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: 

Bachelor of Public Administration 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
115558  Bachelor of Public Administration 
ORIGINATOR
University of Zululand 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National First Degree  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Public Administration 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2033-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to equip learners to be able to identify public administration and development management challenges of the 21st century and contribute towards solving identified challenges. In addition, learners will be able to promote ethical and professional standards in the public sector and display objectivity in the management of public affairs. Learners will understand the political, social and economic environments in which public administration and management are practised and demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that public related management-related problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation. Lastly, they will learn how to implement government policies into practical realities.

The Bachelor of Public Administration is a three-year qualification with a specialisation that permits learners to study certain combinations of disciplines in accordance with their interests and the requirements of the market. The curricula are designed to equip graduates with the necessary skills to pursue careers in various fields, including such Economics, Political Science, Business Management and Human Resources Management. In the first year of study, learners enrol for 10 compulsory modules. At the second level of study, a learner is required to choose a specialisation from 4 streams which are presented below. The following Bachelor of Administration streams with Public Administration as a major are offered by the Department of Public Administration:
  • Public Administration and Economics.
  • Public Administration and Human Resources Management.
  • Public Administration and Political Science.
  • Public Administration and Business Management.

    Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Know principles and concepts underlying Public Administration and Management as a discipline or field of study.
  • Demonstrate a systematic and critical understanding of the variety of contexts in which knowledge about the public sector functions.
  • Engage in self-directed and group-based learning via a basic understanding of research principles.
  • Demonstrate the ability to effectively integrate knowledge and skills in the addressing of government challenges.

    Rationale:
    The qualification focuses on developing proficient skills in the fields of management and administration, particularly geared towards development and administration in the wider public sector, with particular focus on professionalizing the administration and management of government. Therefore, there is a need for the qualification that will empower administrators and managers of the public sector with professional skills that will assist them in their day-to-day job.

    This three-year qualification has been significantly restructured to meet the transformation needs of the public sector and will be of value to inter-sectoral organisations, such as non-governmental and community-based institutions. Of relevance is the combination of public administration, human resource and local government management to form the focus of the qualification. Modules focus on sound theoretical grounding and good governance practices that support transparency, accountability, efficient and effective service delivery outcomes.
    The qualification domain has received constitutional status through South African's (SA) Constitution of 1996. To address the challenges and needs of the public sector, this qualification seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of Public Administration. This degree's dual approach regarding majors ensures greater flexibility and specialisation, as required by the public sector. The successful completion of this degree will allow learners to pursue careers in different public institutions within the South African context as well as the SADC region.

    This qualification is for civic minded learners who want to serve the community and make a difference in our society by improving the quality of life of the people through effective policymaking and implementation. With a Public Administration degree one may operate in organizational governance, finance, corporative services, administration etc. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications.

    RPL for access:
  • Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations.

    RPL for exemption of modules:
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

    RPL for credit:
  • Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
  • Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, granting access to Bachelor studies.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, with endorsement.
    Or
  • National Certificate Vocational, NQF Level 4, granting access to Bachelor studies.
    or
  • Higher Certificate, in a cognate field, NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Levels 5,6 and 7 totalling 408 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 160 Credits:
  • Introduction to Public Administration, 16 Credits.
  • Introduction to Political Science, 16 Credits.
  • Principles of Microeconomics, 16 Credits.
  • Business Management 1A, 16 Credits.
  • Business Information System 1A, 16 Credits.
  • Introduction to Public Management, 16 Credits.
  • South African Politics, 16 Credits.
  • Principles of Macroeconomics, 16 Credits.
  • Business Management 1B, 16 Credits.
  • Business Information System 1B, 16 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 120 Credits:
  • Basic Personnel Administration, 16 Credits.
  • Municipal Structure and Administration, 16 Credits.
  • Administrative Law for Public Administration, 12 Credits.
  • Foundations and Challenges of Human Resource Management, 16 Credits.
    Or
  • Introduction to International Relations, 16 Credits.
    Or
  • Intermediate Microeconomics, 16 Credits.
    Or
  • Marketing Management, 16 Credits.
  • Introduction to Public Finance Management, 16 Credits.
  • Municipal Finance and Management, 16 Credits.
  • Constitutional Law B, 12 Credits
  • Labour Law Relations in South Africa, 16 Credits.
    Or
  • Introduction to Political Sociology, 16 Credits
    Or
  • Intermediate Macroeconomics, 16 Credits
    Or
  • Financial Management, 16 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 128 Credits
  • Public Policy Analysis, 16 Credits.
  • Municipal Governance, 16 Credits.
  • Research Methodology, 16 Credits.
  • Theory and Practice of Human Resources, 16 Credits.
    Or
  • Foreign Policy Analysis, 16 Credits.
    Or
  • Public and Monetary Economic, 16 Credits.
    Or
  • Business Management 3A, 16 Credits.
  • Issues of Service delivery, 16 Credits.
  • Municipal Finance, 16 Credits.
  • Research Paper, 16 Credits.
  • Training and Development Management, 16 Credits.
    Or
  • Geopolitics, 16 Credits, 16 Credits.
    Or
  • Development Economics, 16 Credits.
    Or
  • Business Management 3B, 16 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Know the principles and concepts underlying Public Administration and Management as a discipline or field of study.
    2. Demonstrate a systematic and critical understanding of the variety of contexts in which knowledge about the public sector functions.
    3. Engage in self-directed and group-based learning via a basic understanding of research principles.
    4. Demonstrate the ability to effectively integrate knowledge and skills in addressing government challenges. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Understood different concepts in Public Administration and management.
  • Identify challenges within the public sector and possible solutions.
  • Display critical and creative thinking.
  • Apply knowledge and procedures underlying the practice of public service and management at all tiers of government.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Clearly describe different systems and contexts involved in the public sector.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Show the ability to work effectively with others in a team, group, organization and community.
  • Collect, analyse, and organize Information.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Integrate appropriate legislation and codes of conduct in an ethical orientation towards professionality in the public service to address government challenges. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: United States
    Institution: University of Colorado Denver
    Qualification Title: Public Administration and Development degree

    The University of Colorado Denver in the United States offers a similar course, namely the Public Administration and Development degree. The aim of the degree is to develop the skills and subject knowledge needed to undertake administrative positions in the public sector or in private organisations that work with divisions of the public sector.

    Country: Uganda
    Institution: The Cavendish University
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration and Management

    The Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration and Management provides an in-depth understanding of the core theories and perspectives underpinning public administration and management. The aim is to develop a clear and thorough knowledge of the political, social, economic and cultural contexts of the international system and its institutions shaping world affairs. This degree is similar to the South African Bachelor of Public Administration degree. It is a three-year degree and both the CU and SA qualification offer similar modules which include research methodology, public policy, financial management, geopolitics and constitutional, Administrative Law, Human rights, and Social Justice (Law).
    Articulation from thee two qualifications lead to a similar qualification, at a higher level which is the Bachelor of Public Administration Honours, which provides an additional 120 credits allowing the graduate to proceed to Master's level studies. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Public Administration, NQF Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Public Administration and Management, NQF Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Governance and Public Administration, NQF Level 7.

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