Welcome to the virtual home of the Department of Public Administration.

The mission of the department is to provide quality education that helps build in our students the characteristics of high intellect, moral integrity, responsible leadership, enlightened citizenship and human solidarity.

The structure and content of our programmes are designed to develop skills and competencies of students to prepare them for a career in the public and private sector in the African continent and abroad. The programmes under the department of Public Administration offers students an opportunity to gain insight into the theory and practice of public affairs, administration, and policy analysis and development management. The department lays the foundation for a workforce to address the skills deficit at higher levels of public, public-private partnerships and non-governmental organisations.

We also provide a platform for those wanting to advance to postgraduate studies in Public Administration. Candidates gain in-depth knowledge of certain administrative and management practices in the South African and international public sectors. If you are a prospective student or the parent of a prospective student, rest assured. We offer an internationally recognised degrees, while helping students develop the skills desired by public sector employers in South Africa and beyond. Our students find jobs both locally and internationally, and some of our students have successfully pursued further studies in international countries

BACHELOR OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION (2GDEG1)

Purpose and rationale of the qualification

Purpose:

This three-year qualification has been significantly restructured to meet the transformation needs of the public sector and will be of value to inter-sectoral organisations, such as non-governmental and community based institutions. Of relevance is the combination of public administration, human resource and local government management to form the focus of the qualification. Modules focus on sound theoretical grounding and good governance practices that support transparency, accountability, efficient and effective service delivery outcomes.

Rationale:

The Public Administration domain has received constitutional status through SA’s Constitution of 1996. In an attempt to address the challenges and needs of the public sector, this qualification seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of Public Administration. This degree’s dual approach regarding majors ensures greater flexibility and specialisation, as required by the public sector. The successful completion of this degree will allow students to pursue careers in different public institutions within the South African context as well as the SADC region.

Degree-specific structure

This degree comprises four general streams:

(a)  Public Administration (with an option of Local Government specialisation),

(b)  Political Science, Economics, Business Management, and

(c) Human Resource Management.

A research component allows a student to obtain crucial skills in research methodology, field work and critical academic writing that will capacitate and empower him or her for Public Sector demands. This degree ensures relevance, outcomes based approaches and quality. On completion, graduates may proceed in a discipline specific Honours programme.

BAdmin degree: General information

BAdmin: Public Administration and Political Science (2GDEPS)

Academic Structure:

BAdmin: Public Administration and Human Resources (2GDEHR)

 Academic Structure:

BAdmin: Public Administration and Economics (2GEGEC)

Academic Structure:

BAdmin: Public Administration and Business Management (2GDEBM)

Academic Structure:

POSTGRADUATE QUALIFICATIONS

All qualifications in FCAL are accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE) and are registered with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

General Admission Requirements

Prospective postgraduate students are advised to consult the University’s Manual for Postgraduate Studies carefully. On completing a baccalaureus degree students are not automatically admitted to the postgraduate programmes of the Faculty. Admission and registration for postgraduate programmes take place in accordance with the General Rules and meeting the specific entrance requirements of the different qualifications. The entrance requirements of the different qualifications may also differ. Entry into postgraduate studies will be subject to satisfactory performance at undergraduate level and the recommendation of the relevant department head and subsequent ratification by the Faculty Board of Commerce, Administration and Law.

Submissions and Deadlines

Students must make sure of the official deadlines for submitting examination documents, i.e. research projects, dissertations and theses. These dates are determined annually. A student who submits his examination documents after the prescribed deadline will most probably not receive his degree at the next graduate ceremony and he/she will have to wait for the next graduation ceremony. The implication of this negligence will be that the student will have to register and pay class fees for another year.

Bachelor of Public Administration Honours (2HON04)

Purpose and Rationale of the Qualification

The purpose of this qualification is to identify public administration and development management challenges and contribute towards solving identified challenges. Promote ethical and professional standards in the public sector. Display objectivity in the management of public affairs. Understand the political, social and economics environments in which public administration and management are practised. Demonstrate understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognition that public management related problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation. Implement government policies into practical realities.

Exit-level outcomes

 A qualified student will be able to:

• Promote ethical and professional standards in the working environment.
• Understand the political, social and economics environments in which public administration and management are practiced.
• Demonstrate understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognition that public management related problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation
• Create a culture of a learning organisation within a public sector through undertaking research and be able to collect, analyse and interpret data using different methods.
• exhibit an ability to reflect with self and others, critical of own and other people’s thoughts and actions, and capable of self-organisation and working in groups in the face of continual challenge from Public Administration environment; and
• Demonstrate consciousness of, and engagement with, own learning and learning strategies, and awareness of the nature of knowledge and how new knowledge can be acquired in Public Administration environment.

Bachelor of Public Administration Honours: General Information

Academic Structure:  Bachelor of Public Administration Honours

MASTER’S QUALIFICATIONS BY RESEARCH

“The primary purpose of a Master’s Degree is to educate and train researchers who can contribute to the development of knowledge at an advanced level, or prepare graduates for advanced and specialised professional development. Master’s graduates must be able to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements using data and information at their disposal and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences, demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level, and continue to advance their knowledge, understanding and skills.” (HEQF qualification descriptors, Government Gazette 5 October 2007).

Student applications for admission into Masters’ degree qualifications are forwarded to the programme coordinator per Department. The Head of the Department and the programme coordinator then acts as a selection committee to undertake the final selection. The Departments evaluate each application individually (on the basis of prior academic record, work record and prior learning and on merit to select for admission those applicants with the aptitude, scholarship and analytical skills necessary to successfully complete an advanced degree. Candidates, who meet the requirements set by the department, are invited for an interview with the selection panel. The task of the panel is to assess the potential of the candidate to successfully complete his/her studies within the required time frame and of the quality required by the Faculty. The following guidelines serve as a basis for the selection of students: the ability to write coherently; the ability to interpret research findings; a working knowledge of their proposed field of study; they should be acquainted with the current issues, the most respected journals and the most respected authors and computer literacy and access to the internet.

The teaching philosophy for post-graduate studies is based on the following assumptions:

• That the students are adults and that the principles underpinning adult learning inform the teaching approach to be used. This includes self-directed learning, self-paced learning and critical reflective learning.
• The students are independent students and should develop the ability to synthesise, analyse and interpret a variety of facts and be able to formulate a critical stance.
• That students are guided and supported to develop the ability to understand the variety of academic discourses and the ability to develop sound academic writing skills that are of a standard that corresponds with work of a postgraduate standard.

Master of Public Administration (2MAS04)

Following the BAdmin Honours Degree a candidate may pursue a Master’s of Public Administration degree by following a research programme. The minimum period of study is one year full-time, and two years part-time. A dissertation must be submitted.

Purpose and Rationale of the Qualification

The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide students with applied and solid competences they need to work effectively in public service, regardless of the area they choose. Completing this program is an important step for public leaders to gain knowledge and hone skills to implement policies, projects, and programs within government and non-profit organizations. Students should be able to undertake independent and scientific research. Students should also be able to communicate research results and findings in written form.

Exit-level outcomes

The exit level outcomes of the students include the following:

• Demonstrate their competence in applying the advanced theoretical principles of problem identification and solving in the field of Public Administration correctly and reflect on the application made. (Problem solving skills).
• Plan and undertake advanced research in the field of Public Administration, including the gathering, analysing, synthesising and interpretation of information on Public Administration related issues correctly by utilising the relevant theoretical research and reflect on the research undertaken (Research skills).
• Develop and manage knowledge management systems for the public sector (knowledge creation).
• Manage the implementation of strategies, policies and plan in a public sector.
• Promote strategic leadership within the public sector
• Develop service delivery protocols and agreement to support service delivery objectives.

Master of Public Administration: General Information

DOCTORAL QUALIFICATIONS

The degree of Doctor follows a Master’s degree in the field of Economics, Business Management, Public Administration and Law. A potential student should possess a applicable Master’s degree on NQF level 9. Students accessing this qualification should demonstrate their ability to originate, plan, complete and report on original scientific work independently. Students should show insight into subject discipline and the field of research. Students should be able to apply research methodology and communicate in written or oral forms on the research process, results and findings. Students should be able to reflect on research finding and applications.

The Doctoral qualification is of at least two years’ duration, the candidate works under an approved supervisor and the thesis is based on original research. The Departments must specifically approve of the field of study, the research topic, methodology and problem statement before the candidate may register. Students have to submit and defend their proposal for the thesis to a postgraduate committee. The student and the supervisor meet regularly to schedule a work programme and to set deadlines.

Purpose and Rationale of the Qualification

A relevant, problem-based, unique, original and executable topic on a highly advanced academic level within the discipline should be researched independently and reported on scientifically in the form of a thesis. The thesis would constitute a contribution to knowledge of and insight into the subject discipline as well as the field of research.

Doctor of Public Administration (2PHD04)

Doctor of Administration: General Information

The programme is offered at HEQSF 10-level. At this level, the following competency levels and graduate attributes are expected to be covered in the Doctor of Administration (Public Administration).

Proficiency level:

A qualifying student should be able to:

• Formulate research problem clearly and analyse them thoroughly;
• Apply specialist knowledge, theory, methods and procedures in critically reflexive, creative and original ways to address the complex public Administration problems;
• Make independent judgements in an iterative process of analysis and synthesis, for the development of significant original insights into new, complex and abstract ideas, or issues in the field of public administration;
• Produce substantial, independent, in-depth and publishable work which meets international standards, and makes a significant contribution to the field of public administration;
• Evaluate problems and provide insightful solutions; and
• Disseminate research, recommend and defend policy initiatives and their implementation to enhance growth and poverty alleviation in local economies, national level and in Africa.

Knowledge level:

A qualifying student should be able to:

• Demonstrate the ability to contribute to scholarly debates around theories of knowledge and processes of public administration, contribute knowledge to the academic world which does not yet exist;
• Demonstrate intellectual independence, research leadership and management of research and research development in Public Administration.

Pervasive skills:

A qualifying student should be able to:

• Have a critical thought process;
• Identify, address and manage ethical issues, including monitoring and evaluation of the consequences of decisions or recommendations;
• Operate independently and take full responsibility for his or her work and be held ultimately accountable for the overall governance of processes and systems researched;
• Demonstrate leadership and initiative; and
• Add value in an innovative manner.