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 Administration Honours 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
80846  Bachelor of Administration Honours 
ORIGINATOR
Walter Sisulu 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
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  Level 7  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 
The Bachelor of Administration Honours qualification is designed to provide advanced, focused, and applied knowledge in public administration and management. It is situated at NQF Level 8 and bridges undergraduate studies, postgraduate research, or specialised professional practice. The qualification supports national development priorities by equipping graduates with the critical skills for effective governance, policy implementation, and public sector innovation. It aims to address pressing societal challenges by developing a new cadre of ethically grounded, analytically skilled, and transformation-driven public administrators and managers who can contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of South Africa and the continent.

Upon completing the qualification, learners can critically evaluate administrative theories and practices, design and conduct applied research, and use advanced problem-solving strategies in complex public sector environments. They can integrate theory and practice in addressing administrative and governance challenges, communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, and operate autonomously and collaboratively in leadership and decision-making roles. The qualification fosters lifelong learning, ethical reasoning, and a commitment to service excellence in public administration and related fields.

The qualification's Exit Level Outcomes (ELOs) align with its core purpose by ensuring graduates can synthesise knowledge across disciplines, conduct independent research, and analyse complex public policy and administrative problems. Graduate attributes such as critical thinking, ethical leadership, and transformative engagement are embedded in the learning outcomes and are central to curriculum design and delivery. The program prepares graduates for a master's degree in public administration and related courses. The qualification thus produces graduates who are not only academically prepared but also professionally competent to contribute effectively to public sector development and reform.

Rationale:
The need for the Bachelor of Administration Honours qualification is in line with the growing demand for advanced administrative and managerial competencies within the public and development sectors. The dynamic and complex nature of governance in South Africa and across the African continent requires professionals with specialised knowledge and research capabilities to respond to public service delivery challenges, policy implementation gaps, and governance inefficiencies. The qualification was conceptualised to bridge the knowledge and skills gap between undergraduate education and high-level professional or academic pursuits in administration.

The qualification meets sector needs by producing graduates who can contribute meaningfully to the strategic objectives of public sector institutions, non-governmental organisations, and development agencies. It aligns with national imperatives such as the National Development Plan (NDP), emphasising capable and developmental state institutions. The qualification supports transformation and service excellence in the public sector by embedding critical skills such as policy analysis, ethical leadership, public financial management, and applied research.

In line with Walter Sisulu University's commitment to community engagement and industry relevance, the qualification was developed through consultation with key stakeholders, including government departments, municipal entities, and public sector training authorities. These engagements confirmed the demand for honours-level qualifications that strengthen the capacity of junior and mid-level public administrators. Feedback from professional bodies such as the South African Association of Public Administration and Management (SAAPAM) has also shaped the curriculum to ensure sector alignment and employability.

The qualification targets graduates with a Bachelor of Administration or related fields seeking to enhance their qualifications and career prospects. Typical learners include aspiring public managers, policy analysts, development practitioners, and administrative officers who intend to take leadership or specialist roles within local, provincial, and national government structures. It also prepares learners for entry into postgraduate studies and research-focused careers.

The qualification resides on the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF) as an NQF Level 8 qualification. It provides vertical articulation into Master's degree qualifications in Administration, Public Management, Development Studies, or related disciplines. It also supports horizontal articulation with Honours degrees in aligned disciplines and diagonal movement into the Occupational and Advanced Occupational Certificates in Public Services and Governance.

This qualification will benefit WSU learners by equipping them with advanced knowledge and transferable skills that enhance their competitiveness in the job market. For society and the economy, the qualification contributes to building a responsive, ethical, and skilled public workforce capable of addressing development challenges, promoting good governance, and enhancing public accountability. It supports regional development and strengthens WSU's transformative, developmental university role. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Walter Sisulu University (WSU) applies Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in line with its institutional policy, which is aligned with national policies such as the SAQA RPL Policy and the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF). RPL is used to access the Bachelor of Administration Honours qualification and module exemption or advanced standing.

Applicants not meeting the standard academic entry requirements may be considered for admission through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process. This alternative pathway assesses an individual's prior formal, informal, or non-formal learning experiences, including work experience, short courses, and other relevant competencies, to determine their capacity to be admitted to the qualification. The prior experience is assessed against the entry requirements for access and against the module outcomes for exemption.

To be eligible for consideration under RPL, applicants are required to:
  • Submit a comprehensive portfolio of evidence demonstrating relevant learning and experience.
  • Provide copies of any formal or informal qualifications, including international qualifications, accompanied by a SAQA Certificate of Evaluation where applicable.
  • Present a detailed curriculum vitae outlining work experience pertinent to the chosen qualification.

    This approach ensures that adult learners and non-traditional applicants with substantial practical experience have equitable access to higher education opportunities.

    Entry Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in public administration at NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor's degree in administration, at NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor's degree in Developmental Studies at NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor's degree in public management at NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is comprising of modules totalling to 120 credits at NQF Level 8.
  • Disaster and Risk Management, 16 Credits.
  • Advanced Local Government Finance, 16 Credits.
  • Advanced Research Methodology, 16 Credits.
  • Executive Municipal Management, 16 Credits.
  • Advanced Project Management, 16 Credits.
  • Research Project, 40 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Evaluate key concepts, principles, and theories in Public Administration and related fields.
    2. Conduct independent research in Public Administration using appropriate methodologies.
    3. Apply advanced problem-solving skills in administrative and managerial contexts.
    4. Assess ethical and professional conduct in administrative practice.
    5. Analyse public policies and legislative frameworks in the context of public administration. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    LO 1: Evaluate key concepts, principles, and theories in Public Administration and related fields.
  • Analyse theories of Public Administration and their relevance to current administrative practice.
  • Evaluate key principles and models in governance, development administration, and public management.
  • Evaluate the applicability of interdisciplinary approaches (e.g., political science, economics, and sociology) in addressing administrative challenges.

    LO 2: Conduct independent research in the field of Public Administration using appropriate methodologies.
  • Conduct a coherent and researchable problem statement, research questions, and objectives aligned with Public Administration themes.
  • Apply suitable qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-method research methodologies and data collection tools to address the research problem.
  • Analyse and interpret research findings logically and critically and present them in a structured academic format that adheres to ethical research standards.

    LO 3: Apply advanced problem-solving skills in administrative and managerial contexts.
  • Appraise complex organisational and governance problems using relevant diagnostic frameworks and analytical tools.
  • Critiques context-appropriate and evidence-based solutions to address administrative and managerial challenges.
  • Evaluate the impact and feasibility of proposed interventions within a public sector environment.

    LO 4: Assess ethical and professional conduct in administrative practice.
    > Inculcate the application of ethical standards, codes of conduct, and public sector accountability frameworks.
  • Assess the ethical dilemmas in administrative situations and apply principled decision-making.
  • Evaluate integrity, transparency, and professional responsibility in academic, research, and workplace contexts.

    LO5: Analyse public policies and legislative frameworks in the context of public administration.
  • Interpret the objectives, content, and implications of public policies and relevant legislative frameworks.
  • Assess the policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation processes regarding governance and service delivery outcomes.
  • Analyse the alignment of specific policies with constitutional values, socio-economic goals, and institutional mandates.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The Integrated assessment of the Bachelor of Administration Honours qualification evaluates learners through an approach that combines theoretical knowledge with applied skills and critical thinking across different modules. The assessment method evaluates learning outcomes through interconnected assessments and ensures that all the ELOs are assessed in an integrated manner. The assessment framework combines formative and summative approaches through case studies, research projects, Assignments, group work, and presentations.

    The research mini-dissertation is a crucial element of integrated assessment because it is the program's final project. Learners must develop their research project, which independently investigates a major administrative or governance challenge. Through this process, learners prove their expertise in research methodology, ethical scholarship, theoretical application, and academic writing. The qualification's integrated learning approach develops learners with intellectual abilities and practical skills to address complex administrative issues in various public sector settings.

    Formative Assessment:
    The Bachelor of Administration Honours qualification depends on formative assessment to support learners' learning and development across their academic path. The assessment method delivers ongoing feedback to learners so they can recognise their strong points and weaknesses before receiving their final grades. The assessment activities at the formative level consist of written assignments, online quizzes, group discussions, short reflective pieces, seminar presentations, and peer reviews.

    The assessment tasks enable learners to deeply understand course material while connecting theoretical concepts to real-world applications and building their critical academic competencies step by step. The assessment method serves diagnostic and developmental purposes to help learners develop their academic abilities and independent thinking skills. Through their feedback, lecturers help learners enhance their analytical and communication skills, which prepare them for advanced summative assessments. The continuous evaluation promotes active learning, self-reflection, and critical engagement, vital for honours-level success and future leadership roles in public administration and governance. For the formative assessment, learners must obtain.

    The year mark counts 40 % of the final mark. A learner with less than 40 % for the year mark will automatically be barred from writing semester examinations in the five modules.

    Summative Assessment:
    The Bachelor of Administration Honours qualification uses summative assessment to determine how well learners have met their learning objectives at the end of each module or academic period. Learners must complete extensive evaluation tasks which measure their complete understanding of acquired knowledge and skills and competencies learned during the course.

    The summative assessment methods used in the qualification consist of final examinations, together with long essays, policy analysis reports, and research projects or mini-dissertations. Learners must demonstrate their understanding of theoretical concepts through critical analysis and research findings in a structured and academic format. The research project or mini-dissertation is a vital summative requirement that enables learners to prove their capability for independent scholarly research on major public administration issues. The assessment evaluates multiple competencies through problem identification, methodological application, data interpretation, and academic writing. Each module's final mark depends on summative assessments because these evaluations demonstrate learner readiness for advanced study, professional practice, and leadership roles in public and development sectors. The examinations for the modules will consist of one three-hour paper.

    The final result is calculated as follows:
  • Year mark counts 40%.
  • Exam mark counts 60 %.
  • The pass mark is 50 %. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Walter Sisulu University (WSU) Bachelor of Administration Honours qualification was benchmarked against similar international postgraduate qualifications. For purposes of comparability, the qualification is aligned with:

    Country: Namibia
    University: Namibia University of Science & Technology (NUST)
    Qualification title: Bachelor of Public Management (Honours)
    Duration: 1 year
    NQF Level: 8
    Credits: 120

    Purpose and ELOs of the qualification
    Purpose
    The program aims to enhance advanced public management theory and application skills for solving complex public sector problems while developing data analysis skills for the public sector and completing a supervised research project (mini-thesis) to prepare for research-based postgraduate studies.

    Exit learning outcomes
    Graduates can:
  • Apply advanced public management and governance theories to address modern African and global public-sector challenges.
  • Execute a supervised research project/mini thesis demonstrating appropriate methodology, ethics and academic writing.
  • Evaluate public policy and administrative practices received through qualitative and quantitative evidence.
  • Present professional findings to specialist and non-specialist audiences while making independent ethical decisions in public sector contexts.

    Similarities
    Entry requirements
    Entry requirements are similar because both require a Bachelor of Public Administration and Management or equivalent qualification.
    Purpose
    The purpose of these qualifications is similar because they aim to enhance advanced public management theory and application skills for solving complex public sector problems while developing data analysis skills for the public sector.
    Exit Level Outcomes (ELOs)
    LOs are similar and aim to develop the learners to address modern African and global public-sector challenges.
    Duration
    The duration is similar because they take a minimum of one year to complete
    NQF level:
    NQF levels are aligned as both are at NQF level 8.
    Credits
    There are similarities as both qualifications have a minimum of 120 credits.
    Modules (structure)
    Modules of both institutions are similar and intend to empower learners to improve public governance and ethics, policy analysis, public financial management, and strategic/leadership.
    Articulation opportunities
    They are similar in that they both go to master's studies.
    Employment opportunities:
    The qualifications are preparing learners to work in the public and private sectors.

    Country: Canada
    University: University of Ottawa
    Qualification title: Bachelor of Public Management (Honours)
    Duration: 4 years (Merged with 3-year Degree).
    NQF Level: 8
    Credits: 120

    Purpose and ELOs of the qualification
    Purpose:
    The purpose is to deepen learners' understanding of government operations and their roles in contemporary societies.

    Exit Level Outcomes (ELOs):
    Graduates are expected to:
  • Demonstrate critical thinking and effective communication.
  • Analyse and solve complex problems in Public Administration.
  • Evaluate policy analysis related to the public sector and governance.

    Similarities
    Entry Requirements
    The entry requirements are similar because both qualifications require a completed undergraduate degree in a related field.
    Purpose
    The purpose of qualifications is similar as they aim to provide learners with an in-depth understanding of public administration, focusing on governance, public policy, and the management of public organisations.
    Exit Level Outcomes (ELOs).
    LOs are similar as they aim to apply critical thinking, effective communication, and the ability to analyse and solve complex problems in public administration.
    NQF Level
    Qualifications are similar as they are both at NQF level 8.
    Credits
    Credits are similar because they are 120 credits for both qualifications.
    Modules (Structure)
    Both qualifications are positioned to advance problem-solving skills in administrative and managerial contexts.
    Articulation Opportunities:
    Graduates may pursue a Master's in public administration and management at NQF Level 9.
    Employment Opportunities:
    Graduates are prepared for roles in public sector organisations, civil society organisations, and the private sector, focusing on public management and governance.

    Difference
    Duration
    The duration of the Honours BSocSc in Public Administration at the University of Ottawa is four years, including undergraduate and honours coursework. While at WSU, it is completed in one year. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation
  • Bachelor of Public Management, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Social Science Honours in Public Policy, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Administration Honours in Developmental Studies, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Governance and Leadership, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration, NQF Level 8.
  • Public Sector Monitoring and Evaluation, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Public Administration (MPA), NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Administration in Public Affairs, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Public Management and Leadership, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Developmental Studies, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Governance, Policy, or Leadership Studies, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Arts in Political Science or Public Policy, NQF Level 9.

    Diagonal Articulation
  • Occupational Certificate: General Manager Public Service NQF Level 6.
  • Advanced Occupational Diploma: Senior Government Official NQF Level 7.
  • Occupational Certificate: Governance Professional NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 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. Walter Sisulu University 


    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.