Program Overview

PGDip in Public Management (UPOnline)

Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences

The Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences aspires to be at the cutting edge of economic, financial and management education, as well as research and community engagement within the national, African and global context. Our mission is to advance relevant knowledge and develop employable, innovative and diverse graduates to co-create value for society.

Programme Information

The PGDip (Public Management) online programme is developed with the support of Higher Education Partners South Africa. The programme is designed for both aspiring and existing senior management service staff to obtain a registered NQF level 8 qualification which provides a more practical and integrated approach towards enhancing their capabilities. The qualification ensures a uniform approach towards the continuous professional development of personnel for SMS positions in the Public Service. An overarching principle of the curriculum for this qualification is the embedding of African leadership and indigenisation, foregrounding of local context, and integrating issues of difference and inclusivity such as gender, disability, race, culture, religion and language.

Career Opportunities

The PGDip in Public Management is a valuable qualification for those seeking to advance their careers in the public service, non-profit organisations, and government, equipping graduates with skills in public sector reform and leadership, public financial and human resource management as well as project management and monitoring and evaluation practices. The programme opens doors to a wide range of careers, enabling graduates to contribute to the development and implementation of effective policies and to identify problems, analyse issues, and develop solutions to address real-world challenges. Public administration and management often involve working with diverse stakeholders, and the qualification will enhance an individual's collaborative and communication skills. The programme provides a deep understanding of the public sector, including its structure, functions, and challenges. Obtaining this qualification might increase an individual's earning potential and open up opportunities for leadership roles and can serve as a foundation for pursuing a MPA degree or related qualifications.

Programme Structure

• The Postgraduate Diploma consists of compulsory modules at NQF level 8.
• The modules are worth 20 credits each.
• The student must complete all the compulsory modules to meet the 120 credits requirement for the qualification.
• The programme is structured with six enrolment opportunities per year where a student will enrol for a single module of 16 weeks at a time.
• A 16 week module typically consists of 14 weeks of teaching and 2 weeks of recess.

Minimum Duration and Credits

• Minimum duration: 2 years fully online
• Total credits: 120

Admission Requirements

General Admission Regulations

• Refer to the UP Institutional Admissions Policy as well as the General Academic Regulations and Student Rules.
• All applications must be accompanied by the following documents:
  • Certified full academic transcripts from undergraduate to current level.
  • Certified copy of ID or passport.
• All applicants with international qualifications must submit the following documents:
  • A SAQA evaluation of the completed qualification or a comprehensive Foreign Qualification Report.
  • TOEFL or IELTS or Pearson Test of English or Oxford Test of English test results (if applicable).
  • Certified copy of passport.
• All postgraduate applications are subject to departmental admissions processes.
• Admissions is based on the content of and performance in the prior degree, bridging arrangements (where required), academic merit and prior work experience (if applicable).

Minimum Admissions Requirements

• Advanced Diploma in Public Administration (NQF Level 7) or Advanced Diploma in Public Management (NQF Level 7) or Relevant Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7) or Relevant Bachelor's degree (NQF Level 7).
• Minimum of 3 years of appropriate work experience in the public sector.

Additional Requirements

• Any prospective student wishing to make claims of equivalence will have to produce written evidence of their competence to undertake a programme at this level (written entrance assignment set by the University) in accordance with the University's RPL Policy and rules.
• Computer literacy: The University of Pretoria makes use of Blackboard, branded as clickUP, which is an online system that provides a workspace for students, providing students with the information and the connections needed.

Core Modules

• PMA 707: Governance, public management and African leadership
• PMA 708: Public sector transformation and reform
• PMA 709: Programme and project management in the public sector
• PMA 710: Advanced human resource management in the public sector
• PMA 711: Advanced public financial management and budgeting
• PMA 712: Public sector planning, monitoring and evaluation

Module Details

PMA 707

• Module credits: 20.00
• The concepts of leadership, governance, government and public management are understood and applied in a particular work environment.
• The legislative framework for governance is evaluated and applied in a work environment.
• A critical understanding of the relationship between governance, public management and ethics is demonstrated.

PMA 708

• Module credits: 20.00
• Concepts of public sector transformation and reform.
• Areas of public sector reform.
• Donor-sponsored structural adjustment programmes and administrative reforms.
• Administrative reform strategies in selected African and/or Commonwealth countries.

PMA 709

• Module credits: 20.00
• Theories and issues shaping contemporary public programme and project management.
• Programme and project-based public management.
• Appropriate department arrangements to support programmes and projects.

PMA 710

• Module credits: 20.00
• Design of an integrated human resources management plan.
• Complexities associated with diverse workforce.
• Management of intellectual human capital.
• Analysis of a high turn-over of staff and staff retention strategies.

PMA 711

• Module credits: 20.00
• Principles of public finance management
• Regulatory framework in the management of an area of responsibility
• Process of the financial cycle in the South Africa public sector.

PMA 712

• Module credits: 20.00
• Background to planning and value in performance management and monitoring and evaluation (M&E).
• M&E concepts.
• Key elements in the M&E systems.
• Result based M&E versus traditional M&E.

Tuition Fees

• Module pricing is subject to change at the start of each year without prior notice.
• UPOnline tuition fees will increase annually by approximately 5%.
• The annual increase applies from the March intake, which is the second intake of the year.
• If the programme fee is paid in full upfront, the student remains responsible for the difference between the initial payment and the increased amount until programme completion.

Cost

• SA/SADC: R8,880.00 per module
• International: R17,760.00 per module
• Total programme cost for SA/SADC: R53,280.00
• Total programme cost for International: R106,560.00