Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to provide learners with in depth knowledge of Public Administration and equip learners with necessary competencies that will enable them to become capable and efficient public servants. This qualification has been developed for learners who do not have sufficient formal education in Public Administration or Public Management, but who have acquired relevant career experience in the public sector. It is envisaged that these public servants will be better equipped to render services effectively and efficiently.

Rationale

This Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration is designed to provide learners with in-depth understanding of Public Administration and engage them in solving problems and dealing with complexities related to Public Administration. This qualification equips learners with skills that will enable them to critically reflect on issues and challenges faced by the public sector.

The study of Public Administration is for the purpose of ensuring that the administrative requirements for the delivery of services are understood and applied. The public sector is furthermore the foremost employer in the country. Government in South Africa is divided into three spheres: local, provincial and national. Each sphere's responsibilities are outlined in the Constitution. There are 46 national departments, 9 provincial administrations and 278 municipalities. These facts indicate the need for quality education and training programmes to produce well-equipped and competent public servants; a purpose that this qualification will fulfil.

Graduates of this programme should be able to provide answers to present-day administrative challenges.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

In cases where applicants do not meet the minimum entry requirements they may be admitted to this qualification through the formal RPL process as prescribed by the institutional RPL policy. The institutional RPL Office will manage the process. Applicants with proven relevant experience in the public and administration sectors will be suitable candidates for entry through RPL.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry to this qualification is a Bachelor's Degree at NQF Level 7 or equivalent.

This qualification comprises compulsory modules each with 20 Credits at NQF Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Modules

• Municipal Management.
• Public Policy and Service Delivery.
• Public Financial Administration and Management.
• Organisational Analysis and Intergovernmental Relations.
• Public Human Resource Management.
• Executive Public Management.

1. Apply theory to analyse contemporary issues in local government management and offer possible solutions.
2. Understand the nature of and apply Human Resource Management and its related human resource functional activities within the Public Sector.
3. Apply the key executive elements of public administration and management with special emphasis on strategic planning and leadership.
4. Analyse, interpret and apply policies for effective and efficient service delivery in the public sector.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Analyse and interpret the legislative framework for local government.
• Analyse good local governance.
• Understand and interpret developmental local government.
• Appraise public participation at the local government level.
• Analyse the strategic nature of integrated development planning as a tool for local development.
• Analyse the strategic nature of local economic development as a tool for local development.
• Assess important aspects of performance management at local government level.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Appraise the nature and purpose of Human Resource Management.
• Identify and assess the importance of public management functions.
• Evaluate the importance of public management skills.
• Describe the contribution of public management application to the development of communities.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Evaluate the parameters and principles of public finance.
• Analyse and interpret public financial legislation.
• Explain South Africa's fiscal policy in relation to taxes.
• Appraise inter-governmental fiscal relations.
• Analyse and evaluate government budgets.
• Analyse and describe the role of organisational role players in public financial management.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Appraise current policies and processes.
• Investigate the various policy sources.
• Apply consultation and co-ordination throughout the policy development process.
• Distinguish between policy formulation, implementation and evaluation.

Integrated Assessment

Integrated assessment in this programme allows the student to demonstrate applied competence and uses a range of formative and summative assessment methods.

The type of assessments selected for each module will be appropriate in terms of the outcomes that need to be achieved in the specific module. Formative assessment includes tests, assignments, portfolios of evidence, presentations and written report - individual or group. Summative assessment will comprise a written examination per module.