The purpose of the Advanced Diploma in Public Administration qualification is to provide the student with a solid knowledge of the public sector environment and to enable them to develop the skills, competencies and attitudes required to practice effective public management in all spheres of government public service.
The Advanced Diploma in Public Administration qualification will equip new entrants to the public sector to operate effectively; and experienced employees improve their competencies. Specifically, it is expected that the qualification will provide students with a range of highly relevant knowledge, skills and capabilities. These include knowledge of principles and theories of public administration; the structures, institutions and functions of government in South Africa; the frameworks governing administration in all three spheres of government; the administrative processes and practices within government; how government finances are raised and managed; and the implementation of government policies and planning processes.
Curriculum
Semester One
Historic Development of Public Management
The Constitution of South Africa
Public Administration in the National and Provincial Spheres
Local Government Public Administration
Semester Two
Principles of Administrative Law
Managing Public Finance
Public Policy
Government Planning and Strategy
Careers
On completion of the programme, graduates can aspire to the following positions:
At local level: Manager of Strategy; Municipal Manager; Director of Community services; Director of Corporate Services
Admission Requirements
Completion of the programme meets the minimum entry requirement for admission to a cognate NQF Level 8 Postgraduate Diploma or Bachelors Honours Degree.
Minimum admission requirements include a Diploma of 360 credits; or
A Bachelor’s Degree; or
A Diploma of 240 credits, which satisfies the admission requirement if a combination of work-integrated learning and course work have been satisfactorily completed and
Proven proficiency in English communication
All applicants with an international qualification will be considered in accordance with MANCOSA‘s institutional rules.
For further information on this alternative route, please contact a student advisor. All applicants with an international qualification will be considered in accordance with MANCOSA’s institutional rules.
FAQs
The programme equips students with advanced knowledge, analytical skills, and practical competencies in public administration. It aims to develop ethical, accountable, and strategic leaders who can manage resources effectively, drive policy implementation, and improve service delivery in the public sector.
Applicants should hold:
A relevant Diploma (NQF Level 6) or an equivalent qualification in public
administration or related fields.
Candidates with extensive public-sector experience but without formal qualifications
may be considered through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process.
The Advanced Diploma is offered over one year full-time. Its asynchronous delivery model makes it possible for students to learn at their own pace while balancing work and personal commitments.
The curriculum covers key areas of modern governance, including:
Historic Development of Public Management
The Constitution of South Africa
Public Administration in the National and Provincial Spheres
Local Government Public Administration
Principles of Administrative Law
Managing Public Finance
Public Policy
Government Planning and Strategy
Graduates can take up leadership and management positions in:
National, provincial, and local government
State-owned enterprises and public entities
NGOs, non-profits, and development agencies
Policy advisory and consultancy services
The qualification also provides progression to an Honours Degree Programme (NQFL8) or Postgraduate Diploma in disciplines related to Public Administration/Management.
MANCOSA delivers this programme asynchronously through a distance-learning model that
is further supported by support webinars.
This means:
No fixed class times to go through the content – students access content when it
suits them.
Pre-recorded lectures, study guides, and digital resources available 24/7.
Discussion sessions through support webinars for academic guidance. These assist
in addressing the difficulties/challenges encountered when engaging with the
content.
Assessments include KCQs, case studies, and examinations, submitted via the
online platform.
This model allows working professionals and busy students to progress through the material
at their own pace, without needing to attend live lectures.
Graduates will acquire:
Advanced analytical skills to solve governance challenges
Strategic thinking and decision-making abilities
Ethical and accountable approaches to public administration
Policy analysis, planning, and evaluation competencies
Applied skills in public finance, public policy, government planning and strategy, and
administrative law.
Absolutely. Because the programme is delivered asynchronously, you are not bound by lecture schedules. You can access the material anytime, complete tasks at your convenience, and still receive academic support when needed. This makes it ideal for working professionals, public servants, and part-time students.
A Diploma (NQF 6) focuses on foundational and operational-level skills.
An Advanced Diploma (NQF 7) deepens expertise, emphasising management, leadership, strategic thinking, and research-based problem-solving, preparing
students for senior roles in government and public service.
