Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Public Policy and African Studies

Our Postgraduate Diploma in Public Policy and African Studies assists future leaders to develop and formulate public policy in the African context and to find solutions to public policy problems on the African continent.

  • NQF Level 8
  • Course Code: E34PPQ
  • Application End Date: 31 October 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to assist future leaders to develop and formulate public policy in the African context and to find solutions to public policy problems on the African continent. The programme will allow students to develop a public policy toolkit of analytical approaches that will enable them to explore the intricacies of social problems in Africa; understand how public decisions are made; devise thoughtful responses to policy problems and manage the challenges that arise when solutions are implemented. The programme will equip both aspiring and current public service professionals as well as civil society leaders with the tools to formulate and analyse policy, lead and manage organisations and teams.

  • Division: Centre for Public Policy and African Studies

  • NQF Credits: 120

  • SAQA: 101687
  • Delivery: Part-time

  • Duration: 2 Years

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What to expect

The student’s entry point into the PGDip (Public Policy and African Studies) depends upon either the successful completion of the Center of Public Policy and African Studies’s Continuing Education Programme in Public Policy and African Studies (60% overall requirement) or 60% in an undergraduate degree in Political Science, International Relations or in a related field on NQF Level 7.

Year 1: Modules

  • Research Practice for Leaders A (Core)
  • Strategic Diplomacy A (Elective)

  • Industrial Policy A (Elective)
  • Transitional Justice A (Elective)

Year 2: Modules

  • Research Practice for Leaders B (Core)
  • Strategic Diplomacy B (Elective)
  • Industrial Policy B (Elective)
  • Transitional Justice B (Elective)

Research Practice for Leaders A & B (RPL8X01)

  • NQF Level: 8
  • NQF Credits: 25

Calculation Criteria

  • Minimum Full Period Mark for Examination Admission – 40%
  • Full Period Mark weight – 40%
  • Examination Mark weight – 60%

Purpose

  • The purpose of this module is to build knowledge and understanding of key research methodology issues in social science.
  • The particular focus and examples are drawn from the study of diplomacy, economic development and conflict management.
  • The student will develop the capabilities to commission research and know how to ‘consume’ evidence and research claims.

Outcomes
Students should be able to:

  • appraise the fundamentals of research methodology and its relevance to public policy,
  • assess the ethical ramifications of research, and
  • formulate evidence based research to enhance policy and reconstruct a menu of policy options and their prospects for creating
    conditions for sustainable development on the African continent.

Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Public Policy and African Studies

Empower yourself to drive change in Africa’s public policy landscape with our comprehensive programme to equip future leaders with the analytical tools and practical skills needed to tackle the continent’s most pressing challenges.

For more information on our online course

  • Refilwe Tsele

  • 011 559 7600

  • refilwe.tsele@jbs.ac.za

  • Boitshwarelo Msimango

  • 011 559 7600

  • boitshwarelom@uj.ac.za