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Next start date
05 May 2025
Module duration
8, 16 or multiples of 8 weeks*
Multiple start dates - 100% Online - Pay per module - *Duration depends on module
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Next start date
05 May 2025
Module duration
8, 16 or multiples of 8 weeks*
Multiple start dates - 100% Online - Pay per module - *Duration depends on module
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Next start date
05 May 2025
Module duration
8, 16 or multiples of 8 weeks*
Multiple start dates - 100% Online - Pay per module - *Duration depends on module

Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management

Faculty of Education

Department: Humanities Education
Programme Code: 09110003
SAQA ID: 111821

NQF level: 05

The ideal candidates hold certificates that the University deems to be equivalent to the National Senior Certificate with an APS of 20. Students who are passionate about sports and physical education excel in this programme. It is the ideal programme for student athletes and professional sports people who want to further their studies while competing in sporting events.

Many young people who have proven sports talents and the ability to learn at an advanced level, but do not meet the entry requirements for study at a diploma or degree level, develop those talents into learning and career pathways. Very few schools in South Africa have qualified sports teachers. The Higher Certificate is needed to provide an entry point into higher education training as the first step to possible career pathways in sports coaching, administration or teaching.

For more information, please consult the UPOnline webpage.

Career Opportunities

This programme will prepare students for employment as trainers and coaches in various sporting codes, in the private and public sectors in the context of community sports clubs, school sports and sports coaching.

Faculty Notes

English will be the language of teaching and learning (including lectures, tutorials and assessments) for all academic modules in the undergraduate programmes, except in cases where modules or programmes require the use of a language other than English. Modules that provide professional preparation requiring separate English and Afrikaans classes will be identified and will be explicitly listed as such.

The Faculty of Education at the University of Pretoria continues to develop into one of the largest and most diverse units in South Africa for the initial and advanced training of education professionals from across the world. A distinguishing characteristic of the Faculty is that it not only trains pre-service teachers but also educational psychologists, principals, researchers, programme evaluators, curriculum designers, computer education and training experts, assessment specialists, education policy analysts, community development workers and education law advisors working in national and international agencies and organisations.

  • Disclaimer: This publication contains information about regulations and programmes of the University of Pretoria. Amendments to or updating of the information may be effected from time to time without prior notification. The accuracy, correctness or validity of the information contained here is therefore not guaranteed by the University at any given time and is always subject to verification. The user is kindly requested to verify the correctness of the information with the University at all times. Failure to do so will not give rise to any claim or action of any nature against the University by any party whatsoever.
  • Programme information
  • Curriculum
  • Tuition Fees

Programme Information

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.  

Information on UPOnline: 

  • The programmes presented by UPOnline are part-time and fully online.
  • Online programmes allow access to programme material on any device provided that a stable internet connection is available.
  • The UPOnline modules have dedicated facilitators and contactable staff ready to help, motivate and assist students with any queries they may have.
  • UPOnline programmes have been designed to provide a highly interactive learning environment which may include live chats, discussion forums and online video communication.
  • These programmes are structured with six enrolment opportunities per year where a student will enrol for a single module of either 8,16 or 52 weeks at a time.
  • Payment can be made per module.

Minimum duration of study

2 years fully online

Total credits

120

Admission Requirements

  1. 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)
  2. 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. ClickUP contains study material as well as a simple, convenient, and reliable web conferencing and virtual classroom solutions specifically built for education and training. ClickUP is accessible via a web browser mobile device, or tablet and has a useful student guide. 

Students are required to have some technical and digital literacy skills such as the ability to:

  • navigate the University's  eLearning environment (ClickUP);
  • use the email service in the LMS;
  • manage digital files: create, store, upload and attach files to assignment submissions (using applications such as MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint);
  • use the Library website or databases for research and make use of proper referencing techniques;
  • use a webcam, upload videos or audio files, use social media for communication or to collaborate electronically; and
  • download and install software and applications.

Other programme-specific information

Exam entry in all subjects requires a minimum 40%. In order to continue on the programme, all students
must receive exam entry in every module. Students cannot be registered on the programme more than
two years.

Pass with Distinction

Obtain a Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 75% and the Diploma must be completed within the minimum period of time.

Enquiries about the programme

UPOnline Call Center
Email: enquiries@online.up.ac.za
Tel: Toll Free: 0800233720 International: +27121400041

Minimum credits: 120

Prerequisites:

PHM 710 Learning in public health 710 is a prerequisite for all other modules.
HME 711 Epidemiology and Biostatistics I 711 is a prerequisite for HME 712 Epidemiology and Biostatistics II 712.
These programmes are structured with 6 enrolment opportunities per year where a student will enrol for a single module of either 8 or 16 weeks at a time.

CPD/CEU points:

Postgraduate degrees, diplomas and certificates: 30 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) or Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points may be claimed at the end of each study year (not exceeding the normal duration of study) and an additional 30 CEUs may be claimed on successful completion of the qualification.

Core modules
PMA 707
Governance, Public Management and African Leadership
Credits:
20.00
Module content:
  • 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.
  • The implications of the legislative framework towards governance on public management are evaluated.
  • A critical understanding of the ethical and democratic dimensions of administrative activities in state organizations is demonstrated.
Prerequisites No prerequisites.
Period of presentation UPOnline Short Intake
PMA 708
Public Sector Transformation and Reform
Credits:
20.00
Module content:
  • 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.
  • Public sector transformation, the state and civil society in South Africa.
  • Influences of Global, African and regional positions on the local (SA) transformation context.
  • The South African Constitution and the legislative framework for governance, and its transformational outlook.
  • Issues in public sector transformation and reform in South Africa including gender perspectives.


Prerequisites No prerequisites.
Period of presentation UPOnline Short Intake
PMA 709
Programme and Project Management in the Public Sector
Credits:
20.00
Module content:
  • Theories and issues shaping contemporary public programme and project management.
  • Programme and project-based public management.
  • Appropriate department arrangements to support programmes and projects.
  • Procedures to manage risks in programmes.
  • Ways to get buy-in to public service projects by top-level political authority and other relevant stakeholders.
  • International trends in programme management.
  • Translation of policy programmes into projects.
  • The value of project management in government.
  • Sponsoring of multiple projects to support project goals.
  • Planning, monitoring and evaluation of specific projects.
  • Project risk management.
Prerequisites No prerequisites.
Period of presentation UPOnline Short Intake
PMA 710
Advanced Human Resource Management in the Public Sector 710
Credits:
20.00
Module content:
  • Design of an integrated human resources management plan.
  • Complexities associated with a diverse workforce.
  • Management of intellectual human capital.
  • Analysis of a high turn-over of staff and staff retention strategies.
  • Coaching and mentoring.
  • Leadership Development Management Strategic Framework for SMS in the public service.
  • Improvement of health and wellness of employees.
  • Performance management.
  • Labour relations.
  • Role of, and relationship between, the employer (the state), the employee and unions in shaping healthy labour relations.
Prerequisites No prerequisites.
Period of presentation UPOnline Short Intake
PMA 711
Advanced Public Financial Management and Budgeting
Credits:
20.00
Module content:
  • 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.
  • Link between planning and budgeting in the South African public sector.
  • Costing of goods and services.
  • Principles of performance management and budget expenditure.
  • Internal control and monitoring budget implementation.
  • Risk management.
  • Supply chain and asset management in the public sector.
  • Financial reporting requirements of the public finance management regulatory framework.
  • Basic analysis of financial information, annual financial statements and audit report.
Prerequisites No prerequisites.
Period of presentation UPOnline Short Intake
PMA 712
Public Sector Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation
Credits:
20.00
Module content:
  • Background to planning and value in performance management and monitoring and evaluation.
  • M&E concepts.
  • Key elements in the M&E systems.
  • Result based M&E versus traditional M&E.
  • Stakeholder engagement.
  • Logical frameworks.
  • M&E indicators.
  • Impact assessment.
  • Presentation and use of evaluation findings.
Prerequisites No prerequisites.
Period of presentation UPOnline Short Intake

Annual Increase and Payment Information:

  • 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. 
  • Any payments made will first be applied to settle any outstanding debt owed to the University of Pretoria.
  • The total programme cost is all-inclusive.
  • Always quote your student number (EMPLID) when making payments.
  • UPOnline follows a 'Pay as you study' model - you pay only for the module(s) you register for.
  • Tuition fees are divided into equal payments per module and must be paid upon registration before the start of the
    • module to ensure continued access to study resources. 
  • UPOnline students are not eligible for discounts on tuition fees, and no payment arrangements can be made.
  • Code
  • Module
  • Duration
  • Credits
  • Cost
Core modules
PMA 707
Governance, Public Management and African Leadership
16 weeks fully online
20.00
R7,984 R15,968
PMA 708
Public Sector Transformation and Reform
16 weeks fully online
20.00
R7,984 R15,968
PMA 709
Programme and Project Management in the Public Sector
16 weeks fully online
20.00
R7,984 R15,968
PMA 710
Advanced Human Resource Management in the Public Sector
16 weeks fully online
20.00
R7,984 R15,968
PMA 711
Advanced Public Financial Management and Budgeting
16 weeks fully online
20.00
R7,984 R15,968
PMA 712
Public Sector Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation
16 weeks fully online
20.00
R7,984 R15,968
Totals
How to apply
Request info

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