Public sector professionals and the digital age
Since its inception in 2020, the fully online Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Public Management, delivered via UPOnline, has been pivotal in shaping public-sector professionals' careers. What started with a modest group of six graduates in 2022 has expanded considerably, with 87 graduates proudly crossing the University of Pretoria (UP) graduation stage in September 2024. This growing number highlights the increasing need for digital competencies in governance, as professionals in the public sector navigate the complexities of contemporary service delivery.
Developed by Comprehensive Online Education Services (COES) and offered within the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, the PGDip in Public Management equips students with the practical skills required to address real-world public management challenges.
“Public administration today isn’t about routine paperwork – it’s about using technology to improve governance and engage communities,” says Prof Lianne Malan, Programme Coordinator of the qualification. “This diploma helps students build the critical skills they need to lead in a rapidly digitising world.”
An engaging and connected learning experience
A key factor behind the success of the PGDip in Public Management is its dynamic and interactive learning environment. Hosted on the ClickUP (Blackboard) platform, the programme incorporates live webinars, discussion forums, and group-based assignments, allowing students to apply their learning to real-world situations.
Another major strength of the programme is its personalised support. Each student cohort benefits from dedicated tutors who offer continuous feedback and guidance. Peer networks, including student-led WhatsApp groups, further enhance engagement by fostering a sense of community within the online learning experience.
According to Prof Malan, the PGDip in Public Management goes beyond theoretical concepts, focusing on practical digital solutions for governance. The curriculum integrates digital and e-governance strategies across all modules and citizen engagement, enabling students to enhance public-service delivery in their respective workplaces.
Gaining valuable insights
Fortune Masola (pictured), a Senior Faculty Accountant at UP and one of the programme’s many working professional students, describes her experience as enlightening and enriching, offering critical insights into public-sector management.
Balancing full-time work with family responsibilities, she values the programme’s flexibility. “Being in full-time employment and having young children, the ability to manage my studies in the evening at home and weekends helped me keep up,” she says.
Set to graduate cum laude at UP’s April 2025 graduation ceremonies, Masola acknowledges how the programme has deepened her understanding of public management. “I can confidently say I have a broader, more informed understanding of how the government works at all levels, and the practical application of this knowledge in a work environment.”
Through UPOnline, Masola has built a strong foundation in public management principles, equipping her with the necessary expertise to excel in her field.
Thriving in a digital era
Prof Malan highlights that the programme has an international reach, providing students with exposure to national, continental, and global perspectives on public administration.
“The programme gives students a strong foundation to navigate and excel in the digital workforce. The curriculum integrates digital literacy, critical thinking, and public-sector-specific technological tools, helping students adapt to the rapidly changing public management landscape.”
