Doctor of Public Management
The primary purpose of the qualification is the advancement of knowledge through original research for academic or professional contexts. The purpose of the qualification is to conduct research in the field of Public Management and Administration and to make a contribution to the field of study by introducing new knowledge, using different research techniques and methodologies. The purpose is also to expand on the basic knowledge of the field of study. It also allows the doctoral learner to become an expert in the study field of Public Administration. The expertise obtained through the research process could be applied in the public sector in all three spheres of government. The Doctoral qualification will also open up opportunities for the holder of the qualification to pursue an academic career at an institution of higher education. It requires a learner to undertake research at the most advanced academic levels culminating in the submission, assessment and acceptance of a thesis.
Source: SAQA official qualification record. Yiba Verified does not own the underlying qualification data shown on this page.
Qualification type
Doctoral Degree
Credits
360
Sub-framework
HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
Providers listed
1
Qualification snapshot
Official qualification identity fields captured from the qualification record.
Originator
Central University of Technology, Free State
Quality assurance functionary
CHE - Council on Higher Education
Field
Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies
Subfield
Generic Management
Qual class
Regular-Provider-ELOAC
Recognise previous learning
Y
Important dates
These dates are carried directly from the qualification record.
Registration start
2024-07-01
Registration end
2027-06-30
Last date for enrolment
2027-06-30
Last date for achievement
2029-06-30
Purpose and entry context
Official SAQA text formatted for easier reading.
Purpose and rationale
The primary purpose of the qualification is the advancement of knowledge through original research for academic or professional contexts. The purpose of the qualification is to conduct research in the field of Public Management and Administration and to make a contribution to the field of study by introducing new knowledge, using different research techniques and methodologies. The purpose is also to expand on the basic knowledge of the field of study. It also allows the doctoral learner to become an expert in the study field of Public Administration. The expertise obtained through the research process could be applied in the public sector in all three spheres of government. The Doctoral qualification will also open up opportunities for the holder of the qualification to pursue an academic career at an institution of higher education. It requires a learner to undertake research at the most advanced academic levels culminating in the submission, assessment and acceptance of a thesis.
Rationale
The qualification provides training for an academic career. It requires a learner to undertake research at the most advanced academic levels culminating in the submission, assessment and acceptance of a thesis. However, learners may also present peer-reviewed academic articles and papers in partial fulfilment in the research requirements. The defining characteristic of this qualification is that the learner is required to demonstrate high-level research capability and to make a significant and original academic contribution at the frontiers of public management and administration as a field of study. The work must be of a quality to satisfy peer review and merit publications, the qualification may be earned through pure discipline-based and multidisciplinary research or applied research.
Entry requirements and RPL
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Entry Requirements.
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is
- Master of Public Management, National Qualifications Framework (NQF), Level 9.
Or
- Any appropriate Master's Degree in the cognate field NQF, Level 9.
Structure and assessment
Qualification rules, exit outcomes, and assessment criteria from the SAQA record.
Qualification rules
This qualification consists of the following compulsory module at National Qualifications Framework (NQF), Level 10 totalling 360 Credits.
Compulsory Modules, Level 10, 360 Credits
- Advanced research project a thesis, 360 Credits.
Exit level outcomes
- The learner must demonstrate the ability to undertake and publish highly advanced, highly original and highly creative work in the field of Public Management and Administration.
Associated assessment criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1
- Conduct independent research and to produce a significant and an original academic contribution to the body of knowledge in a public management and administration related field.
Integrated Assessment
Learners must submit a Doctoral Thesis containing the report of their research. The thesis has to meet all the standards and requirements of a Doctoral Thesis, which include proof of a successful integration of all the elements required to substantiate the central thesis and original contribution(s) of the study.
Progression and comparability
Articulation options
Doctoral Degree is the highest qualification type awarded.
International comparability
The qualification has been compared to similar Public Management/Public Administration qualification in other countries to ensure that the South African qualification is comparable to those qualifications in terms of the learning outcomes, competencies developed and the standard of performance demanded of graduating learners. Countries whose qualifications and courses were looked at included amongst others:
Africa
University of Dar es Salaam offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration by Thesis over a period of 48 months.
United Kingdom (UK)
Plymouth Graduate School of Management, University of Plymouth offers a Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) in Public Administration over a period of four years. Research areas include sustainable governance and leadership, institutional and public policy, finance and economics and more relevant research related areas. Professional Doctorates allow interactions between theory and practice, which provide new insightful perspectives. Understanding relationships between theory and practice will equip the learners with research skills that can be applied in organisational context.
The Business School, University of Huddersfield also offers a Doctor of Public Administration. It is a research qualification. The innovative qualification is a response to the growing need for professionals to differentiate themselves in the market place. The qualification comprises of a taught element followed by the production of a Doctoral Thesis. The Doctorate of Public administration is equivalent to the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) but is centred on bridging the gap between the learner's academic knowledge and professional practice. The qualification retains emphasis on the learners' contribution to their organisation while enhancing their analytical and research skills. Duration is 4 to 7 years part-time. A relevant Master's Degree or equivalent Postgraduate Diploma, a professional qualification in education and at least 3 years professional experience.
Australia
The Faculty of business, Government and Law offers a Professional Doctorate in Public administration (Research). The Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) course will allow learners to develop relevant research skills through a carefully designed program supplemented by a dissertation and relevant choice of electives. The objectives of the Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) modules are to enable practitioners to extend and build upon their professional experience through: a coursework that develops knowledge and skill in research methodology and research methods; development of research, writing and analysis skills which enable learners to produce a dissertation which constitutes an original and significant contribution to the relevant literature and/or to professional practice; preparation of a substantial dissertation which adds to existing knowledge and constitutes an in-depth investigation and analysis of a particular professional issue or set of issues; and bridging the gap between theory and practice by developing closer links between the university and senior professionals in fields associated with public administration and public policy.
Providers currently listed
This reflects provider names published on the official record. It is useful for qualification discovery, but it should not be treated as a substitute for checking the relevant quality body’s latest provider status.
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