Programme Description
The Doctor of Administration (DAdmin) at the University of Mpumalanga is an NQF Level 10 doctoral qualification by research in the field of Public Administration. The programme is designed for scholars and experienced public-sector practitioners who wish to undertake advanced, original research that contributes to the development of knowledge and practice in public administration.
The programme focuses on the complex governance and administrative challenges confronting the public sector. Through independent research under academic supervision, candidates are expected to engage critically with advanced theory, research methods and contemporary public administration practice, and to generate an original scholarly contribution relevant to South Africa, the African continent and the wider public administration community.
The DAdmin is a research-only degree with no coursework component. Candidates complete a Doctoral Research Project and Thesis carrying 360 credits. The research process is supported through structured supervision, proposal development, ethical approval, research seminars and progress monitoring, culminating in the submission and external examination of a doctoral thesis.
The qualification is intended to develop advanced research capability, critical and innovative thinking, scholarly independence, leadership insight and the capacity to address complex public administration problems. Graduates should be able to contribute to public policy and governance, undertake high-level research, provide expert advice and assume advanced leadership, research or academic roles.
Admission Minimum Requirements
To qualify for consideration for admission, an applicant should meet the following minimum requirements:
- A relevant NQF Level 9 Master’s degree in Public Administration or a related field.
- A minimum mark of 60% for the research component of the Master’s degree.
- Applicants who do not meet the conventional minimum entrance requirements may be considered through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), subject to the applicable national and University policies.
Selection Criteria
Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee selection. Selection is subject to the University’s approved postgraduate policies and available programme capacity. The selection process considers:
- Academic merit and the applicant’s demonstrated capacity for doctoral-level study.
- Availability of a suitably qualified supervisor with expertise relevant to the proposed research area.
- Alignment of the intended research with relevant Faculty or institutional research focus areas.
- Availability of appropriate research resources and, where applicable, research funding.
- Approval of a suitable supervisor and research project before registration.
Programme Structure
| Module / Research Component |
Registration Code |
NQF Level |
Duration |
Credits |
| DAdmin Research Project and Thesis |
PADM10F (full-time) / PADM10P (part-time) |
10 |
Minimum 2 years full-time; 3 years part-time |
360 |
Research Journey
The programme follows a structured doctoral research process:
- Identification and approval of a suitable supervisor and research project before registration.
- Registration following the relevant postgraduate committee approvals.
- Identification of any research-development needs and appropriate methodological or analytical support.
- Development and approval of a full research proposal, including an oral presentation and ethical clearance. The approved programme documentation provides for this milestone within six months of registration.
- Data collection, synthesis and analysis, supported by regular supervision and quarterly progress reporting.
- Thesis preparation and writing.
- External examination of the thesis by at least three examiners external to the University.
Career Opportunities and Articulation
The DAdmin is intended to prepare graduates for advanced scholarly and professional roles. Depending on their experience and career path, graduates may pursue opportunities such as:
- Senior leadership and management roles in government and public-sector institutions.
- Public policy, governance and institutional advisory roles.
- Academic, research and postgraduate supervision careers.
- Public-sector consulting and specialist advisory work.
- Postdoctoral research fellowships and further advanced research collaborations.
Enquiries
Programme enquiries: Dr Tando Rulashe, Programme Leader: Public Administration
Email: tando.rulashe@ump.ac.za
Application and registration enquiries: studentapplications@ump.ac.za
Online application: https://www.ump.ac.za/Study-with-us/Application-Process/Online-Applications
Campus: Mbombela Campus, Cnr R40 and D725 Roads, Mbombela 1200