SAQA 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.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Advanced Diploma in Public Administration and Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
109773  Advanced Diploma in Public Administration and Management 
ORIGINATOR
Nelson Mandela University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Advanced Diploma  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 07  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2019-07-25  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 purpose of this qualification is to develop qualifying learners who hold operational skills as well as a theoretical understanding of the current socio-economic context in which public administration and management needs to be enabled. Holders of this qualification will be able to take up strategic positions within all spheres of government where strategic vacancies have existed for long periods of time. They will be equipped with necessary critical skills that will allow them to ensure policy implementation.

Furthermore, this qualification aims to provide qualifying learners with the necessary administrative and managerial skills and competencies needed to ensure the deliverability of effective and efficient public services. In addition to this, it will facilitate critical insight into strategic management, risk assessment, and management at all spheres of government, as well as provide access to the skills that are required of public officials who are responsible for the provision of various basic and essential services including electricity, housing education, transport, and so forth.

Rationale:
In order to direct and ensure quality service delivery at all spheres of government, it is required and expected from public officials occupying positions in the top echelons of government to have the necessary management competencies and skills that enable quality service delivery as well as display an understanding of public responsibility and answerability (public accountability).

This qualification would equip management and officials in the public service with the necessary background, skills and competencies. This qualification aims to develop the theoretical understanding and competence required by management and officials to play a decisive role in the implementation of various policy initiatives of government that leads itself to improve service. Furthermore, it aims to lead to the development of competence for the effective and efficient delivery and policy coherence of public services.

It is also designed to provide qualifying learners in the discipline with the necessary theoretical foundation to proceed to Postgraduate studies (Bachelor of Arts (BA) Honours Degree in Public Administration and Management) if they choose to. This higher theoretical foundation, at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 7, will allow a learner to hold the necessary theoretical as well as applied knowledge to critically analyse and synthesise learning areas encountered at NQF Level 7 and beyond. Learners can expect to exit the Advanced Diploma with strategic and sound financial management.

This qualification enables a vertical articulation route to the existing Bachelor of Arts Honours in Public Administration, and beyond that, to Master of Arts (MA) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) studies in Public Administration. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The RPL policy will be applied where candidates have spent significant time within the public service, Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) or related sector and can show an understanding of the modus operandi thereof and be able to contextualise the applicability of public administration and management.

Applicants must provide a portfolio of evidence that includes competence certificates, job descriptions, and other relevant and related material relative to the experience gained within the public sector and or applicants may be interviewed for access to the qualification.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement is:
  • A 360 Credits Diploma in Public Administration, Level 6. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 7 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules: 120 Credits:
  • Governmental Relations, 20 Credits.
  • Public Human Resources Management, 20 Credits.
  • Public Financial Accountability, 20 Credits.
  • Strategic Public Management, 20 Credits.
  • Public Policy Evaluation, 20 Credits.
  • Public Administration and Management Theory, 20 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Assess the public sector in respect of applicable public administration and management theory and legislation.
    2. Examine the process, concepts, principles, and techniques involved in policy analysis and evaluation.
    3. Apply the necessary policy and management tools to problem-solving.
    4. Analyse the functional and technical systems that define the public service.
    5. Critically engage with the theoretical development of ethical public decisions and strategies for maximising democratic accountability.
    6. Analyse the principles of the promotion of national integrity for sustainable development.
    7. Apply the process of strategic management and stakeholder's involvement in public service delivery. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Identify and apply legislations and conventions.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Identify and engage with applicable policy management and evaluation concepts.
  • Identify and apply applicable monitoring and evaluation tools and techniques.
  • Recognise, identify and apply policy evaluation for the solution of public sector problems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Identify applicable policy evaluation tools to policy scenario.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of applicable tools for monitoring and evaluation.
  • Display insight into the public sector realm that leads to contextualisation of problem solving.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Demonstrate insight into the statutory realm, stakeholders and various bodies that define the public service.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Identify the principles that underpin democratic accountability.
  • Display Insight into the institutional framework that seeks to support democratic accountability.
  • Display Insight into the statutory framework that guides democratic accountability.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Discuss and analyse the principle of the promotion of national integrity.
  • Discuss statutory norms that define national integrity.
  • Explain the processes that lead to the maintenance of national integrity.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Discuss the principles, process and the necessity for strategic management in the organisation.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The qualification will be evaluated through Formative and Summative Assessments. Formative Assessment will be assessed principally through assignments, analysis of current and relevant public sector scenarios and or case studies.

    Summative Assessments will include class tests and examinations, which require learners to demonstrate advanced knowledge of concepts, their use and application. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: Australia.
    Qualification: Graduate Diploma in Public Admission requirements.

    Applicants must normally hold either the Graduate Certificate in Development Administration, Graduate Certificate in Public Sector Management, Graduate Certificate in Public Policy* (or an approved comparable); or an approved degree or comparable qualification from an approved tertiary institution. However, the Dean (Education) may, under certain circumstances and subject to specific conditions, admit others who can show evidence of fitness for candidature.

    Qualification purpose:
    If you are a current or aspiring public sector manager or policy maker, the Postgraduate qualification in public administration provides opportunities for you to enhance your understanding, knowledge and skills in this area. It includes courses at the graduate certificate, graduate Diploma and Masters level.

    The qualification is offered by the College of Business, Government and Law, and Postgraduate courses in public administration have been taught at Flinders University since 1986. The qualification is designed with the needs of current and future public-sector employees in mind and is reviewed regularly.

    The Graduate Diploma in Public Administration is a 36-unit qualification which is part of the Graduate Qualification in Public Administration offered by the College of Business, Government and Law.

    Qualification outcomes:
    The Graduate Diploma in Public Administration aims to provide a broad overview of issues in public policy, management and administration and to provide a foundation for those wishing to pursue studies at the Masters level.

    Assessment approach:
  • To qualify for the Graduate Diploma in Public Policy and Management, learners must complete 36 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic.

    Comparison to the institution's qualification:
  • It is a one year qualification that allows a learner to articulate to higher Postgraduate study or to exit.

    The units are similar with the exception that an elective option is presented. There are nine modules whereas the South African qualification has 6 modules and the content is all encompassing.

    Country: Australia.
    Qualification: Graduate Certificate Diploma in Policy Analysis.

    Admission requirements:
    To be eligible for admission to the Graduate Certificate in Policy Analysis, a learner must:
  • Hold any Bachelor Degree (or higher) from a recognised University (or another tertiary education institution of comparable standing) with a minimum GPA of 4.5 (using a 7.0 scale).
    Or
  • Have a minimum of five years comparable full-time professional work experience in or with the public sector.
    Or
  • Have a combination of alternative admission criteria such as formal, informal and non-formal learning deemed to be comparable to either of the above.

    Qualification purpose:
    This qualification equips professionals who work with policy or in policy roles with the skills needed to respond to the complex challenges and rapidly evolving demands of policy analysis, design and implementation. The research- led and industry engaged qualification draws on current thinking and real-life examples to significantly build the professional skills of those in the public and private sector. Whether you already work in government at local, state or national level, or you work with government and want to understand what drives and influences.

    Qualification outcomes:
    Qualification Learning Outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and the application of knowledge and skills, you will acquire through studying the Griffith qualification of your choice. They are benchmarked against the relevant Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) specification.

    Comparison to the institution's qualification:
    It is a one year qualification. The South African qualification has 6 modules and the content is all encompassing. This qualification, like the qualification offered at institution, requires the learner to possess:
  • Cognitive skills to think critically about issues and dilemmas in policy and analysis, and effectively research, evaluate and communicate arguments.
  • Cognitive skills to identify the forces that have challenged existing policy-making institutions and traditions and evaluate their contemporary role in policy making.

    Country: Australia.
    Qualification: Graduate Diploma in Public Administration.
    Admission requirements.

    Admission to candidature for the Graduate Diploma in Public Administration requires:
  • a Bachelor's Degree, graduate Diploma, graduate certificate or comparable at an institution approved by the Graduate School of Government and graded at a standard acceptable to the school and at least three years of experience in a senior public sector position, satisfaction of the English language requirements, where applicable and (d) any other minimum standards specified by the Graduate School of Government.

    Qualification purpose:
    This qualification helps learners to develop key leadership, policy and administrative skills necessary for high-level practice in all levels of government and non-government organisations. The qualification offers timely and relevant skills enhancement in public administration, providing the transferable skills necessary to equip the learner for work across the full range of government agencies and ministries.

    Qualification outcomes:
    The core units of study cover public policy, public sector leadership, strategic administration, managing public expenditure, and a capstone unit Practical core unit in workplace learning. Every learner also has the opportunity to be paired with a mentor, usually a current or former senior public administrator, politician, member of the judiciary or leader from civil society or the private sector. Under their guidance you will receive one- on-one support and career advice that significantly enhances your theoretical knowledge of public administration in national, state, provincial and local government jurisdictions.


    Comparison to the institution's qualification:
    It is a one year qualification that allows a learner to articulate to higher Postgraduate study or to exit. The units are similar with the exception that an elective option is presented. There are nine modules whereas the South African qualification has 6 modules and the content is all encompassing.

    Country: UK.
    Qualification: Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management.
    Admission requirements:
    You should have a recognised UK Bachelor's Degree, or international comparable, in a social science discipline. Qualifications in other subjects will be assessed on their merits. Your application may be considered if you have previous education and experience, comparable to a Degree-level qualification, which includes suitable preliminary training.

    Qualification purpose:
    Public sector organisations need good managers. The Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management is a preparation for managing and advising public sector organisations. There is an emphasis on managing people, managing change and designing and using information systems.

    Learners will study four modules selected from the list below:
  • Decentralisation and Local Governance M404.
  • E-Government M403.
  • Environmental and Social Impact Assessment M469.
  • Human Resource Management and Development M402.
  • Managing Organisational Change M406.
  • Project Appraisal M475.

    Qualification outcomes.
    Public sector organisations need good managers. The Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management is a preparation for managing and advising public sector organisations. There is an emphasis on managing people, managing change and designing and using information systems. By following this qualification you will be well qualified for senior positions in government public services, international organisations and NGOs.

    On successful completion of PGDip in Public Management, learners should be able to:
  • Construct and apply models, systems, and techniques.
  • Explain how models learned in the qualification may be used to inform managerial decisions in different policy domains, institutional contexts, and public sector organisations.
  • Assess and appraise models, systems and techniques taught in the qualification.
  • Understand and critically appraise case studies and qualitative research.

    Integrated Assessment:
    For all qualifications, each 22.5 and 30 Credit module, with the exception of the Dissertation, is assessed by one three-hour unseen written examination and by the submission of two compulsory assignments of 2,500 words each.
    Learners cannot sit the written examination for a module unless they have completed all the compulsory assignments for that module. The grade awarded for the module is based on the mark obtained in the written examination and on the combined mark for the assignments on the module. The ratio of written examination to coursework is 70:30.

    The Dissertation is assessed by the submission of a written dissertation of not more than 10,000 words, excluding the bibliography and appendices.

    Comparison to the institution's qualification.
    1 x 3hour written exam.
    3 x assessments.

    The ratio of written examination to coursework is 60:40. The grade awarded for the module is based on the mark obtained in the written examination and on the combined mark for the assignments on the module. The ratio of written examination to coursework is 70:30.

    The Dissertation is assessed by the submission of a written dissertation of not more than 10,000 words, excluding the bibliography and appendices. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers the following articulation possibilities:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Business Studies, Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Public Administration, Level 8. 
    		•

    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.