Universities and Online Degrees Guide

Stellenbosch University

Master of Public Administration

The Master of Public Administration in Public Administration is offered by Stellenbosch University.

Program Length: 2 YEARS.

Master of Public Administration offered by the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) 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

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.

Provisions relating to promotion

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 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

A minimum of 180 credits. Full Thesis or structured Coursework and Thesis option.

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) 

180 Public and Development Management (Full Thesis option)

Compulsory module(s) in the case of the Coursework and Thesis option (889)

90 Thesis: Public and Development Management

Elective modules (two) in the case of the Coursework and Thesis option (889)

(a minimum of 10 students are required before a module can be presented)
30 Advanced Program and Project Management 

30 Anti-Corruption Studies 

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