The Department of Public Administration and Management empowers future public sector leaders through innovative, inclusive and practice-oriented learning. We are dedicated to shaping ethical, skilled and adaptive professionals who contribute to good governance, sustainable development, and improved quality of life across South Africa and the African continent.

What Makes Us Unique

• Our programmes integrate African governance systems, heritage and epistemologies to produce contextually relevant graduates.
• Course materials include definitions and resources in several African languages, fostering accessibility and engagement for students across diverse linguistic backgrounds.
• Our continuously reviewed and modernised curriculum ensures alignment with 21st-century governance challenges and public sector reform priorities.

 Our Programmes

The Department of Public Administration and Management offers a progressive range of qualifications designed to prepare students for leadership and policy roles in the public sector.

• At undergraduate level, our Diplomas in Local Government Finance and Public Administration and Management build foundational skills in governance, service delivery and financial accountability. The Bachelor of Administration and BAdmin in Human Settlements Management provide multidisciplinary grounding in management and urban development, preparing graduates to address complex administrative and housing challenges.
• At postgraduate level, the Postgraduate Diploma and Honours in Public Administration advance analytical, managerial and research competencies, empowering students to interpret and influence policy reform.
• At Master’s level, both the Master of Public Administration (Coursework) and Master of Administration deepen leadership and research capabilities, enabling students to contribute to institutional innovation.
• The Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration represents the pinnacle of academic inquiry, developing scholars who generate original research and thought leadership that strengthens governance systems in Africa and beyond.

Learning That Goes Beyond the Classroom

Learning extends beyond theory through active participation in Community Engagement Project CH5200: West- and Far West Rand Municipalities, a flagship initiative recognised for engaged scholarship. Lecturers and postgraduate students collaborate on real-world governance challenges through fieldwork, research and partnerships with local forums such as the Wonderfontein Spruit Catchment Forum. These insights enrich teaching and learning at all levels, while the Public Management Practice (PUB3721) module ensures undergraduates gain vital work-integrated learning (WIL) experience, preparing graduates to lead ethically and effectively in the public sector.

Impact and Relevance

The Department’s research and teaching directly support national and continental development agendas, including public sector transformation, ethical governance, and sustainable service delivery. Through its emphasis on African-centred scholarship and innovation, the Department contributes to building capable states and advancing social and economic development in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and South Africa’s National Development Plan

Who We Work With / Collaboration & Networks (Optional)

We collaborate with public institutions, community organisations and academic networks across Africa and beyond. Partnerships with government departments, NGOs, and international bodies enable our students to access relevant case studies, research and conference opportunities, and insights into governance systems across the BRICS countries and the African continent.

Why Study With Us? (Optional CTA Box or Sidebar)

Why Choose the Department of Public Administration and Management at UNISA?

• Programmes aligned with real-world governance and policy needs
• Multilingual learning materials that promote inclusivity and accessibility
• Expert academic staff committed to student-centred support and feedback
• Career-ready graduates equipped for local, provincial, national and international roles
• Strong focus on ethical leadership, innovation and community impact

Call to Action / Learn More

Join Africa’s next generation of public service leaders.
Explore our programmes to discover how you can make a difference in governance, policy and development.
Learn more about our qualifications and research focus areas at Department of Public Administration and Management