Description
The Diploma in Public Administration is a three-year qualification that reflects the needs of management in the public sector where both hard and soft skills are in short supply. Competent practitioners in this sector are required to improve quality standards, increase productivity levels, address performance requirements and obtain current and appropriate knowledge and skills in key management areas. In today’s world of Public Administration characterised by corruption, abuse of public funds and service delivery deficiency, the Diploma in Public Administration is designed to mould future Public Administrators who are ethical, accountable and responsible, with a passion to contribute to the development of the economy.
This programme responds to this need by providing students with a range of relevant and essential management and administrative skills that will increase opportunities for their successful contribution to, and growth in the public sector. This programme is directed primarily at persons with some foundational management knowledge and work experience, and who would like to expand their management and administrative competencies. Key areas of the programme include general management and related disciplines such as local government management, public management and public law. The programme will be of benefit to individuals who intend starting a career in public administration and who understand the importance of management skills as an integral part of any successful and responsive public sector.
Assessment
Assessments consist of one assignment (formative assessment) and a final examination (summative assessment) for each subject. If you fail to submit the compulsory assignment in time, you can request permission to submit a penalty assignment at a penalty fee. If you did not submit an assignment, you cannot register for examinations. Make sure you submit the compulsory assignment within the prescribed time because it does not cost you anything.
Your final mark for each subject will be calculated as follows:-
- Assignment contributes 60% towards the final mark
- Examination contributes 40% towards the final mark
A student who submitted an assignment for a specific subject, and fails that subject, does not have to re-submit a further assignment prior to writing the “supplementary” examination. The assignment mark is automatically carried over. However, if the assignment mark is low, and the student wishes to re-do the assignment, he/she may apply to the examinations section for a copy of the new assignment (at the prescribed fee) and may then re-submit the assignment on or before the new due date.
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) or Experiential Learning (EL)
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) or Experiential Learning (EL) implies that a learner will gain practical knowledge in the field of study through formative assessment.
Accreditation and Duration
This is a part-time higher education programme accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE) and registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). It is also registered at SAQA.
Duration:
- Minimum – 3 years of study (part-time)
- Maximum – 6 years of study (part-time)
Career Options
Learners could pursue a career as a:
- Manager within the local, provincial, and national government
- Public Administration Officer
- Supervisor and administration clerk in the various branches of the public sector and quasi-government organisations
- Public Administration Consultancy
- Public Affairs Executive
- Public Policy Researcher
Certification
Upon successful completion of your programme, you will receive a certificate depicting: – Diploma in Public Administration and an academic transcript. These documents will be issued at the annual graduation ceremony, couriered to the nearest branch or posted to you, provided that your account is in order.
It is the learner’s responsibility to ensure they meet all the programme requirements before a qualification can be issued.
Learner Material
Study material is largely supplied in digital format only. Printed copies can be ordered at the prescribed tariffs.
Prescribed textbooks are excluded and must be procured by the student. (Terms and Conditions apply)
The College has a small number of prescribed textbooks. Should you experience undue problems to acquire your textbooks, you may enquire at the College.
Lyceum College has prescribed textbooks in the Library that can be issued for a limited period on a first come first serve basis. Should you experience undue problems to acquire your textbooks, you may enquire at the College.
Progression/Articulation
A Diploma at NQF Level 6 may progress to an Advanced Diploma or Degree at NQF Level 7.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) processes and Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CAT) are articulation mechanisms. The institution reserves the right to conduct a formal assessment for purposes of CAT. An evaluation will be conducted to recognise prior learning. This evaluation may or may not be based on a form of formal assessment and can include a portfolio of evidence submission. These mechanisms are in line with the HEQSF as envisaged in the NQF Act 67 of 2008 and the CHE “Policies on the Recognition of Prior Learning, Credit Accumulation and Transfer, and Assessment in Higher Education” published by the CHE in August 2016.
The final approval for applications in respects of CAT and RPL is subject to academic vetting in terms of applicable legislation and institutional policies.
Enquire at your nearest Lyceum Branch Office for more information regarding the awarding of subject credits (Credit Accumulation and Transfer – CAT) towards Lyceum Qualifications.
Admission Requirements
- A Grade 12 Certificate with admission to diploma studies
- An achievement rating of 3 (40% – 49%) in 4 recognised 20 credit-bearing subjects
- English at grade 12/NQF level 4 or equivalent
- Age Exemption (23 years or older)
- At least five years’ of post-Secondary School experience in the field in which the student wishes to study and
- Proof of English language proficiency and
- National Senior Certificate or equivalent
- Mature age applicants, 45 years and older without a school leaving qualification, may apply for conditional exemption