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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Public Administration 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
105250  Bachelor of Arts Honours in Public Administration 
ORIGINATOR
Nelson Mandela University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Honours Degree  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Public Administration 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2021-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The qualification aims to develop graduates who are intellectually independent and who can ultimately become specialist in their fields with the ability to engage in sustainable local socioeconomic practices and to undertake research activities while adhering to ethical protocols. Graduates will have acquired relevant theoretical knowledge and insights to approach public administration issues from a variety of perspectives, demonstrating competence and lifelong learning leading to successful careers in the public sector.

Rationale:
The discipline of Public Administration is constantly revolving as the internal (micro) and external (macro) environments so too change. This translates into numerous challenges that confront government and the public service in terms of a variety of issues including, inter alia, service delivery. Communities are demanding better and more efficient services from government which places the public sector under additional pressure to deliver. The violent protest action manifesting itself throughout the country is evidence of this. The public service needs graduates who are equipped with the necessary skills to make a meaningful contribution within the workplace. The qualification in Public Administration as a discipline provides a platform for approaching the challenges. The key to developing future leaders, bureaucrats and academics is education and training in Public Administration and the Honours Degree qualification reflects this by providing graduates with the knowledge and skills to deliver improved services to local communities. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The Nelson Mandela University (NMU) RPL Policy will be applied.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum requirement for admission is:
  • A Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises of compulsory and elective module at Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level, 8 120 Credits:
  • Advanced Administrative Theories, 30 Credits.
  • Advanced Financial Administration, 20 Credits.
  • Research Theory and Application, 20 Credits.
  • Advanced Personnel Administration, 20 Credits.
  • Research Paper, 30 Credits.

    Elective Modules:
  • Advanced Municipal Administration, 20 Credits.
  • Advanced Provincial Administration, 20 Credits.
  • Applied Conflict Management Skills, 20 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate a coherent and critical understanding of the theory, research methodologies and techniques relevant to the discipline of Public Administration.
    2. Relate theory to practice and vice-versa.
    3. Identify, analyze and deal with complex and/or real world problems and issues drawing systematically and creatively on the theory, research methods and applicable literature.
    4. Demonstrate applicable knowledge of public administration theories and practices with an ability to conceptualise new approaches and contribute to knowledge development through their research.
    5. Produce a concise and well-structured research report of approximately.

    15 000 words (60 to 70 pages) demonstrating:
  • Appropriate research approach and operationalisation; an appropriate research design.
  • Appropriate data collection.
  • Processing and analysis.
  • Demonstrate an ability to draw appropriate conclusions and research report writing skills. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome:
  • Assess a critical understanding of theories applicable to the discipline of Public Administration, Public Sector Financial Administration, Public Sector Human Resources.
  • Analyse and evaluate complex problems facing the public sector and synthesize and interpret relevant data.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The research project; in its design, preparation and presentation draws from all knowledge areas covered and therefore is used for Integrated Assessment. Also used are the case studies and practical projects.

    The qualification will include both formative and summative assessments for the modules, which will be taught. Formative Assessments will be provided by means of practical assignments. These will be used to provide formal feedback on the performance to the candidates (students). Tests will take the form of both Formative and Summative Assessments. The final mark will comprise of 40% (class mark) and 60% (examination mark).

    Written examinations will be assessed internally by the relevant module presenter and thereafter externally moderated. External moderators are discipline experts and their appointment will be ratified by the Faculty's FMC. The research paper will be internally evaluated by the relevant supervisor and will also be externally examined by a suitable examiner appointed by the relevant Postgraduate committees in the Faculty. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The design of this qualification, the content and assessment is comparable to similar qualifications offered at other institutions internationally. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification articulates vertical:
  • A Master's Degree at Level 9. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.