The Master of Public Administration programme will enable you to gain a wealth of relevant knowledge and skills required for a rapidly developing state in Africa.
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree is a highly sought after programme providing postgraduate training for employees in the public sector, quasi-autonomous organisations and non-government organisation (NGO) sectors.
The MPA programme offers students a wealth of relevant knowledge and skills required in a rapidly developing African continent.
The MPA programme is varied in its content and style and is academically challenging and stimulating as an NQF level 9 qualification.
Articulation
This programme allows for articulation to the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree offered by MANCOSA or other cognate NQF level 10 doctoral degrees, offered both locally and internationally.
In Year 1, students must complete three core modules in semester 1 and three core modules in semester 2. In Year 2, students choose one elective and complete a dissertation.
Semester 1
PPDA9 — Public Policy Development Analysis (Core, 20)
RMAST9 — Research Methodology & Applied Statistical Techniques (Core, 20)
SPSG9 — Strategic Public Sector Governance (Core, 20)
Semester 2
PADMT9 — Public Administration & Development Management Theory (Core, 20)
AFMPS9 — Advanced Financial Management in the Public Sector (Core, 20)
PPPM9 — Programme Planning & Project Management (Core, 20)
DIS9 — Dissertation (Core, 45)
One elective (15) from:
SDM9 — Sustainability & Disaster Management (Elective, 15)
PSLCM9 — Public Sector Leadership & Change Management (Elective, 15)
PEPSM9 — Professional Ethics for Public Service Managers (Elective, 15)
DE9 — Development Economics (Elective, 15)
HRMPS9 — Human Resource Management in the Public Sector (Elective, 15)
At a glance: 6 × 20-credit core modules in Year 1 (120) + Dissertation (45) + one 15-
credit elective in Year 2 (60) = 180 credits total.
Careers
Embark on a professional path leading to roles such as:
Senior Public Officials
Municipal Managers
City Managers
Parliamentary Officials
Managers in Quasi-autonomous Institutions
Admission Requirements
Minimum admission requirements for the MPA programme is a relevant Bachelor of Honours Degree or a relevant Postgraduate Diploma at NQF level 8.
It is possible to gain entry to the programme on the basis of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). To be considered via RPL, applicants should be above the age of 30 years.
For further information on this alternative route, please contact a student advisor. All applicants with an international qualification will be considered in accordance with MANCOSA’s institutional rules.
1. What NQF level is the MPA?
A Master’s is NQF Level 9.
2. Minimum entry requirement (standard route)?
A relevant Bachelor of Honours degree or a relevant Postgraduate Diploma, both at NQF Level 8. (MANCOSA policy)
3. Is there an alternative route if I don’t have NQF 8? (RPL)
Yes—Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be considered if you are 30+ years old.
Admission via RPL is capacity-limited to a maximum of 10% of each intake (per CHE rules).
Applications for any RPL credits are accepted only at the point of registration and require the RPL exemption form. (MANCOSA policy)
4. Does RPL give me credits or just access?
RPL can be used for access; credit recognition (where applicable) is processed only at registration via the approved RPL process. (MANCOSA policy)
5. Is work experience required?
Relevant public/NGO/governance experience is strongly preferred and strengthens your application.
6. Do I need GRE/GMAT?
No—South African MPAs (including MANCOSA) generally do not require GRE/GMAT.
7. What about international/foreign qualifications?
You’ll need SAQA evaluation and, if applicable, English language evidence.
8. When are applications due?
Intakes and closing dates are set annually—please check the MANCOSA website for the current cycle.
9. What documents must I submit?
Academic transcripts (NQF 8), ID/passport, CV, motivation, references; RPL applicants also
submit the RPL exemption form at registration. (MANCOSA policy)
Curriculum & Credits (January and July intakes)
SAQA ID: 98825
NQF Level: 9
Total Credits: 180
Intake: January and July.
FAQs
Studying an advanced postgraduate degree in Public Administration will set you on the right path for a senior leadership position within your chosen field or organisation. A masters degree will allow you to apply for senior positions in the public sector.
While they are both quite similar as they are both are concerned with public policy and the implementation thereof, Public Management is focused on the planning and actionable activities associated with the role while Public Administration is more concerned with the application thereof.
Dive into the stories of MANCOSA's finest – our graduates, sharp analytical thinkers and strategic visionaries making waves in industries at home and on the world stage.
Dr Prashina Mohangi
Mohamed Althaaf Ebrahim
Ayanda Dlamini
Marga Claassen
Thabang Patrick Malusi
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Start your journey & enquire about this programme now.
