What will I learn in this programme?

In the Post Graduate Diploma in Public Management programme, you will acquire a comprehensive understanding of municipal management and leadership, focusing on the delivery of high-quality services and the promotion of a democratic and developmental state.

In the Municipal Management and Governance (MML) programme at North West University, you'll gain in-depth knowledge and practical skills that are essential for effective leadership in the public sector. Explore topics like municipal finance, public policy, strategic and transformational municipal leadership, and cooperative governance. You'll learn how to navigate complex governance challenges, drive innovation, and create impactful solutions for your community.

What is the purpose of this programme?

On completion of this program, students should demonstrate:

• integrated knowledge and understanding of the context and dynamics of developmental local governance in South Africa.
• knowledge and comprehension of the basic political government structures within a democratic establishment and connect them with society which is influenced by these structures.
• understanding of the underlying legislative aspects (legislation) which underwrite the political process, governing function and which offer functional frameworks to public managers within the South African government structures.
• competency to justify ethically appropriate actions and decisions within the context of a municipal service ethos.
• the ability to contribute towards the enhancement of local government professionalism and capacity building.
• acquired advanced competencies in different areas of Municipal Governance to improve the quality of local government services delivery.
•  skills to function as a public governor in order to implement government policy in a meaningful and effective manner.

Career Advancement:

• Prepares students the Diploma in Public Management or the honours degree in Public Administration
• Enhances career opportunities in public management-related fields

Contribution to a Developmental State:

• Supports the realisation of South Africa as a developmental state
• Helps higher education providers establish relevant curricula in public management

Where can this program take me?

The Municipal Management and Governance (MML) programme at North West University opens doors to a world of opportunities. Whether you aspire to lead a municipality, influence public policy, or manage complex government projects, this program equips you with the expertise to excel. Graduates of our program are well-prepared for senior roles in local government, consultancy, and non-profit organizations, making a real difference in communities. On successful completion of the Municipal Management and Leadership programme, students may apply for the Diploma in Public Management or the honours degree in Public Administration

Why was this programme created?

Our Municipal Management and Leadership programme is designed for individuals like you who are driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact in the public sector. This programme will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and expertise to drive transformative change, improve public services, and enhance the lives of citizens. Through our programme, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the complex social, economic, and political contexts that shape public management. You'll also develop the leadership and management skills to navigate these challenges effectively.

Building a Capable and Developmental State:

The South African Constitution (1996) envisions a professional, accountable, and development-oriented Public Service. The 2030 National Development Plan (NDP) outlines steps to promote these values and build an efficient, effective, and development-oriented public sector.

Developing Skilled Public Officials: The NDP highlights the need for well-run state institutions with skilled officials committed to delivering high-quality services and prioritising developmental objectives. In response, the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) introduced the Senior Management Service (SMS) Competency Framework to ensure professionalism at the senior management level.

Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management: Our NWU Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Public Management is designed to meet the NDP's focus and the SMS Competency Framework's requirements. This distance-learning program provides public officials with access to a postgraduate qualification that aligns with the SMS Competency Framework, promoting professional and occupational development. We also welcome students from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

Join our community of change-makers and become part of a movement that is shaping the future of public management and making a real difference in the world.

What career paths are available for me?

Upon completion of this program, you will unlock a wide range of career opportunities, including:

• Public administrator (middle, senior management)
• Public service official
• Political analyst
• Public administration consultant
• Service delivery specialist
• Project/regulatory/procurement administrator

What is the duration of this programme?

The minimum duration is three years, and the maximum duration is four years, calculated from the date of first registration.

What sets this program apart?

The Municipal Management and Governance (MML) program at North West University stands out for its unique blend of academic rigor and practical application. Designed by experts in the field, this program offers cutting-edge insights into municipal governance, with a strong focus on real-world challenges and solutions. You'll benefit from hands-on learning and a curriculum that evolves with the changing landscape of public sector management.

Which modules are presented in this programme?

In the first semester of your first year, you will have the following modules

• ALDE 111: Introduction to Academic Literacy
• MUMA 115: The Municipal Context (12 credits)
• MUMA 116: The Statutory and Regulatory Framework for Local Government (12 credits)
• MUMA 117: Municipal Planning (12 credits)
• PADM 111: Introduction to Public Administration (12 credits)
• POLI 113: Introduction to Political Studies (12 credits)

In the second semester of your first year, you will have the following modules:

• ALDE 122: Academic Literacy (12 credits)
• MUMA 125: Good Local Governance and Service Ethos (12 credits)
• MUMA 126: Local Democracy (12 credits)
• PADM 121: Locus and Focus of Public Administration (12 credits)
• POLI 123: The South African Political System (12 credits)

In the first semester of your second year, you will have the following modules:

• MUMA 213: Municipal Finance Management (16 credits)
• MUMA 214: Cooperative Governance (16 credits)
• PADM 211: Public Financial management (16 credits)
• SOCY 211: Sociology of Development, Environment and Social Problems (16 credits)

In the second semester of your second year, you will have the following modules:

• MUMA 225: Municipal Organisational Structures and Design (16 credits)
• MUMA 226: Municipal Transformation and Innovation (16 credits)
• PADM 221: Public Human Resource Management (16 credits)
• WVCS: Understanding the Cultural World (16 credits)

In the first semester of your third year, you will have the following modules:

• MUMA 314: Strategic and Transformational Municipal Leadership (16 credits)
• MUMA 315: Municipal Performance Management (16 credits)
• PADM 311: Organisational Theory (16 credits)
• PADM 312: Research Methods in Public Administration (16 credits)
• WVLS 317: Understanding the human being and society: Critical perspectives on continuity and change in the world (12 credits)

In the second semester of your third year, you will have the following modules:

• MUMA 324: Strategic Planning and Project Management (16 credits)
• MUMA 325: Municipal Administration Practice (16 credits)
• PADM 321: Public Policy (16 credits)
• PADM 322: Comparative and International Public Administration (16 credits)

Total credits for the programme: 384

For more information about the outcomes of the modules, please refer to Yearbook.

Do I qualify for our program?

Admission requirements: The admission requirements for all formal Academic qualifications offered by the University are set out in the NWU Admission Policy as approved by the Senate and Council.

For this programme, the minimum admission requirements are:

• A minimum of two years working experience within the public sector, preferably the government’s local sphere
• APS of 25
• Must have obtained at least level 4 (50-59%) in home language and first additional language.

What documents do I need to apply for this programme?

A valid, unique, and personal email address.

You will need to register using this email address before you can apply. Your email address will also be used as your username and will be used to log in to your application profile after you have registered.

You will also receive a temporary password at first, and after you have changed it, you will always use your email address and new password to log onto your application profile.

Prepare the documents that you need to upload electronically:

• Keep your ID document, copy of your CV and copy of your matric certificate handy in digital format.
• The documents must be individually scanned as they are uploaded separately. Preferably available as PDF, jpeg, etc

 

 

Can I apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)?

The North-West University accepts the principle underlying outcomes-based, source-based and life-long learning, in which considerations of articulation and mobility play a significant role, and subscribes to the view that recognition of prior learning (whether acquired by formal education curricula at this or another institution, or informally by experience) is an indispensable element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in an explicitly selected teaching-learning programme of the University.

Eligibility for RPL at the NWU is outlined in its Recognition of Prior Learning Policy. The following stipulations in the RPL Policy regarding eligibility are specifically relevant to this qualification:

• 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.
• Candidates who have exited formal education at a time in their education careers but have since accumulated experience through short courses may seek exemption for some modules or levels or status for a whole qualification that would enable them to further their studies.
• Candidates who want to fast-track progression through a learning programme by way of exemption for modules or levels in consideration of informal or non-formal learning accomplished.
• The assessment processes involved with RPL are the same as those followed for awarding credits in a formal setting. An RPL candidate seeking credits for previously acquired skills and knowledge must still comply with all the requirements as stated in learning modules and learning programmes and qualifications. The difference is the route to the assessment. Assessment takes a holistic view of the process of the evaluation, where the context of the learning and the context of the person who is being assessed are taken into account.
• Only 10% of enrolments may be admitted through the RPL route. Recognition of and exemption from modules
• A student who studied at another recognised higher education institution and who applies to register for the Bachelor of Arts in Public Governance with Municipal Management & Leadership may apply in writing to the dean concerned for recognition or exemption of modules required for the qualification programme, provided that the dean may grant recognition or exemption for no more than half the credits.
• A student who has obtained a qualification from the University or any other recognised higher education institution and who applies for registration for the Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management may apply in writing to the dean concerned for recognition or exemption of modules required for the qualification programme provided that the dean may grant recognition or exemption for not more than half the credits.

How will I be assessed during this program?

In this program, your performance will be assessed through both continuous evaluations and final exams. Your module mark is determined by:

• Participation: This includes assignments, presentations, and tests, which together account for 50% of your module mark.
• Exams: The remaining 50% of your module mark comes from your exam performance.

To qualify for the final exam each semester, you must achieve a minimum participation mark of 40%. Both your participation and exam scores equally contribute—50% each—to your final module mark, totaling 100%.

To pass the module, you need an overall mark of at least 50%. Therefore, if you meet the 40% participation requirement, you must score at least 60% on the exam to pass the module successfully.

Assessment practices are open, transparent, fair, valid, and reliable, and they ensure that no student is disadvantaged in any way whatsoever, so an integrated approach to assessment is incorporated into the qualification. Furthermore, learning, teaching and assessment are inextricably interwoven. Whenever possible, the evaluation of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values shown in the qualification will be integrated. Opportunities for both continuous formative and summative assessments are embedded in the learning design of this qualification in the form of limited contact tuition sessions and online facilitated support for the written practice and summative assignments. Students are assessed on the application of learned skills in order to ensure that theory evolves into effective practice. Outcomes are evaluated in an integrated manner by means of group work projects as well as written assignments, wherein not only the student’s evidence of the mastering of discipline-specific knowledge and skills are assessed, but also writing and communication skills, computer literacy and ability to analyse and effectively evaluate work-place critically

related problems.      

What academic rules are relevant to this programme?

• Rules of combination: The Post Graduate Diploma consists of 28 modules at NQF Level 7. The student must complete all the mandatory modules to meet the 384-credit requirement for the qualification.
• Registration: Note that all the rules pertaining to registration for a qualification are explained in the General Academic Rules of the NWU.

What are the requirements to pass this programme?

The pass requirements of the programme and requisite modules thereof are stipulated in the Academic Calendar, including the ratio in which the assessment methods relevant to a particular module are combined to determine whether it was completed.

• Extension of study period: TThe study period of an actively enrolled student who does not expect to complete a qualification or programme within the maximum duration allowed for the study may, on application submitted to the executive dean via the student portal before the end of the penultimate academic year, and on the recommendation of the deputy dean or academic director concerned, be extended by the executive dean.’s
• Qualification with distinction: The Municipal Management and Leadership is conferred with distinction  when a student completes the qualification within the minimum period and achieves a weighted average of 75% in all modules.

Will there be a graduation ceremony?

Upon successful completion of this degree program, you will be eligible to graduate from the North-West University (NWU). This significant milestone will be celebrated at an official NWU graduation ceremony, during which you will receive your hard-earned degree certificate.

This formal acknowledgement of your academic achievements marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in your life.

Students awarded this qualification should have the following:

• The capacity to be an active lead agent in implementing the public service agenda;
• The ability to promote anti-corruption measures in the public sector; The ability to develop and implement appropriate strategies to salvage a failing situation;
• Sound appreciation of the high standards of service that the general has for service delivery by the state;
• The capacity to be influential leaders in their workplace and service environment; and
• The disposition to behave ethically at all times in the best interests of the population at large.
• The qualification will assist students to develop a thorough knowledge of:

• Solving public management problems through innovation and creativity for the public good;
• Strategic thinking and implementation capability
• Financial management and budgeting according to public serviceprescripts;Team work, team leadership and partnership development andmaintenance;
• Personal responsibility and self-motivation as a characteristic of a senior manager;
• Identifying and addressing ethical issues and behaviour in the public service.