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 Administration 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
5799  Master of Public Administration 
ORIGINATOR
University of South Africa 
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  Level 8 and above  NQF Level 09  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   2031-06-30  

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 
The primary purpose of the qualification is to enable MPA graduates to become specialists in Public Administration by gaining in-depth, abstract knowledge in a complex area of study.

A second purpose of the qualification is to provide South Africa (and other countries) with graduates who can synthesize information autonomously in specialised fields of study in order to provide public sector leaders who can handle contradictions and evaluate complex problems independently.

A third purpose of the qualification is to provide South Africa (and other countries) with people who can demonstrate specialized leadership, self-reflexivity and adaptability and play an innovative role as leaders in the public sector. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Candidates who register for this qualification can:
  • Use a variety of sources regarding public administration;
  • With supervision, apply their knowledge of methodology and theory in creative problem solving;
  • Communicate the defined area of research within the public sector adequately and show the ability to do basic research;
  • Display adequate technical knowledge in the area of research;
  • Take responsibility for their own progress


    Recognition of prior learning:

    This qualification recognises:
  • Formal prior learning

    Students' prior accredited learning at a BAdmin level or equivalent, in relevant domains which constitute credit-bearing units is recognised.

    Students' prior accredited learning at Masters level in domains not closely related to the specific MPA programme may be recognised, if significant learning experience from work in a relevant field is demonstrated, and if competence in this field is demonstrated in an examination.
  • Non-formal and informal prior experiential learning

    As the MPA contains also course work, this degree could be awarded in part through RPL. The university is investigating an RPL policy, which will be debated by faculties and Senate. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification may be offered in part or as a whole through the recognition of prior learning (RPL). Current legislation requires that students complete 50% of their qualification at the institution which issues the certification so for now up to 50% of the degree may be awarded through RPL. 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Critical cross-field:

    All critical cross-field outcomes will be embedded appropriately in the modules, which constitute the qualification. They will be assessed within this context. The distance education context has particular challenges, which we try to meet below.

    1. The MPA graduate can identify, analyse, formulate, and solve convergent and divergent problems in the public sector, creatively and responsibly.

    2. The MPA graduate can work effectively with others as a leader of a team, group or organisation and provide leadership to the group output in Public Administration and the public sector.

    3. The MPA graduate can manage and organize the activities of others responsibly and effectively.

    4. The MPA graduate can collect, analyse, organize and critically evaluate texts and situations at a highly advanced level in the pursuit of the MPA.

    5. The MPA graduate can communicate effectively and systematically using visual, mathematical and/ or language skills in the modes of oral and/ or written presentation, using sustained discourse.

    6. The MPA graduate can use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health and well being of others, in community, national and global contexts.

    7. The MPA graduate can demonstrate an advanced understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation, and by acknowledging their responsibilities to those in the local and broader community.


    Developmental:

    In order to contribute to the full personal development of each learner, public life and the social and economic development of the society at large, it is the intention of the MPA degree to make an individual aware of the importance of the following developmental outcomes:

    1. The MPA graduate can reflect on and explore a variety of strategies to learn more effectively.

    2. The MPA graduate can participate as a responsible citizen or official in the life of local, national and global communities.

    3. The MPA graduate can be culturally sensitive across a range of social contexts.

    4. The MPA graduate can explore education and career opportunities by drawing on the various knowledge, skills and attitudes acquired in the accomplishment of this qualification.

    5. The MPA graduate can develop entrepreneurial opportunities by drawing on the various knowledge, skills and attitudes acquired in the accomplishment of this qualification


    Specific:

    A MPA student is actively engaged in becoming an expert in her or his field and in preparing for further, more specific study or the work environment. As such she or he develops and holds certain values and integrates knowledge and skills to achieve her or his purposes. The specific outcomes show how knowledge, skills and values are integrated in the qualification primarily in the SAQA fields of Culture and Arts (02), Business, Commerce and Management Studies (03) and Human and Social Studies (07), with lesser emphasis on Law, Military Science and Security 08 and Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Science (10).

    1. Engages in advanced critical thinking and creative problem solving within the context of Public Administration and the public sector.

    2. Systematically and effectively apply the principles of sound research practices.

    3. Communicate effectively the contents of the subject and the results of the research.

    4. Display technical accuracy in Public Administration research. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Critical Cross-field:

    Evidence, in the form of a dissertation or in some cases by means of tasks, portfolios, projects, case studies, examinations, as well as a dissertation of limited scope, will show that graduates:

    1.
  • Identify, analyse and solve complex, concrete and abstract problems in a variety of routine and non-routine contexts in Public Administration.
  • Use their knowledge, experience, expertise and commitment to resolve problems in the public sector at a municipal, provincial, national, international level.
  • Solve problems by generating effective managerial and administrative strategies for dealing with problems relating to promoting sound public administration.

    2.
  • Show evidence of 'people skills' (tolerance, empathy, listening skills, management, etc.) in-group situations.
  • Demonstrate respect for the opinion of others through reporting without bias.
  • Demonstrate tolerance of diversity through reporting without bias.
  • Undertake projects and provide evidence of successful interaction with others.
  • Use effective communication skills within the group and in research settings.
  • Lead/manage people in Public Administration and the public sector effectively.
  • Are supportive followers and group participants when appropriate.
  • Demonstrate understanding of the dynamics of groups and groupings in the public sector.

    3.
  • Demonstrate the requisite advanced study skills and learning strategies.
  • Systematically and effectively organize their study plans.
  • Use creative and various learning strategies, which suit their personal situations and contexts.
  • Think independently, and offer evidence to support their decisions.
  • Assess their own strengths and weaknesses and develop coping strategies.

    4.
  • Demonstrate the ability to determine community needs through grassroots interaction.
  • Demonstrate advanced research skills.
  • Effectively master the use of library and other resources to suit their individual and research needs.
  • Integrate and reconfigure information from a variety of sources.
  • Act highly responsibly as researchers and scholars (e.g., appropriate referencing, avoiding plagiarism, ethical research etc).
  • Use the conventions of scholarship in Public Administration.
  • Follow relevant conventions and guidelines to their academic and personal purposes.
  • Autonomously and critically analyse policies, programmes, projects, theories, structures, experiences, written and oral texts, etc.
  • Critically engage with the relevant discourse community.
  • Interact with advanced, major and specialized texts (oral and written) through critical listening/ reading and differencing skills.
  • Produce systematic critical texts, which creatively and effectively integrate information from different sources.
  • Critically reflects on texts from different sources as well as on knowledge and information.
  • Follow academic conventions regarding referencing, the writing of academic essays and regarding research procedure, and avoid plagiarism.

    5.
  • Communicate their ideas and provide supporting evidence in a rigorous and creative manner.
  • Responsibly use and reconfigure the ideas of others in support of their own.
  • Follow the language conventions of written (and/or oral) use in Public Administration.
  • Use appropriate models of organization and presentation as required in the respective disciplines.
  • Use statistics appropriately and responsibly in support of their ideas.
  • Create and use visuals appropriately to support their ideas.
  • Recognise own communication limitations and problems and seek help appropriately.
  • Identify and illustrate subject-specific jargon.
  • Describe, analyse and transform the interpretation of what they come across in appropriate ways.
  • Assist others to speak for themselves.
  • Use language to critically and coherently analyse, evaluate and critique the ideas, plans, policies, programmes, and projects of others.
  • Use language that is accessible to the public.

    6.
  • Use scientific methods of investigation, testing and evaluation.
  • Select technology to suit the needs of the individual or group.
  • Use and promote the use of natural resources in a sustainable way.
  • Show respect for and a responsible attitude towards science and technology.
  • Demonstrate a consideration of the ethics involved in science and technology issues.
  • Show respect and openness towards the psychological, health and physical environment of others.

    7.
  • Demonstrate and theoretically integrate their prior knowledge and experience, as it is relevant to their learning programme.
  • Connect the abstract knowledge of theory to the reality of their individual contexts in the public sector.
  • Draw upon their prior knowledge (personal and abstract) and personal experience as appropriate when investigating and analysing the world around them.
  • Look beyond and across traditional disciplinary boundaries for possible solutions.
  • Follow an integrated approach to learning, studying and other practices.
  • Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the field/discipline.


    Developmental:

    1.
  • Engage in sustained, autonomous and critical discourse to convey what they know.
  • Build an interactive and constructive relation with lecturers to further their own learning and that of others.
  • Apply what they study in specialized and complex contexts, personal and public, real and simulated.
  • Display awareness of their own learning preferences and use strategies to suit their needs.
  • Show evidence of highly advanced study and research skills.

    2.
  • Value diversity and others' opinions.
  • Lead groups and take the lead in addressing administrative, developmental or managerial issues in the public sector.
  • Coherently apply what they know and study in culturally diverse contexts.
  • Coherently apply what they know and study at different levels, from personal to academic contexts.
  • Show familiarity with legislation and public policy and reflect critically on it.

    3.
  • Demonstrate academic and practical tolerance of diversity and the opinions and policies of others.
  • Use various skills to draw out the cultural accomplishments, policies, programmes and contexts of others (e.g., elicitation of culturally specialized literature, use of participatory research techniques, listening skills.).
  • Illustrate the value of open-mindedness and tolerance to self and others.
  • Assess the impact of cultural diversity on public policies and decisions.

    4.
  • Illustrate the relationship between the competencies acquired in studying towards the MPA and those of the community at large (local and global).
  • Make critical, reflective, systematic and effective connections between theoretical knowledge and practice.
  • Use the MPA the competencies, which are highly valued in workplaces in the public sector, across the disciplines and sectors of society.
  • Use the competencies required for efficiency in most jobs: imaginative intelligence, emotional maturity, initiative, creative problem solving, effective communication skills, thoughtful accuracy and interpersonal sensitivity.
  • Deal effectively with unknown problems and tasks set them on the job by drawing upon the skills from the MPA (advanced independent critical thinking, creative problem-solving, conflict resolution, variable and complex conceptual analysis, application of major theories, etc.).
  • Demonstrate diligence and a work ethic that shows responsibility and accountability towards the employer and the client or community.

    5.
  • Create job opportunities in whatever situation they find themselves.
  • Have a realistic view of their own worth and value to contribute to their local community and global society.
  • Communicate that value to others (CV writing skills, oral communication skills, etc.).
  • Demonstrate a healthy self-esteem and confidence in their knowledge, skills and attitudes as required to complete the MPA qualification.
  • Deal with complex situations with flexibility and adaptability.
  • Build capacity in communities, organisations and individuals.
  • Build and provide leadership and managements skills.
  • Create awareness of business opportunities.


    Specific:

    Evidence in the form of a dissertation or research project or by means of course work and a dissertation, will show that graduates can:

    1.
  • Demonstrate a degree of abstraction when analysing and synthesizing existing knowledge and information within an area of research.
  • Attain an adequate level of philosophical sophistication when reflecting on information within an area of research.
  • Make sound evaluations on the basis of independently generated criteria.
  • Under supervision, analyse, synthesize and evaluate information.
  • Demonstrate advanced understanding of the policy environment of the local, provincial, national and international contexts.
  • Assess the impact of public policy (including legislation) on society.
  • Perform a social-critical role with regard to the public sector.
  • Demonstrate a sensitivity to attitudes and values relevant to a just and democratic society.
  • Reflect critically on the ethics pertinent to the public sector.

    2.
  • Demonstrate that they are thoroughly conversant with the research methods relevant to the area of research.
  • Document the problem statement and aims and objectives, the research design or plan, methods/methodology, results and conclusions in a scientific respectable and acceptable manner.

    3.
  • Present material clearly and systematically.
  • Argue logically in order to support their findings.
  • Use acceptable style and presentation.
  • Provide an advanced critical overview of the material.

    4.
  • Show their ability to document research with complete accuracy.
  • Use a systematic and consistent approach to technical issues such as the layout of the dissertation or other required project.


    Integrated assessment:

    1. Formative assessment: Learning and assessment are integrated. Formative assessment is a continuous and personal process of interaction between the promotor and the student when the means of assessment is dissertation only. For tutored Master's degrees, the formative assessment includes assignments based on the learning material and students are given feedback. The process is continuous and focuses on smaller sections of the work and limited numbers of outcomes.

    2. Summative assessment: For a tutored Master's students will write examinations and produce a mini-dissertation. Equivalent assessment such as a portfolio of evidence could assess a representative selection of the outcomes practised and assessed in the formative stage. Summative assessment also tests the student's ability to manage and integrate a large body of knowledge to achieve the stated outcomes of a module. Students who do a dissertation only will be evaluated on that product.

    3. Integrated assessment: All assessment will integrate knowledge, skills and attitudes as competencies, applied to the relevant context. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Unisa forms part of an internationally recognised accreditation system whereby university qualifications are evaluated against international comparators and accredited accordingly; for example, Unisa's qualifications are accredited in the International Handbook of Universities and in the Commonwealth Universities' Yearbook. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    1. The qualification will articulate with those of other tertiary institutions and with other qualifications. For example, recognition will be given to modules completed at other tertiary institutions and the relationship will be reciprocal.

    2. Upon completion of the MPA, students may proceed to the DPA. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    1. A panel of examiners, both internal and external, are appointed to examine a Master dissertation. Where possible, international examiners form part of the panel.

    2. In addition, external examiners act as moderators of examination papers and marked scripts for Unisa modules. At least one external examiner is also appointed to examine MPA dissertations and mini-dissertations. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Our own staff will be used as assessors in a manner that fits into the quality management system of Unisa and accords with the university's tuition and assessment policies. This will also apply to the appointment of outside persons. A system of workplace assessment might be initiated for some learning programmes leading to the MPA. The minimum requirement for appointment as a lecturer or external marker at Unisa is an Honours degree and appropriate experience but for tutoring at MPA level the lecturer will be required to possess at least a Master's degree. In the case of workplace assessment, appropriate professional criteria will be drawn up for each programme. 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006; 2009; 2012; 2015. 

    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 South Africa 


    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.