Public sector workers need advanced skills to drive meaningful change in a changing world where accountability, leadership, and governance are essential for success. The University of Pretoria (UP) Online Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management programme is designed to give you the strategic thinking, leadership abilities, and practical skills you need to succeed in the public sector. This programme will put you in a position to confidently and competently handle contemporary challenges in governance and service delivery, regardless of your level of experience as a senior public official or as an aspiring manager.
Why Choose Public Management Courses?
Benefits of Studying Public Management at UPOnline
Who Should Enrol?
What You Will Learn: Core Modules
Why UPOnline?
Take the Next Step in Your Public Sector Career
FAQs
Public management courses are essential for those looking to navigate and improve public sector operations. The public sector is vital in delivering services, implementing policies, and driving socio-economic progress. To be effective, public managers must understand leadership, governance, and operational excellence.
With UPOnline’s Public Management courses, you’ll gain:
These skills not only enhance organisational performance but also help create sustainable change in communities.
The programme is tailored to meet the demands of public sector professionals, focusing on real-world challenges. You’ll develop expertise in:
UPOnline makes it possible to balance your studies with professional and personal commitments. With six start dates throughout the year, you can begin your learning journey at a time that suits you.
Other benefits of UPOnline include:
The qualification is officially recognised as a public sector-specific programme by the National School of Government, underscoring its relevance and value for public officials seeking to advance their careers.
The modules focus on equipping students with actionable skills, including:
Upon completion, you’ll be ready to lead and make impactful contributions to the public sector confidently.
This programme is ideal for:
To apply, you’ll need an NQF Level 7 qualification (Advanced Diploma or Bachelor’s degree) in a relevant field and at least three years of appropriate work experience in the public sector.
The programme consists of six comprehensive modules, each designed to build the skills required for public management excellence:
Governance, Public Management, and African Leadership
Public Sector Transformation and Reform
Programme and Project Management in the Public Sector
Advanced Human Resource Management
Advanced Public Financial Management and Budgeting
Public Sector Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation
Each module combines theory with practical application, enabling you to implement what you learn in your current or future roles.
The University of Pretoria brings over 112 years of teaching excellence to a flexible, globally accessible online platform. Ranked among the top 500 universities worldwide, UPOnline empowers you to advance your career without disrupting your life.
What Makes UPOnline the Right Choice?
With UPOnline, you get a world-class education, flexible learning, and a pathway to achieving your professional goals.
Are you ready to lead, innovate, and drive change in the public sector? The Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management at UPOnline offers the tools, knowledge, and recognition you need to excel.
Start your journey towards becoming a change-maker in public management. Enquire now and take the next step in your career with UPOnline.
The programme is ideal for current or aspiring senior public sector officials looking to enhance their leadership, governance, and management skills. It suits those aiming to address challenges in public service transformation and policy implementation.
While the programme is tailored for public sector professionals, applicants with private sector experience in governance, management, or policy-related roles may be considered if they meet the qualification and work experience requirements.
UPOnline facilitates interaction through live chats, discussion forums, and virtual group activities. These tools enable students to share ideas, collaborate on projects, and build professional networks.
Assessments typically include written assignments, case studies, and project evaluations. These are designed to test your understanding of key concepts and their application to real-world public sector challenges.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management prepares students for research-based Master’s programmes by equipping them with advanced research and analytical skills. Completing the diploma allows you to articulate into relevant Master’s programmes.
6. Are the modules self-paced or scheduled?
Modules are scheduled, with weekly engagements and specific deadlines to keep you on track. This structured approach ensures steady progress and fosters interaction with facilitators and peers.
UP provides dedicated technical support for its clickUP platform. Support staff can assist with login issues, help navigate the system, or resolve technical challenges.
Yes, international students are welcome to enrol. However, qualifications obtained outside South Africa must be ratified by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) before admission.
The programme equips you with advanced skills in governance, strategic financial management, and policy implementation, positioning you for leadership roles and enhancing your ability to drive impactful change in public administration.
Students should dedicate approximately 15 hours per week to their studies. This includes engaging with course content, completing assignments, and participating in discussions.