Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration

Purpose

• The purpose of the qualification is to promote good governance in the national, provincial and local government and the society as a whole.
• The learner will be able to conduct research, supervise and teach Public Administration in the undergraduate and post graduate levels.

Rationale

• To teach and research in the field of Public Administration.
• The qualification meets specific needs for the University, Government and Communities.
• Lecturers or administrators.
• Learners can be administrator or lectures.
• The benefits is to add value in terms of knowledge in the Public Administration.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Consideration may be made in accordance with University of Venda rules to confer honorary Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Administration to a person who has made significant and relevant contribution in the field of Public Administration.

Entry Requirements

Master's Degree in Public Administration with 180 Credits at NQF Level 9.

This is the Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration by thesis and has 360 Credits.

1. A demonstrable ability to identify, analyse and solve problems of public administration by using administrative research knowledge and skills.
2. A demonstrable ability to find information of professional relevance efficiently and independently.
3. A demonstrable ability to communicate research outcome effectively.
4. Ability to extend the frontiers of Public Administration knowledge.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1

• Ability to formulate a research problem statement that identifies a highly complex administration problem.
• Critical appraisal of recent literature in the area in which an administrative problem is identified.
• Relate Public Administration theory to practice, and vice-versa.
• Selection and description of research methods of Public Administration principles that apply to the identified Public Administration problems
• Interpretation of results and findings to inform policy that may solve public administration problems

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2

• Search for Public administration data and reports at national, regional and international level.
• Integrate data from different sources into clear descriptions and arguments.
• Represent and consider alternative Public Administration view and prospective.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3

• Production of written thesis.
• Presentation of research methods, findings and policy recommendation using oral and electronic medium.
• Defend ideas that are outcomes of research.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 4

• Identify gaps knowledge in Public Administration challenges of South Africa and other countries.
• Provide new methods and/or ideas of solving identified Public Administration challenges and problems.
• Defend new methods/or ideas in peer reviewed processes.

Integrated Assessment

The Formative Assessment include a written project proposal which is assessed by the school and University Higher Degree Committees.

The Summative Assessment applies on the end product, which is a thesis. External and internal examiners are appointed in accordance with the applicable University rules.