University of Western Cape Postgraduate Certificate in Public Law with a Specialization in Local Government for South Africans
Benefits
The Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) is a one-of-a-kind program designed for practitioners. It will provide you with knowledge of the South African local government system as well as the ability to put that knowledge into practice.
You will also learn the fundamentals of public and administrative law, with an emphasis on key local government areas such as procurement and planning.
The Program is multidisciplinary in nature: It focuses on municipal law, but it is combined with political science, economics, finance, and public administration to ensure a realistic and comprehensive approach to all aspects of municipal governance. It also looks beyond South Africa’s borders, comparing our local government system to others on the continent.
Certification
The Diploma program is recognized by the Higher Education Department as a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Law at NQF level 8 by the Higher Education Department.
Eligibility
The PG Dip is aimed mostly to those who work in local government. Public workers, members of the legal profession, private sector employees, consultants, and members of civil society organizations who work in local government could be among them.
Overview of the Program
The curriculum is divided into four modules, each with 30 NQF credits. The following are the modules that are taught in order:
- Local Government (first semester: February-April): Law and policy pertaining to municipal institutions, governance, administration, public participation, revenue and financial management.
- Administrative Law and Local Government (first semester: April-June ): An introduction to administrative law with a special focus on procurement and planning.
- Constitutional Law and Local Government (second semester: July-August): An introduction to constitutional law with a focus on structures of government, the Bill of Rights, spheres of government, the public service, and the constitutional status of municipalities.
- Multi-level Governance (second semester: September-October): The roles of the three spheres of government, including the supervision of local government and intergovernmental fiscal relations.
Expected Results
After completing the program, you will be able to:
- understand the constitutional and legislative framework for local government in South Africa, and apply this in a practical context;
- articulate and analyse the legal, policy and financial concepts and theories that underpin local government in South Africa;
- locate South Africa’s local government system in an international, comparative context;
understand and apply public law and administrative law principles and rules, particularly as they pertain to key local government areas such as procurement and planning; and - apply your knowledge by writing compelling and practical texts, pertaining to local government law and policy.
What will I be able to do with this diploma?
- The PG Dip opens doors to high positions in local governments, provincial and national governments, the commercial sector, and civil society.
- Completion of the PG Dip may help candidates get admission to the DOI’s LLM/MPhil program in Multilevel Government, but this is by no means guaranteed.
- Students who have finished the PG Dip and intend to pursue the LLM/Mphil Program may apply, but admission is subject to Institute and/or Faculty selection.
Qualifications
- To be considered for admission, you must have a bachelor’s degree with a cumulative grade point average of 60 percent in relevant courses such as law, political science, public administration, and economics, as well as at least three years of relevant experience in governance-related activities.
- If you don’t have a bachelor’s degree, you can apply for prior learning recognition (RPL). In that situation, substantial job expertise in governance-related activity (at least ten years) is essential.
- It is necessary to have a decent internet connection.
How to submit application
If you hold a bachelor’s degree in an area such as law, political science, public administration, or economics, you are eligible to apply, apply here.
If you do not have an undergraduate degree but have extensive work experience (at least ten years) in governance-related work and strong writing skills, you may apply to be considered on the basis of prior learning recognition (RPL).To apply, click here.
