Universities and Online Degrees Guide

Stellenbosch University

Master of Commerce in Public and Development Management

The Master of Commerce in Public and Development Management in Public Administration is offered by Stellenbosch University.

Program Length: 2 YEARS.

Master of Commerce in Public and Development Management offered by the Stellenbosch University at the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences

The MCom in Public and Development Management is done by way of research, or coursework taught by way of lectures similar to the Honours programme. After completing this programme, students may proceed to doctoral studies in Public and Development Management.

Assessment and examination

A final mark of 50% is required to pass a module and a final mark of 75% is required to pass with distinction (cum laude). Accordingly, an average final mark of 50% is required to pass the programme and an average final mark of 75% is required to pass with distinction (cum laude).

The research proposal must be orally defended to an academic panel during the contact week and the final written thesis is subjected to examination an internal examiner and an external examiner. The thesis must provide evidence of the candidate’s ability to integrate existing data, information and knowledge in order to generate new knowledge and wisdom.

Programme description and structure

This programme is presented by means of modular as well as interactive telematics education. Modular presentation comprises attending blocked contact sessions of one to two weeks of lectures at the Bellville Park campus, a number of video recordings and study material, and interactive telematics education at an electronic study centre near their places of residence. During the remaining time, the students study at home and do assignments that are electronically submitted. A limited thesis of 90 credits are completed under guidance of an academic study leader.

In the case of the Full Thesis option (879):

The student must, besides a course in appropriate advanced research methodology and academic writing (if the student has not successfully completed such a course previously), complete a thesis of 180 credits under guidance of a academic.

Programme content

180 credits.

In the case of the Coursework and Thesis option (899):

The student follows three optional modules of 30 credits each and an appropriate, advanced course in research methodology and academic writing skillsIn addition, the candidate must also complete a limited thesis of 90 with guidance from an academic study leader.

In the case of the Full Thesis option (879):

The student must, besides a course in appropriate advanced research methodology and academic writing (if the student has not successfully completed such a course previously), complete a thesis of 180 credits under guidance of an academic study leader.

Programme module

180 Public and Development Management (Coursework and Thesis option)

Compulsory module(s) for the Coursework and Thesis option (899)

30 Advanced Program and Project Management

30 Anti-Corruption Studies Both

30 Capita Selecta A sector specialisation as requested by students.

30 Capita Selecta A sector specialisation as requested by students.

30 Comparative and Contemporary Public Management Innovation Studies

30 Integrated Community-based Development

30 Integrated Public Management

30 Integrated Public Policy Management and Analysis

(Admission requirement: 60% or more in the ICT module of the honours programme)

30 Monitoring and Evaluation

30 Municipal Management and Development

(Admission requirement: Local Governance in the honours programme)

30 Public Management Law

Compulsory module(s) for the Full Thesis option (879)

180 Thesis: Public and Development Management