Public management is an ideal career choice for people who are interested in working towards the welfare and betterment of the public. Public managers are trained in public policy, governance, and financial management. They use their skills and knowledge to transform public sector enterprises into more efficient and productive entities.
Several public management programmes are available in South Africa to help train future leaders in this meaningful field.
In this article, we will examine the best public management schools in South Africa, the various public management programmes they offer, and the admission requirements.
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What to Look for in Public Management Schools?
Plenty of public universities and private schools in South Africa offer public management. Some offer it at the undergraduate level, while others can offer it as short courses or at the post-graduate level.
Higher education programmes are expensive, and they require students to dedicate several months to complete their qualifications. The best public management schools meet the following criteria.
Accreditation and Reputation: The institute must be registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and offer accredited programmes. This helps to ensure that the quality of education meets a set standard. Students should also consider students with experienced faculty who are industry experts.
Course Offerings and Curriculum: A good public management programme should focus on core subjects such as public policy, public finance management, and economics. They should include case studies and projects that allow students to gain practical skills.
Facilities and Resources: The institute should have experienced faculty, provide networking opportunities, and help students gain experience through internships. The best public management schools offer state-of-the-art classroom facilities, extensive libraries, and guest speakers.
What are the Top Public Management Schools in South Africa?
As economies grow, it becomes essential for governments to invest in and develop their public sector to match international standards. Top public universities in South Africa such as the University of Johannesburg, the University of Pretoria, and Wits University offer this field of study.
The Regenesys School of Public Management is a top private institute in South Africa. It offers public management as a higher certificate, bachelor’s, master’s, and postgraduate diploma. These programmes allow students to gain a deep understanding and knowledge of managing public sector entities and government departments in South Africa.
As with the best public management schools, the courses at Regenesys are accredited by the Centre of Higher Education (CHE) and the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
What are Some Specialized Public Management Programmes?
Public management is a vast field where individuals can gain expertise in niche fields. This can be done through practical experience gained by working in certain sectors or by enroling in specialised programmes at the best public management schools.
These specialised programmes help provide the theoretical knowledge needed to navigate real-world solutions. To become adept, students need to participate in projects and internships.
These are some specialised public management programmes that students can enrol in.
Public Health Management: This programme trains future public managers to promote and organise healthcare services and improve the country’s healthcare system. Individuals employed in this sector can be medical or non-medical professionals and many work at the grassroots level.
Urban and Regional Planning: As populations grow exponentially, the job or urban planners is more significant than ever. They help plan cities and create spaces that balance economic growth with environmental stability.
International Development and Public Management: This public management field helps tackle global issues such as poverty and human rights. They work with international organisations and local governments to bring equality and opportunity.
What are The Admission Requirements for Public Management Schools in South Africa?
The public management course requirements differ across universities and institutes in South Africa. Students who wish to study this programme at the undergraduate level must secure a Bachelor’s Pass during their matric exam.
Additionally, public management courses in South Africa are offered at various levels, including a diploma and higher certificate. This path is ideal for students who did not score a Bachelor Pass in their matric exam but would like to gain the skills required to work in the public sector.
These are the general public management course requirements to gain admission into the best public management schools.
- Diploma in Public Management
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- National Senior Certificate (NSC) [or]
- NQF Level 4 occupational qualification
- Higher Certificate in Public Management
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- National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a Higher Certificate Pass [or]
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- National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a Diploma Pass
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- Bachelor of Public Management
- National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a Bachelors Pass [or]
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- NQF Level 4 equivalent certification [or]
- Higher Certificate in Public Management
- Masters of Public Management
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- NQF Level 8 Honours degree [or]
- NQF Level 8 Postgraduate diploma [or]
- NQF Level professional bachelor’s degree
- Masters of Public Management
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field [or]
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- NQF Level 7 equivalent certification
In addition, institutes might have additional requirements, such as a specific Admission Points Score (APS), work experience, a motivation letter, or recommendation letters.
Read more on What is An APS Score And How Do You Calculate It
What is the Cost of Studying Public Management in South Africa?
The overall cost of studying public management at the best public management schools in South Africa depends on the level of qualification and the selected institute. At the undergraduate level, higher certificate programmes cost less due to the shorter duration and a more foundational level of knowledge acquired.
Higher tuition fees are charged for specialised public management programmes and postgraduate programmes. While higher education is expensive, students can offset the costs by applying for financial assistance.
These are available as government bursaries and loans and student loans for private banks and institutes. Regenesys offers student loans and funding for higher education to help ease the financial burden of pursuing higher education in one of the best public management schools in South Africa.
Read more on Best Student Loans in South Africa
Conclusion
Public management is essential to help run public sector enterprises and various government departments. In South Africa, public management courses are designed to help teach students local governance, policy analysis and management. This teaches future manager the best practices to manage and allocate public resources and services.
The best public management schools in South Africa offer accredited programmes that offer quality education and help hone skills that can help public manager succeed and create a positive impact on society.
Students interested in a career in public management should should check the various programme offerings available at the Regenesys’ School of Public Management.
FAQs on Best Public Management Schools in South Africa
What is public management?
It is the managing public sector organizations and government departments to ensure they operate efficiently and serve the public interest.
How much does it cost to study at top public management universities in South Africa?
The cost of studying public management varies depending on the level of study and the institution.
Are there specialised public management programmes?
Specialisation is offered by certain institutes in areas such as crisis management, public health management, and urban planning.
What are some of the best public management schools in South Africa?
Some of top schools in South Africa inlcude School of Public Management at Regenesys, University og Johannesrburg and University of Pretoria.
Are There Online or Distance Learning Options for Public Management Programmes?
Many South African public management schools such as Regenesys offer online and distance learning options.
What are the Admission Requirements for Public Management Schools in South Africa?
To gain admission at the undergraduate level students must have passed their matric exams with a bachelor pass. And to gain admission at the postgraduate level, students must have a bachelor degree. Additional requirements might include work experience, motivation letter, work experience, etc.
