Master of Public Administration

Purpose

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) qualification is a postgraduate qualification within the broader framework of South Africa's National Qualifications Framework (NQF), at level 9, contributing to developing a skilled and professional public sector workforce. The qualification is designed to provide advanced knowledge and critical competencies necessary for effective public governance, leadership, and policy implementation in national, provincial, and local spheres of government, as well as within non-governmental and international development organisations.

Upon completing the MPA qualification, graduates can apply advanced knowledge of public administration and policy analysis, demonstrate the ability to conceptualise and execute complex research projects, and use critical thinking to solve real-world public sector problems. They will be capable of designing, implementing, and evaluating public policies and qualifications, while incorporating principles of ethical leadership, good governance, and evidence-based decision-making. Graduates will also possess strong communication, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement skills, enabling them to lead public sector innovation and transformation initiatives effectively.

The qualification prepares graduates to become professionals with transformative leadership, ethical governance, and strategic planning skills to navigate complex administrative challenges to prepare learners to doctoral level (NQF Level 10), while also enhancing their capacity to contribute meaningfully to the public service at all levels local, provincial, national, and continental. The MPA aims to produce thought leaders and ethical practitioners who can respond to the dynamic and multifaceted nature of public governance, particularly within rural, under-resourced, and transitional governance contexts.

Rationale

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) qualification emerged to address the complexities of public sector governance, maintain strategic leadership functions, and meet policy reform needs alongside institutional changes in South Africa. The MPA qualification supports the National Development Plan (NDP) and the Public Sector Human Resource Development Strategy by building capacity at senior levels of the government and public service.

The master qualification curriculum was designed to address sector demands by developing qualified professionals who tackle existing problems in public corruption alongside weak service delivery, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and socio-economic inequality. The qualification delivers superior knowledge and operational tools for strategic public management, policy analysis, and public sector innovation and governance reform. The qualification provides public institutions with trained professionals who possess the ability to manage complex political and administrative systems, delivering performance-driven governance that is both transparent and accountable.

The qualification development process involved thorough consultation with major public and development sector stakeholders. The qualification gathered information from national, provincial and local government departments, public entities and professional organisations, including professional bodies like the South African Association of Public Administration and Management (SAAPAM). The stakeholders verified the necessity of a postgraduate qualification which combines academic depth with operational expertise in public administration, and they supported the institution's mission to address public sector skill shortages through the master's qualification.

The qualification welcomes learners from various backgrounds who work at mid- to senior levels in public service and municipal officials, policy analysts, development consultants, and managers from non-governmental and international organisations. Recent honours graduates who aim to pursue leadership positions and research-oriented careers in public administration are also part of the qualification. After completing the qualification, graduates should secure positions that include those of directors, policy advisors, qualification managers, and institutional reform consultants.

The qualification exists at NQF Level 9 within the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF). It enables learners to progress to doctoral studies in public administration, public policy, and governance. The qualification and related disciplines enhance public sector professionals' academic and professional growth.

The qualification leads to better governance through improved societal responses and supports inclusive development and enhanced public service delivery. The qualification helps build an economically valuable, ethical, and innovative public workforce that drives continuous socio-economic change in South Africa and other nations.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution applies Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in accordance with its institutional policy, which is aligned with national policies, including the SAQA RPL Policy and the CHE guidelines.

In line with the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy of Walter Sisulu University and the principles of the Council on Higher Education (CHE), the university supports access to the qualification in the form of access via RPL, particularly for experienced professionals who demonstrate equivalent competencies acquired through prior learning. As this is a fully researched, based qualification, RPL for advanced standing or exemption of credits will not be considered.

To be eligible for consideration under RPL, applicants are required to

• Submit a comprehensive portfolio of evidence demonstrating relevant learning and experience.
• Provide copies of any formal or informal qualifications, including international qualifications, accompanied by a SAQA Certificate of Evaluation for international applicants.
• Present a detailed curriculum vitae outlining work experience pertinent to the chosen qualification.

This approach ensures that adult learners and non-traditional applicants with substantial practical experience have equitable access to higher education opportunities.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Administration Honours, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Bachelor of Administration Honours in Public Administration, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management, NQF Level 8.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 9, totalling 180 credits.

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 9, 180 Credits.

• The qualification consists of a coherent, supervised research dissertation on a relevant and original topic in public administration, governance, or public policy.
• The dissertation carries the full credit value of 180 credits at NQF Level 9, which aligns with the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF) requirements for a Master's degree by research only.

1. Evaluate advanced knowledge and critical understanding of public administration theories, principles, and practices in local, national, and international contexts.
2. Conduct independent and original research to address complex problems in public administration and governance.
3. Design public policies, qualifications, and strategic plans for effective governance and service delivery.
4. Assess ethical leadership, professional integrity, and accountability in complex and diverse public sector environments.
5. Analyse policy, reports, and legislative frameworks related to the public sector.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Analyse key theoretical frameworks of public administration and governance.
• Evaluate public sector reforms and their implications for service delivery in various contexts.
• Apply relevant theories to practical public administration challenges and propose evidence-based solutions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Formulate appropriate research questions and select suitable methodologies for public administration research.
• Collect, analyse, and interpret qualitative and/or quantitative data rigorously and ethically.
• Produce a coherent and scholarly research report or dissertation demonstrating academic integrity and relevance to the public sector.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Identify and analyse public policy issues using strategic and systems thinking approaches.
• Critique policy options based on stakeholder needs, legislative frameworks, and resource constraints.
• Evaluate the effectiveness and impact of policy or qualification interventions using appropriate tools and frameworks.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Analyse ethical dilemmas and apply relevant codes of conduct and governance principles.
• Assess the role of leadership and ethics in fostering transparency and public trust.
• Appraise responsible management and leadership in a simulated or real-world administrative context.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Produce clear, structured, and well-argued written outputs for academic and policy audiences.
• Deliver professional oral presentations that convey complex ideas with clarity and relevance.
• Engage in informed dialogue with stakeholders using appropriate negotiation and communication strategies.

Integrated Assessment

The integrated assessment approach ensures that all exit-level outcomes (ELOs) are demonstrated and assessed in a coherent, cumulative, and scholarly manner through a single, comprehensive body of work.

Formative Assessment

• The learner will receive ongoing assessment through regular supervision meetings and feedback on research proposals, literature reviews, methodology drafts, and dissertation chapters.
• The learner will receive structured progress reports and supervisor evaluations to develop academic, analytical, and ethical competencies.
• Learners will participate in institutional research seminar presentations to present their work and receive feedback from faculty members and fellow researchers.

Summative Assessment

• The final summative assessment consists of submitting a complete dissertation that demonstrates the integration of theory, methodology, and insights from applied public administration.
• The dissertation is assessed by both an internal moderator and two external examiners, in accordance with institutional and national standards for Master 's-level research.
• Examiners assess the learner's ability to frame a research problem clearly, apply appropriate theoretical frameworks, use rigorous and ethical methodology, analyse data meaningfully, and offer critical insights and recommendations.