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 Public Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
94580  Bachelor of Public Management 
ORIGINATOR
Richfield Graduate Institute Of Technology (Pty) Ltd. (previously known as PC Training And Business College (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
National First Degree  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Public Administration 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  380  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  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   2033-06-30  

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 main purpose of the Bachelor of Public Management is to provide learners with broad background knowledge to be able to, not only secure appropriate employment opportunities in the field of public management and the public sector but also, be able to engage in self-employment opportunities as consultants and entrepreneurs. The main purpose of the qualification is to, inter alia:
  • Contribute to the stated intention of the national government to build capacity in public institutions and develop human resource potential in management for social and economic development.
  • Develop communication and analytical skills of learners.
  • Promote equity by providing affordable access to public management education to learners who were previously denied such opportunities.
  • Recognise and cater for the career and economic needs of learners who are in employment.

    The qualification's affordability and accessibility will enable learners to gain a solid grounding in public administration skills and practices. Most of the existing learner intake is spread across the nine provinces, where the qualification could serve fruitfully to integrate and regularise the public management practices among the public institutions in the region. This will have a significant positive influence on the ability of people to become leaders in their fields and make positive contributions to the economies of their regions.

    Rationale:
    In recent years the institution has found a growing demand from young school graduates seeking admission to a Bachelor of Public Management. In addition to providing new learners who have completed the National Senior Certificate and who qualify for admission to study for a Degree at a tertiary institution, this new qualification will provide access to learners who have completed equivalent diplomas for a Bachelor of Public Management.

    The institution needed to create a Higher Education Qualification to widen access to tertiary education at the degree level. This qualification has been designed to meet the workplace needs particularly in the fields of, but not limited to, Public Management, Local Government, Public Finance, Public Sector Economics and Public Sector Human Resources Management. The curriculum has been designed in such a way that graduates will not only have access to various employment opportunities in the public sector, but may also embark on self-employment as consultants and entrepreneurs.

    The qualification is cost effective and accommodates distance learners. PC Training and Business College (PCT and BC) provides excellent support structure for learners to cope with and understand the demands of the Bachelor of Public Management qualification. Support and assistance in areas of weakness will be in the form of tutorials and additional learning qualification materials.

    A dimension added to the qualification is Work Integrated Learning (WIL) which is in line with the HEQSF. This will empower graduates to function with a greater level of competence in the work environment. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    If RPL is to be used, the admission criteria would require learners to provide a portfolio of evidence to show competence at NQF Level 4. Their portfolios will be assessed in accordance with the institution's RPL policy. For recognition of prior learning the learner will be required to submit a portfolio of evidence of relevant experience, in a prescribed format, to be assessed for formal recognition. The assessor and learner will decide jointly on the most appropriate assessment procedures, subject to the assessment rules of the relevant ETQA. Learning assumed to be in place must be assessed by the assessor prior to any assessment relating to this qualification.

    This qualification may be achieved in part or in whole through the Recognition of Prior Learning. The institutions RPL Policy will be applied for the admission through RPL.

    The assumed learning can be acquired in the traditional way of formal study as well as in the workplace. Acquiring the competencies in a workplace (via normal on-the-job training) has the potential of addressing the problems of the past, where formal qualifications were only obtainable by way of formal study.

    Any learner wishing to be assessed may arrange to do so without having to attend Higher Education instistutions.

    The ultimate responsibility for granting Recognition of Prior Learning is vested with the Senior Programme Director of Business Administration.

    Entry Requirements:
    Access to the qualification is open to learners with:
  • National Senior Certificate granting access to Bachelors' Degree studies.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate granting access to Bachelors' Degree studies. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification consists of modules at NQF Levels 5, 6 and 7 totalling 380 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 5:
  • Public Management 511, 15 Credits.
  • Introduction to Economics 511, 15 Credits.
  • Communication 500, 15 Credits.
  • Information Systems 511, 15 Credits.
  • Public Management 512, 15 Credits.
  • Public Sector Economics 512, 15 Credits.
  • Information Systems 512, 15 Credits.
  • Fundamentals of Research 500, 15 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 6:
  • Public Management 621, 15 Credits.
  • Local Government Management 621, 15 Credits.
  • Introduction to Politics 600, 15 Credits.
  • Public Human Resource Management 621, 15 Credits.
  • Public Management 622, 15 Credits.
  • Project Management 600, 15 Credits.
  • Public Law 600, 15 Credits.
  • Public Human Resource Management 622, 15 Credits.
  • Local Government Management 622, 15 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 7:
  • Public Management 731, 15 Credits.
  • Local Government Management 731, 15 Credits.
  • Ethics in the Public Sector 700, 15 Credits.
  • Public Management 732, 15 Credits.
  • Local Government Management 732, 15 Credits.
  • Work Integrated Learning, 15 Credits.
  • Research Project 700, 20 Credits.
  • Public Sector Finance 700, 15 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Identify, analyse, formulate and serve the political, social, economic, technological and financial needs of the public sector.
    2. Work effectively in groups, organisations and communities and contribute to the delivery of efficient and effective services to communities.
    3. Communicate effectively especially in written presentations.
    4. Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between government, the public sector and communities and acknowledge that society is a set of related systems.
    5. Understand that problem solving does not exist in isolation and that responsibility and accountability forms part of problem solving.
    6. Incorporate general business principles to the public sector in its cultural context and in real life work experiences.
    7. Interpret economic realities of the country and understand how it relates to the local community and South Africa as a whole.
    8. Assess and understand human knowledge and behaviour in the dynamic technological context in all public sector environments.
    9. Analyse financial information critically to ensure the desired outcome. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Knowledge of administrative and management functions that impact on service delivery at local government level is applied.
  • Models of economic growth and development are analysed and used in the context of development regionally and nationally.
  • Skills, values and knowledge pertaining to public administration, economics and business management in all private and public institutions are applied.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Fundamental knowledge of the public sector environment and how it influences community life and service delivery is used.
  • Ability to work effectively with others as a member of a senior management team in the developmental and public sectors is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Basic communication tools in a public sector environment are applied to communicate information coherently and basic conventions of an academic professional discourse is used reliably in writing and verbally.
  • Effective communication in the working environment is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • An understanding of fundamentals of the public sector and management is demonstrated.
  • Appropriate lessons from complex experiences are learned and applied in order to tackle Public Management related problems for sustainable developmental outcomes.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Concepts, terms, rules and principles of public sector management to solve problems are applied.
  • More complex Public and Development Management problems is identified and solved in a critical and creative way.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Knowledge of the different functions of management is applied.
  • An understanding of fundamentals of public administration and management is demonstrated.
  • The operation of local government and municipalities as systems within a wider context of society and the business world is applied.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Knowledge of the different functions of local government management is demonstrated.
  • The role and impact of fiscal policy in South Africa are analysed.
  • The principles and mechanics of Economics and Public Administration is clearly understood.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • An understanding of the nature and tools of the modern dynamic municipality is demonstrated.
  • Business dealings within a legal environment are conducted.
  • A range of analyses on projects to ascertain their impact on the economy and make recommendations to decision makers are conducted.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • An understanding of financial concepts and principles of the public sector is demonstrated.
  • Local, provincial and national budgets and their economic impact on decision making are analysed.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Development of the competencies may be through a combination of formal and informal learning, self-learning and work-based application. The practical, applied, foundational and reflective competencies demonstrated for the group of assessment criteria in this qualification must prove that the whole competence is more than the sum of the parts of the competencies.

    The Institution will conduct diagnostic and formative assessment. Formative and other practical assessments should also take place in the work place. The learner should also be able to assess him or herself and determine readiness for a summative assessment against this qualification.

    During integrated assessments the assessor should make use of formative and summative assessment methods and should assess combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflective competencies. Input to completing the integrated assessment typically makes use of combinations of the following assessment methods:
  • Time-constrained written examinations.
  • Course work Evaluations.
  • Continuous Evaluations.
  • Practical Evaluations.

    Integrated assessment at this level of qualification provides an opportunity for learners to show that they are to integrate concepts, ideas and actions across modules to achieve competence that is grounded and coherent in relation to the purpose of the qualification. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification has been compared against others internationally in terms of core knowledge and specialised knowledge elements from International Qualifications Frameworks. Qualifications from the following countries were considered for this purpose:
  • New Zealand NQF.
  • Australian NQF.
  • British NVQs.

    Comparison in the development of this qualification considered best practice and standards from the following institutions. It must be noted that the qualifications considered for this purpose may not be at the same level as this one but they compare favourably in terms of the outcomes, the degree of difficulty and notional time:
  • Post Graduate Certificate in Public Management - Victoria University of Wellington - New Zealand.
  • Post Graduate Diploma in Public Management - Victoria University of Wellington - New Zealand.
  • Bachelor of Government and Public Management - Flinders University - Malaysia.
  • Post Graduate Diploma in Public Management - University of London - UK.
  • Post Graduate Diploma in Public Management - University of Birmingham - UK.
  • Post Graduate Certificate in Public Management - University of Birmingham - UK.

    Conclusion:
    This qualification has been developed for the South African context of Public Management although drawing on themes from International Qualifications. The qualification compares with the ones indicated in terms of their outcomes and assessment criteria, degree of difficulty and notional learning time. 
    		•

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

    Articulation allows for progression vertically to:
  • Bachelor of Administration Honours in Public Management at NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Public Management and Governance at NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Public Management Honours at NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management at NQF Level 8.

    Horizontally progress is possible with qualifications such as:
  • Bachelor of Administration in Public Management at NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Arts in Public Management and Governance at NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    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 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. Richfield Graduate Institute Of Technology (Pty) Ltd. (previously known as PC Training And Business College (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.