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 THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Bachelor of Public Administration Honours 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
79206  Bachelor of Public Administration Honours 
ORIGINATOR
MANCOSA Pty (Ltd) 
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  130  Level 7  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Registered" 		 SAQA 0487/10  2010-07-28  2011-11-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2012-11-30   2015-11-30  

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 is replaced by: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
86346  Bachelor of Public Administration Honours  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:

The primary purpose of the qualification is to provide graduates with the systematic knowledge, specialised skills, applied competence and necessary attitudes in the fields of development and public administration to make them lifelong learners, employable workers and contributors to development and public administration in various public and civic contexts.

A second purpose of the qualification is to provide South Africa (and other countries) with graduates in development and public administration with in-depth knowledge of and the confidence to identify and define complex problems to widen the leadership base of innovative and knowledge-based economic and scholarly activity.

A third purpose of the qualification is to provide South Africa (and other countries) with people who can play a constructive role as change agents in the field of development and public administration.

The qualification integrates knowledge, skills and values in various fields, viz. Business, Commerce and Management Studies, Human and Social Studies and Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences.

Rationale:

The Bachelor of Public Administration Honours degree is of special interest to the working professional in public organizations and those who wish to pursue a careers in public administration. The course work is designed to provide the student with an understanding and working application of the principles essential to the effective administration of public organizations. The programme offers persons in employment the opportunity to extend their qualifications and become empowered in their quest to be managers.

The Bachelor of Public Administration Honours programme will provide access to higher education to persons wanting to make careers in the field of public administration and will complement the existing accredited qualifications that MANCOSA offers. In addition, the programme will provide a route for students aspiring to study further on the established MANCOSA Master of Business Administration programme.

MANCOSA is a distance education institution and its programmes are available to students internationally. Most of the existing intake is situated in the SADC region, where the learning programme could serve fruitfully to integrate and regularise the business management practices amongst the states in the region. The access to higher education could have a significant positive influence on the ability of young businessmen and women to become leaders in their fields and to make positive contributions to the economies of their countries.

Finally, the programme will address the issue of shortages of qualified personnel and contribute to the development of ethical practices and good governance in the public sector. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Learners who register for this qualification must:
  • Be able to learn from predominantly written material.
  • Be able to communicate knowledge of the discipline/field of study coherently and logically in the medium of instruction.
  • Take responsibility for their own progress within a specific area of study.
  • Be competent in the language of instruction of the programme.
  • Have obtained general theoretical, practical, professional and academic knowledge and understanding at NQF Level 7.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    This qualification may be obtained in whole or in part through the recognition of prior learning.

    In the cases where prior learning is to be recognised for purposes of access to the qualification:

    1. It is assumed that the learning derived from work or life experience will be a major element in the profiles of non-standard entrants primarily by means of an examination of their curriculum vitae (CV).
    2. Such 'non-standard' candidates will be selected on the recommendation of a senior manager from their organisations/companies.
    3. Where appropriate, interviews will also be conducted to assess the applicants. Some of the key criteria that will be used in evaluating 'non-standard' applicants include:
    > The applicants' motivation, maturity and realistic approach to their studies.
    > Job description, covering relevant area of work, giving examples of tasks carried out, possibly supplying references.
    > The nature and level of life/work experience and prior study, and the learning which has resulted from such experience.
    > Details of in-company short courses, length, content of material covered, and standard achieved.
    > The clarity of the applicant's educational goals and objectives.
    > The extent to which the applicant can provide evidence of the threshold skills and knowledge for the programme.

    Where prior learning is recognized for advanced standing, credit will be given for prior certificated learning in accordance with established practice at South African higher education institutions. The amount of 'specific' credit granted is dependent on the match between prior learning and award towards which the intended programme leads.

    Credits may only be accumulated for modules, which are prescribed within the structure of a named award.

    Access to the qualification:

    Applicants will be admitted to this qualification on the basis of one of the following minimum benchmark qualifications:

    1. Bachelor of Public Administration.
    2. Bachelor of Business Administration.
    3. Any appropriate bachelor's degree.

    In addition to the above admission criteria, the following will also be considered:
  • Relevant experience in the public sector.
  • Employment experience.
  • A detailed motivational letter and CV.
  • Prior learning. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    Level, credits and learning components assigned to the qualifications:

    The following Learning Components all at NQF Level 8, are compulsory:
  • Theory and science of public administration; 20 Credits.
  • Planning and policy analysis in the public sector; 20 Credits.
  • Politics in the public sector; 20 Credits.
  • Management of public and municipal finance; 20 Credits.
  • Strategic management and the public sector; 20 Credits.
  • Research Project; 30 Credits.

    Total Credits:

    130 credits at NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Bachelor of Public Administration Honours graduates can:

    1. Engage in critical thinking and problem solving in studying topics of a complex and specialised nature.

    2. Reflect on their own knowledge and practice in the light of the theory and practice of the chosen discipline or field of study.

    3. Conduct research in the field of study.

    4. Communicate knowledge about the field of study and results of research clearly and systematically.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

    All Critical Cross-Field Outcomes will be embedded appropriately in the modules, which constitute the programmes that lead up to the qualification. They will be assessed within the context of the programmes.

    The Bachelor of Public Administration Honours graduate:

    1. Can identify, analyse, formulate, and solve convergent and divergent problems in public and non-governmental spheres through critical thinking.

    2. Can work effectively with others as a leader of a team, group, organization, community, and provide leadership to the group output in public and non-governmental spheres.

    3. Can manage and organize her or his activities and life responsibly and effectively, including her or his studies and career.

    4. Can collect, analyse, organize and critically evaluate information.

    5. Can communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation, in sustained discourse.

    6. Can, where appropriate, 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. Can demonstrate an 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.

    8. Can reflect on and explore a variety of strategies to learn more effectively.

    9. Can participate as a responsible citizen in the life of local, national and global communities.

    10. Can be culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts.

    11. Can explore education and career opportunities by drawing on the various knowledge, skills and attitudes acquired in the accomplishment of this qualification.

    12. Can develop entrepreneurial opportunities by drawing on the various knowledge, skills and attitudes acquired in the accomplishment of this qualification.

    13. Is actively engaged in becoming a well-rounded, educated person 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. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Identify, analyse and solve concrete and abstract problems by drawing on the theoretical knowledge and experiential base of one or more subjects of specialization within a major discipline or field of study.
  • Use own knowledge, experience and commitment to offer systematic and creative suggestions for solving problems at a community, municipal, provincial, national or international level.
  • Solve problems by generating effective managerial, administrative and business strategies for dealing with problems relating to poverty and public administration.
  • Critically evaluate various theoretical viewpoints and compare them to own views.
  • Offer evidence in a variety of ways (from theoretical knowledge base, from experiential base, etc.) to support their stated views.
  • Analyse the global, national and local community in terms of problems, needs, opportunities.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Show evidence of people skills (tolerance, empathy, listening skills, etc.) in group situations.
  • Demonstrate respect for the opinion of others through (written and/or oral) reporting without bias.
  • Demonstrate tolerance of diversity through (written and/or oral) reporting without bias.
  • Undertake projects of a theoretical and/or practical nature to provide evidence of successful interaction with others.
  • Use advanced communication skills within the group.
  • Lead people effectively in the fields of public and developmental administration.
  • Support followers and group participants.
  • Organize oneself and others into effective working groups.
  • Communicate the evidence of group interactions through (written and/or oral) reporting.
  • Demonstrate understanding of the dynamics of groups and groupings in the public and non-governmental sector.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Demonstrate the requisite theoretical skills and learning strategies.
  • Organize own study plans and engage in effective time management.
  • Evolve strategies best suited to own personal situations and contexts.
  • Think independently, and offer sustained theoretical evidence to support own decisions.
  • Assess their own strengths and weaknesses and develop organizational strategies.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Demonstrate increasingly competent research skills within a discipline or field of study.
  • Use library and other resources effectively to suit the needs of the particular area of research.
  • Integrate information from a variety of sources.
  • Act responsibly as a researcher and scholar (e.g. appropriate referencing, avoiding plagiarism, etc.).
  • Follow the conventions of scholarship in the discipline under study.
  • Use discipline-related conventions and guidelines relevant to own academic, professional and personal purposes.
  • Critically evaluate theories, examples, experiences, etc.
  • Argue appropriately within the relevant discourse community.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Communicate own ideas and provide supporting evidence in a sustained manner.
  • Use language accessible to the community in which one is working.
  • Evaluate conclusions and premises in academic arguments.
  • Follow the language conventions of written (and/or oral) use in the respective discipline.
  • Use appropriate models of organization and presentation as required in the relevant discipline.
  • Use statistics (where necessary) effectively in support of own ideas.
  • Identify and illustrate discipline-specific jargon.
  • Use language to analyse, evaluate and critique the ideas of others.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 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 psychological, health and physical environment of others.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Use scientific methods of investigation, testing and evaluation.
  • Draw upon own 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.
  • Relate effective development and public administration to broader socio-economic issues.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Assessment includes:
  • The extent to which the learner has grasped the basic concepts which form the base of management education.
  • The application of Business and Public Administration theory to a practical context.
  • The methods of research used.
  • A balance between theory and practice and its relevance to the level of the qualification.
  • The use of appropriate technology to ensure effective communication of ideas.

    Assessment methods measure the extent to which the learner has achieved competence in the different areas of study delivered through course modules.

    These assessment methods include:
  • Case studies.
  • Report writing.
  • Interpretative and analytical problem solving in the written examination.
  • Work based assignments.
  • Self assessment activities in the course material.

    Formative Assessment:

    The scheme of work includes assignments based on the learning material and students are given feedback. The process is continuous and focuses on smaller sections of the wok and limited number of outcomes.

    Summative Assessment:

    Examinations, or equivalent assessment such as a research essay or portfolio in order to determine 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.

    Integrated Assessment:

    All assessment will integrate knowledge, skills and attitudes and applied competence.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Critical Cross-Field Outcome 1:
  • Apply what is studied in different contexts, both personal and public, real and simulated.
  • Show evidence of advanced study and research skills (e.g. analysis and synthesis).

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Critical Cross-Field Outcome 2:
  • Manage diversity to achieve optimum effectiveness in development and public administration.
  • Demonstrate willingness to take considered/informed risks.
  • Apply what one knows and study in culturally diverse contexts.
  • Apply what one knows and study at different levels, from personal to professional contexts.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Critical Cross-Field Outcome 3:
  • Assess the impact of cultural diversity on development and public administration.
  • Use various skills to draw out the cultural accomplishments and contexts of others (e.g. listening skills, empathy, sympathy, open-mindedness, etc.).

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Critical Cross-Field Outcome 4:
  • Illustrate the relationship between the knowledge, skills and attitudes acquired in studying towards the Bachelor of Public Administration Honours and those of the community at large (local and global).
  • Make connections from theoretical knowledge to practical allocation in the real world.
  • Identify the Bachelor of Public Administration Honours skills, which are highly valued in the workplace, within the relevant discipline
  • Use the skills required for efficiency in most jobs: imaginative intelligence, emotional maturity, effective communication skills, thoughtful accuracy and interpersonal sensitivity.
  • Deal effectively with unknown problems and tasks set on the job, in the real world, by drawing upon the skills from the Bachelor of Public Administration Honours (critical thinking, problem-solving, conflict resolution, etc).
  • Demonstrate a work ethic that shows responsibility and accountability towards the employer and the client or community.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Critical Cross-Field Outcome 5:
  • Create job opportunities in whatever situation one finds oneself.
  • Have a realistic view of own worth and value to contribute to the local community and global society.
  • Demonstrate a healthy self-esteem and confidence in one knowledge, skills and attitudes as required to complete the Bachelor of Public Administration Honours qualification.
  • Deal with complex situations with flexibility and adaptability.

    Specific Assessment Criteria for the Research Component:

    Specific Assessment Criteria for the Research Component 1:
  • Identify significant problems and problem-areas in the relevant discipline/field of study.
  • Describe and analyse the main issues involved.
  • Take an academically reasoned position on such issues.
  • Assess the impact of public sphere policy (including legislation) on society.
  • Assess the impact of institutional structures on society.
  • Identify and understand issues of reconstruction and development in developing states.
  • Apply management theories to practical situations in the public and non-governmental spheres.
  • Perform a social-critical role in society (including public life).

    Specific Assessment Criteria for the Research Component 2:
  • Where relevant, contextualise problems studied within own experience.
  • Take cognisance of divergent viewpoints and critically evaluate their relative merits to arrive at own viewpoint.
  • Formulate sustained and coherent arguments in response to a variety of discipline-related issues.
  • Formulate responses to resolve concrete and abstract problems in public and non-governmental contexts.
  • Pay attention to detail.
  • Apply learning from individual experience and academic disciplines to political, social, cultural, technological and economic realities, locally and globally.

    Specific Assessment Criteria for the Research Component 3:
  • Document researchable problems.
  • Demarcate the scope of research, for a limited project, under supervision.
  • Conceptualise research topic within existing field of discourse and literature.
  • Compile a research design in relation to a research problem.
  • Conduct an independent search for relevant sources such as the relevant journals, specialist bibliographies, websites, official publications, file systems and archives.
  • Review and integrate the most important literature.
  • Identify, define and distinguish between the various research methods in the social sciences (e.g. quantitative, qualitative and participatory action).
  • Choose and apply the most applicable research methods and strategies for research problems in own field of research.
  • Apply theories and models in the analysis and interpretation of collected data.
  • Make reasoned theoretical judgements.

    Specific Assessment Criteria for the Research Component 4:
  • Communicate material according to standard academic conventions of presentation (e.g. structuring, referencing, bibliographies). 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    MANCOSA was established in the post 1994 period with the view of addressing the critical shortage of access to management education in South Africa. Between 1995 and 2000 MANC0SA was engaged in providing Private Higher Education to South Africans in association with its former partner the Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College a College of the University of Brunel, in the United Kingdom.

    The Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College is listed as an accredited state recognised institution in the United Kingdom. During this 5-year period MANCOSA successfully delivered tuition and academic and administrative support to over 860 students enrolled on the Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College programmes.

    The Outcomes and Assessment Criteria, the degree of complexity and the notional learning time of this qualification have been benchmarked against MANCOSA'S former international partner, the Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College and best national and international practice. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Articulation possibilities with related qualifications:
  • The Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Public Administration Programme provides articulation into the MANCOSA MBA degree.
  • The Bachelor of Public Administration Honours Programme should also provide articulation with Postgraduate Programmes at other Higher education institutions.
  • The expertise acquired doing this qualification in full or in part can be measured against requirements of other qualifications at MANCOSA or other institutions to obtain credits for specific modules. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    External examiners and moderators are appointed to validate the students' examination and final assessments. The Examinations Board is the final decision making body that is responsible for the awarding of the qualification. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    To qualify as an assessor an individual must:
  • Generally have a Higher Education qualification at least one level higher than the course being assessed.
  • Be appropriately qualified and experienced as assessors.
  • Generally be the tutor responsible for that particular module.
  • Be in the possession of qualifications that are relevant to the programme.

    The following criteria are used for appointing external examiners and moderators:
  • Their experience of examining this programme or its equivalent.
  • Their independence from MANCOSA and from the programmes team.
  • Their expertise in the subject area.
  • Their scholastic contribution to the field.

    External examiners and moderators are required to have a qualification at least 1 Level higher than the programme being assessed. They are also required to have at least 2 years experience lecturing in this programme or its equivalent. 
    		•

    NOTES 
    This qualification has been replaced by qualification 86346, which is "Bachelor of Public Administration Honours", Level 8, 130 credits. 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some of their learning programmes are moved to being recorded against the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replacement.
     
    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. MANCOSA Pty (Ltd) 


    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.