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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Public Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
96782  Master of Public Management 
ORIGINATOR
Central University of Technology, Free State 
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  Generic Management 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2027-06-30   2029-06-30  

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 replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
65394  Master of Technology: Public Management  Level 8 and above  NQF Level 09  120  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose
The Master of Public Management is designed to develop advanced knowledge, skills, and applied competencies required for effective leadership and management within the public sector. The purpose of the qualification is to equip learners with the ability to critically analyse, interpret, and respond to complex governance, policy, and administrative challenges in a dynamic socio-economic environment. Through this qualification, learners will acquire integrated theoretical knowledge, advanced research capabilities, and practical problem-solving skills in areas such as public policy analysis, monitoring and evaluation, public financial management, and strategic governance. The target learners include graduates in public administration and related fields, as well as current and aspiring public sector practitioners seeking to enhance their professional competence and career progression.

Learners will be motivated to complete this qualification to strengthen their capacity for evidence-based decision-making, improve their leadership and management capabilities, and enhance their prospects for advancement into senior and strategic roles. The qualification benefits learners by enabling them to operate autonomously, ethically, and effectively in complex public sector environments while contributing to improved service delivery and governance outcomes.
This is an academic and professional qualification that articulates vertically to doctoral studies (NQF Level 10) and horizontally or diagonally to related qualifications within the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework and other sub-frameworks where applicable. On successful completion, learners will demonstrate advanced, specialised knowledge and critical understanding of public management theories, governance systems, and policy frameworks, as well as the ability to conduct independent research that contributes to the field of public management. They will be capable of applying integrated knowledge to design, implement, and evaluate public programmes and policies, manage resources responsibly, and lead organisational change within public institutions. In line with this academic and professional pathway, graduates will be responsible for delivering evidence-based policy advice, ensuring effective and accountable public resource management, strengthening institutional performance, and upholding ethical and transparent governance practices in diverse public sector contexts.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Critically evaluate and apply advanced public management theories and frameworks to complex governance challenges.
  • Design and conduct independent research that addresses public sector problems and contributes to knowledge production.
  • Develop, analyse, and implement public policies and programmes using evidence-based approaches; lead and manage public sector organisations and projects with accountability and ethical integrity.
  • Apply advanced monitoring and evaluation techniques to assess programme performance and inform decision-making.
  • Manage public financial and human resources in accordance with regulatory and governance requirements; communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders through appropriate professional and strategic channels; and demonstrate autonomy, adaptability, and responsibility in addressing socio-economic development challenges within local, national, and global public sector environments.

    Rationale
    The Master of Public Management has been developed in response to the growing need for highly skilled professionals capable of strengthening governance, public administration, and service delivery within South Africa's complex and evolving socio-economic environment. The increasing demand for effective, ethical, and accountable public sector leadership has highlighted gaps in advanced competencies related to policy development, strategic management, and institutional performance. Existing qualifications do not sufficiently address the need for integrated advanced theoretical knowledge, applied research capability, and strategic leadership required at senior levels of the public service. This qualification has therefore been designed to address these gaps by providing a specialised and comprehensive postgraduate offering that supports the professionalisation of the public service. While related qualifications exist, this qualification is not a duplication of any registered qualification on the National Qualifications Framework, as it offers a distinct combination of advanced research, governance, and management competencies aligned to current national priorities.

    The need for this qualification was identified by key stakeholders within the public sector, including government departments, public institutions, academic bodies, and policy advisory structures, in response to persistent challenges in governance, service delivery, policy implementation, and administrative inefficiencies. These stakeholders emphasised the need for a highly skilled cohort of public sector professionals with advanced analytical, research, and leadership capabilities. The qualification addresses sectoral needs by equipping learners with competencies required to improve accountability, strengthen institutional capacity, and enhance evidence-based decision-making across government and related sectors. Consultations were undertaken with representatives from higher education institutions, public sector employers, and governance and policy practitioners to ensure relevance and alignment with sector needs. The qualification contributes to society by promoting ethical leadership, transparency, and improved service delivery, while economically it strengthens public sector performance, supports efficient resource utilisation, and contributes to sustainable socio-economic development aligned with national and developmental priorities.

    The qualification is intended for graduates in public administration, governance, political studies, development studies, and related disciplines, as well as public sector practitioners seeking to deepen their expertise and advance into strategic roles. Typical learners include current and aspiring public administrators, policy analysts, programme and project managers, and governance specialists who require advanced competencies in research, policy analysis, and public management. Upon completion, graduates are likely to be employed across national and provincial government departments, municipalities, public entities, research institutions, and non-governmental organisations. The qualification supports progression into roles such as senior public administrators, policy advisors, municipal managers, programme managers, and public sector consultants. It also enables learners to pursue further academic development and research-oriented career pathways.

    In line with Section 28 of the National Qualifications Framework Act, consultations were undertaken with relevant stakeholders in the development of this qualification to ensure alignment with sectoral and professional requirements. Engagements included academic experts in public management, representatives from public sector institutions, and governance and policy practitioners to confirm the relevance and responsiveness of the qualification. Although the qualification is not directly linked to a statutory professional registration or licensing requirement, the development process considered the expectations of recognised professional bodies and the broader public administration community to ensure that the qualification supports professional standards, ethical practice, and competency development within the field.

    The Master of Public Management forms part of a structured academic and professional learning pathway within the field of public administration and governance. The qualification provides a vertical pathway to doctoral studies at NQF Level 10 and contributes to career progression into occupations such as senior public administrators, policy analysts, municipal managers, and governance specialists. It also provides for diagonal articulation to qualifications across HEQSF-sub-frameworks such as occupational certificates within the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO). The learning pathway supports both academic advancement and professional mobility by enabling learners to integrate advanced knowledge with applied competencies required for leadership and decision-making roles. It further aligns with career pathways that may include progression into executive management, policy advisory positions, and specialised research roles, thereby supporting long-term professional development and contribution to the public sector. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
    CUT's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) processes for this qualification are implemented in accordance with the institutional Articulation Policy and are aligned with the policy and regulatory framework governing RPL, credit accumulation and transfer, and assessment in higher education in South Africa. These include the Council on Higher Education (CHE) Policies on the Recognition of Prior Learning, Credit Accumulation and Transfer, and Assessment in Higher Education (2016), the National Policy and Criteria for the Implementation of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) (SAQA, amended 2019), and the Ministerial Guidelines/Coordination Policy for the Implementation of RPL published by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) in Government Gazette No. 39876 of 31 March 2016. These policies promote access, mobility, and progression within the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) by recognising knowledge, skills, and competencies acquired through formal, non-formal, and informal learning.

    The institutional policy provides for transparent, fair, valid, and reliable mechanisms through which prior formal, informal, and non-formal learning may be recognised for purposes of access, advanced standing, module exemption, and/or credit recognition, subject to institutional rules and approved assessment processes.

    The RPL process in relation to the Master of Public Management programme is conducted under the governance of the Faculty of Management Sciences (FMS) and quality-assured by the University's RPL Committee in line with Senate approved procedures. All RPL assessments are conducted in accordance with the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF), the NQF Act (Act 67 of 2008), and the SAQA National Policy for the Implementation of RPL (2013).

    The Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) accepts Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as an integral part of the academic qualification and as an initiative to support transformation of the education and training system in South Africa. It is acknowledged that all learning has value, and the institution accepts the challenge to assess prior learning and award credit that is aligned to university programmes to promote lifelong learning. At CUT RPL is guided by its articulation policy, which is aligned with the national SAQA RPL Policy. RPL can be applied for access, module exemption, or credit.

    RPL for access:
    Applicants who do not meet the normal entry requirements into the Master of Public Management may apply for RPL, following the institutional policy and procedures. Applicants must complete an official RPL application form available from the Assessment and Graduations Unit. The application must include the following:
  • Certified copies of all previous qualifications.
  • A detailed portfolio of evidence (PoE) demonstrating learning and experience relevant to the qualification.
  • Any additional documentation or interviews as requested.

    Once submitted, the institutional RPL Coordinator reviews the application for completeness. The file is then sent to the Faculty of Management Sciences, specifically to the Department: Government Management. A designated RPL Committee assesses the application against the relevant learning outcomes. This includes evaluating the evidence for relevance, authenticity, and depth. The RPL Committee then formulates a formal recommendation, which is submitted to the Head of Department for review and approval. The RPL application is presented to the faculty EXCO deliberations and approval.

    Such applicants must:
  • Have a relevant qualification, provide documented evidence of advanced professional practice, published work, policy innovations, or strategic interventions in public administration, governance, or related fields.
  • Demonstrate the ability to conceptualise, design, and manage complex research or development projects at a level equivalent to Master's level outcomes in public management or policy studies.
  • Submit a comprehensive RPL portfolio that includes a detailed curriculum vitae, verified evidence of professional experience, policy reports, research outputs, and other scholarly or practice based contributions.
  • Present a concept research proposal relevant to the Master of Public Management focus area to demonstrate research readiness and alignment with public sector or governance priorities.

    An RPL assessment panel, comprising senior academic and professional staff, evaluates the portfolio to determine equivalence. Successful candidates may then be admitted conditionally or directly to the Master of Public Management qualification.

    RPL for advanced standing:
    An applicant who has already achieved some of the competencies expected for admission to, or progression within the Master of Public Management may be allowed admission despite lacking the conventional qualification pathway. In such an instance, the applicant's prior learning, knowledge, skills, and professional experience will be assessed to determine whether they are equivalent to the learning outcomes normally required for admission to the Master of Public Management. This learning may have been acquired through formal studies, workplace experience, professional development, community engagement, short courses, research, or other forms of non-formal and informal learning.

    RPL for module exemption:
    Given that the Master of Public Management is a research-only master's qualification, RPL for module exemption within the qualification is not permitted.

    However, prior experiential learning and professional outputs may be considered as supporting evidence during the research proposal phase, particularly in justifying the candidate's research competence and proposed topic.

    RPL for credit:
    As the Master of Public Management is a research only doctoral qualification, RPL for credit is not applicable.

    ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
  • Bachelor of Administration Honours in Public Administration, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory module at National Qualifications Framework Level 9, totaling 180 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 180 Credits:
  • Dissertation, 180 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Critically evaluate and interpret scholarly debates and engage with literature in the relevant field of study or professional practices.
    2.Identify, evaluate, select, and apply methods, techniques and processes, systems, or technologies creatively and innovatively to solve complex problems in the context of the public sector.
    3.Operate independently and take full responsibilities for one's work, demonstrating accountability and professional autonomy.
    4.Produce, defend, and contribute substantial, independent scholarly work of publishable quality that meets national and international standards.
    5.Produce, defend, and contribute substantial, independent scholarly work of publishable quality that meets international standards.
    6.Demonstrate a deep understanding of theoretical principles in the management of complex systems, and, where applicable, independently design, implement, and sustain systemic change.
    7.Operate independently and take full responsibility for one's work, demonstrating accountability and professional autonomy. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
    Demonstrate the ability to:
  • Construct a comprehensive bibliography relating to a particular area of study and demonstrate mastery of the arguments and evidence presented therein.
  • Participate and assist in academic research projects.
  • Explain and apply scientific and scholarly methods.>Demonstrate the ability to conduct independent research that leads to the production and acceptance of a dissertation.
  • Apply scientific, scholarly and research methodologies to conduct academic research related to complex issues or phenomena in the context of the public sector.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Adapt and combine existing methods, technologies, or systems to generate novel solutions or approaches.
  • Demonstrate value of the implemented solution by articulating a clear improvement, such as increased efficiency, new functionality, or enhanced user experience.
  • Justify the selection of applied processes by explaining their effectiveness and appropriateness for a specific problem in the south African public sector context.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Demonstrate self-directed learning by planning, managing, and completing independent research projects without
  • Identify and formulate research problems, questions and objectives related to a public sector phenomenon and solving challenges independently.
  • Maintain ethical standards and academic integrity through independent research.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Demonstrate critical evaluation skills to identify gaps or inconsistencies in data and information during research and language practice.
  • Integrate and synthesise diverse sources logically and coherently, acknowledging limitations and uncertainties.
  • Produce clear, reasoned conclusions and recommendations based on rigorous.
    analysis despite data challenges.
  • Demonstrate the ability to develop and create a research dissertation that is original, substantiated by rigorous research and contributions new knowledge or insight to the field of public management and administration.
  • Defend the research work in an oral examination of viva, voce, justifying methodological choices, findings, and conclusions.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Develop a research dissertation that is original, substantiated by rigorous research, contributing to knowledge or insights in the field of language practice.
  • Formulate a clearly defined dissertation topic aligned with international scholarly standards.
  • The student must successfully defend the research work in an oral examination or viva voce, justifying methodological choices, findings, and conclusions.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Demonstrate foundational knowledge of relevant theories that explain complex systems and systemic change.
  • Analyse and critically evaluate how theoretical concepts apply to real-world language practice and communication systems.
  • Apply problem-solving skills to manage and facilitate change processes within organisational, linguistic, or communication environments.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Demonstrate self-directed learning by planning, managing, and completing research projects or assignments without external supervision.
  • Show initiative in identifying research problems, seeking resources, and solving challenges independently.
  • Maintain ethical standards and academic honesty throughout independent work.

    Integrated assessment
    The execution of a research project constitutes the total of a combination of formative, summative, and integrated assessment methods.

    After completion of the Master of Public Management learners must submit a dissertation containing the report of their research. The dissertation must as to meet all the standards and requirements of a master's dissertation.

    The assessment framework for this qualification is designed to evaluate the learner's ability to conduct independent research, apply advanced knowledge, and contribute meaningfully to the field of linguistics. It integrates both formative and summative approaches to ensure comprehensive evaluation of applied competence.

    A research dissertation will be submitted as proof of applied competence and successful completion of this qualification. A successful student should obtain a minimum of 50% to pass the research module.

    Formative Assessment:
    Formative assessment supports the development of research skills and critical thinking throughout the qualification. It includes:
  • Research proposal development: Learners submit a detailed proposal outlining their research objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes. Feedback is provided to refine the research direction.
  • Progress reviews: Regular supervisory meetings and annual progress reports to assess research milestones, challenges, and academic growth.
  • Draft submissions: Review of dissertation chapters or technical papers prior to final submission, allowing for iterative improvement.

    Summative Assessment:
    Summative assessment determines the successful completion of the qualification and includes:
  • Master's dissertation (100% of final assessment): The core summative component is a comprehensive, original research dissertation that demonstrates mastery of governance; application of appropriate research methodologies; critical analysis and interpretation of data; contribution to the body of knowledge; and academic writing and presentation skills.

    There are no academic examinations or assignment-based modules, the dissertation constitutes the core summative assessment. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    During the international comparison it was found that most Master's qualifications in Public Management or Master's qualifications in Public Administration (MPA) offered by international institutions are qualification-based qualifications (course work-based qualifications) with compulsory course work modules, electives and a mini-dissertation option with the aim to prepare learners or public officials with practical work experience to conduct research in related fields of public management and administrative field of study to solve public sector challenges in a n innovative and scientific manner. The CUT Master of Public Management was compared internationally with the Master of Public Administration offered by the University of Philippines in the Philippines, and the Master of Public Management offered by the Tsinghau University in China.

    Country: Philippines
    Institution name: University of Philippines (UP)
    Qualification title: Master of Public Management
    Duration:

    Entry requirements:
  • A bachelor's degree.
  • At least one year of work experience.

    Purpose
    The qualification prepares graduates from the public, private, and civil society sectors with advanced knowledge of public administration and governance theories and frameworks. It aims to develop administrators with competencies in policy making and advocacy, strategic leadership, impactful research, organisational change, public policy, public finance, local governance, public enterprise management, crisis and emergency management, and social policy and management.

    Qualification structure
    Modules:
  • Public policy and programme administration.
  • Organisation studies.
  • Fiscal administration.
  • Local government and regional development.
  • Voluntary sector management.
  • Public enterprise management.
  • Spatial information management.
  • Both qualifications are positioned at an advanced postgraduate level and are designed to develop high-level competencies in public sector leadership, governance, and policy analysis. In line with SAQA expectations.
  • Both programmes emphasise the integration of advanced theoretical knowledge with applied research capabilities, enabling learners to critically engage with complex public sector challenges and contribute to evidence-based policy and decision-making.
  • A key similarity between the two qualifications lies in their provision for research-based learning pathways. The South Africa (SA) qualification is primarily research-oriented, requiring learners to undertake independent research that culminates in the production of a mini-dissertation or dissertation, thereby aligning with NQF Level 9 descriptors related to knowledge production, critical inquiry, and autonomy in learning.
  • Similarly, the UP qualification offers a research-focused option (commonly referred to as Plan B), which requires learners to prepare and defend a thesis on a relevant issue within public administration or public policy. This demonstrates alignment in terms of developing research competence, analytical capacity, and scholarly contribution within the discipline.
    Differences:
  • The SA qualification is predominantly research-based, with a strong emphasis on independent inquiry and minimal coursework, reflecting a focused academic pathway geared towards research and potential doctoral progression.
  • In contrast, the UP offers both coursework-based and research-based pathways, providing greater flexibility for learners who may wish to pursue either professional practice or academic research trajectories. The coursework-based option places greater emphasis on structured learning through taught modules, while the research-based option aligns more closely with the CUT model.

    Country: China
    Institution name: Tsinghau University (TU)
    Qualification title: Master of Public Management
    Duration:

    Entry requirement:

    Purpose:
    The Master of Public Management aims to prepare public leaders rooted in China with a global vision, while the curriculum information indicates a four-semester full-time structure with at least 34 credits and modules such as Public Organization and Management, Public Policy Analysis, Research Design and Thesis Writing, Comparative Politics and Government, International Political Economy, Governance and Development, Science and Art of Leadership, and Public Law with International Perspective.

    Similarities:
  • The South African (SA) qualification is comparable to the TU qualification in terms of level, purpose, and expected graduate outcomes, in alignment with SAQA requirements for international comparability of qualifications.
  • Both qualifications are positioned at an advanced postgraduate level and are designed to develop specialised knowledge, intellectual independence, and the ability to apply integrated theory and research to complex public sector challenges. In accordance with NQF Level 9 descriptors.
  • Both qualifications emphasise the development of advanced competencies in governance, public policy analysis, strategic leadership, and institutional management, as well as the capacity to conduct independent research that contributes to knowledge production within the field of public management.

    Conclusion of international comparison
    In conclusion, the comparative analysis confirms that the Central University of Technology Master of Public Management (NQF Level 9) is substantially aligned with the Master of Public Administration offered by the University of the Philippines and the Master of Public Management/Public Administration offered by Tsinghua University in terms of level, purpose, and expected graduate outcomes. All three qualifications demonstrate coherence with international standards for postgraduate education in public governance, particularly in the development of advanced knowledge, research competence, and leadership capabilities. While differences exist in delivery modes and contextual focus, these do not detract from the overall comparability but rather reflect responsiveness to specific national and global priorities. Collectively, this benchmarking affirms the academic credibility, relevance, and international standing of the CUT qualification in accordance with SAQA requirements for qualification registration. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The qualification provides horizontal, vertical, and diagonal mobility pathways within the national and international higher education systems, ensuring alignment with lifelong learning principles and professional development.

    Horizontal articulation
  • Master of Development Studies, NQF level 9.
  • Master of Business Administration, NQF level 9.

    Vertical articulation
  • Doctor of Public Management, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Management Sciences, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration, NQF Level 10.

    Diagonal articulation
  • Occupational Certificate: Public Service Administrator, NQF Level 5.
  • Occupational Certificate: Project Manager, NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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. Central University of Technology, Free State 


    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.