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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Arts in Public Policy in International Affairs 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
124565  Master of Arts in Public Policy in International Affairs 
ORIGINATOR
University of South Africa 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  Field 07 - Human and Social Studies  General Social Science 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0633/25  2025-07-10  2028-07-10 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-07-10   2032-07-10  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The Master of Arts in Public Policy in International Affairs is intended to prepare qualifying learners who could contribute to the development of knowledge in the fields of Public Policy and International Affairs at an advanced level. The qualifying learners should demonstrate specialist knowledge and engagement with, and critique of current research or practices, as well as advanced scholarship or research in Public Policy and International Affairs. The qualification will take the form of a distinct research project, culminating in a full dissertation.

The dissertation will make an original, theoretically sound and empirically based academic contribution to the knowledge in Public Policy and International Affairs. By employing futuristic thinking, the dissertation will present and propose possible solutions to challenges related to the cross-cutting sub-fields of Citizenship; Public Leadership; Peace and Conflict; Government Affairs; Urban and Rural Affairs; Simulation and Futuristic Studies; Security and Intelligence; Sustainable Livelihoods and Resource Management; as well as International and Diplomacy Affairs.

Upon completion of the qualification, a qualifying learner should be able to:
  • Conduct a critical review of current research and practices in Public Policy in International Affairs.
  • Conduct an evaluation of current processes of knowledge production in Public Policy in International Affairs.
  • Design, select and apply appropriate research methodologies.
  • Apply a wide range of specialised problem-solving skills to address complex and challenging Public and International Affairs problems.
  • Conduct an ethical and professional practice review of leading and current research.

    Rationale:
    The rationale for establishing this qualification is informed by the growing complexity of policy challenges facing emerging African countries within an increasingly globalised world. The extent and nature of these challenges demand public leaders who can utilise transdisciplinary knowledge to find innovative, forward-looking solutions.

    Transforming Africa requires a dedicated approach to activate and unlock the potential of African minds in ensuring a shared understanding, working knowledge and hands-on application of the principles and tools of Public Policy and International Affairs, as well as related topics. It requires an ability to conduct scientific and internationally accepted research; an exposure to the practical application; the dissemination, critical interrogation, and development of knowledge; as well as the ability to monitor, track and adjust in a dynamic and globally integrated world.

    For this reason, this qualification is designed to provide advanced training and scholarship, as well as hone skills to conduct independent research in this and related fields. The qualification addresses the gap between higher education and the global society's need for postgraduate learners who are versed in the unique development challenges of individual African countries, as well as the continent. It furthermore addresses the shortage of postgraduate learners with the skills to apply evidence-based, forward-looking methodologies in designing transdisciplinary, theoretically sound, and customised solutions for emerging, developmental states in a globalised environment.

    Learners are thereby enabled to address the reality of a complex society and world, a principle that is usually overlooked in teaching programs. A unique and distinguishing feature of this qualification is the postgraduate learner has developed the skill of original, innovative, and experiential thinking, which is relevant to all spheres in government.

    The qualification is unique and transdisciplinary. It provides an academic, policy, and practice setting for current and future leaders within an Africa-centred paradigm. As such, the degree is relevant to stakeholders in both the public and private spheres, such as:
  • International, Regional and National policy design practitioners
  • Local government officials
  • Decision-makers, researchers, and officials in all spheres of government
  • Private and community sector stakeholders
  • International stakeholders and Investors
  • Donor agencies
  • Transdisciplinary researchers and educators

    Apart from supervisory support, learners will be exposed to the school's academic and research forums to gain practical experience in the field of Public and International Affairs.

    The deliberate design of a transdisciplinary and innovative approach is aligned with the 2030-National Development Plan (NDP) that specifically calls for higher education institutions to promote innovation and develop knowledge with an inter- and transdisciplinary, as well as collaborative approach.

    The futuristic thinking promoted by the qualification supports the African Union's Agenda 2063 for developing forward-looking capacity in transforming and developing Africa's full potential. This degree is also aligned with the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in preparing lifelong learners for the challenges of the 21st century such as poverty (SDG1); well-being and livelihood (SDG3); gender equality (SDG5); good governance, decent work, and economic growth (SDG8); as well as peace, justice and strong institutions (SDG16).

    In Public and international Affairs, the interdependence of regions in social, economic, political and environmental affairs requires a trans-disciplinary analysis and understanding. Trans-disciplinary studies are important for policymakers and social analysts so that the interconnections between different social problems are interrogated. Trans-disciplinary studies also provide the learner with a wider understanding of social reality that extends beyond the limits of more narrow academic disciplines.

    A pivotal dimension of this qualification is Futuristic Studies. Learners have access to this innovative intellectual endeavour that moves beyond analyses to develop and generate systemic alternatives and divergent scenarios for South Africa and its place in the Southern African region, the African Continent, the global and the planetary contexts. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL will be applied in line with the regulations of the Council on Higher Education, the RPL Policy and the procedures of the University of South Africa.

    RPL for Access:
    Applicants who would like to apply for admission through recognition of prior learning (RPL) without an appropriate Honours Degree should submit a portfolio of evidence of relevant work and research experience in the study field in which they would like to apply for admission to the qualification. The portfolio of evidence will be assessed according to the specific outcomes and assessment criteria of the Master of Arts in Public Policy in International Affairs.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Administration Honours in Public Administration, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in International Politics, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Development Studies, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Philosophy, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Gender Studies, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory module at National Qualifications Framework Level 9, totalling 180 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 180 Credits:
  • Dissertation, 180 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Conduct a critical review of current research and practices in Public Policy in International Affairs.
    2. Conduct an evaluation of current processes of knowledge production in Public Policy in International Affairs.
    3. Design, select and apply appropriate research methodologies.
    4. Apply a wide range of specialised problem-solving skills to address complex and challenging Public and International Affairs problems.
    5. Conduct an ethical and professional practice review of leading and current research.
    6. Implement a review strategy for accessing, processing, and managing information.
    7. Produce a scientific and academically substantiated research dissertation that meets university, school and supervisor(s) requirements and policies.
    8. Produce a publishable journal article on the primary contributions of the research dissertation.
    9. Develop interdependent interventions in Public Policy in International Affairs while considering the intended and unintended consequences of such interventions.
    10. Develop and manage personal learning strategies to support responsible and independent continuous learning.
    11. Provide proof of accountable resource management and governance practices. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Compile and present a comprehensive knowledge-based critique of appropriate, relevant, and recent research and practices.
  • Generate an interdisciplinary vision and synopsis, considering socio-political, legal, and multicultural factors influencing economic, business and people development internationally, nationally, and locally.
  • Integrate literature with identified research objectives.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Provide an evaluation of current processes and industry standards.
  • Choose an appropriate process of enquiry.
  • Generate a well-researched, analysed, and organised repository of information
  • Produce sound, evidence-based analysis.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Design techniques for enquiry that go beyond national policy enquiry to focus on supra-national regions, global processes and grounded continental research, along with an insight into solutions and the local and African context of such solutions.
  • Apply analytical skills relevant to local communities and the African continent within the context of regional development in the Global South.
  • Incorporate advocacy for social change and transformation in the dissertation, with competence in the relevant languages in the Public and International Relations fields.
  • Provide an outlined research methodology appropriate to drive empirical analysis in keeping with the study's objective.
  • Design a suitable research instrument for collecting the data as indicated in the research methodology.
  • Adopt a description of the data management process for the study.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Outline an analysis of relevant data using the appropriate instrument.
  • Compile a comprehensive report based on the findings from analysing the gathered data.
  • Draw a set of conclusions based on the literature review and empirical findings that meet the study's research objectives.
  • Make recommendations based on the findings and conclusions that are defensible for the study.
  • Provide a list of appropriate limitations in the study context.
  • State a reflection on the contribution of the study to existing knowledge.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Provide a comprehensive review of leading and current research
  • Generate a presentation of a practical interdisciplinary vision regarding socio-political, legal, and multicultural factors influencing economic, business and people development internationally, nationally and locally.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Provide a documented strategy for accessing, processing, and managing relevant information.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Provide a professional academic dissertation that meets the university, college, departmental and supervisors' requirements.
  • Apply adjustments as indicated by the supervisors.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Establish a journal article submitted to an accredited scientific journal in the field of Public Policy and International Affairs
  • Provide a publishable contribution emanating from the research dissertation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Outline a proposed set of interdependent interventions in line with the research agenda.
  • Provide an analysis assessment of the intended and unintended consequences of the interventions.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
  • Provide an assessment of the limitations of the research dissertation.
  • State a proposed set of recommendations for future research and the promotion of responsible citizenship.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11:
  • Provide a well-structured and scheduled research plan.
  • Participate in academic seminars, workshops, and research forums. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: United States of America
    Institution name: University of Texas
    Qualification title: Master of Global Policy Studies
    Duration: Two years

    Purpose/Rationale
    The Master of Global Policy Studies (MGPS) at the LBJ School equips learners with the tools, experiences and insights to drive progress on international challenges. The qualification blends a rigorous interdisciplinary core with customizable specialisations and real-world learning experiences. Graduates are prepared to advance positive change through leadership roles in government, business, nonprofits and international organisations.

    Learners can complete the qualification through a two-year, full-time program in Austin or an accelerated 15-month track that includes living and working in Washington, DC, during the final semester.

    Qualification structure
    Modules:
  • Advanced Policy Economics
  • Advanced Empirical Methods for Policy Analysis
  • Applied Microeconomics for Policy Analysis
  • Introduction to Empirical Methods for Policy Analysis
  • Policy Research Project
  • Policy Development
  • Public Financial Management

    Similarities:
  • The University of Texas (UT) and the South African (SA) qualifications are both offered over two years.
  • Both qualifications' primary focus and transdisciplinary approach are related to Public Policy and International Affairs.
  • SA qualification's dissertation will make an original, theoretically sound and empirically based academic contribution to the knowledge in Public Policy and International Affairs.
  • Similarly, the UT qualification equips learners with the tools, experiences and insights to drive progress on international challenges.

    Differences:
  • Although the degrees are primarily coursework-based, the content structures are aligned with the degree of the TMS.
  • The SA qualification is research-based, whereas the TU qualification is offered through coursework.

    Country: Canada
    Institution: University of British Columbia
    Qualification title: Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs
    Duration: Twenty months

    Entry requirements:
  • Four-year Bachelor's degree

    Purpose/Rationale:
    The qualification equips future policy-makers with a profound understanding of policy-making processes through a solid foundation of rigour. Learners will benefit from a unique curriculum which fosters creativity, innovation, and collaboration by integrating course-based learning and practical learning experiences. From the heart of beautiful British Columbia, learners conduct community-based fieldwork and build expertise from world-renowned UBC faculty and policy practitioners in areas such as global governance, security, development, social change, resources, and sustainability.

    Qualification structure
    Modules:
  • Economics for Policy
  • Economics for Policy
  • Measurement of Data Analysis for Policy
  • Policy Analysis and Evaluation
  • Domestic and Global Policy Processes
  • Public Management
  • Policy in Context
  • Communicating Policy
  • Professional Practice in Public Policy and Global Affairs
  • Research Design and Qualitative Methods

    Similarities:
  • The University of British Columbia (UBC) and the South African (SA) qualification both accept learners who have completed an honours degree or a four-year qualification.
  • The primary focus and transdisciplinary approach related to Public Policy and International Affairs are similar for both qualifications.
  • The SA qualification is intended to prepare graduates who could contribute to the development of knowledge in the fields of Public Policy and International Affairs at an advanced level.
  • Similarly, the UBC qualification intends to equip future policy makers with a profound understanding of policy-making processes through a solid foundation of rigour

    Differences:
  • Although the UBC qualification is primarily coursework-based, the content structures are aligned with the degree of the SA qualification, which is research-based.
  • The SA qualification is offered over two years, whereas the UBC qualification is offered over twenty months. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Administration in Public Administration, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Arts in Public Management and Governance, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Arts in Public Policy, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Development Policy and Practice, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Social Science in Policy and Development Studies, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Arts in International Relations, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Administration, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy: International Relations, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Public Affairs, NQF Level 10.

    Diagonal Articulation
    There is no diagonal articulation for this qualification. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. University of South Africa 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.