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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
119092  Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration 
ORIGINATOR
Cape Peninsula University of Technology 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   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 0333/25  2025-07-10  2028-07-10 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-07-10   2032-07-10  

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 National Development Plan 2030 highlights the crucial role of the quality of public service in the transformation and development of the country. The purpose of the qualification is to provide learners with an in-depth knowledge of Public Administration and equip learners with the necessary competencies that will enable them to become capable and efficient public servants. The qualification aims to enhance and augment the knowledge, skills and values of those occupying positions at different management levels such as the middle, senior and executive level within local, provincial and national spheres of government and the public sector at large.

Furthermore, the qualification enhances the competencies of those functioning at management levels within the public sector to remain current and relevant to changes and developments within the public sector locally, provincially, and nationally. The qualification is intended for prospective managers who wish to pursue a career pathway within the public sector and require the necessary knowledge, skills and values to be effective and efficient to carry out daily tasks as managers and to strive toward ensuring a high standard of service delivery and professionalism. It aims to develop a synergy between the theoretical context and the practical context of the workplace.

Qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Formulate and evaluate public policies and communicate policy analysis effectively to relevant stakeholders.
  • Engage in corporate governance and understand the theories and principles of corporate governance and administration in the Public Sector.
  • Conduct and implement organisational development interventions to facilitate effective organisational performance.
  • Design, implement and evaluate internal control systems, risk management, cost management, financial planning based on the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), budget integration and analyses, performance management as well as financial and performance reporting in the South African Public Sector.
  • Examine contemporary budgeting and financial systems within the learner's organisation and Public Sector.
  • Manage all disasters by implementing proactive disaster management plans and strategies in terms of relevant legislation, policies, and directives and effectively co-ordinate disaster contingency plans.
  • Write an academic research proposal and conduct an applied research project through data collection, analyse and present the findings, conclusions and recommendations.

    Rationale:
    The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) offers huge potential to transform and realign our public service delivery processes in the South African public sector. The South African public sector is standing at an important moment in the history of technology. The design of the qualification takes cognisance of the ever-changing landscape of the industry as a result of the 4IR. For Public Administration to survive the disruptions likely to be caused by the 4IR, public officials should have the capacity to adapt to the new technologies since the administrative structures will be subjected to efficiency and transparency mechanisms that stand global competition. The Public sector's digital government strategies must be designed to address economic and social problems and the use of new 4IR technologies could increase its capacity to better serve citizens directly. The critical skills required in the 4IR include communication skills, cognitive abilities, systems skills; complex problem-solving skills; content skills; process skills; social skills; resource management skills; technical skills and physical skills. The qualification is intended to equip learners with these skills and technological knowledge to improve service delivery in the Public Sector.

    The purpose of the qualification is to respond to the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 vision of building not only a skilled and professional public service but also an ethos of public service through teaching and research. In addition, the qualification has been developed to address the shortage of occupations in high demand published in the Government Gazette National List of Occupations in High demand by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET, 2018).
  • General manager Public Service.
  • Senior Government Manager.
  • Senior Government Official.
  • Finance Manager.
  • Personnel/ Human Resources Manager.
  • University Lecturer (DHET, 2018).

    These 'occupations in demand' refer to "occupations that show relatively strong employment growth or are experiencing shortages in the labour market" (DHET, 2018). To address these skills shortages and the gaps in the supply of suitably qualified learners, the qualification will equip individuals who possess technical and/or professional competencies with the managerial acumen that is required to take up many management positions. The Government Gazette emphasises that there needs to be co-ordination between the needs of society and economy and the current skills required. The content of the qualification is rooted in well-founded academic research, and national and internationally benchmarked theory and practices. The qualification contains modules covering the core functions of management, namely leadership, governance, strategy, finance and people management.

    Furthermore, the National School of Government (NSG) expressed the need for a postgraduate qualification that is aligned with the Senior Management Service (SMS) Competency Framework. The qualification will assist in meeting the sector-specific management and leadership competencies (skills and knowledge) required and alleviate capacity constraints that confront the broader South-African Public Service. The qualification will enhance and augment the knowledge and skills of those existing line managers/coordinators at different management levels (middle, senior and executive) within local, provincial and national government spheres and the public sector at large. The qualification will benefit prospective managers to develop and enhance required competencies and follow a career path in the public sector.

    Qualifying learners will acquire specialised knowledge and skills such as:
  • analysing and implementing policies; knowledge of relevant legislation.
  • adapt in an increasingly complex, diverse and constantly changing work environment.
  • innovative thinkers and problem solvers.
  • use technology efficiently to promote quality service delivery.

    The qualification encourages innovative and contemporary methods of teaching and blended learning using technology. It also promotes independent and goal-orientated learning, as well as the emergence of managers who are conscious of skills development and the concept of lifelong learning, as well as in turn developing the ability to contribute to society and its changing needs. Qualifying learners will articulate to the Master in Public Administration or any other similar qualifications. 
    		•

    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 which is applicable with regards 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 may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.

    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 should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

    RPL for exemption of modules:
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted for 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:
  • Advanced Diploma in Public Administration, NQF level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Public Administration, NQF level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Administration in Public Administration, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Administration, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Administration in Public Management, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 120 Credits:
  • Corporate Governance and Administration, 20 Credits.
  • Applied Policy Analysis and Management, 20 Credits.
  • Public Financial Management and Accountability, 20 Credits.
  • Public Human Resource and Leadership Management, 20 Credits.
  • Research Methodology and Design, 20 Credits.
  • Strategic Disaster and Development, 20 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply, in a self-critical manner, learning strategies that effectively address professional and ongoing learning needs and the professional and ongoing learning needs of others to advance their professional leadership capabilities as public leaders.
    2. Formulate and evaluate public policies and communicate policy analysis effectively to relevant Stakeholders.
    3. Identify and address ethical issues based on critical reflection on the suitability of different ethical value systems to public sector governance.
    4. Conduct and implement organisational development interventions to facilitate effective organisational performance.
    5. Design, implement and evaluate internal control systems, risk management, cost management, financial planning based on the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), budget integration and analyses, performance management as well as financial and performance reporting in the South African Public Sector.
    6. Examine contemporary budgeting and financial systems within the learner's organisation and Public Sector.
    7. Write an academic research proposal and conduct an applied research project by collecting, analysing data and presenting findings and recommendations.
    8. Implement proactive disaster management plans and strategies in terms of relevant legislation, policies and directives to manage all disasters and to co-ordinate disaster contingency plans effectively. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Monitor career development of employees.
  • Identify and discuss the components of a compensation system.
  • Analyse the legal framework on compensation.
  • Identify and interrogate the major challenges within the performance management system.
  • Apply the various instruments of rewarding performance in the Human Resource Management context.
  • Conduct a disciplinary hearing within the workplace context.
  • Monitor and evaluate the quality of communication instruments.
  • Examine and apply values and principles governing public administration outlined in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (Act No, 108 of 1996) together with the Batho Pele Principles outlined in the White Paper on Transforming Service Delivery.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Interpret and evaluate public policy theories and discuss how the establishment of good governance within the public sector context.
  • Analyse the nature and meaning of decision-making.
  • Establish and apply policy goals and alternatives within the public sector.
  • Evaluate and apply different analytical models in public policy.
  • Compare and analyse the different models used to analyse the contents of policy options.
  • Examine and apply Performance Management systems for strategic policy implementation.
  • Illustrate the ability policy evaluation and qualification evaluation and monitoring.
  • Identify various types of evaluation and objectives of monitoring and evaluation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Identify and address ethical issues and behaviour in the public service.
  • Analyse and apply ethical issues emanating from professional practice in the public sector and apply appropriate ethical standards in the work environment.
  • Interrogate various theories of ethics and practically apply examples of unethical conduct in the public sector.
  • Conceptualise and contextualise ethics and accountability, and effective governance and administration.
  • Analyse and interpret the relevant legislation within the corporate governance context.
  • Examine and discuss the international perspectives on governance.
  • Draft intergovernmental protocols and basic memoranda of understanding (MOU's)
  • Evaluate and apply public financial management systems, under the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) for public financial accountability.
  • Examine the role of the office of the Auditor-General in South Africa.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Identify problems within the organisation.
  • Diagnose problems by providing causes and determining future action needed.
  • Design an action plan involving goals, a basic approach for attaining these goals, and the sequence of the scheme for implementing the approach.
  • Monitor and evaluate the project for implementing change.
  • Conduct meetings to appraise change efforts.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Analyse and apply appropriate public financial management principles in South Africa.
  • Evaluate the implications of the regulatory framework in the management of own responsibility area.
  • Examine and apply the dictates of a typical financial cycle in the South African public sector.
  • Analyse and apply management principles within the area of responsibility.
  • Apply the principles for the design and development of internal control measures within the area of responsibility.
  • Explore and comply with the prescripts of the framework for supply chain management in the public sector in South Africa.
  • Examine accountability arrangements as it pertains to own area of responsibility.
  • Comply with the financial reporting requirements of the public finance management regulatory framework.
  • Explain and apply the principles of drafting and collation of financial reports in the area of responsibility.
  • Conduct basic analysis of financial information, annual financial statements, and audit reports.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Critically analyse the different costing techniques and make recommendations on how they should be applied in a specific institution.
  • Discuss possible measures to maximize an institution's ability to access public funds.
  • Prepare a set of budget guidelines for incumbent managers, and other stakeholders to support a plan for a selected project.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Construct a research proposal for investigating a work-related problem.
  • Design and implement survey questionnaires for a particular research project.
  • Design an interview schedule for a research survey.
  • Collect data in a research survey through questionnaires and interviews.
  • Compile a report on a research project.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Evaluate and apply applicable legislation on disaster management.
  • Draft appropriate disaster management strategic plans.
  • Advise on different aspects of preparedness, mitigation and operations.
  • Conduct strategic planning in Integrated Development Planning to advise local authorities.
  • Manage and draft disaster communication plans.
  • Apply Geographic Information System (GIS) Mapping technology to map disasters.
  • Develop and select appropriate response selections.
  • Assess various hazards in risk environments and provide strategic guidance.
  • Draft a health and safety management plan.
  • Analyse and apply relevant international protocols and conventions to maintain acceptable standards in disaster events.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    Integrated assessment forms part of continuous assessment and an appropriate mix of both formative and summative assessment methods has been included in the qualification.

    Formative assessment aims at enhancing learner learning and provides learners with an opportunity to reflect critically on their learning and to improve their levels of personal accountability and time management. It further explains that the purpose of a formative assessment is developmental by giving learners feedback on their performance as well as how to improve before completing a summative assessment. Formative assessments consist of a variety of assessment tasks relevant to the field of study such as:
  • Debates.
  • Assignments.
  • Presentations.
  • Case studies.
  • Quizzes.

    Summative assessments take place at the end of a section of work/quarter or semester and are aimed at assessing the learner's attainment against the learning outcomes of the qualification and subject(s). Summative assessments consist of a variety of formal assessment tasks relevant to the field of study, including:
  • Written tests.
  • Reports.
  • Examination.
  • Assignments.
  • Project based learning.

    Integrated assessment often cuts across several subjects/modules of a qualification and is aimed at the holistic development of learners. This method of assessment promotes learners' personal and professional development in the field of study in terms of foundational, practical, and reflexive competence. The integration of outcomes and where possible across subjects, for example, a group presentation could incorporate several outcomes from different subjects that fall in the same semester. The integrated approach encourages learners to gain a holistic view of the curriculum and promotes the transference of skills, knowledge, and competence. Learners are assessed holistically through project reports, a portfolio of evidence and oral presentations related to the needs and requirements of the industry and field of study. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The international comparison effort comprised five institutions offering a similar qualifications in Public Administration. The institutions were drawn from Uganda, Namibia, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Canada respectively. These institutions identified presented with similarities in qualification type, level of study, entry requirements, study duration (either 1-year full-time and/or 2-years part-time), qualification structure and subject content.

    Country: Uganda
    Institution: Uganda Technology and Management University (UTAMU).
    Qualification Title: Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration
    NQF Level: 8
    Credits: 120
    Duration: one year
    Entry requirements:
    The two Postgraduate Diploma qualifications also share similar admission requirements that are a Bachelor's Degree or equivalent qualification from an institution of higher learning, a Postgraduate Diploma in a relevant discipline from a recognised institution of higher learning and may receive some exemptions based on the UTAMU policy as long as some courses are deemed to have been previously covered.
    Purpose:
    The two qualifications share a similar focus and purpose as these highlight the emphasis that the knowledge, skills and competencies of those functioning at management levels within the public sector should remain current and relevant to changes and developments within the public sector. This aligns with the career opportunities that are highlighted by both Postgraduate diplomas; that the acquisition and honing of skills to ensure the effective management of human, financial and material resources within public sector organisations and to ensure the implementation of best public administration practices in public service delivery.

    Comparison:
    This institution was included in the comparative exercise due to the equivalence in levels and total of credits, and the similarity in the mode of delivery. There is some overlap in subject content, the focus on the blended teaching and learning approach, and their successful integration of the teaching and learning processes with appropriate information and communications technologies. Both qualifications are registered at NQF Level 8 and have a total number of credits of 120 respectively. A further similarity between the qualifications is that the duration is a minimum of one year and comprises two semesters.

    This qualification is blended with models and concepts from social sciences disciplines to raise more efficient and resourceful public managers/administrators. The institution follows a blended form of teaching and learning approach which involves face-to-face and online learning. Learners have access to a well-integrated e-learning system and online library which allows learners to continue their learning even whilst not at the institution. The institution uses a block release mode of delivery of modules which takes place face-to-face, the rest of the time learners are involved in self-paced individual and group online learning. This is similar to the mode of delivery of the new qualification which will be incorporating Block Release and a blended learning approach that will draw on both face-to-face contact sessions as well as online methods using the institution's Learner Management System (LMS), Blackboard to provide learning materials and access to other online resources.

    The overlap between the two curricula is that these provide a broad range of analytical and conceptual skills in critical areas needed to manage public affairs in a changing public sector environment. The Public Financial Management module is similar to the new qualification and has a module focused on research methods. The main difference between the qualifications is that the South African qualification includes the subjects Strategic Disaster Management and Development Management, which are the electives for the qualification.

    Country: Namibia
    Institution: Namibian University of Science and Technology
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Public Management Honours
    Duration: one year
    NQF Level 8
    Credits: 120
    Rationale:
    Both qualifications share the emphasis on learners being able to apply the theories of public management and public sector data (knowledge), to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which the public sector and civil society organisations must deal with due to the ever-changing workplace landscape.
    Qualification Structure:
    The qualification comprises a module in Research Methodology with the allocated credits being 15 and a Mini thesis with the allocated 30 credits.
  • Governance and management.
  • Good Governance. as well as subjects related to
  • Regional Economic Governance and State-owned enterprises.

    The new qualification requires learners to complete five core/compulsory modules and one (1) elective. There is some overlap in the subject content between the two qualifications i.e.
  • Research methodology and Design, the
  • Practical component of the Research subject i.e., the research project
  • Planning and Management.
  • Governance.

    Comparison:
    The institution is considered to be the most innovative higher education institution in Namibia and has won several awards, both locally and internationally. The qualification which formed part of the comparative exercise was the Bachelor of Public Management Honours which is pitched at NQF Level 8 and a total of 120 credits, thus comparable to the new qualification. The duration of the Honours qualification is one year and has an admission requirement of a Bachelor's degree at NQF level 7 or an equivalent qualification.

    In comparison to the new qualification, the admission requirement is an Advanced Diploma in Public Administration at NQF level 7 or equivalent qualification in the same or cognate discipline. The Honours qualification requires that learners register for five core/compulsory subjects and two electives.

    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: Centre for Financial and Management Studies at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) University of London
    Qualification Title: Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management
    NQF Level: Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) Level 6
    Duration:
    The Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management offered at The Centre for Financial and Management Studies is offered for a minimum of one year.
    Purpose:
    The primary focus of the Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management is to provide preparation for managing and advising public sector organisations. This is similar to the focus of the new qualification which is focused on enhancing and augmenting the knowledge and skills of existing line managers as well as prospective managers.

    Qualification Structure:
    The SOAS University of London is the leading Higher Education institution in Europe and the Centre is known as being the world's leading institution for the study of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management which is offered at the Centre is recognised as an RQF Level 6 qualification which is the Regulated Qualifications Framework in the UK. This level is equivalent to NQF Level 8 in South Africa.

    Learners are required to complete four modules out of a selection of eight. Modules are similar to the new qualification's Public Policy and Management, Human Resource Management and Development and Research methods. The credits per module differ in that the Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management has a credit allocation of 30 credits per module whereas the new qualification has 20 credits. Learners completing the Research module are required to complete a research project which is not required for the module in the Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management qualification at the Centre which places the primary focus on preparing learners who will be articulating to the Master's degree to conduct research or for professional work purposes.

    The comparison exercise showed similar career opportunities for both Postgraduate Diploma qualifications; these being senior positions in government public services.

    Country: New Zealand
    Institution: Victoria University of Wellington
    Qualification Title: Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management
    Duration:
    Entry requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree and at least two years' work experience.

    Qualification structure:
    Learners registered for the Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management qualification at the School of Government are required to complete four core/compulsory modules and four electives. The subject complement which is similar to the new qualification includes:
  • Public Managers and the Policy Process.
  • Managing People in the Public sector.
  • Managing Public Resources
  • Research Skills for Public Managers.

    The content offers the learner the opportunity to gain a wide range of skills and knowledge related to public managers and the policy process, policy design and evaluation, managing people in the public sector, leadership and conducting and analysing research through practical application i.e. case studies, projects, presentations and so forth. The focus and vision of this qualification are similar to the one shared by the new qualification regarding the development of the learner's critical thinking and reflection, and problem-solving skills, particularly within the 21st century, and to ensure that the competencies of those functioning in management levels within the public sector remain current and relevant to changes and developments within the public sector. The similarity of focus that could be determined between the two Postgraduate Diplomas is that both place emphasis on enhancing the performance of the manager by honing their knowledge and skills to create best practice public management.

    Country: Canada
    Institution: University in Halifax
    Qualification Title: Graduate Diploma in Public Administration
    The comparison exercise concluded with the School of Public Administration at the Dalhousie in Canada. The institution strives toward excellence in public service. The institution offers qualifications that are designed and delivered by internationally recognised academics and senior public service practitioners. The qualification combines theoretical and practical learning that provides learners with a framework to address current and future complex national and global issues that leaders and executives often faced in the workplace.

    Entry requirements:
    A Graduate Diploma in Canada usually follows the completion of a Bachelor's degree. After successful completion of the Graduate Diploma, learners may articulate to a Master's qualification. This is similar to the vertical articulation possibilities with the CPUT Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration. The GDPA is similarly offered over 1 year and on a full-time or part-time basis (or the option of distance learning) where the delivery of the module allows. The focus of the programme content is mainly on components of financial, economic and policy analysis with organization and management theory which is similar to the CPUT Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration.

    Rationale:
    The qualification is better suited to those who have experience in the public sector, to better understand the concepts, principles, and skills relevant to the profession. Learners may on successful completion of the Graduate Diploma in Public Administration, articulate to the Master in Public Administration or the combined degree of the Master of Information and the Master of Public Administration or another option of the Master of Public Administration Management. The new qualification offers a similar possibility of articulating to the Master in Public Administration. Apart from the focus on the knowledge component shared by both the Postgraduate Diploma and the Graduate Diploma, these also emphasize developing the learner's analytical, critical thinking and strategic capabilities as well as enhancing their managerial and leadership proficiencies.

    Qualification structure:
    The complement of subjects for this qualification has similarities to those of the CPUT Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration. The overlapping subjects are:
    Compulsory Modules:
  • Introduction to Public Policy.
  • Research Methods and Analysis.
  • Human Resource Management.
  • Strategic Financial Management.

    Elective Modules:
    Learners are also provided with a range of electives of which they have to register for three (3).
  • Managerial Economics.
  • Public Economics.
  • Quantitative methods for the Public Sector Management,
  • Local Government, Environmental Policy.

    The new qualification differs in the rules of combination since it requires a learner to register for a total of five core/compulsory modules and includes two electives of which learners choose one:
  • Strategic Disaster Management
  • Development Management.

    The comparison exercise showed overlapping similarities in career opportunities for both qualifications i.e., positions at the management level and human resources.

    The conclusion drawn from the above comparison exercise is that the South African qualification is internationally comparable to other institutions based on the type of qualification, duration of the study, programme structure and subject content. The comparison highlighted the emphasis placed on the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills and the practical application of theory and knowledge to ensure a learning experience that is relevant to the workplace. It is also apparent from the above information that the qualification would be relevant to managers or senior managers within the public sector. It, therefore, meets the labour market needs at the international level.

    Conclusion:
    Postgraduate qualifications in the field of public administration and public management are common across the world and most qualifications seem to cover the same subject fields at this level. Most qualifications also include a small research project that focuses on public service. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Management, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resources Management, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Administration Honours in Public Management, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Public Policy, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master in Public Administration, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Public Administration and Management, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Public Management and Governance, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Public Management, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Arts in Public Management and Governance, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Arts in Public Policy, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Public Management in Development Management, 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.
     
    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.