Since its launch in 2020, the fully online Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Public Management, offered through UPOnline, has been steadily shaping the future of public-sector professionals. What began as a small cohort of six graduates in 2022 has grown significantly, with 87 graduates crossing the University of Pretoria (UP) graduation stage in September 2024. The rising numbers reflect a growing demand for digital skills in governance, particularly as public-sector professionals navigate the complexities of modern service delivery.

Created by Comprehensive Online Education Services (COES) and housed in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, the PGDip in Public Management equips students with practical tools to tackle real-world challenges in public management.

“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.”

A dynamic and connected learning experience

The PGDip in Public Management’s interactive learning environment is key to its success. Using the ClickUP (Blackboard) platform, the programme incorporates live webinars, discussion forums, and group assignments, encouraging students to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios.

Personalised support is another of the programme’s strengths. Each group of students is assigned dedicated tutors who provide continuous feedback and guidance. Peer networks, such as student-led WhatsApp groups, help foster a sense of community, making online learning feel connected and engaging.

Prof Malan says the PGDip in Public Management goes beyond theory, preparing students to implement digital solutions in governance. Incorporating the use of digital and e-governance focused on all the modules in the programme as well as citizen engagement enables students to improve public-service delivery in their workplaces.

Reaping the rewards

Fortune Masola, a Senior Faculty Accountant at UP, is one of many working professionals enrolled in the Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management programme. She describes it as an eye-opening experience and says it provides valuable insights into public-sector management.

Because she needs to balance full-time work and family life, she appreciates the programme’s flexibility. “Being in full-time employment and having young children, the ability to manage my studies in the evening while at home and at weekends helped me keep up,” she says.

Masola, who’s set to graduate cum laude at UP’s April 2025 graduation ceremonies, says the programme has given her a deeper understanding of how public management works. “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 gained a solid foundation in public management principles, equipping her to thrive in her field.

Excelling in a digital workforce

Prof Malan says the programme has global reach, and interactions with national, continental, and international students offer a wealth of perspectives on public administration practices across different regions.

“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.”