Interested in this course?
Watch the video
About this course
This course introduces students to the study and practice of public administration. The curriculum aims to develop the required competencies for a successful career in the public sector by developing a holistic understanding of key concepts and legislations while looking at the transformation and enhancement of public service delivery.
Students will gain a theoretical understanding of key public administration concepts and the role of effective public administration in government.
7 Units
- 6 months at 8 hours/week
- Certificate included
Lecture-supported
Introduction to Public Administration
TYPE:
Short Course
MODE:
Fully Online
DURATION:
6 months
PACE:
8 h/week
Flexible payment options available
What you will learn about
This course contains 7 units and can be completed in 6 months at the recommended pace of 8 hours per week:
- Unit 1: Basic Concepts of Public Administration
- Unit 2: The Government of South Africa
- Unit 3: Public vs Private Administration
- Unit 4: Principles of Public Administration
- Unit 5: Role of Government Officials
- Unit 6: Public Administration and Technology
- Unit 7: Transforming Public Service Delivery
With our structured approach to learning, you can quickly gain valuable knowledge and skills. All courses include onboarding information, video lessons, multiple assessment opportunities, and monthly live Q&A sessions with a subject matter expert.
Upon successful completion of this course you should be able to:
- Define public administration as a discipline and public administration as a field of practice;
- Relate public administration to other disciplines;
- Explain the structure and functions of the Government of South Africa;
- Differentiate between public and private sectors;
- Outline the principles of public administration;
- Point out the nature and scope of public administration;
- Discuss the roles of government officials (the elected and non-elected);
- Explain how technology plays a role in public administration, especially in the era of the fourth industrial revolution and the Covid-19 pandemic; and;
- Outline the values that govern the practice of public administration to build an ethical public service.
You can expect to gain theoretical understanding and practical skills in the following areas:
- Three spheres of government
- Legislation governing public administration
- New Public Management
- Administration principles
Is this course right for me?
Entry-level officials in national, provincial, and local spheres of government, Non-Profit organisations (NPOs), Community Based Organisations (CBOs), community leaders, members of communities, and any other individuals interested in understanding how government functions. As well as individuals from other disciplines who require basic knowledge of the functions of administration to perform effectively in a public administration environment.
The public administration course at iQ Academy encompasses all of the important aspects of public administration including legislation – but also presents an overview of government structure and how implementing the Batho Pele principles can lead to better service delivery. Focus is also placed on technology, which has become central to how the government functions.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be equipped to pursue a range of exciting careers such as:
- National and Provincial Government Administrators and Managers
- Public Health Professionals
- South African Police Services
- Correctional Service Officials
- Municipal Administrators and Managers
- Community Based Organisations
- Community Leaders
When can you start this course?
Our Short Courses are administered in various intakes throughout the year. Enrol for a date that suits you or enquire now if you’d like more information.
Short Course Admissions
- Minimum of Grade 10 (Standard 8)
- Grade 12 or NQF 4 equivalent preferred
- At least 18 years of age
- Alternate admission is possible on the basis of Mature Age exemption (23 years and older)
- Ability to read and write in English, which is the language of instruction
- Students should also possess a basic level of digital literacy skills
Our Short Course programmes are offered all year round, making enrolling easy and convenient anytime. Complete our online application form, and await a call from one of our friendly Enrolment Consultants.
At iQ Academy, we offer all our programmes exclusively through online learning. Students must have regular access to a device and a stable internet connection, whether via a mobile device or any other means.
Don’t worry about course materials, as they are all available online and can be downloaded to your smartphone, PC or tablet for offline use. We do not provide printed textbooks. If you prefer printed materials, you can easily download and print them yourself.
Our teaching and learning activities occur 100% online so you can participate in online Q&A sessions and learning activities. If you require more information, please feel free to enquire now.
- A PC, Tablet or Smartphone
- Access to a reliable internet connection
- An active email account
- At least 1GB of data per month
Simple pricing, big value
*Terms and deposit are subject to affordability. View our payment options for more information.
Free life-skills courses
Get exclusive online access to our range of DO life micro-courses.
Save on future courses
Save 20% on any future courses you enrol for with iQ Academy.
Expert support
Dedicated course lecturer and specialised academic support.
Structured learning
Weekly lesson plans, regular live classes and special webinars.
Boost your career with a short course certificate
Easily downloadable
Industry aligned
Hear from our students
Apply online today
Enquire now and an Enrolment Consultant will call you back to answer any questions you have and start your application.
35,000 +
Registered and accredited
Private Higher Education
Short Course FAQ’s
Our curricula are developed by industry experts and are internally quality-assured and approved by our Academic Board. Our short courses are institutional programmes and are non-credit bearing. For more information on our institutional registration and accreditation status view our accreditations.
Short courses are typically non-credit-bearing programmes, affording students the opportunity to build their professional credentials without the higher cost and time associated with studying for a university degree or qualification.
There are no written examinations for short courses. As part of your learning, you are encouraged to complete short quizzes throughout each unit, which help you build and test your knowledge. You must complete and submit one formative assessment at the end of each unit. To meet the requirements for a course, you will have to pass the final summative assessment at the end of the course, before you can get certified.
Once you have completed your course, you will get an iQ Academy Short Course Certificate. Your certificate demonstrates that you have acquired industry-relevant skills which can enhance your promotional and employment opportunities. In order to qualify for a certificate you will need to:
- Pass all your assignments
- Pay up your student account
Our short courses integrate interactive media with e-learning activities as well as online recorded lectures. The following learning activities form part of the overall learning path:
- Reading activities
- Multimedia activities such as video clips and podcasts
- Self-reflections
- Case studies
- Assessment activities & compulsory submission of formative and summative assessments