University of the Western Cape

Advanced Diploma in Public Administration

Business, Commerce and Management Studies - Public Administration

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Purpose and Rationale

  • Objective 1: Provide an integrated mix of knowledge, skills, and applied competence at the Advanced Diploma level in governance, public management and administration, and Southern African cooperation and development to offer enhanced opportunities for personal growth, economic activity, and contributions to society for qualifiers.

  • Objective 2: Utilize innovative, interactive, and experiential teaching methodologies to stimulate critical thinking and problem-solving skills among students.

  • Objective 3: Broaden the target groups of the school of Government to include more black students and women with practical experience in governance and public management but lacking formal qualifications to address past educational imbalances and disadvantage.

  • Objective 4: Facilitate access, progression, and lifelong learning for students with practical experience but underdeveloped educational backgrounds, enabling them to advance to higher education levels such as Postgraduate diploma and Masters programs.

  • Objective 5: Enhance the skills base of university graduates in South Africa and the Southern African region in governance, public administration and management, and regional cooperation and development.

  • Objective 6: Address the shortage of appropriately educated and trained black and female professionals, especially at middle and senior management levels in the public sector in South Africa.

  • Objective 7: Promote democratic accountability, social equity, ethical conduct, transparency, responsiveness, and representativeness as fundamental elements in political and administrative transformation processes in South Africa.

Outcomes

  1. The historical, political, administrative, economic and social context of governance in contemporary South Africa, as well as key regional and international influences.
  2. The legislative framework for governance, the principal structures and functions of government at national, provincial and local levels, and the dynamics of inter-governmental relations.
  3. The key issues and challenges facing the transformation of the South African public sector, strategies for change.
  4. The key issues and challenges facing the policy making process, and the strengths and limitations of current policy processes in South Africa and the Southern African region.
  5. The relevance of gender in the study of governance, and the importance of gender equity in the structures and functions of public institutions.
  6. The importance of democratic accountability, social equity, ethical conduct, transparency, responsiveness and representativeness as key dimensions of the processes of political and administrative transformation in South Africa.

Assessment Criteria

Skills and Competencies:

  • Organising and Analysing Information:

    • Design and carry out research under supervision.
    • Conduct critical analysis and evaluation of government policies and programmes.
    • Identify, analyse, and solve problems in a creative and systematic way.

  • Communication Skills:

    • Communicate effectively with peers and the broader community, both orally and in writing.
    • Prepare clear and concise reports.
    • Conduct effective individual and group presentations.

  • Keyboard and Word Processing Skills:

    • Possess basic keyboard and word processing skills.

  • Teamwork and Time Management:

    • Work independently and in groups.
    • Organise and manage time effectively.
    • Assume responsibility and accountability for personal and group goals.

Integrated Assessment:

  • A variety of formative and summative assessment methods are used.
  • Assessment methods include tests, examinations, academic and practical assignments, essays, research reports, policy papers, internship reports, case studies, individual and group projects, and presentations.
  • All modules must be passed with a minimum of 50%.
  • Students can supplement examinations and assignments, and repeat modules up to a maximum of three times.
  • Ongoing academic development support is provided to all learners to enhance their practical and communication skills for success.

Qualification Details

Type
Advanced Diploma
NQF Level
07
Min. Credits
120
SAQA Source
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University of the Western Cape
University of the Western Cape
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Description
The University of the Western Cape (UWC) is a public university located in Cape Town, South Africa. Established in 1959, it is one of the leading universities in the country and is known for its commitment to social justice and transformation. UWC offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including arts, sciences, business, education, law, and health sciences. The university is recognized for its research excellence and community engagement, with a focus on addressing the challenges faced by marginalized communities. UWC is also known for its diverse student body and inclusive campus environment.
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This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.