SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Public Management and Governance 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
79166  Bachelor of Arts Honours in Public Management and Governance 
ORIGINATOR
University of Johannesburg 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Honours Degree  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
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 
Purpose:

The purpose of this programme is to equip graduates with a major in Public Management, Public Administration and Public Governance and mid-career Public and Development managers already in possession of a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration, Public Management, Public Governance or Development Management with public policy, analytical and management competencies at Honours level in order to establish and enhance good governance at local, regional, provincial and national levels in South Africa. This is exactly what the curriculum is designed to do.

Rationale:

The Programme outcomes meet national and regional knowledge, the labour market and other socio-cultural needs. It provides better accessibility to learners, aims at strengthening relationships with the community, civic, government, public sector institutions, private sector institutions, industry for local and regional development. The programme is intellectually credible and the requirements of professional bodies, the needs of the learners, other stakeholders such as employers, academic peers of other institutions are taken into consideration. The needs of learners are catered for in terms of disciplinary requirements which are determined by the informed and reasoned judgement of the members of the staff of the department, Board of Faculty and the Senate of University of Johannesburg. The outcomes of the proposed programme are aimed at making a positive contribution to the quality of life of all people, particularly those of Southern Africa and strive to attain academic excellence in the field of Public Administration/Public Governance (see mission of Department above). This programme does not lead to a professional qualification. There is no professional body with specific requirements to be taken into consideration but it is in line with the suggested SGB (internationally benchmarked) requirements. The programme of reputable universities in South Africa and PALAMA served as a benchmark for the development of the content of the proposed programme in the Department of Public Governance. The Department makes use of external examiners from reputable South African universities to maintain the intellectual integrity of the programme. The increase in learner enrolments at University of Johannesburg APK and the statistics at other universities is evidence that stakeholders and learners demand Public Administration/Public Governance as a major on under and postgraduate level. This is also a step in improving further postgraduate possibilities for Masters and Doctoral degrees. Offering this programme will have limited impact on current University of Johannesburg resources as existing staff will be used for the programme. New lecturing facilities on Soweto promotes more access for learners to obtain this qualification in order to satisfy the growing need in the public sector, for professionals with both governance and management knowledge. This is also the trend internationally as well. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Potential learners should demonstrate the following competencies:
  • The ability to write academic texts.
  • The ability to write a research proposal and report.
  • The ability to orally present and defend an argument that is supported by evidence.
  • The ability to engage with and critique the ideas of his/her peers in a constructive manner.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    According to University of Johannesburg policy.

    Access to the Qualification:

    Requirements for admission:

    Any learner with a bachelor's degree with Public Administration or equivalent as a major subject (including a BTech degree, a four-year tertiary Diploma or Advanced Diploma) with an acceptable study record will be admitted to the Bachelor of Arts Public Management and Governance Honours programme.

    For learners with a bachelor's degree other than a degree in Public Administration/Public Management/Public Governance/Development Studies with Public Governance/Public Administration as a major the requirements are: the passing of 5 NQF Level 6 admission modules in Public Administration, Public Management and/or Development Management (or the equivalent of 120 credits for similar modules at other universities) or meeting the Recognition of Prior Learning policy requirements of the University according to which the equivalent of 120 credits at NQF Level 6 are assessed and recognized before enrolment for the Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in Public Management and Governance at University of Johannesburg.

    The admission modules are:

    1. Research Methods and Writing Skills for Public and Development Management.
    2. Orientation to Public Management Functions.
    3. Orientation to Public Policy.
    4. Orientation to Public Human Resource and Financial Management.
    5. The constitutional and institutional frameworks for public administration and governance.

    Learners who qualify for the university Recognition of Prior Learning programme will also be considered for admission on application in terms of that policy. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    Level, Credits and learning components assigned to the qualification:
  • NQF Level 8, 20 Credits, Advanced Public Financial Management (Elective).
  • NQF Level 8, 20 Credits, Advanced Public HRM (Elective).
  • NQF Level 8, 20 Credits, Advanced Public Policy Management (Elective).
  • NQF Level 8, 20 Credits, Capita Selecta: Theoretical Perspectives (Elective).
  • NQF Level 8, 20 Credits, International Public Administration and Governance (Elective).
  • NQF Level 8, 20 Credits, Public Management and Governance: Methodology (Compulsory).
  • NQF Level 8, 20 Credits, Public Management and Governance: Research Essay (Compulsory).
    Total credits: 120.

    Learning components; Number of credits allocated; NQF Level.
  • Core; 60 Credits; NQF Level 8.
  • Electives; 60 Credits; NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    The learner should be able to:

    1. To evaluate and, where relevant, to apply theoretical concepts and approaches to real world public administration/management/governance situations.

    2. To demonstrate an advanced ability at problem identification and problem-solving by using and applying relevant theories in the field of local, provincial and national public administration/management/governance.

    3. To analyse the various dimensions of governance and to evaluate and apply specialised theoretical knowledge based on diverse global contexts to South African and other case studies and public administration/management/governance contexts.

    4. To identify relevant means of action in the field of public administration/management/governance.

    5. To plan and execute advanced research in the public administration/management/governance field.

    6. To use information technology effectively.

    7. To collect, analyse, organize and critically evaluate information with regard to ethical problems in public administration/management/governance based on a relevant theoretical framework.

    8. To reflect on the local governance of communities and explain what type of administrative transformation is possible.

    9. To communicate effectively orally, in writing and to some extent visually in the public administration/management/governance field all role players.

    10. To demonstrate an advanced analytical approach towards communities and a sensitivity for the social, economic and cultural differences within these communities.

    11. To assess the implications of government interventions in the public administration/management/governance environment.

    12. To apply different learning strategies to the demands of a dynamic political/public administrative/public management and governance context. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1. Can the learner evaluate and, where relevant, apply theoretical concepts and approaches to real world international public administration/governance situations?

    2. Does the learner demonstrate an advanced ability at problem identification and problem solving the field of local, provincial and public administration? Can theories be applied at the relevant level?

    3. Is the learner able to analyse the relevant dimensions governance and to evaluate and apply advanced theoretical knowledge to South African case studies and public administration/management contexts?

    4. Is the learner able to identify relevant means of action in the field of public administration/management/governance?

    5. Can the learner do research in the public administration management/governance field?

    6. Can the learner use information technology effectively?

    7. Is the learner able to collect, analyses, organises and critically evaluates information with regard to ethical problems in public administration/management/governance based on a relevant theoretical framework?

    8. Can the learner reflect on the governance of municipalities and explain what type of administrative transformations is possible?

    9. Can the learner communicate effectively orally, in writing and to some extent visually in the public administration management/governance field with all role players?

    10. Does the learner demonstrate an analytical approach towards communities and sensitivity for the social, economic and cultural differences within these communities?

    11. Is the learner able to assess the implications of specific government interventions in the public administration/management/governance environment?

    12. Is the learner capable of applying different learning strategies to the demands of a dynamic public administration/management/governance context?

    Integrated Assessment:

    Formative assessments will take place throughout the duration of the module. At least one written assignment in the form of a formative research report or conceptual paper and (using a portfolio of outcomes based practical exercises and oral evaluations). Summative assessment takes place through a Final Exam. 

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Regular monitoring of international programmes takes place and curriculum content is revised according to international trends. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The programme includes career pathways such as public personnel and financial administration and management with possibilities of articulation with other more specialised programmes (such as coursework masters degrees) in those particulars fields. The multi-programme setting of Public administration has already been indicated above. Articulation with other programmes occurs according to Faculty and University Regulations.

    Successful completion of the Bachelor of Arts Honours (Public Management and Governance provides admission to a Master of Arts (Public Management and Governance), Master of Arts Public Administration, Master of Arts Public and Development Management, Master of Public Administration or Master of Administration. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Moderators are experienced Assessors with knowledge of the learning field. External moderation is done for all summative assessments. Reports from external moderators are used to improve teaching and learning as well as formative and summative assessments. Final examination assessment is done in line with the University of Johannesburg and Faculty policy requirements and procedures.

    Suitable experts are identified for the purpose of external moderation; all moderators have a qualification of at least one level higher than the level to be moderated. After the lecturer of a particular Honours paper has finalised the exam paper, including the essay option, it is sent to the external moderator for his/her approval. Subsequent to the grading of exam scripts by the lecturer, all the examination scripts are sent to the external moderator. In light of the fact that the number of learners registered for a particular Honours module seldom exceeds 20 learners, external moderators are expected to moderate all the exam scripts and not only a 10% sample. Moderators are required to make final recommendations regarding borderline cases, i.e. failure and distinction candidates.

    The Honours research essay module, which can be chosen as an option, is also sent for external examination after having been graded by the supervisor.

    Criteria regarding formal qualifications that assessors should have:

    Academic qualification in the discipline of Public Administration, and Master of Arts, or equivalent in Public Administration or a related field; relevant teaching experience in the discipline of Public Administration or a related discipline.

    Criteria regarding experience of or exposure to assessment.

    Experience of the relevant postgraduate assessment practices at universities. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

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

    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 Johannesburg 


    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.