Doctor of Public Administration

Purpose

It is intended that the learner enrolled for this qualification will undertake original research that will contribute to the knowledge and practice in the field of Public Administration and will submit a Thesis reporting the results of the research.

Graduates from the qualification are expected to have acquired extensive disciplinary knowledge and advanced research competencies that will provide expertise in their specializations, will enrich the discipline and offer advanced and complex practical applications and solutions to problems faced by local, provincial and national government.

Rationale

The Department of Public Administration enables the learners with a relevant Master's qualification to proceed to doctoral level. Learners exiting the relevant Masters' Degrees will have the ability to conduct research in a manner that is critical, reflective and constructive, with a view to production of new knowledge and innovations that are able to be defended and applied locally and internationally in social contexts with similar challenges. Apart from the need to offer progression academically, there is a need to further develop the intellectual capacity of people in the region and to produce solutions to complex problems that are unique, particularly the challenges faced at the level of local authorities and provincial administration in this province.

The Doctoral Degree is the highest qualification the University may award to a learner and the public sector is the largest employer in South Africa, with a large variety of divergent occupations of a clerical, administrative, technical and professional nature.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Access to this Doctoral degree could be granted to learners not in possession of a Master's degree that meets the admission requirements, at the discretion of the Institution.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Master's qualification in the chosen or a related field/discipline, NQF Level 9.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory module at National Qualifications Framework Level 10 totalling 360 Credits.

• Thesis, 360 Credits.

1. Motivate, plan and conduct research according to an accepted research proposal.
2. Analyse, evaluate, interpret and argue findings.
3. Present the research findings and recommendations in the required manner.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Compile and present a research proposal.
• Identify problems and undertake solutions.
• Conduct research ethically and according to relevant methodology.
• Collate information from a wide range of sources.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Demonstrate arguments are well-structured, analytical and original.
• Ensure the content shows original thinking and disciplined application to current practices.
• Analyse and evaluate conflicting findings carefully.
• Use computer technology to assist in analysing, interpreting and presenting findings.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Confirm the ability to perform as a leader in the field in the manner and content of the presentation.
• Demonstrate critical awareness of cultural and ethical issues clearly.
• Ensure the presentation can contribute towards improvement and changes in current public administration practices.
• Ensure the thesis complies with academic requirements at doctoral level.

Integrated Assessment

The assessment process provides for the checking of individual chapters, under the supervision of the supervisor (and co-supervisor) prior to the final examination of the thesis upon its completion. The University requires that doctoral theses be examined by three external examiners, with at least one examiner from a (non-South African) African university and at least one from a University that is outside Africa.