Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration

Our PGDPA is for managers who wish to enhance their capabilities within the senior echelons of the public sector, and for those who work full-time and cannot afford extended periods away from work.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration prepares senior managers to handle complex public sector problems. The curriculum covers core management functions, including leadership, governance, strategy, finance, policy analysis, developmental economics, and people management. High-level problem-solving, systems thinking, and innovation are integral to each module.

In the Integrated Public Service Project, students apply their acquired knowledge and skills to address a real-world problem, critically reviewing information-gathering, data synthesis, evaluation, and management processes to develop a creative solution.

Programme Structure

Core Modules

Integrated Public Service Project
Strategic Public Management and Governance
Public Sector Leadership
Strategic Public Sector People Management
Public Financial Accountability
Programme Monitoring and Evaluation

Elective Modules

This module introduces the macroeconomic challenges of developing countries, such as inequality, growth, poverty, and international trade. It focuses on developing analytical skills for economic policy analysis, development, implementation, and monitoring. Students explore development management challenges and their impact on long-term socio-economic prospects, with a focus on emerging economies like South Africa. The roles of local communities, global actors, and the private and non-governmental sectors in national development are also addressed.

This module provides a comprehensive overview of policy management, examining conceptual and theoretical frameworks, models of public policymaking, and a framework for policy analysis. It explores policy contexts in South Africa, Africa, and globally.

The minimum admission requirement for the PGDip (Public Administration) is an appropriate Bachelor’s Degree or an Advanced Certificate of 120 credits that exits on NQF Level 7.

Available learning modes

Distance Learning Online

Milpark’s instructor-led online programmes combine flexibility with structured support. All content, activities, and assessments are accessible via our virtual learning environment. Students benefit from clear milestones, regular lecturer interaction, and the option to attend live or recorded classes - building a supportive and connected online community.

Minimum Admission Requirements

Foreign applicants whose first language is not English are required to provide proof of proficiency in English prior to admission to the qualification.

In addition to the qualification pre-requisite, candidates should:

Be proficient in English;
Be computer and internet-literate.
In certain cases, admission to the PGDPA may be granted through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Before applying for RPL, please review the minimum requirements here.

Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration

Next start dates: 9 February 2027

Duration:
1 Year

NQF:
Level 8

Credits:
120

SAQA ID:
110463

Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration

Programme Downloads

Business School

Frequently Asked Questions

Business School programmes: Admission via the RPL Route (Entry Route 2)

In exceptionally limited cases, admission to the qualification may also take place via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). This is because RPL admissions are limited to 10% of the total intake and are, therefore, often oversubscribed. To apply via the RPL route, kindly contact the respective Programme Manager before applying online for admission on RPL grounds:

MBA and PGDBA applicants can do this through the Milpark Helpdesk at helpdesk.milpark.ac.za.

In addition to fulfilling the standard (Entry Route 1) selection criteria, RPL applicants must meet the following criteria:

Be at least 30 years of age.
Have at least 10 years of significant senior management work experience.

Note: only once all Entry Route 1 places have been finalised will a limited number of RPL candidates be admitted onto the qualification.

International Students
International applicants whose first language is not English are required to provide proof of proficiency in English before admission to the qualification.

Further to the requirements for admission provided above, foreign nationals or South African nationals seeking to apply for admission onto the qualification based on a non-South African/foreign NQF Level 8 equivalent qualification or degree must obtain – and submit to Milpark – a Certificate of Equivalence from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) (www.saqa.org.za).

Is Milpark Business School internationally accredited?

Yes. Our MBA programme is internationally accredited by the Association of MBAs (AMBA). This accreditation is a mark of excellence and quality, ensuring global recognition. Graduates gain the credibility and skills to pursue careers internationally.

What does AMBA accreditation mean for Milpark’s MBA students?

It means that our MBA programme meets rigorous international standards in teaching, curriculum and student outcomes. Graduating from an AMBA-accredited institution provides global recognition and enhanced career opportunities.

What is the cost of the international elective in the MBA programme?

The cost of the international elective varies depending on the destination.

Is an entrance assessment required for the MBA programme?

Yes. All applicants for the MBA programme must achieve an acceptable rating in the Milpark Education admission test administered by Top Talent Solutions (TTS).

What if I’ve already taken an entrance assessment?

If you’ve previously written the TTS test and the results are still valid, you won’t need to take it again.

Are there any alternatives to the TTS entrance assessment?

Yes. If you’ve taken the GMAT, NMAT, APIL or SHL tests and have valid results, you may submit those for evaluation instead.

Is there an age requirement for the MBA programme?

Yes, applicants must be at least 25 years old to be eligible for the MBA programme because it is designed for professionals with a postgraduate degree and substantial work experience.

How much time should I expect to spend on each PGDBA module?

The time commitment for each module is calculated based on notional hours. One credit typically equals 10 notional hours of work. For example, a 25-credit module would require approximately 250 hours of total study time, including all related activities.

How many module exemptions can I get if I move from the Milpark PGDBA to the MBA?

You can receive exemptions for five modules. This enables you to potentially complete the MBA programme in a shorter period.

Does Milpark Business School offer Distance Learning (DL) options?

No. All the courses in the Business School are offered via Distance Learning Online (DLO). As a result, students can exchange ideas and collaborate with peers in a globally connected classroom environment to establish professional networks, which can lead to collaborations or international employment opportunities.

DLO is a fully digital learning experience. Students in this mode access all their study materials, including textbooks, through Milpark’s online learning platform. DLO provides a highly interactive and engaging environment, with regular live online classes, discussion forums and collaborative projects.

Is Milpark Education accredited?

Yes. Milpark is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). Our qualifications are accredited by the Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC) of the Council on Higher Education (CHE). Our qualifications are also recognised on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). 

Does NSFAS fund Milpark Education?

NSFAS only covers public institutions and TVET Colleges. As a private higher education institution, Milpark Education does not offer NSFAS funding. However, we provide select bursaries and work closely with Capitec to offer financial aid to prospective students. Learn more about our Capitec partnership here.

Does Milpark offer bursaries?

Yes, Milpark Education offers bursaries based on academic performance and financial need. Applications typically open in September and close in November for the following year. Please note, bursaries are not available for the Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting (PGDA/CTA) and Advanced Accounting (Bridging Short Course to PGDA/CTA).

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