Master of Public Administration

• The qualification provides qualifiers with an integrated and effective mix of knowledge, skills and applied competence at the Masters level in governance, public management and administration and Southern African cooperation and development, thereby providing them with enhanced opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth, gainful economic activity and rewarding contributions to society;
• This qualification exposes students to new forms of teaching and learning methodologies which are innovative, interactive and experiential in focus and designed to stimulate critical thinking and problem-solving;
• Also, provides opportunities for students to progress to studies at the doctoral level in governance and public management;
• To add to the skills and research base of university post-graduates in South Africa and the Southern African region in the areas of governance, public administration and management, and regional cooperation and development;
• To offset the current shortfall in South Africa of appropriately educated and trained black and female professionals (especially at the middle and senior management levels) in the public sector;
• To promote the values of democratic accountability, social equity, ethical conduct, transparency, responsiveness and representativeness as key dimensions of the processes of political and administrative transformation in South Africa.

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 Administration Honours in Public Administration, NQF level 8.

Learners who successfully exit the qualification

1. Will have a high level of understanding of, and an ability to interpret and critically analyse

• The historical, political, administrative, economic and social context of governance in contemporary South Africa, as well a critical regional and international influence;
• The legislative framework for governance, the principal structures and functions of government at national, provincial and local levels, and the dynamics of inter-governmental relations;
• The key issues and challenges facing the transformation of the South African public sector, strategies for change;
• The key issues and challenges facing the policy making process and the strengths and limitations of current policy processes in South Africa and the Southern African region;
• The relevance of gender in the study of governance, and the importance of gender equity in the structures and functions of public institutions.
• The importance of democratic accountability, social equity, ethical conduct, transparency, responsiveness and representativeness as key dimensions of the processes of political and administrative transformation in South Africa

2. Will demonstrate a high level of skills and applied competence (appropriate for students at the Master's level) in

• Organising and analysing information in a coherent and systematic way;
• Designing and carrying out independent research , under supervision;
• Communicating effectively with peers and the broader community, both orally and in writing;
• Articulating and promoting their own ideas whilst remaining sensitive to the ideas of others;
• Preparing clear and concise reports and conducting effective individual and group presentations;
• Keyboard, word processing and other computer skills (power point, spreadsheets);
• Carrying out critical analysis and evaluation of government policies and programmes;
• Identifying, analysing and solving problems in a creative and systematic way;
• Organising and managing their own time effectively;
• Working independently and in groups;
• Assuming responsibility and accountability for the achievement of personal and group goals;

3. Will be empowered to

• Contribute to the transformation of South African in its global and regional context;
• Effect socially responsible and ethical behaviour;

1. Will enhance their own administrative and managerial experience, in particular by undertaking an internship in a public sector or related organisation;
2. Will be equipped with a firm foundation to progress:

• To more responsible and satisfying employment in the public sector, especially at the middle and senior management levels
• To doctoral level studies and research in governance and public management.

1. Information is organised and analysed in a coherent and systematic way.
2. Independent research is designed and carried out under supervision.
3. Effectively communicated both orally and in writing with peers and the broader community.
4. Own ideas are articulated and promoted whilst remaining sensitive to the ideas of others.
5. Clear and concise reports are prepared and effective individual and group presentations are conducted.
6. Keyboard and word processing skills are demonstrated.
7. Critical analysis and evaluation of government policies and programmes are carried out.
8. Creative and systematic way of analysing and solving problems, are identified.
9. Own time is organised and managed effectively.
10. The ability to work independently and in groups is demonstrated whilst meeting objectives.
11. Personal and group goals are achieved through assuming responsibility and accountability for the achievement of;

• Transformation of South Africa in its global and regional context is contributed towards;
• Evidence of socially responsible and ethical behaviour is provided through all projects and programme interventions.

1. Administrative and managerial experience are enhanced by an internship in a public sector or related organisation.

Integrated Assessment

A variety of integrated assessment methods are used, both formative and summative. These are designed to test practical skills and competencies as well as theoretical and descriptive knowledge. The assessment methods include tests and examinations, as well as a range of academic and practical assignments (essays, practical research reports, policy papers, case studies, individual and group projects and presentations) designed to develop the full potential of each learner and to realise the multiple learning outcomes of the qualification/programme.

For the Research Report/Mini-Thesis, all students are provided with a designated supervisor with specific competence in the area covered by the thesis.

Although all modules must be passed (with a minimum of 50%) to attain the qualification, students are afforded the opportunity to supplement examinations and assignments, and to repeat modules (up to a maximum of three). On-going academic development support is provided to all learners (targeted in particular at those who are relatively weak, especially in terms of writing and presentation), to develop their practical and communication skills and to enable them to succeed.