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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
115434  Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration 
ORIGINATOR
Durban University of Technology 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Postgraduate 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 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2019-12-17  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 seeks to offer the relevant study of public administration from advanced reflection and development of a systematic survey of current thinking and practice. In so doing qualified learners will undertake an advanced level of theoretical engagement and apply intellectual independence to acquire in-depth conceptual understanding, synthesis and critical application of strategic perspectives at national, provincial, and local spheres of government.

The qualification thus enhances the managerial competence of learners and strengthens and deepens their knowledge of public administration.

Learners must apply and integrate the following competently upon completion of the qualification:
  • Theoretical principles,
  • Evidence-based techniques,
  • Appropriate skills to interrogate,
  • Analyse public administrative problems,
    And
  • Develop appropriate solutions.

    The qualification also promotes the progression of learning by developing the learner's ability to undertake scientific research at a more advanced level. Moreover, the qualification will contribute to the personal development and growth of learners and enhance their efficiency and effectiveness in a dynamic, challenging and increasingly complex public sector environment.

    Upon completion of the qualification, learners should possess the requisite knowledge and skills to perform managerial functions and responsibilities at a strategic level in a wide range of fields within the public sector. It includes policy development, work methods and procedures, finance and supply chain, qualification and project management, monitoring and evaluation, risk and disaster management, and socio-economic development.

    Rationale:
    The South African Qualifications Authority's (SAQA's) mission statement attributed to the development of this qualification. The statement advocates the development and implementation of qualifications that contribute to the full development of learners while fostering the social and economic development of the nation at large. According to Education Indicators in Focus (2003: 4), "Education has the potential to bring significant benefits to individuals and society, which go well beyond its contribution to individuals' employability or income."
    The National Development Plan (NDP) in support of the latter, asserts that "education is the critical enabler for economic development and growth in South Africa. The NDP also defines learners identity, enables them to take control of their own lives, and raise healthy families". The design of the qualification aims to enhance learners' specialist knowledge and career progression in the public sector.

    Following the development of the Higher Certificate, the qualification and the Advanced Diploma in Public Administration at the institution, the need arose for the development of qualification to facilitate the progression of learning. Moreover, following the requirements of the revised Higher Education Qualifications Sub Framework (HEQSF), the minimum admission requirements for a Master's qualification at National Qualification Framework (NQF) Level 9 is an appropriate NQF Level 8 qualification - hence, the need for the qualification. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution has an RPL policy in place that allows learners access to higher education by recognising their prior learning (completed qualifications, short courses and work experience). The centre receives RPL applications for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT). The learners are required to complete an RPL application document. Accompanying the RPL application must be certified copies of all previous qualifications and a comprehensive portfolio reflecting extensive work-based learning. Once the institution's RPL coordinator has deemed the RPL application complete, the relevant academic department receives the portfolio to evaluate.

    The institution's RPL committee assesses the learner's portfolio thoroughly against the relevant learning outcomes. A decision on whether to grant credits/exemption for some modules and admission into the qualification. Following the institution's RPL policy, a learner cohort into a, and the qualification cannot be attained solely via RPL.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Advanced Diploma in Public Administration, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Administration in Public Administration, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 8, 88 Credits.
  • Reflective Public Administration and Public Value, 24 Credits.
  • Public Sector Research Project, 36 Credits.
  • Strategic Monitoring and Evaluation, 28 Credits.

    Elective Modules, NQF Level 8, 32 Credits: (Choose ONE Module):
  • Strategic Public Management 32, Credits.
  • Strategic Disaster and Risk Management, 32 Credits.
  • Strategic Supply Chain Management, 32 Credits.
  • Strategic Local Government Management, 32 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply a wide range of management principles to effectively, creatively and responsibly manage specific operations in the public sector.
    2. Evaluate and critique relevant theories, principles and contemporary issues about strategic public management, community engagement and community development.
    3. Communicate academic, professional and management information effectively, both orally and in writing, using technology, language, structure, style and graphical support that are appropriate for the public sector.
    4. Identify a real-world problem in local, provincial or national spheres of government, prepare a research proposal and execute a research report, using acceptable scientific methodologies, protocols and conventions.
    5. Manage the learning and assessment tasks attached to all the modules in the qualification autonomously, professionally and ethically. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Identify severe operational and management problems and challenges.
  • Analyse and interpret public sector information extracted from data.
  • Identify development and community problems using critical thinking and creative skills, solutions and propose challenges.
  • Apply management tools, processes and procedures correctly to public administration.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Evaluate and critique the relevant theories and principles about public administration and community development.
  • Challenge the assumptions to embrace new thinking.
  • Examine and critique contemporary issues about public administration.
    > Apply advanced knowledge and understanding of the philosophical underpinnings of community development in public administration appropriately.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Deliver written, and oral communication to meet the requirements of the target audience.
  • Communicate using appropriate technology, language, structure, style and graphical support, academic and professional information effectively.
  • Present convincing and persuasive arguments that are grounded in a critical theoretical and practical context.
  • Compile a report using appropriate language, structure, style and graphical support, a community development research.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Develop a research proposal.
  • Undertake a literature review.
  • Outline an appropriate research methodology and design.
  • Present, analyse and discuss the results of the study.
  • Propose recommendations arising out of the findings from the study.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Execute learning tasks independently or collaboratively.
  • Observe professional and ethical conduct in completing assessments in the qualification.
  • Observe issues about plagiarism and acknowledgement of sources of information.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Aligned to the institution's Assessment Policy, regarding integrated assessments for the qualification:
    The assessments in alignment with the stated learning outcomes for the qualification. Appropriate assessment tools used to establish if learners have achieved the stated learning outcomes. Assessment will be systematic, regular and formative, and feedback to the learners about their progress toward exit level competence will be timeous and constructive. Also, the assessment practices will be open, transparent, fair, valid and reliable, and ensure that no learner is disadvantaged in any way whatsoever.

    The 'Public Sector Research Project' module serve as an integrated assessment. Learners must investigate a public sector related problem and write up a 30-40 page research report. Also, the 'Reflective Public Administration and Public Value'' and 'Strategic Monitoring and Evaluation' modules will include integrated assessments.
    These integrated assessments uses of a range of formative and summative assessment to assess combinations of:
  • Practical,
  • Applied,
  • Reflective competencies,
    And
  • May include written assignments, projects, written tests and case studies. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Ghana Institute of Management (GIMPA) in Ghana offers a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration are Public Sector Governance. The similar comparative modules in the qualification are Public Policy Analysis, Research, Monitoring and Evaluation.

    University of Georgia in Greece offers Arts Bachelor/Master of Public Administration Joint Degree. The similar comparative modules in the qualification are Public Administration and democracy, Research methods in Public Administration, Policy Process and Local Government Administration.

    Foras Riarachain Institute of Public Administration in Ireland offers Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management. The similar comparative modules in the qualification are Managing Service Delivery, Research Methods and Organisation and Strategy.

    Royal Institute of Management in Bhutan offers Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration. The similar comparative modules in the qualification are Development Theories and Practices, Research Report Writing and Managing Development Projects. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers both possibilities of horizontal and vertical articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Administration Honours in Public Administration, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Management Sciences, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Administration in Public Administration, NQF Level 9.
  • Masters of Management Sciences, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Business Administration, NQF 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.
     
    1. Durban University of Technology 


    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.