings at an appropriate level, both orally and in writing.
• Carry out a substantial independent research project conforming to acknowledged scholarly protocols.

Integrated Assessment

Integrated assessment appropriately incorporated to ensure that the purpose of the qualification is achieved

Learners will be assessed by classwork, dissertation and examination in accordance with the rules pertaining to the modules and level at which they are studying. All outcome levels will follow a process of continuous assessment, and exams will be conducted on the completion of each module. These methods work to evaluate learner's knowledge and skills in accordance with the outcomes specified under section 9.

On completion of both the undergraduate qualification and the various exit graduate levels, learners will compile a portfolio of all the work completed in the field of public policy. Assessment will incorporate an examination of learner's ability to apply their study to existing projects of policy analysis and implementation. At the Master's qualification outcome level, learners will be expected to complete a short dissertation which will have both a theoretical and applied dimension. All forms of assessment will be integrated and inter-module levels to form a cohesive matrix reflecting learner performance within the qualification as a whole.