Master of Public Affairs (Structured) at Tshwane University of Technology

Programme overview

Master of Public Affairs is a structured master's degree at NQF Level 9 (180 credits) in the Faculty of Humanities, Department of Public Management, at Tshwane University of Technology. Presentation: Block-mode classes and research. This programme is structured to be offered over a period of two years. The presentation of the programme is as follows: - Five modules are presented in a block format during the first year. - Teaching methods are a combination of lectures, case studies, group work, project work and independent research. Sustained participation is required throughout the programme. - The second part of the qualification comprises the research report, which carries a weight of 50% of the degree. Tutors will guide students for the duration of the qualification on how to plan, research and draw up their mini-dissertations. The mini-dissertations may cover any approved research topic. Students may choose topics that are directly related to their own professional responsibilities.

What you will study

Published curriculum modules include: Research Methods in Local Government V; Advanced Local Government Management V; Contemporary Approaches and Issues in Local Government V; Financial Management for the Public Sector V; Information Studies for the Public; Policy Studies for the Public Sector V; Project Management for the Public Sector V; Human Resource Management.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A postgraduate diploma, or an honours degree, or any equivalent qualification in the field of Public Administration (or related discipline), from an accredited university. Holders of any other equivalent South African or international qualification may also be considered, see Chapter 1 of Students’ Rules and Regulations (Part 1 of the Prospectus).

Tuition is charged per module, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Academic year starts on 1 February 2027 (term 1: 1 February to 25 March 2027); mid-year semester modules start in term 3 on 12 July 2027.

The application fee is R240 for all first applications to TUT and is non-refundable.

Qualifications closing on 15 June 2026: Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Pharmacy, Bachelor of Radiography in Diagnostics, BHSci Medical Laboratory Science, BHSci Medical Orthotics and Prosthetics, Diploma in Traffic Safety and Municipal Police Management, Diploma in Correctional and Rehabilitation Studies.

Qualifications closing on 31 July 2026: all Arts and Design programmes, Diploma in Economics, Bachelor of Architecture (including Extended), Bachelor of Geomatics, Diploma in Industrial Design, other Humanities programmes, and in Science the Diplomas in Animal Sciences, Crop Production, Nature Conservation, Wildlife Management, Kinesiology and Coaching Science, Somatic Therapy, Analytical Chemistry, Biotechnology, Fire Technology, Geology, plus Bachelor of Environmental Health, BHSci Biokinetics, Clinical Technology, Veterinary Technology, HCert Dental Assisting and BSc Industrial Chemistry. Other programmes close on 30 September 2026.

Qualifications still open for 2027 intake as of 1 October 2026: BEng Tech Polymer Technology (Pretoria); BEng Tech, Diploma and Higher Certificate in Electrical Engineering (eMalahleni); Diploma in Credit Management; Diploma in Food Technology, BSc Industrial Chemistry, Diploma in Analytical Chemistry, Diploma in Geology, Diploma in Water Science and Technology, Diploma in Industrial Physics (Arcadia).

Late applications are scheduled for 18 to 22 January 2027 per the 2027 academic calendar.

Apply through the official page: https://applications-prod.tut.ac.za/

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