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:

Doctor of Public Administration

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
97023	Doctor of Public Administration
ORIGINATOR
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Doctoral Degree	Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies		Generic Management
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	360	Not Applicable	NQF Level 10	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
78787	Doctor of Technology: Public Management	Level 8 and above	NQF Level 10	240	Complete

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The Doctor of Public Administration aims to develop the candidate into a researcher capable of conducting high-level independent research that is original and contributes significantly to the body of knowledge in the Public Administration discipline. The qualification is intended for those learners who are interested in pursuing further studies after completing a relevant master's degree in Public Administration or a related cognate field.

The qualification is designed for the learner to demonstrate and further hone their skills to:

Evaluate, draw on and build knowledge from scholarly work in the area of Public
Administration and Governance.

High-level thinking and enquiry in pursuit of knowledge of the current and ever-changing
landscape within the public administration field and discipline.

Master the scientific process of contributing to knowledge through the completion of a
dissertation and/or article of international standards in Public Administration and
Governance.

Develop heightened awareness of the creation of knowledge.

The doctoral thesis, articles published in journals and conference proceedings are significant outcomes of the qualification.

The qualification targets learners on the HEQSF vocational pathway who have graduated with an NQF level 9 Master of Public Administration or a cognate qualification at HEQSF level 9 in related fields. The qualification provides support to those seeking to advance or develop their academic and professional careers within the field and discipline. The qualification promotes and prepares learners for lifelong learning, ensuring continuing self-development and development within the field. The qualification hones graduate attributes such as the ability to work independently; to conceptualise and reflect critically; and critical and analytical thinking for problem-solving. Given the need for professionals to differentiate themselves in the marketplace, the dismal performance of most public enterprises and the continuous quest for innovative practices, it is expected that high-level research would be an invaluable input in the mix. By contributing to knowledge, it is envisaged that doctoral outputs may positively inform policies besides equipping civil servants and senior managers with advanced skills in conducting research.

Rationale:
The qualification contributes towards building the capacity of the state through quality education, skills development and innovation. This qualification allows the learner to undertake research at the most advanced level that culminates in the submission of a dissertation. Through a guided approach, the learner is equipped to conduct high-level independent research that makes a significant and original contribution to public administration as a discipline and profession. Learners are prepared for lifelong learning, ensuring continuing self-development and development of the field. Specifically, they develop the ability to work independently; to conceptualise and reflect critically; and to think critically and analytically for problem-solving. The qualification design was informed by the feedback gained from consultations with the relevant stakeholders, including but not limited to staff, learners, alumni, industry and professional bodies in the public management discipline. The need for a higher discipline focus qualification that can support the profession and contribute to the knowledge-based economy was evident from the consultative processes and benchmarking done.

It is expected that the learners would seek to advance or develop their academic and professional careers. The qualification thus supports widening access through a part-time offering. The qualification will target civil servants, academics, and senior managers in both private and public companies. Graduates with a degree in public administration can work in almost any organisation. They can follow a career in executive positions or research in public management. They are also employed in teaching and research positions at Higher Education institutions.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL may be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications and advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, module exemption (credit) or advanced standing.

RPL for access:

Applicants who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.

To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio or other appropriate assessment methods that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

RPL for credits/module exemption is not applicable since the degree is by research only.

Entry Requirements:

Master of Public Administration, NQF Level 10
Or

An equivalent qualification in a cognate field, NQF Level 10.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

The Doctor of Public Administration is a research-based qualification with a dissertation of 360 Credits.

There are no progression rules, prerequisites, or co-requisites for this qualification.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Plan and manage the research project.
2. Conduct an in-depth literature review that aligns with the proposal and field of study.
3. Select appropriate research methods for data collection and apply these methods for analysis and interpretation of data.
4. Draw appropriate conclusions and present research results in line with academic and professional norms.
5. Conduct research according to institutional and professional ethics norms and practices.
6. Demonstrate problem-solving abilities with reference to problems that may arise during the course of doctoral candidacy.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Plan, manage and execute a substantial research project using available resources assigned to the task within the timeframe allocated to the project.

Apply, integrate and contextualise advanced knowledge and skills related to the Public Administration field and discipline in executing the research project.

Consult with supervisor(s) and act on feedback received as part of autonomous learning.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Select relevant sources drawing on the work of leading scholars in the field of Public Administration and Governance and produce a comprehensive literature review on the related topic.

Use written communication and technical skills to communicate effectively with varied audiences.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Use a range of research methods and techniques, critically evaluate these and apply
them appropriately to investigate the research problem within the related field and discipline of Public Administration.

Assimilate data where different data collection methods were used (e.g., qualitative, quantitative, experimental and simulation methods) to present a coherent representation of data analysis.

Analyse, interpret and synthesise data using appropriate computer software qualification(s), (if relevant to the chosen research problem).

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Compile a coherent and sustained argument that is supported by research results and conclusions in the research report.

Present in verbal, written and/or visual form, the research results and conclusions of the study to specialist audiences emphasising the contribution to knowledge production in the field of Public Administration.

Present in verbal, written and/or visual form, the research results and conclusions of the research project to non-specialist audiences emphasising the contribution the study makes to society/community in general.

Adhere to institutional confidentiality requirements for doctoral research.

Disseminate the research results and conclusions via a range of channels (e.g. conference poster, conference paper, journal article, etc.)

Publication of an article in a DHET-accredited journal or peer-reviewed conference paper in consultation with the supervisor(s).

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Adhere to institutional policies and requirements in terms of plagiarism.

Exercise informed judgement concerning ethical, cultural, research and professional issues relevant to the chosen research problem.

Make autonomous ethical decisions related to the research project which affect knowledge production, and/or complex organisational and professional issues.

Contribute to the development of ethical standards in a specific discipline and context (where applicable in terms of the research project).

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Use of a wide range of specialised skills in identifying, conceptualising, designing and implementing methods of enquiry to address complex and challenging problems within the field of study of Public Administration and relevant to the research project.

Demonstrate a critical understanding of the consequences of any solutions or insights generated within a specialised context.

Integrated Assessment
Formative Assessment:
The supervisor schedules meetings regularly with the candidate throughout the various stages of writing to provide formative and timely feedback, i.e., to discuss progress, comment on written work, address any challenges and to provide guidance where required.

Summative Assessment:
The examination of the completed dissertation is conducted by a panel of external examiners appointed by the HDC. Two external examiners are appointed to examine the Master's degree, and three examiners are appointed to examine the doctoral degree. All examiner reports must be submitted to the Faculty Research Committee and subsequently the Higher Degrees Committee for approval. For the learner to graduate, a published article is required in a peer-reviewed DHET-accredited journal. Once approved by these committees, the reports are sent to Senate, which ratifies the reports before the learner can graduate.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The qualification is comparable to the following international qualifications.

Country: China
Institution name: University of Nottingham
Qualification title: Doctor of Public Management

Comparison:
The University of Nottingham offers the Doctor of Public Management (DPM). The qualification combines coursework and a thesis. Applicants should hold a master's degree from a recognised university in a relevant subject area as specified by the qualification. The first year of study consists of 120 credits of taught modules; this will be over year one for full-time learners and years one and two for part-time learners. Typical modules may include Leadership, Strategy and Performance in the Public Sector; Policy Analysis: Concepts and Theories; Proposal for Research in Public Policy or Management; Public Management and Governance; Research Design and Methods. The remaining period of study (years two and three for full-time learners, years three to six for part-time learners) will be spent writing a thesis. The student should demonstrate their ability to integrate rigorous academic analysis with practical relevance and application.

Country: United Kingdom
Institution name: University of Huddersfield
Qualification title: Doctor of Public Administration
Duration: four years full-time

Comparison:
The Doctor of Public Administration is designed for busy senior managers to further develop both their critical thinking and research skills in the workplace. The maximum duration for the qualification is 4 years' full-time or 6 years' part-time with an optional submission pending (writing-up) period of 12 months. The qualification comprises a taught component followed by the production of a doctoral thesis. The first two years comprise a taught element which includes four modules: Managing Literature, Research Methods, Research Proposal and Applied Research: Responsibility, Reflection and Impact. Learners may only progress to the research phase of the qualification after the successful completion of the taught element. Focus is placed on research skills and reflective practice, culminating in a research proposal. These elements provide the building blocks that will be utilised in the third and fourth years. The third and fourth years are devoted to the production of a doctoral thesis that makes an original contribution to knowledge. The thesis is accompanied by the preparation of a publishable journal article based on the findings within the thesis.

Conclusion:
The design of the Doctor of Public Administration offering drew from the institutions noted above as part of the comparative exercise, which offered qualifications with a similar outcome. The slight differences in approaches and content made the SA qualification more favourable when compared to similar qualifications.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

The qualification provides the following articulation options.
Horizontal Articulation:

Doctor of Business Administration, NQF Level 10.

Doctor of Philosophy in Business Management, NQF Level 10.

Doctor of Public Affairs, NQF Level 10.

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.	Cape Peninsula University of Technology