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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Administration 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
122191  Master of Administration 
ORIGINATOR
University of Mpumalanga 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Office Administration 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0922/24  2024-03-07  2027-03-07 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-03-07   2031-03-07  

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 primary purpose of the proposed Master of Administration is to provide learners with an opportunity to undertake independent research under supervision and contribute to the development of knowledge at an advanced level. During the process of undertaking the research project, learners will gain experience in all aspects of the research process and develop a deep and current understanding of the theories, ideas, and practices in their area of specialisation. Upon completion of the qualification, learners will be able to progress to doctoral studies and undertake further independent and original research and contribute to the generation of new knowledge, or learners may seek employment.

The proposed qualification will support research in critical aspects of public administration and management and will also provide learners with high-level skills that will enable them to possess a deep practical understanding and application of public administration and support the national, provincial, and local imperatives of the country. On completion of the qualification, learners will be able to undertake further independent research and contribute to the generation of new knowledge in their area of specialisation.

Upon completion of this qualification, learners will be able to:
  • Undertake independent research and report on this to reflect independent thinking, critical analysis, an ability to defend findings and advanced insight into the chosen field of research.
  • Demonstrate specialist knowledge and an ability to engage critically with current research in a field of specialisation in public administration.
  • Illustrate an advanced understanding of the boundaries, interconnections, value and knowledge creation systems of the chosen discipline within public administration and an ability to critically evaluate these and select an appropriate research paradigm to use for the research project.
  • Select, modify where necessary, and apply an experimental design and research methods for data collection, data analysis and statistics to address a particular research question in public administration.
  • Draw appropriate conclusions and propose interventions at a policy or management level that address the problem in public administration being researched, and fully discuss any possible negative consequences.

    Rationale:
    The rationale of this qualification is to respond to the socio-economic development challenges encountered by the Province, the aim is therefore to build on the comparative advantage of the province in fields such as mining, conservation, environmental sciences and services such as tourism, to achieve socio-economic goals linked to national goals and priorities; embarking on concerted strategies and plans to improve employment rates in the Province, focussing in particular on youth unemployment; improving the health and general well-being of inhabitants of the Province, and further afield, through expanded and improved education and training opportunities, supporting enhanced delivery of health and other social services, and the improved functioning of local authorities and concomitant service delivery.

    The government`s Medium Term Strategic Framework (MTSF) for 2014-2019 lists fourteen priority areas, all of which have a bearing to some extent on the proposed Master of Administration qualification. The priority areas of the MTSF are quality basic education, a long and healthy life for all South Africans, all people in South Africa feel safe, decent employment through inclusive growth, a skilled and capable workforce to support an inclusive growth path, an efficient, competitive and responsive economic infrastructure network, vibrant, equitable, sustainable rural communities contributing towards food security for all, sustainable human settlements and improved quality of household life, responsive, accountable, effective and efficient local government, to protect and enhance our environmental assets and natural resources, to create a better South Africa and contribute to a better Africa and a better world, efficient, effective and development-oriented public service and a comprehensive, responsive and sustainable social protection system.

    It will require competent public servants for the government to implement the MTSF and, the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan. Qualifying learners from this qualification will ensure that the plans of the government will be implemented effectively and efficiently.

    Research is, therefore, a very powerful tool for a university that wishes to be relevant to its community. Research and postgraduate learners will assist in the creation of a research culture where learners act as role models for younger learners and serve as demonstrators and tutors providing very important support for undergraduate teaching and learning.

    The proposed qualification will also provide articulation for those seeking further progression to doctoral studies. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    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:
  • Bachelor of Administration Honours, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Administration Honours in Human Resource Management, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Administration Honours in Industrial Psychology, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

    Compulsory Module, NQF Leve 9, 180 Credits.
  • Master of Administration Dissertation, 180 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Undertake independent research and report on this to reflect independent thinking, critical analysis, an ability to defend findings and advanced insight into the chosen field of research.
    2. Demonstrate specialist knowledge and an ability to engage critically with current research in a field of specialisation in public administration.
    3. Illustrate an advanced understanding of the boundaries, interconnections, value, and knowledge creation systems of the chosen discipline within public administration and an ability to critically evaluate these and select an appropriate research paradigm to use for the research project.
    4. Select, modify where necessary, and apply an experimental design and research methods for data collection, data analysis and statistics to address a particular research question in public administration.
    5. Draw appropriate conclusions and propose interventions at a policy or management level that address the problem in public administration being researched, and fully discuss any possible negative consequences.
    6. Account for your work, actions, and decisions and act reflectively, ethically, professionally and with integrity, when drawing solutions to the identified problems.
    7. Apply knowledge of research and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility to the health, welfare, and development of others, and with due consideration to cultural differences.
    8. Critically evaluate, manage, collate, and synthesise information from a range of sources relevant to the field of specialisation.
    9. Communicate effectively and efficiently with both specialist and non-specialist audiences using appropriate language, academic discourse, and technology in defending new ideas using logical argumentation that is supported by data. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1.
  • Clearly describe and decide the project question and scope when undertaking the independent research.
  • Critically evaluate comprehensively the literature review and draw information from a range of primary sources.
  • Illustrate evidence of a clear understanding of relevant research theory and practice.
  • Collect and analyse data or information in accordance with the project proposal and plan.
  • Interpret data and integrate it into the existing canon of knowledge.
  • Support recommendations by data and clearly formulated and specialised skills to make interventions and to address the intended and unintended consequences of such interventions.
  • Prepare the dissertation according to the prescribed format, and write it according to appropriate academic language, that shows no evidence of plagiarism.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2.
  • Critically evaluate and discuss the current and contemporary concepts, theories, and methods in specialisation and in detail in the dissertation.
  • Skillfully incorporate own results from the research project into the existing canon of knowledge in the dissertation.
  • Integrate the knowledge from the major disciplines within the area of specialisation to sustain and support a discussion in the dissertation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3.
  • Illustrate a full understanding of different research paradigms in the dissertation.
  • Apply an adequate understanding of the nature, strength and limitations of research paradigms in the dissertation.
  • Properly implement and correctly justify the research process or paradigm selected for the project implement it properly.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 4.
  • Justify the research methods selected for the project appropriately.
  • Apply research methods carefully and provide reliable results.
  • Discuss potential weaknesses in the chosen methods and account for the analysis of the results.

    Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 5.
  • Successfully manage uncertainty, incomplete data, and limited information in the decision-making process.
  • Support the decisions and recommendations that are backed by the policy.
  • Provide comprehensive mitigating measures to recommendations and conclusions specifically highlighting any possible negative consequences.

    Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 6.
  • Reflect on social and ethical issues and include them in all recommendations and proposed solutions to the identified problem.
  • Engage with feedback and use it positively and constructively to improve work.
  • Manage learning to meet deadlines and submit all assignments in accordance with provided guidelines.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 7.
  • Illustrate an understanding of the need to use research and technology in a responsible manner in the dissertation.
  • Critically evaluate potential negative outcomes that may result from the research and use appropriate proposed mitigation measures.
  • Critically evaluate and appropriate any mitigation measures proposed to any possible effects on the health, welfare and socio-economic development of people.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 8.
  • Design and implement strategies for the processing and management of information for review and insight.
  • Critically review and analyse existing knowledge in the field of study as in the introduction and discussion chapters of the dissertation.
  • Access information from a wide range of sources, critically evaluate and include it in the dissertation.
  • Manage contradictory information, consider alternative viewpoints and reach a balanced conclusion.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 9.
  • Communicate results from the research project to both professionals and non-specialist audiences using appropriate language and technology.
  • Communicate complex concepts, ideas, and theories.
  • Engage appropriate academic language in the dissertation and present it in the approved style that adheres to norms for scientific writing.
  • Apply standard referencing accurately and consistently in the dissertation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 10.
  • Critically analyse written and verbal feedback and incorporate it into drafts of the dissertation.
  • Prepare and complete the research project in accordance with the agreed project plan.
  • Employ resources responsibly taking account of own work and that of others. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: United Kingdom
    Name of Institution: London School of Economics
    Qualification title: Master's in Public Administration
    Duration: Two years

    Entry requirements:
    Undergraduate degree
    Or
    International Equivalent

    Purpose:
    The qualification combines methodological discipline and practical application, allowing learners to develop foundation skills in empirical methods, political science, and economic analysis. Learners will be equipped with the analytical and professional skills to effectively understand and address the challenges of contemporary governance and make an immediate impact for employers in public, private and non-profit organisations around the world. Learners will be equipped with core analytical skills, practical tools and professional experience to be able to confidently address real-world policy challenges. Learners then apply their skills to real-world scenarios through the completion of a Capstone Project with an external client.

    Modules:
  • Economic Policy.
  • International Development.
  • Inequality and Poverty.
  • Social Impact.
  • International Political Economy.
  • MPA Capstone, comparable with the Research Dissertation.

    Similarities:
  • The London School of Economics (LSE) and the South African (SA) qualifications both accept learners who have completed an undergraduate degree in the relevant field.
  • The LSE Capstone Module is comparable to the SA Research Dissertation module.
  • The purpose of the LSE qualification is to equip learners with the analytical and professional skills to effectively understand and address the challenges of contemporary governance and make an immediate impact for employers in public, private and non-profit organisations around the world.
  • Similarly, the SA qualification aims to support research in critical aspects of public administration and management and will also provide learners with high-level skills that will enable them to possess a deep practical understanding and application of public administration and also support the national, provincial, and local imperatives of the country.
  • Both qualifications articulate vertically into a Doctorate's degree in the related field.

    Differences:
  • The LSA qualification is offered over two years whereas the SA qualification is offered over one year.
  • The LSA qualification only conducts research in the second year, whereas the SA qualification's total focus is on research.

    Country: Australia
    Name of the Institution: Flinders University
    Qualification title: Master of Public Administration
    Duration: One year
    Credits: 72

    Entry requirement:
  • An approved degree
    Or
  • An equivalent qualification from an approved tertiary institution
    Or
  • Graduate Certificate in Public Sector Management
    Or
  • Graduate Certificate in Public Policy

    Purpose:
    The Master of Public Administration aims to provide learners with a thorough grounding in public administration, management, and policy and to undertake research in one or more of these areas. The course includes a significant research component and is ideal for those who plan to pursue a Doctorate in the future. Learners select theory modules from a wide range of choices available including qualitative and quantitative research methods, policy design, politics of climate change, economics and public policy, and development administration. The degree includes an 18-credit (25% of credits) research project that involves supervised individual reading and research, culminating in the production of a thesis. Through the work, the learner should have developed and applied a sufficient appreciation of research methods and the relevant research literature, to conduct, in reasonable depth, empirical or secondary research.

    Course structure:
    Modules:
  • Toolkit for Public Management.
  • Organisational Politics, Culture and Management in the Public Sector.
  • Strategic Change Management in the Public Sector.
  • Master of Public Administration Dissertation, comparable to Master of Administration Dissertation.

    Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Produce a substantial persuasive and well-documented report at an advanced academic and professional level.
  • Critically appraise a relevant body of knowledge to produce an integrated and advanced understanding applicable to a specific research problem.
  • Critically assess and apply complex information concepts and theories; and
  • Prepare a convincing evidence-based argument and defend it to peers and specialists.

    Similarities:
  • The Flinders University (FU) and the South African (SA) qualifications articulate vertically into a doctorate.
  • Both qualifications share a similar module, the Master of Public Administration Dissertation that is comparable to the SA's Master of Administration Dissertation.
  • The FU qualification aims to provide learners with a thorough grounding in public administration, management, and policy and to undertake research in one or more of these areas. The course includes a significant research component.
  • Similarly, the SA qualification will support research in critical aspects of public administration and management and will also provide learners with high-level skills that will enable them to possess a deep practical understanding and application of public administration.
  • Both qualifications share similar exit level outcomes, the SA learners will undertake independent research and report on this to reflect independent thinking, critical analysis, an ability to defend findings and advanced insight into the chosen field of research.
  • The FU learners will be able to produce a substantial persuasive and well-documented report at an advanced academic and professional level.

    Differences:
  • The FU qualification is offered over two years with 72 credits, whereas the SA qualification is offered over one year with 180 credits. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Business Administration General, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Administration in Public Management, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Business Administration, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Administration in Public Administration, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Administration, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Administration in Municipal Administration, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Business Administration, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Administration in Public Management, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration, NQF Level 10.

    Diagonal Articulation
    There is no diagonal articulation for this qualification. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    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. University of Mpumalanga 


    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.