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: 

Master of Public Management and Governance 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
99762  Master of Public Management and Governance 
ORIGINATOR
University of Johannesburg 
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  Public Administration 
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-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 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to provide learners with specialist knowledge of public management and governance. Furthermore, the qualification will enable learners to use the specialised to equip them with specialised knowledge and insight and to enable them to do research into an area of public management and knowledge governance so as to contributing contribute to the body of knowledge in the discipline.

In addition, this qualification aims to equip public sector leaders with the tools, approaches, dimensions and strategies pertaining to the enhancement of sustainable development and policy monitoring and evaluation. It also aims to equip them, in with the necessary insight, competencies and skills to address and meet the global United Nations Development Programme priorities and the National Development Plan (Vision 2030). The modules will, inter alia, explore global and continental sustainability, good governance and public management as catalysts for sustainable development, dealing with vulnerable communities and driving local economic development, developing public policy indicators to measure governmental programmes and policy evaluation theories, models, systems, practices and processes.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Develop in-depth knowledge in a complex area of study through independent research.
  • Demonstrate specialised leadership, self-reflexivity and adaptability.
  • Develop analytical and management competencies at the Master's Level.
  • Perform advanced and professional tasks in the public sector.
  • Gain abstract knowledge into either policy evaluation as a higher order management function or sustainability management.
  • Synthesise information in these specialised fields in order to become leaders who can handle contradictions and evaluate highly complex problems independently.
  • Develop research skills in the subject area.
  • Develop workplace relevant research skills and provide a normative basis in line with internationally accepted dimensions of good research methodologies.
  • Write texts and apply research methods and techniques to solve problems which need scientific solutions.

    In summary, this qualification aims to equip public sector leaders with the tools, approaches, strategies and research capacity pertaining to the enhancement of sustainable development and policy monitoring and evaluation.

    Rationale:
    Interest in African and global sustainability and policy monitoring and evaluation is at an all-time high. This is mainly due to a number of factors, the first being the failure of the world and Africa in particular to achieve environmental, economic and social sustainability. This failure threatens societies globally. Secondly, the 2008 collapse of financial markets, the contagion of political crises linked to the Arab Spring, the high volatility in energy and food markets, the increased impact and frequency of natural disasters and the emergence of new diseases such as Ebola, among others, have contributed to a dramatic convergence of views that sustainability remains a pervasive challenge. These and other global realities force government leaders to consider the fact that our planet carries over seven billion people, most of whom are plagued with the symptoms of weak economic recovery, third world debt and high levels of poverty and unemployment. High levels of efficient and effective public management, efficient implementation of national policies and a strong emphasis on sound governance across the country at all government levels can contribute positively to decreasing the threats posed by these negative factors. This Master of Arts in Public Management and Governance is designed to provide learners with specialist knowledge in Public Management and Governance that will enable them to make a positive contribution to the long term sustainability of our country.

    The South African government is in the process of shifting its focus significantly from efficient public management and support services to a more systematic, holistic policy management system. In line with this, governments across Africa are rolling out massive training programmes in monitoring and evaluation of policy programmes to evaluate the efficacy of their economic and sustainability programmes to promote economic growth and alleviate poverty. In this regard, government and the public service place a high premium on social research as well as the resultant information and knowledge that enables better understanding and guidance for decision-making. The primary reason for such developments is the increased need for appropriate and localised information that will inform policy development and execution. Public officials are often asked for data to help guide decision-making; to design the best policies and to provide reasons for the decisions that they have made. Research provides such data and information. The advocacy role of public officials and politicians require that they present their arguments and reasons as rationally and convincingly as possible. This is where honest and accurate research and research results can provide the requisite persuasive tool.

    The Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) released a directive in August 2014 indicating the competencies and qualifications required by people wishing to enter and be promoted within the Senior Management Sector in all government departments. An NQF Level 9 qualification will serve the needs of Directors General. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The Faculty accepts Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as an integral part of education and academic practice. It is acknowledged that all learning has value and the Faculty accepts the challenge to assess prior learning and award credit that is aligned to Faculty programmes to promote lifelong learning.

    The purpose of the Institution's RPL policy, which directs the Faculty's RPL procedure, is to recognise prior learning in order to provide for access into qualifications, grant advanced placement in qualifications and grant credits for modules on the principles and processes that serve as the basis for Faculty-specific RPL practices.

    The Department follows the Institution's RPL Policy which requires the formation of a departmental RPL Committee to review RPL applications. The Committee compromises at least three appropriate members in a Department, including an Advisor, Assessor and Moderator. An advisor acts as a facilitator between the RPL role players or as an evidence facilitator who may or may not be the Head of Department. The functions of the committee are to:
  • Monitor and review the RPL policy and procedures within the Department.
  • Oversee the RPL process and establish quality management in the Department.
  • Manage the administration of the RPL process according to the RPL sub-committee guidelines as approved by the Faculty.
  • Advise the Faculty RPL sub-committee of the Department's recommendations.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for access to this qualification is:
  • A cognate Bachelor's Degree at Level 8.
    Or
  • A cognate Postgraduate Diploma at Level 8.
    Or
  • A cognate Honours Degree. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises compulsory and elective modules at Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, 120 Credits:
  • Research Methodology of Public Management and Governance and a Research Proposal, 30 Credits.
  • Dissertation, 90 Credits.

    Elective Modules, 60 Credits (select three):
  • Policy evaluation theories, models, systems and processes, 20 Credits.
  • Public policy indicator development and application, 20 Credits.
  • Good governance and sustainable development in Africa, 20 Credits.
  • Africa and sustainability: governance frameworks and applications, 20 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Critically develop an appropriate research proposal and a dissertation which applies public policy, good governance and sustainability theory and practice in an organisational setting.
    2. Develop in-depth and critical knowledge of monitoring and evaluation in terms of the processes, approaches, techniques and reporting requirements for monitoring evaluation.
    3. Apply policy indicators to improve or develop appropriate indicators for programmes and projects so as to assess sustainable development.
    4. Conceptualise the public sector sustainable management framework to support development projects for both the South African and the African context.
    5. Use the theories and principles of sustainable development to analyse core government frameworks and applications with a focus on sustainable development in order to minimise their negative impact on the planet.
    6. Apply research principles and methods applicable to a field of public policy, monitoring and evaluation and sustainable development. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • A proposed methodology as articulated in a research proposal is applied to complex theoretical and practical problems by using creative methods, techniques, processes and technologies designed, selected and applied.
  • The consequences of any solutions are identified within the design of the research proposal.
  • A wide range of specialist skills are used to identify, conceptualise, design and implement methods of enquiry to address complex and challenging problems.
  • Ethical decisions which affect knowledge production are made.
  • A coherent research proposal to be conducted under supervision is well developed.
  • An advanced theory in public policy, good governance and sustainability theory and practice is proven.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Expertise in monitoring and evaluation in line with accepted monitoring and evaluation techniques, approaches, processes and reporting requirements is developed.
  • Scholarship and research design is applied in monitoring and evaluation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Appropriate policy indicators for programmes and projects to assess sustainable development are applied, improved and developed.
  • Current processes of indicator development are evaluated appropriately.
  • Policy indicators are independently developed to assess sustainable development.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Public sector sustainable management frameworks suitable for both South African and African development projects are conceptualised, demonstrated and designed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Core government frameworks and applications to address sustainable development are analysed.
  • Theories and principles of sustainable development to minimise the impact on the planet are interrogated.
  • The impact of government policy to promote sustainable development is correctly analysed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • A minor-dissertation is submitted according to the correct research principles and methods.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Summative assessment will be conducted in strict compliance with the Assessment Policy of the Institution. Marks will be allocated primarily to summative assessments. A pass mark must be obtained for each module of the qualification in order for the Degree to be conferred. Completed assessments (with a sub-minimum for each section of each module) will be retained in a portfolio of work which will subsequently be sent for external moderation; each module will include one substantial assessment which will ensure that outcomes are assessed in an integrated manner.

    The successful completion of a minor-dissertation, which is externally examined, is a requirement for a learner to complete the qualification.

    The Institution's department is aware of the risks involved in the assessment of on-line work and will ensure the integrity of on-line assessments. Learners' work will be sampled during the initial immersive to obtain a base-line for future assessments. Learners will be required to certify that each on-line assessment is their own work and the assessments to be carried out will allow some form of verification of the integrity of the learner's online assessments. On-line follow-up and discussion of issues emerging from individual assessments will also allow individual learners' quality of thought to be further explored. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Most international universities offer a Master's degree in Public Administration (MPA) with a strong focus on traditional public administration offerings for example in public policy making, public human resource management and public organisational behaviour (e.g. Penn State World Campus).

    The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) offer a Master's Degree in public management that includes amongst other topics, Managing Change in the Public Sector, Thinking like a Policy Analyst and Problem Solving in Organisations.

    The Harvard Kennedy School of Government in the United States of America (USA) offers a Master's Degree in Policy (MPP) with a strong focus on Economics, Management and Leadership, Ethics, Policy Analysis and Quantitative Analysis.

    A thorough desktop search indicates a dearth of online Masters Qualifications that focus on sustainability and monitoring and evaluation across the African continent (outside South Africa).

    What is missing from the offerings quoted above is the strong focus on sustainable development and monitoring and evaluation to promote good governance. In keeping with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, they have a strong emphasis on attempting to solve the problems of the world through scientific solutions.

    This Master of Arts in Public Management and Governance is different from those in the comparability study in the sense that it explores global and continental sustainability and studies good governance and public management as catalysts for national sustainable development, dealing with vulnerable communities, driving local economic development and developing public policy indicators to measure governmental programmes and policy evaluation theories, models, systems, practices and processes.

    Conclusion:
    The qualification compares with the ones cited above in terms of some leaning content and the development of research skills and conducting research but it has a strong emphasis on sustainable good governance. 

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Business Administration, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Arts in Sociology, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Public Management and Governance, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Public Management, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Administration in Public Management, NQF Level 10. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    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. University of Johannesburg 


    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.