| Code | Faculty | Department |
|---|---|---|
| 07131175 | Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences | Department: School of Public Management and Administration |
| Credits | Duration | NQF level |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum duration of study: 3 years | Total credits: 401 | NQF level: 07 |
This programme is directed towards the study of Public Administration that will equip the candidate for a career in the broad public sector. Candidates will gain in-depth knowledge of certain administrative and management practices in the South African and international public sectors. Emphasis is placed on the three spheres of government with reference to aspects such as resources management, international administration and management, policy, accountability and ethics, the role of the state, intergovernmental relations and administrative justice.
Students who achieved 70% and above in English Home Language (an A or a B), and 80% and above in English First Additional Language (only an A) in the NSC (or equivalent) will be exempted from ALL 124 and therefore do not have to register and pass this module to complete their degrees. Students who achieved 69% and below in English Home Language (a C and below), and 79% and below in English First Additional Language (a B and below) have to register for ALL 124 and pass this module in order to be awarded their degrees.
Students who achieved 70% for English at Cambridge A level or AS level will be exempted from ALL 124 .
Important information for all prospective students for 2025
The admission requirements below apply to all who apply for admission to the University of Pretoria with a National Senior Certificate (NSC) and Independent Examination Board (IEB) qualifications. Click here for this Faculty Brochure.
Minimum requirements | ||
Achievement level | ||
English Home Language or English First Additional Language | Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy | APS |
NSC/IEB | NSC/IEB | |
5 | Mathematics 3 or Mathematical Literacy 4 | 28 |
Life Orientation is excluded when calculating the APS.
Applicants currently in Grade 12 must apply with their final Grade 11 (or equivalent) results.
Applicants who have completed Grade 12 must apply with their final NSC or equivalent qualification results.
Please note that meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee admission.
Successful candidates will be notified once admitted or conditionally admitted.
Unsuccessful candidates will be notified after 30 June.
Applicants should check their application status regularly on the UP Student Portal at click here.
Applicants with qualifications other than the abovementioned should refer to the International undergraduate prospectus 2025: Applicants with a school leaving certificate not issued by Umalusi (South Africa), available at click here.
International students: Click here.
Transferring students
A transferring student is a student who, at the time of applying at the University of Pretoria (UP) is/was a registered student at another tertiary institution. A transferring student will be considered for admission based on NSC or equivalent qualification and previous academic performance. Students who have been dismissed from other institutions due to poor academic performance will not be considered for admission to UP.
Closing dates: Same as above.
Returning students
A returning student is a student who, at the time of application for a degree programme is/was a registered student at UP, and wants to transfer to another degree at UP. A returning student will be considered for admission based on NSC or equivalent qualification and previous academic performance.
Note:
Closing date for applications from returning students
Unless capacity allows for an extension of the closing date, applications from returning students must be submitted before the end of August via your UP Student Centre.
Note: See the alphabetical list of modules for prerequisites of all modules.
Language (German, English, French, Arabic, Mandarin, Russian, Spanish)
Please note: Candidates who did not obtain at least 4 (50-59%) in Mathematics in Grade 12, or who did not pass Statistics 113, 123, may not include EKN 120, 214, 234, 310, 320 and STK 110, 120 in their curriculum. Refer also to faculty prerequisites for these modules.
Specialisation modules for this degree are PAD 312 and 322
"Major subject"
To be considered a "major subject" the equivalent of four 14-week modules, including two at 300-level, must be passed provided that only two 14-week modules, or the equivalent thereof, that are not preceded by the 100- and 200-level modules, may be taken for degree purposes. In other words, at least four 14-week modules must be taken at 300-level that are preceded by the 100- and 200-level, except for modules offered on 200- and 300-level only.
Renewal of registration, exclusion, dismissal and deregistration of modules
Refer to General Academic Regulations G3 and G4.
Minimum credits: 120
* The admission requirement for EKN 120 is at least 60% in STK 113 and STK 123 or Maths Grade 12 symbol 4. If EKN is included, STK 113 and 123 must be chosen as elective modules for students who do not comply with the Gr 12 requirement. Alternatively, students who do not comply, must register for BDO 121.
Module content:
Find, evaluate, process, manage and present information resources for academic purposes using appropriate technology.
Module content:
Apply effective search strategies in different technological environments. Demonstrate the ethical and fair use of information resources. Integrate 21st-century communications into the management of academic information.
Module content:
This module is intended to equip students with the competence in reading and writing required in the four high impact modules: Business Management, Financial Accounting, Statistics and Economics. Students will also be equipped to interpret and draw figures and graphs and to do computations and manage relevant formulas. Students attend two lectures per week during semester two.
This module is offered by the Faculty of Humanities.
Module content:
Part 1: Introduction to industrial and organisational psychology
This module is an introduction to the history, background and subfields of Psychology with specific emphasis on Industrial and Organisational Psychology. The various schools of thought in psychology and its fields of application are discussed within a meta-theoretical context. The basic principles of how psychological knowledge, research and other methods are used to understand and handle human problems in their environments is addressed. The module ends with the biological basis of behaviour which is addressed in order to lay the foundation for part 2 – individual processes.
Part 2: Individual processes
This module is concerned with the individual processes that provide input into the work situation. The purpose of this module is to increase one’s understanding of individuals and their contribution to society. Sensation and perception, which follows from the biological basis of behaviour, has a look at the senses of the individual and his perception in the work environment, considering aspects such as shape, depth, distance and colour perceptions. Learning and cognition is then discussed as behavioural processes that are integrated into work behaviour. We close off the module with a discussion on the continuous development of human beings across theirs lifespan within the different domains of life.
Module content:
This module deals with the core principles of economics. A distinction between macroeconomics and microeconomics is made. A discussion of the market system and circular flow of goods, services and money is followed by a section dealing with microeconomic principles, including demand and supply analysis, consumer behaviour and utility maximisation, production and the costs thereof, and the different market models and firm behaviour. Labour market institutions and issues, wage determination, as well as income inequality and poverty are also addressed. A section of money, banking, interest rates and monetary policy concludes the course.
Module content:
This module deals with the core principles of economics, especially macroeconomic measurement the private and public sectors of the South African economy receive attention, while basic macroeconomic relationships and the measurement of domestic output and national income are discussed. Aggregate demand and supply analysis stands core to this course which is also used to introduce students to the analysis of economic growth, unemployment and inflation. The microeconomics of government is addressed in a separate section, followed by a section on international economics, focusing on international trade, exchange rates and the balance of payments. The economics of developing countries and South Africa in the global economy conclude the course.
Module content:
This module in public administration is designed specifically to assist students in understanding the role of public administration in a modern state, the unique characteristics of public administration, the schools and approaches in public administration and introducing the various generic administrative functions. The discipline of public administration has developed rapidly and by implication, has changed and shifted its paradigm over the years. The purpose of this module is to introduce public administration to the student as a field of study that makes a significant contribution to the effective administration and management of government institutions.
Module content:
This module in public administration will introduce the constitutional framework pertaining to public administration. The South African system of government, the functions, role and powers of the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government as well as the functioning of the three spheres of government will be discussed. The module will enable the student to understand how and where public administration is practiced.
Module content:
An introduction to the study of organised political society at national and international levels with specific reference to political concepts, approaches and methods. The emphasis is on state and governance as frameworks for analysis in light of the salient changes brought about at national and international levels by global trends and processes. Attention is paid to the corresponding dynamics of regime development, performance and change at national and international levels considering increasing challenges to national sovereignty from within and without states in a context of a growing global agenda dealing with transnational issues and challenges.
Module content:
The nature and role of public policy and decision making. Theories and models for public policy-making, implementation and analysis. Public policy design and policy decision making. Role players and stakeholders in public policy-making , implementation and analysis.
Module content:
*No previous knowledge of or experience in German required for admission. Students who passed grade 12 German are not allowed to register for this module
An intensive introductory study of the German language focusing on the acquisition of basic communication skills, namely listening, reading, speaking and writing. It also offers a brief introduction to the culture of German-speaking countries. This module complies with the requirements for level A2 set by the “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages”.
Module content:
*Alternative evening classes - 2 discussion classes per week Introduction to Literature in English (1)
This module introduces the study of literature by examining a number of texts representing different genres (poetry, prose, drama). The texts studied here will be mainly from the pre-twentieth century era and may include texts written in English from both Africa and other parts of the world. The aim of this module is to equip students with the critical and analytical skills required for a perceptive reading of poetry, novels and plays.
Module content:
This module is intended to equip students with a thorough knowledge of English grammar and is particularly useful for those interested in a career in teaching, editing, document design or other forms of language practice.
Module content:
*Alternative evening classes: 2 discussion classes per week
Introduction to Literature in English (2)
This module introduces the study of post-nineteenth century literature by examining a number of texts representing different genres (poetry, drama, prose). Texts will be from both Africa and other parts of the world. By the end of this module students should have the background and analytical skills to perceptively read modern and contemporary poetry, novels and plays.
Module content:
*No previous knowledge of or experience in French required for admission. Students who passed grade 12 French are not allowed to register for this module.
An intensive introductory study of the French language focusing on the acquisition of basic communication skills, namely listening, reading, speaking and writing. It also offers a brief introduction to the culture of French-speaking countries. This module complies with the requirements for level A2 set by the “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages”.
Module content:
Introduction to information systems, information systems in organisations, hardware: input, processing, output, software: systems and application software, organisation of data and information, telecommunications and networks, the Internet and Intranet. Transaction processing systems, management information systems, decision support systems, information systems in business and society, systems analysis, systems design, implementation, maintenance and revision.
Module content:
Descriptive statistics:
Sampling and the collection of data; frequency distributions and graphical representations. Descriptive measures of location and dispersion.
Probability and inference:
Introductory probability theory and theoretical distributions. Sampling distributions. Estimation theory and hypothesis testing of sampling averages and proportions (one and two-sample cases). Supporting mathematical concepts. Statistical concepts are demonstrated and interpreted through practical coding and simulation within a data science framework.
Module content:
*On its own, STK 113 and 123 will not be recognised for degree purposes, but exemption will be granted for STK 110.
Data operations and transformations: Introductory concepts, the role of statistic, various types of data and the number system. Concepts underlying linear, quadratic, exponential, hyperbolic, logarithmic transformations of quantitative data, graphical representations, solving of equations, interpretations. Determining linear equations in practical situations. Characteristics of logarithmic functions. The relationship between the exponential and logarithmic functions in economic and related problems. Systems of equations in equilibrium. Additional concepts relating to data processing, functions and inverse functions, sigma notation, factorial notation, sequences and series, inequalities (strong, weak, absolute, conditional, double) and absolute values. Descriptive statistics – Univariate: Sampling and the collection of data, frequency distributions and graphical representations. Descriptive measures of location and dispersion. Probability: Introductory probability theory. Theoretical probability distributions. Identification, use, evaluation and interpretation of statistical computer packages and statistical techniques. The weekly one hour practical is presented during the last seven weeks of the semester.
Module content:
Students can only get credit for one of the following two modules: STK 120 or STK 121.
Analysis of variance, categorical data analysis, distribution-free methods, curve fitting, regression and correlation, the analysis of time series and indices. Statistical and economic applications of quantitative techniques: Systems of linear equations: solving and application. Optimisation, linear functions, non-linear functions. Marginal and total functions. Stochastic and deterministic variables in statistical and economic context: producers' and consumers' surplus. Supporting mathematical concepts. Statistical concepts are illustrated using simulation within a data science framework.
This module is also presented as STK 121, an anti-semester module. This is a terminating module.
Module content:
*On its own, STK 113 and 123 will not be recognized for degree purposes, but exemption will be granted for STK 110.
Optimisation techniques with economic applications: Data transformations and relationships with economic applications, operations and rules, linear, quadratic, exponential, hyperbolic and logarithmic functions; systems of equations in equilibrium, system of linear inequalities, solving of linear programming problems by means of the graphical and extreme point methods. Applications of differentiation and integration in statistic and economic related problems: the limit of a function, continuity, rate of change, the derivative of a function, differentiation rules, higher order derivatives, optimisation techniques, the area under a curve and applications of definite integrals. Probability and inference: Theoretical probability distributions (revision only). Sampling distributions. Estimation theory and hypothesis testing of sampling averages and proportions (one-sample and two-sample cases). Identification, use, evaluation and interpretation of statistical computer packages and statistical techniques. The weekly one hour practical is presented during the last seven weeks of the semester.
Minimum credits: 141
On second year level, students should choose either Political Science or International Relations.
Module content:
How do we explain the behaviour of state and non-state actors within the international system? The answer to this question depends on the theoretical lens through which global politics are viewed. An overview is provided of competing theoretical perspectives of international relations and research methodology within the field. It includes mainstream and alternative perspectives, as well as the underlying ideas, theories and variants of each. These theories also propose different approaches to global peace, amongst others peace through international organisation(s). A comprehensive analysis is made of selected international organisations with a universal or regional scope, such as the United Nations, the African Union and the Southern African Development Community.
Module content:
Foreign policy and diplomacy
A short introduction to the study of foreign policy is followed by an explanation of the use of the comparative and case study methods as frameworks for foreign policy analysis and evaluation. This allows for the comparative study of the foreign policies of selected states from the major regions of the world, amongst others of South African foreign policy. In each case study the policy environment, the formulation and implementation processes, as well as the substance of the particular state’s foreign policy are covered. Thereafter the focus narrows to diplomacy: the oldest, most versatile and universally used instrument of foreign policy. The nature, history, modes of diplomacy and legal framework of the institution are explored. Examples are drawn from global practice, with specific consideration of the evolution of diplomatic practice within the African and South African context. This module also includes a simulation component, such as the Model United Nations Debate (MUN).
Module content:
*Module content will be adapted in accordance with the appropriate degree programme. Only one of KOB 281– 284 may be taken as a module where necessary for a programme.
Applied business communication skills
Acquiring basic business communication skills will enhance the capabilities of employees, managers and leaders in the business environment. An overview of applied skills on the intrapersonal, dyadic, interpersonal, group (team), organisational, public and mass communication contexts is provided. The practical part of the module (for example, the writing of business reports and presentation skills) concentrates on the performance dimensions of these skills as applied to particular professions.
Module content:
This module in public administration constitutes an in-depth analysis of the generic administrative functions, including, policy making, organising, financing, staffing and control. Students will thus be equipped with knowledge and skills related to government strategic planning, policy-making and decision-making, budgeting, public procurement, human resource management functions and employment legislation impacting on human resources within public organisations.
Module content:
This module in public administration introduces the student to the process of planning, executing and evaluating research in the public sector. Students will be enabled to identify, plan, execute and present a research project. This is a service learning module and as such students will be expected to complete approximately 15 hours service learning and submit a portfolio as part of their formal assessment.
Module content:
Political dynamics (Micro)
The study of the theory and practice of behavioural phenomena in politics, including a critical engagement with how behavioural phenomena have been (and are) studied. With reference to appropriate examples, the emphasis is on the study of political dynamics internal to the nation state, including but not limited to the following: elections, electoral systems, and voting behaviour; parties and party systems; political culture, political identities, public opinion, leadership, communication, and interest groups.
Module content:
Political dynamics (Macro)
This module is offered in two parts. Part One places emphasis on the nature of the state, governance and conflict in Africa. Amongst others, a study is made of the issues of colonialism and post-colonialism, democratisation, authoritarianism and the development of the state in Africa, in the context of a globalising world. Part Two provides a through introduction to and overview of South African politics. Topics to be unpacked include: South Africa’s transition to democracy, South Africa’s electoral system, and the political, social and economic challenges facing South Africa at present. Mini case studies are applied throughout the module to aid comprehension and analysis. Case studies may differ from year-to-year depending on local and international developments.
Module content:
Part 1: Organisational Behaviour I
This section will provide an introduction to the foundations and principles of Organisational Behaviour (OB) as well as the challenges and opportunities for OB. In addition, specific attention will be paid to contemporary theories of motivation, job design, employee involvement and reward programmes. The various leadership theories will be covered. The effect of power and politics in the organisation will be studied, alongside conflict and negotiation skills.
Part 2: Organisational behaviour II
The behavioural basis for organisational structuring and organisation design will be addressed. Organisational culture as well as the approaches to organisational change will be covered. Sustainability from an organisational perspective will be discussed as well.
Module content:
Part 1: Employee health and ergonomics
This section focuses on actual and important aspects of safety and health management in organisations, as well as the nature and role of ergonomics therein. Specific health, safety and wellness issues such as stress and burnout, substance abuse, deceases, accidents and injuries as well as workplace bullying, violence, trauma and sexual harassment will be addressed. Furthermore employee wellness programmes will be discussed.
Part 2: Personality
This section discusses the various personality and social identity theories as they exist within the meta- theory of psychology. The unconscious processes of personality, the trait and social identity theories of personality are examined thoroughly. To close off this module we have a look at diverse social identities within the workplace in a social and cultural context.
Module content:
Macroeconomics
From Wall and Bay Street to Diagonal Street: a thorough understanding of the mechanisms and theories explaining the workings of the economy is essential. Macroeconomic insight is provided on the real market, the money market, two market equilibrium, monetarism, growth theory, cyclical analysis, inflation, Keynesian general equilibrium analysis and fiscal and monetary policy issues.
Module content:
Macroeconomics
Application of the principles learned in EKN 214 on the world we live in. We look at international markets and dynamic macroeconomic models, and familiarise the students with the current macroeconomic policy debates. We also take a look at the latest macroeconomic research in the world. The course includes topics of the mathematical and econometric analysis of macroeconomic issues.
Module content:
*Only available to BAdmin in Public Management (Option: Public Administration) students.
Public management functions including planning, organising, leading and control. Public management challenges in the South African public sector. The role of the public sector junior and senior manager in a developmental landscape.
Module content:
Module content:
Minimum credits: 140
On third year level, students should choose either Political Science or International Relations.
Module content:
International political economy
The nature and functioning of the international contemporary political-economic order are analysed against the background of the process of globalisation. Analysis of the mainstream theories employed by scholars in this field is also included. The focus is on the interaction of political and economic trends and issues such as the vital role played by state and non-state actors; the rise of new economic powers in the Global South; and global economic governance.
Module content:
Security and strategic studies
A study of traditional and contemporary approaches to security and strategy. Attention is paid to theories on war, security and strategy; military and non-military security issues and threats; the nature, levels, patterns, forms and instruments of strategy; and the laws of war. Global and regional strategic and security issues and trends are analysed, along with multilateral approaches to understanding and confronting security issues.
Module content:
This module in public administration is designed specifically to assist students to have a better understanding regarding the depth, origin and development of ethics in public service and administration. The emphasis here is on building responsive public servants whose duties and responsibilities do not only encourage the effective and efficient functioning of public organisations in an aim to facilitate better service delivery to all, but also apply ethical personal and organisational codes and standards in their daily operational activities. The purpose of this module is to enable the student to apply, synthesise and abstract theory into practice for a better public service of the future.
Module content:
This module on public administration is designed to broaden the view of students on the understanding of the origin and development of administrative systems. The emphasis is on the practical application of knowledge to problems of developing societies. Increasing global interdependence require scholarly interest in comparative public administration. A motivating force for comparative Public administration is the search for discovering regularities in administrative processes and behaviours throughout the human experience, irrespective of place and time.
Module content:
Political theory
A theoretical and normative study of political ideas, concepts, texts and values. This includes the study of key global political thinkers throughout history, as well as the contemporary manifestations of ideologies such as liberalism, socialism, conservatism, postcolonialism and feminism. This normative assessment of politics will also focus on the critical evaluation of prominent political concepts such as justice, liberty, power, democracy and equality.
Module content:
Part 1: Public Policy Studies A high-level critical analysis of the theory and practice of public policy within the domestic, regional, and international context. Attention is given to key aspects of the policy-making process, including, but not limited to: agenda setting, policy adoption, policy assessment, and policy termination. Case studies may differ year-on-year depending on local and international developments.
Part 2: Political analysis The methods and practice of political analysis are the focus of this module. The principles and problems underpinning different approaches and methods of political analysis are described and explained. This includes the nature, methods and use of comparative analysis, forecasting, risk analysis, performance evaluation and the political audit. These analytical methods are positioned in a political and policy context, with emphasis on practical application. Applicable examples and case studies are used throughout and differ year-on-year depending on domestic and international developments.
Module content:
Part 1: The Human Resource Management environment
This section will provide the necessary know-how on the management of a Human Resource (HR) office. This particular section provides an introduction to Human Resource Management (HRM). The environment and foundations of HR will be covered. Various HR system standard and function models including the SA Board for People Practices HR standards model will be explained. The focus will move to emerging HR practices to ensure “competence” such as competency -based HRM. Day-to-day HRM practices are addressed such as HR office administration and technology (HR information systems). This is followed by specific HRM functions such as job design and analysis and the managing of compensation and benefits. Recruitment and section process to ensure the placing of qualified employees in jobs will be covered.
Part 2: Human Resources Provision
This section builds on the foundation provided in part 1. This module assists with having the right people in the right jobs at the right time through effective HR planning (HRP). This includes provision of theory which will assist HR managers to address strategy-linked HRP. To be able to ensure return on investment (ROI), organisations must ensure effective assessing and development of qualified employees by implementing performance management (PM) practices. This module will assist the HR professionals with theory related to internal staffing and career management practices. The section closes by discussing the role of HRM in virtual organisations as well as presenting international HRM theory that will assist the HR professional in the managing of international HRM.
Module content:
Part 1: The theoretical environment of Human Resource Development
This section focuses on the management of Human Resource Development (HRD) practices in organisations. The information will assist students to be able to understand the importance of education, training and development in South Africa and why education, training and development centres are important. Managing training and development will be addressed under the following headings: Managing training and development (T&D) in organisations, including contemporary issues in HRD. The focus moves to the education, training and development (ETD) environment in South Africa. The administration of T&D in organisations and the relevant learning theories and principles that will be applicable to adult learning in the workplace will be discussed. This section closes with a discussion on employee onboarding and orientation.
Part 2: The practical environment of Human Resource Development
This section will address learning related to determining training and development needs. Emphasis will be on aspects related to needs analysis, curriculum (programme) design and development, training interventions and presentation. The focus moves to learner assessment and programme evaluation.
Module content:
Public finance
Role of government in the economy. Welfare economics and theory of optimality. Ways of correcting market failures. Government expenditure theories, models and programmes. Government revenue. Models on taxation, effects of taxation on the economy. Assessment of taxation from an optimality and efficiency point of view. South African perspective on public finance.
Module content:
Economic analyses
Identification, collection and interpretation process of relevant economic data; the national accounts (i.e. income and production accounts, the national financial account, the balance of payments and input-output tables); economic growth; inflation; employment, unemployment, wages, productivity and income distribution; business cycles; financial indicators; fiscal indicators; social indicators; international comparisons; relationships between economic time series - regression analysis; long-term future studies and scenario analysis; overall assessment of the South African economy from 1994 onwards.
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