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:

Master of Public Management and Governance

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
122512	Master of Public Management and Governance
ORIGINATOR
Sol Plaatje University
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		Public 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 0525/24	2024-07-11	2027-07-11
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-07-11		2031-07-11

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

The primary purpose of the Master of Public Management and Governance is to develop researchers who can contribute to the production of knowledge at an advanced level, culminating in an independent investigative research project.

This unique intensive research qualification will provide learners with the opportunity to pursue an independent investigative research project under the supervision of an academic staff member specifically designed to provide relevant skills in research design, communication, integrity, and interpretation of research results.
This qualification will develop advanced skills and knowledge in Public Management and Governance while strengthening the ability to creatively solve problems in the public sector management space.

Upon completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:

Carry out research independently.

Critically review literature related to the topic area.

Demonstrate critical awareness of the chosen research design.

Integrate knowledge from a range of areas of the discipline to the topic under consideration.

Demonstrate insight and competence in the theory and context of the discipline.

Apply research methodologies and techniques to the discipline.

Develop integration and communication skills through the design, execution, and presentation of research.

Rationale:
The rationale for this qualification derives from national priorities and the institution's mission and vision to augment the pool of outstanding South African graduates to conduct high-level research that would impact the numerous key challenges faced regionally, nationally and globally. After completion, graduates are expected to play key roles in a range of occupations in domains such as provincial public service, local government, provincial and national non-governmental organisations, diplomatic organisations, national public service, schools and universities, research agencies and multilateral organisations.

The qualification is beneficial for the learners, society, and the economy. For learners, it means that they will be equipped with specialised knowledge which will give them an advantage over their competitors in the job market. The qualification will afford learners an opportunity to advance their careers and be a great asset to employers in public policy, development economics, public human resource management, public financial management, strategy and innovation, public administration ethics and related fields, and the multilateral organisations and diplomatic services since they will be able to think critically, strategically, and analytically when dealing with challenges faced in the work environment and ever-changing society.

The qualification will also equip them with the necessary skills to become lifelong learners who will be able to engage in research, explore new avenues and apply what they have learned in different contexts. Benefits for society and the economy mean that graduates would be better equipped to address those challenges impacting the Northern Cape community and national and global communities in general. It is anticipated that graduates through their research would draw from communities and contribute to their well-being by means of reciprocal relationships which would not only be beneficial to the graduate but also the community in which the research was undertaken.

These endeavours would be in line with the principles of the National Development Plan (2030) where universities are seen to be key to national development (p.262) and responsive to national priorities and societal needs. The economic benefits of the qualification would not only increase the earning power of graduates thus resulting in increased taxable incomes, which will benefit the country, but it will also advance their career aspirations impacting their families and their communities.

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.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

Bachelor of Public Administration Honours, NQF Level 8.
Or

Bachelor of Administration Honours in Public Administration, NQF Level 8.
Or

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Public Management and Governance, NQF Level 8.
Or

Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration, NQF Level 8.
Or

Postgraduate Diploma in Corporate Governance, NQF Level 8.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory module at NQF Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory Module, Level 9, 180 Credits:

Dissertation, 180 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate the ability to carry out research independently.
2. Demonstrate the ability to critically review literature related to the topic area.
3. Demonstrate critical awareness of the chosen research design.
4. Demonstrate the ability to integrate knowledge from a range of areas of the discipline to the topic under consideration.
5. Demonstrate insight and competence in the theory and context of the discipline.
6. Demonstrate knowledge and the ability to apply research methodologies and techniques to the discipline
7. Demonstrate the ability to develop integration and communication skills through the design, execution, and presentation of research.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be applied across all the Exit Level Outcomes:

Identify, analyse, and solve complex issues and problems, demonstrating critical and creative thinking about business management concepts and principles in highly specialised and unpredictable contexts.

Assess and, where relevant, correctly apply complex and advanced concepts and approaches to business management problems, strategies, and policies thus, proposing and implementing, alternative courses of action and solutions.

Plan and undertake complex research through independent study and teamwork, both across the public management discipline and on an interdisciplinary basis.

Correctly gather, analyse, integrate, and interpret information on business management issues, by utilising relevant theoretical and highly specialised and advanced research principles and reflecting on the research undertaken.

Effectively and professionally, communicate with the different role players in public management in an academic and practical manner.

Apply the theoretical principles of communication orally and/or in writing including the use of visual/graphic aids and reflecting on the application made.

Use a range of specialised skills to identify, conceptualise, analyse, and address complex or abstract problems drawing systematically on the body of theoretical knowledge and methods appropriate to public policy, development economics, public human resource management, public financial management, strategy and innovation and public administration ethics.

Ethically present and substantially communicate or defend academic, professional, or occupational ideas and texts effectively to a differentiated range of audiences with various expertise, offering creative insights, rigorous interpretations and solutions to complex contextual practical and theoretical problems and issues.

Access, manage and process information/data; analyse, synthesise, and evaluate data and by doing so maintain autonomous ethical decision-making standards to develop creative solutions to problems; thus, contributing to the production of significant insights.

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
As prescribed by the institution's Policy on Postgraduate assessment criteria to ensure and enhance quality will be communicated to learners. Examiners will be nominated, selected and appointed in terms of the criteria as set out by the University guide. All examiners will also be issued with assessment procedures and criteria which is in line with national criteria and guidelines regarding the quality and standard of the research outputs/dissertations. Their responsibilities will also be clearly explained.

Supervisors and co-supervisors will follow a step-by-step approach to guide learners from the conceptual stages of their projects through proposal writing and ethical clearance up to the last chapter of their dissertations. After completion of each step, candidates will be provided with apt feedback to improve the quality of their research projects. Proposals will be orally defended, and peers and academics within the school will have the opportunity to give their input to improve quality.

Formative assessment will be in the form of feedback by supervisors and co-supervisors regarding work which has been submitted (e.g. a chapter, etc.).

Summative assessment will be done by external and internal examiners.
The final dissertation submitted by candidates will be externally and internally examined to fulfil the purpose of moderation.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The qualification has been compared with similar qualifications offered by the following countries in terms of structure, content and exit-level outcomes.

Country: Australia
Institution: University of Wollongong'
Qualification Title: Master in Public Management and Governance
Duration: 18 months
Total credit points: 72
Entry Requirements: This qualification is primarily a research program for those who have completed an Honours Bachelor degree.

Purpose:
The complexity and demands posed by an increasingly globalized world require enterprising and responsive decisions to have a deep understanding of how policies are formulated. These leaders will need the tools to adopt multi-disciplinary and implement policy strategies. The purpose of the qualification is to provide learners with management and leadership skills that will enable them to make a positive contribution to the development and implementation of public administration practices and principles in the public sector environment.

The qualification is intended for senior managers working in profit, and private sectors in the good governance context. It is targeted at accomplished officials who learn to acknowledge within their organizations and who possess the potential to advance to more senior positions.

Graduates acquire the advanced managerial and leadership skills needed to undertake diverse responsibilities. The candidate is, therefore, not selected on present accomplishments alone but also on future potential. Learners will practically experience during their attachment to public and private agencies.
Graduates are expected to attain the knowledge and expertise needed for successful management of government and not-for-profit agencies, or the local level. Opportunities are also available for graduates of the program with non-profit corporations, public groups, commissions, charitable organizations, and private corporations that work with government and international organizations. The qualification is designed to prepare a person for a professional career in a wide range of administrative environments.

Similarities:

The University of Wollongong (UoW) and the South African (SA) qualifications require learners who completed an Honours Degree.

Both qualifications are designed for those who wish for management positions in the public sector or not-for-profit agencies.

Both qualifications are primarily research-based.

Both qualifications articulate vertically to a Master's degree in the related field.

Differences:

The UoW qualification is offered over 18 months of full-time study whereas the SA qualification is offered over 1 year of full-time study.

The UoW qualification has 72 credit points whereas the SA qualification has 180 credits.

Country: Botswana
Institution: University of Botswana
Qualification Title: Master of Public Administration
Duration: Three semesters full time
Entry Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in the Social Sciences with at least a second class second division (GPA 2.8) or equivalent.

Have at least three years of relevant administrative experience.

Qualification Structure:
The qualification shall be offered as follows:

Option One: Coursework only.

Option Two: Coursework and Dissertation.

Option Three: Coursework and Research Essay.

There shall be the following streams:

Master of Public Administration (MPA) General.

MPA Human Resources Management.

MPA Local Government Management.

MPA Public Finance Management.

MPA Environmental Resource Management.

Public Policy and Administration.

Assessment and Examinations
Qualification assessment shall be based on written assignments, or/and an examination at the end of the semester in which the qualification is taken. The department reserves the right to review the mode of assessment and shall specify the mode of assessment prior to any intake or at the start of the semester in which the course is taken. Academic General Regulations 40.73 to 40.74.3 shall govern the assessment of the Dissertation and the Research Essay. The ratio between written assignments and examinations shall be 1:1, or as decided by the department at the start of the semester in which the qualification is taken.

Similarities:

The University of Botswana (UB) and the South African (SA) qualifications culminate in a Dissertation.

The UB requires learners who completed a Bachelor's degree in the Social Sciences with at least a second-class division similar to Honour's degree in the SA qualification.

Both qualifications articulate vertically to a Doctoral degree in the cognate field.

Differences:

The UB qualification is offered over 18 months of full-time study whereas the SA qualification is offered over one year of full-time study.

The UB qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules whereas the SA qualification consists of compulsory modules and no electives.

The structure of UB qualification consists of three options and six specialisations while the structure of SA qualification has no options and specialisations.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both horizontal and vertical articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Master of Administration in Public Management and Public Administration, NQF Level 9

Master of Arts in Public Management and Governance, NQF Level 9.

Master of Public Administration, NQF Level 9.

Master of Public Administration and Management, NQF Level 9.

Master of Public Governance, NQF Level 9.

Master of Public Management, NQF Level 9.

Vertical Articulation:

Doctor of Public Administration, NQF Level 10.

Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration, NQF Level 10.

Doctor of Administration, NQF Level 10.

Diagonal Articulation
There is no diagonal articulation for this qualification.

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.	Sol Plaatje University