Learn more about this qualification
The Higher Certificate in Local Governance is intended for both individuals who are already employed in public sector institutions or who aspire to work within the public sector. The programme effectively merges theory and practice and equips students with academic knowledge and skills at a Local Government level. Therefore, this programme is relevant to individuals in a variety of roles such as:
- Local Government officials
- Students who already work in Government departments
- Students with an interest in Local Government matters
- Politicians who are within the Local Governance space e.g. councillors
Upon successful completion of this programme you should be able to:
- Utilise the required academic knowledge and skills to function optimally at the entry level of higher education learning.
- Explain the principles of local governance with specific reference to the developmental mandate, statutory obligations, structures, and systems of municipalities.
- Provide knowledge and insight of objectives, approaches, types of stakeholders, and mechanisms to continuously improve service delivery within a local government context.
- Develop an integrated knowledge of community participation mechanisms and priorities in urban planning.
- Enable students to interpret the principles of strategic budgeting and financial corporate governance within a local government context.
- Critically evaluate the potential consequences and impact of various key trends in urban governance.
- Apply theories and techniques to participate in local government policy making and analysis.Develop an integrated knowledge of local government leadership issues and good governance within the context of African and Ubuntu-leadership
During this programme you will complete various types of assessments, there are no examinations. You will complete three compulsory assessments in the programme that contribute towards your final course mark. Formative assessments contribute 30% towards the final mark and the Summative assessment 70%. The course pass mark is 50%.
Assessment dates will be available in iCan, via the programme calendar. These dates will also be published by your lecturer during orientation week.
A module lecturer is assigned to each module in this programme. As the mode of delivery is distance education, all instruction will take place via iCan, our online learning platform. Your module lecturer will provide a teaching and learning plan for the duration of the module as well as lesson plans for each week.
Students are required to adhere to these schedules. Lecturers will also host regular online classes. The content covered in each class will be in line with the module schedule and weekly lesson plan. Sticking to the schedules provided will ensure you don’t miss out on any opportunities to learn and ask questions.
In between classes you can engage with your lecturer directly on iCan or you can discuss the learning content with other students in the discussion forums, which are set up per module for your convenience.
The following learning activities form part of your overall learning path:
- Orientation week (included in the course duration)
- Self-directed reading and activity completion
- Multimedia activities such as video clips and podcasts
- Completion of quizzes and continuous assessment opportunities on iCan
- Online announcements of activities and assignment submission
- Participation in discussion forums
- Self-reflection
- Case studies
- Online/Live lectures using Microsoft Teams/Zoom
- Assessment activities and compulsory submission of formative and summative assessments per module
Since 2006 we have been providing accredited distance learning in the field of business studies. Join our community and discover your potential with iQ Academy.
Fully accredited private higher education. Click here to view our various accreditations.
Fully accredited private higher education. Click here to view our various accreditations.
Programme admissions
Academic requirements:
- National Senior Certificate (NSC), or Senior Certificate (NC), or National Certificate Vocational (NCV level 4)
- At least 30% in the language of teaching and learning
- Matric exemption certificate optional
- Candidates of a mature age may also be considered for entry, based on their experience in a managerial/supervisory capacity.
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): Candidates may apply for admission through the process of RPL.
Institutional requirements:
- At least 18 years of age
- Ability to read and write in English, which is the language of instruction
- Students should also possess a basic level of digital literacy skills
- If candidates do not meet the minimum requirement, they may still enrol based on relevant work experience or mature age exemption
South African citizens:
- Certified copy of Grade 12 certificate [NSC, NC, NCV (NQF Level 4)]
- Certified copy of Identity Document/Card
- Students without Grade 12 are required to prove 12 months of relevant appointment
Non-South African citizens:
- Copy of highest school qualification
- Copy of passport
- Copy of study permit and copy of SAQA evaluation
At iQ Academy all of our programmes are offered via distance education. Depending on the course you choose you’ll either be studying fully online or with textbooks and online support.
- Online-only courses: All course material is available online and can be downloaded, there are no textbooks.
- Internet-supported courses with textbooks: You will receive textbooks via courier and the course is supported by compulsory online learning activities. Your course material will also be available online.
Teaching and learning will take place online whichever study method you choose. That means that you will need to partake in online learning activities and classes. For more information on each study method, enquire now.
- A PC, Tablet or Smartphone
- Access to a reliable internet connection
- Web browser (Chrome or Firefox)
- An active email account
Recommended data:
- At least 1GB of data per month for online-only programmes
- +/- 500MB of data for internet-supported programmes
Programme semester dates
Our Higher Certificates have 2 intake periods per academic year, Semester 1 and Semester 2. To secure your spot, in either semester, all you need to do is successfully complete the application process and register by the deadline. View the available dates below or enquire now for more info.
Need additional info? View more about our payment options. *Terms and deposit subject to affordability.
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All programmes are lecture-led, which means hands-on support at every step.
Our intuitive student portal, iCan, makes learning accessible and easy. Now you can learn anywhere from your PC, tablet or smartphone.
Enjoy orientation week before you start your course. Join a vibrant, supportive student community.
