Public Policy and Administration University of Cape Town

Overview

Programme Objectives

The Public Policy and Administration programme at the University of Cape Town has two main objectives:

• Firstly, the programme is designed to engender in its students the capacity to think objectively and analytically about the policy process;

• Secondly, it aims to provide students with a theoretical and empirical understanding of comparative and South African public administration.

Students studying for the MPhil over two years will explore the academic analysis of public policy, the role and limitations of professional policy analysis, changes in the character of public management and administration, and comparative public administration. In addition, students acquire skills in research methods, and develop knowledge of a specific aspect of policy making or public administration in contemporary South Africa in a chosen 'field of concentration'.

After completing an Honours project that surveys academic literature and policy experience in an area, students who proceed to Master’s will have the opportunity to work on a minor dissertation in their designated field. The programme is also open at Master’s level to students with appropriate academic backgrounds.