[Registered Qual & Unit Std Home page] [Search Qualifications] [Search Unit Standards]
SAQA 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.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Public Sector Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
125417  Postgraduate Diploma in Public Sector Management 
ORIGINATOR
Regent Business School (Pty) Ltd t/a Regent Business School 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Postgraduate Diploma  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Generic Management 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0638/26  2026-03-10  2029-03-10 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2030-03-10   2033-03-10  

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 
The Postgraduate Diploma in Public Sector Management qualification is designed to equip mid- to senior-level public sector managers with the skills and knowledge they need to effectively manage public sector organisations.

The qualification is intended to:
  • Provide learners with an understanding of the public sector environment, including its political, social, and economic dimensions.
  • Develop learners' skills in strategic planning, leadership, and decision-making.
  • Enhance learners' understanding of public policy and its implementation.
  • Equip learners with the skills to manage human resources, finances, and information technology in the public sector.
  • Promote ethical and professional standards in public management.

    The qualification will benefit the country and its citizens by helping to ensure that the public sector is managed effectively and efficiently. This will lead to improved public services, greater economic growth, and a more just and equitable society.
    The specific modules in the qualification are designed to provide learners with the knowledge and skills they need to effectively manage public sector organisations.

    The modules include:
  • Public sector strategic and operational management will enable learners to develop and implement strategic plans for public sector organisations.
  • Public sector governance and ethics will enlighten learners on the principles of good governance and ethics in the public sector.
  • Public sector policy management will guide learners on how to develop and implement public policies.
  • Public sector financial and asset management will teach learners how the finances and assets of public sector organisations are managed.
  • Public sector human resource management will prepare learners on how to manage the human resources of public sector organisations.
  • Public sector research methods will enable learners to conduct research in the public sector.

    Rationale:
    The qualification is designed to equip middle to senior-level public sector managers with the skills and knowledge required to effectively manage public sector organisations.

    The envisaged learner intake for the qualification will be persons already employed in the public sector, wishing to improve their knowledge and skills. These learners are typically motivated to enhance their career prospects and to make a greater contribution to the public sector.

    The stakeholders for the qualification include the South African public sector, and the citizens of South Africa who are served by the public sector. The public sector needs qualified and experienced managers who can effectively manage public resources and deliver high-quality services to citizens. Citizens need to be confident that the public sector is managed effectively and that their tax money is being used wisely.

    The qualification will help to meet the needs of both the public sector and citizens by providing mid to senior level managers with the skills and knowledge they need to effectively manage public sector organisations.

    The following are some of the specific benefits that the qualification will offer to stakeholders:
  • The public sector will benefit from having a more skilled and experienced workforce.
  • Citizens will benefit from receiving higher-quality public services.
  • The country will benefit from a more efficient and effective public sector. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The institution recognises the importance of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in ensuring that applicants who possess skills and knowledge acquired through life or work experience and non-formal education are catered for. RPL enables such applicants to gain access to or credits for higher education qualifications, based on the comparison of their prior learning and experience against the learning outcomes of the qualification or qualification they wish to enrol for.

    The institution has established an RPL policy and procedure that complies with the national RPL guidelines and standards. The RPL procedure involves the following steps:
  • Applicants who wish to apply for RPL must submit a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) that demonstrates their prior learning and experience relevant to the qualification or qualification they are applying for. The PoE may include documents such as certificates, transcripts, job descriptions, references, work samples, testimonials, etc.
  • The PoE will be assessed by a panel that will evaluate the applicant's prior learning and experience against the learning outcomes of the qualification or qualification. The panel may also conduct interviews, tests or other forms of assessment to verify the applicant's competence.
  • The panel will make a recommendation on whether to grant access to or credits for the qualification or qualification, based on the evidence provided by the applicant. The panel will also provide feedback to the applicant on their strengths and areas for improvement.
  • The applicant will be informed of the outcome of the RPL assessment and the reasons for the decision. The applicant may appeal the decision if they are not satisfied with it.

    The institution applies the following criteria and principles for RPL:
  • RPL is based on evidence of prior learning and experience, not on time spent or quantity of activities undertaken.
  • RPL is conducted in a fair, valid, reliable and transparent manner, respecting the diversity and integrity of applicants.
  • RPL is aligned with the national norms and standards for higher education qualifications and qualifications registered on the NQF.
  • RPL does not exceed 10% of the learner population of any qualification or qualification offered by RBS.

    Through RPL, the institution seeks to acknowledge and value the prior learning and experience of applicants who wish to pursue their academic goals.

    Entry Requirements:
  • Bachelor of Public Administration, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Political Science, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Advanced Diploma in Public Administration, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Levels 8, totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 8, 120 Credits:
  • Public sector strategic and operational management, Level 8, 20 Credits.
  • Public sector governance and ethics, Level 8, 20 Credits.
  • Public sector policy management, Level 8, 20 Credits.
  • Public sector financial and asset management, Level 8, 20 Credits.
  • Public sector human resource management, Level 8, 20 Credits.
  • Public sector research methods, Level 8, 20 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply strategic and operational management principles and techniques to plan, implement and monitor public sector qualifications and projects in alignment with national and provincial priorities and policies.
    2. Analyse and critique the concepts, theories and practices of governance and ethics in the public sector and demonstrate ethical leadership and accountability in decision making and service delivery.
    3. Engage in the public policy process from problem identification to policy evaluation, using appropriate tools and methods of policy analysis, design, implementation and communication.
    4. Apply financial and asset management principles and practices to ensure effective, efficient and economical use of public resources in compliance with legislative and regulatory frameworks.
    5. Manage human resources in the public sector in accordance with relevant policies and procedures, and foster a culture of performance, development and wellness among public servants.
    6. Conduct basic research in the public sector using appropriate research design, methods, data collection, analysis and report writing skills. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Apply strategic and operational management principles and techniques to plan, implement and monitor public sector qualifications and projects in alignment with national and provincial priorities and policies.
  • Understand the South African legislative framework for the public sector and the national and provincial development plans in South Africa.
  • Analyse the internal and external environment of the public sector and formulate strategic and operational objectives and plans.
  • Apply operational and project management tools and techniques to initiate, plan, execute, control and close public sector qualifications and projects.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Analyse and critique the concepts, theories and practices of governance and ethics in the public sector and demonstrate ethical leadership and accountability in decision making and service delivery.
  • Understand the political leadership and the political administrative interface in the public sector and their implications for public administration.
  • Understand corporate governance and the key requirements of the relevant corporate governance frameworks applicable in the public sector and their implications for public administration.
  • Demonstrate ethical leadership and accountability in decision making and service delivery by applying relevant ethical theories, models, principles and codes of conduct.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Engage in the public policy process from problem identification to policy evaluation, using appropriate tools and methods of policy analysis, design, implementation and communication.
  • Identify, analyse and define public policy problems using evidence-based methods and stakeholder analysis techniques.
  • Design, compare and select public policy alternatives using criteria such as feasibility, acceptability, effectiveness, efficiency, equity and sustainability.
  • Use performance indicators and evaluation methods to monitor and measure the effectiveness, efficiency and impact of public sector qualifications and projects.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Apply financial and asset management principles and practices to ensure effective, efficient and economical use of public resources in compliance with legislative and regulatory frameworks.
  • Analyse and interpret financial statements and reports for public sector entities using accounting standards and principles.
  • Plan, monitor and control public sector budgets and expenditure using budgeting techniques and financial management systems.
  • Manage public sector assets and liabilities using asset management policies and procedures and risk management strategies.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Manage human resources in the public sector in accordance with relevant policies and procedures, and foster a culture of performance, development and wellness among public servants.
  • Apply human resource planning, recruitment, selection, induction and retention strategies to ensure adequate and competent human resources in the public sector.
  • Implement performance management, reward management, employee relations and labour relations practices to enhance employee motivation, productivity and satisfaction in the public sector.
  • Facilitate learning and development, employee wellness and occupational health and safety qualifications to promote employee growth and well-being in the public sector.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Conduct basic research in the public sector using appropriate research design, methods, data collection, analysis and report writing skills.
  • Identify a situation needing research, define a problem statement, and formulate clear and relevant research questions for a public sector research project.
  • Select and justify suitable research designs and methodologies for various public sector research projects.
  • Write a coherent and logical research proposal for a public sector research project using academic writing conventions and referencing styles.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Formative Assessment:
    There are three formative assessments:
  • Quiz.
  • Assignment.
  • Proctored test.

    Integrated Summative Assessment
    The assessment of the modules in the Postgraduate Diploma in Public Sector Management (PGDIPPSM) consists of formative continuous assessments and a summative examination.

    The final mark is computed as a weighted average of 40% of the formative assessments and 60% of the summative examination. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification was compared to the following international qualifications:

    The Postgraduate Diploma in Public Sector Management (or its cognates, such as Public Management, Public Policy and Public Administration) is a popular international qualification, especially in the Commonwealth countries. Regent Business School's proposed new qualification compares well with or relates to professional standards or comparable accredited qualifications offered in other parts of the world. The following is not an exhaustive list of comparable qualifications but serves to indicate the international comparability of this postgraduate diploma:

    Country: New Zealand.
    Institution name: Victoria University of Wellington (VUW).
    Qualification title: Postgraduate Diploma in Public Policy.

    Purpose:
    The Postgraduate Diploma in Public Policy aims to provide learners with a comprehensive and applied understanding of public policy and public management theory and practice. The qualification covers core areas such as public sector governance and accountability, public sector economics and finance, public sector strategy and leadership, public sector policy analysis and evaluation. The qualification also enables learners to choose from a range of elective courses that relate to specific topics or sectors of public policy or public management, such as social policy, environmental policy, health policy, international relations etc. The qualification prepares learners for careers in public policy or public management by developing their analytical, critical thinking and communication skills.

    Similarities:
  • The South African (SA) qualification equips mid-senior public sector managers with skills to manage organisations effectively, focusing on governance, ethics, HR, finance, and service delivery.
  • Similarly, the VUW qualification aims to develop capabilities in policy advising and analysis, preparing graduates to influence and drive government decision-making.
  • Both qualifications modules cover management, governance, policy, finance and research, policy analysis tools, applied policy projects, and electives in governance, economics, or politics.
  • Both qualifications are offered over one year.

    Difference:
  • The two qualification's emphases differ with the SA's qualification being about managing organisations and resources, while the VUW qualification is about policy analysis and advising.

    Country: United Kingdom.
    Institution name: University of London's Centre for Financial and Management Studies (ULCFMS).
    Qualification title: Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management.

    Purpose:
    Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management aims to provide learners with an advanced knowledge of public management concepts and issues.
    The qualification covers core areas such as public sector management and reform, public sector financial management and accountability, public sector human resource management and development, public sector project management and evaluation.
    The qualification also enables learners to choose from a range of elective courses that relate to specific aspects or contexts of public management, such as governance and democracy, development management, conflict management etc.
    The qualification prepares learners for careers in public management or related fields by developing their managerial, strategic and operational skills.

    Similarities:
  • The South African qualification (SA) and the ULCFMS qualification are both offered over a one-year period.
  • The SA qualification strengthens South Africa's public sector capacity, improves service delivery, enhances accountability and governance.
  • Similarly, the ULCFMS qualification aims to build expertise for global public sector and NGO professionals, with international recognition in public management and policy.
  • Both qualifications provide a pathway into Master's-level study, ensuring academic progression and professional development.

    Differences:
  • The SA qualification is management-oriented, focusing on the operational and governance aspects of running public sector organisations, whereas the ULCFMS qualification is policy and governance-oriented, with strong emphasis on public financial management and international applicability.

    Conclusion:
    Based on this comparison, Regent Business School's proposed Postgraduate Diploma in Public Sector Management is directly comparable to multiple international qualifications. The proposed RBS qualification offers a comprehensive and balanced curriculum that covers all the key areas of public sector management. This allows learners to gain a broad perspective on the public sector context and challenges in South Africa and beyond and appeals to learners who want to develop their general competencies and capacities as public sector managers. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification provides opportunities for horizontal and vertical articulation options.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Public Administration, Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Corporate Governance NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Public Management and Governance, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Public Management in Development Management, NQF Level 9.

    Diagonal Articulation:
  • Advanced Occupational Certificate: Human Resource Management Officer, NQF Level 6. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    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. Regent Business School (Pty) Ltd t/a Regent Business School 


    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.