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Diploma in Public Administration

A diploma programme preparing students with the knowledge, practical skills and professional discipline required in Public Administration.

Diploma

Diploma in Public Administration

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01

Programme Overview

The Diploma in Public Administration at Kampala International University prepares students for academic, professional and community-facing work in Public Administration at the Western Campus. The programme connects disciplinary foundations with applied learning, ethical practice, communication and problem-solving.

Applied learningConnect classroom knowledge with practical tasks, projects and supervised learning experiences.
Professional formationBuild communication, ethics, teamwork and discipline-specific judgement.
Research awarenessUse evidence, inquiry and analytical thinking to understand problems and propose solutions.
Career readinessPrepare for employment, further study, entrepreneurship and service in relevant professional settings.
02

What You Will Learn

By the end of the programme, students are expected to demonstrate the knowledge, practical skills and professional conduct required for effective work in Public Administration.

Disciplinary knowledgeBuild a strong foundation in the core concepts and methods of Public Administration.
Applied problem-solvingUse knowledge to analyse situations, make decisions and propose practical solutions.
CommunicationPresent ideas clearly in written, oral and digital formats.
Research and inquiryUse evidence, data and critical thinking to support decisions.
Professional practiceDevelop ethical, responsible and collaborative work habits.
Career readinessPrepare for employment, further study and service in relevant sectors.
03

Course Structure and Learning Experience

The learning experience is organised to move students from foundational knowledge into applied, supervised and professionally oriented practice.

01

Foundation stage

Students build the conceptual base needed for progression in Public Administration.

02

Core discipline stage

The programme deepens knowledge through core courses and guided academic work.

03

Applied learning stage

Students connect theory to practical cases, projects or field-related tasks.

04

Research and analysis

The curriculum develops inquiry, evidence use and analytical capability.

05

Professional preparation

Students consolidate learning for employment, entrepreneurship, service or further study.

04

Course Content

20 courses 43 credit units

Academic Year 1

9 courses | 21 units
Semester 1
12 units
BSCD 1101 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY
3 units | Core
DPA 1101 INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
3 units | Core
ECO 1101 INTRODUCTION TO MICROECONOMICS
3 units | Core
UCC 1100 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER FUNDAMENTALS
3 units | Core
UCC 1101 INTRODUCTION TO ENGLISH LANGUAGE
Core
Semester 2
9 units
DPA 1203 DECENTRALIZATION AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
3 units | Core
DPA 1204 ELEMENTS OF GOVERNMENT
3 units | Core
HRM 1201 HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Core
UCC 1201 COMMUNICATION SKILLS
3 units | Core

Academic Year 2

10 courses | 19 units
Semester 1
16 units
DPA 2102 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Core
DVS 2104 DISASTER MANAGEMENT
3 units | Core
INT 2100 INTERNSHIP
4 units | Core
PAD 2101 PUBLIC POLICY MANAGEMENT
3 units | Core
PAD 2102 PUBLIC FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
3 units | Core
UCC 2102 RESEARCH METHODS
3 units | Core
Semester 2
3 units
DPA 2202 DEVELOPMENT PLANNING
Core
DPA 2204 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
3 units | Core
PAD 2203 NGOS AND DEVELOPMENT
Core
PAD 3203 PROJECT PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT
Core

Academic Year 3

1 courses | 3 units
Semester 1
3 units
LLW 3101 ADMINISTRATIVE LAW
3 units | Core
05

Admission Requirements

One A level principal pass, and two subsidiary passes in either Arts or Science subjects plus five O Level passes or its equivalent.

06

Fees and Application Guidance

Tuition, functional fees and any programme-specific charges are confirmed by KIU Admissions and Finance for each intake. Applicants should review the current fee schedule before submitting an application.