Master of Public Administration and Management

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to train and equip candidates with knowledge that will enable them to serve as managers in the executive arm of local, provincial and national government, and that focuses on the systematic study of executive organisation and management. Includes instruction in the roles, development, and principles of public administration; the management of public policy; executive legislative relations; public budgetary processes and financial management, administrative law; public personnel management; professional ethics; and research methods.

Rationale

This qualification is designed to provide candidates with management and leadership skills that will enable them to make a positive contribution to the development and the implementation of public administration practices and principles in the public sector environment.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning is implemented through the University policy.

Entry Requirements

The minimum requirements for admission into this Masters Degree studies are

• Bachelor Honours Degree.

This qualification comprises compulsory and elective modules at Level 9.

Elective Modules Level 9: 16 Credits (Select two modules)

• Intergovernmental Relations/Cooperative Governance, 8 Credits.
• Public Human Resource Management, 8 Credits.
• Local Government and Administration, 8 Credits.
• Strategic Management Techniques, 8 Credits.

Compulsory Modules Level 9: 184 Credits

• Ethics and Accountability in Public Administration, 12 Credits.
• Research Methodology, 16 Credits.
• Public Management Theories, 12 Credits.
• Mini-Dissertation in Public Administration and Management, 100 Credits.
• Public Financial Management, 12 Credits.
• South African Public Management, 12 Credits.
• Organisation Theory, 12 Credits.
• Public Policy Analysis, 8 Credits.

1. Master a theoretically sophisticated subject matter.
2. Master the skills of critical thinking, problem solving, collection and analysis of information and effective professional written and oral communication.
3. Demonstrate the ability to assess, critically review and apply relevant information, in order to identify research needs.
4. Demonstrate the ability to initiate, undertake and participate in all aspects of the research process.
5. Make sound ethical judgements within the field of speciality and be accountable for all decisions made and engage in lifelong learning.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1

• Be familiar with contemporary philosophical and theoretical issues in a specialised field.
• Develop specialised knowledge in a critical and comparative manner, depending on the particular field of focus.
• Understand and utilize concepts used in the public administration discourse.
• Serve, conduct and perform administrative functions in an ethical manner.
• Involve members of the public in their service delivery mechanisms.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2

• Debate complex issues orally and in writing.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3

• Plan and write a composite literature review on a topic, critically evaluating different viewpoints.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 4

• Identify a research problem and formulate a research question.
• Develop a research proposal and conduct the research outcomes under minimum supervision.
• Use literature in evaluation of a research topic, to develop related research question/s, and formulate the aims and objectives required to address the critical research question/s.
• Select the appropriate research design for both qualitative and quantitative research.
• Understand the different data collection methods.
• Validate data collection tools.
• Capture, clean, organise, evaluate and analyse research data.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of basic statistical procedures required for a particular problem.
• Discuss the findings of the study and to be able to compare them with similar studies.
• Plan and demonstrate a presentation (oral or poster) for academic purposes.
• Develop a research report, dissertation, article and abstract on the study undertaken.
• Evaluate critically the results of a research study and be able to translate them into appropriate and feasible recommendations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 5

• Use knowledge critically to make sound ethical judgements without prejudice and to the benefit of mankind and the environment.
• Take accountability for all decisions taken and implemented.

Integrated Assessment

Assessments are integrated to ensure that the Exit Level Outcomes of the Masters qualification have been met. Candidates use knowledge and experience from the work place to complete assignments (group and individual) and tests all moderated internally. Formal examinations and the Mini-Dissertation are examined internally and externally in accordance to the institution's Senate rules.