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Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration

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

PGD

Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration

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01

Programme Overview

The Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration (PGDPA) exposes the students to both theoretical and practical knowledge in research respectively. The programme duration is one academic year consisting of two semesters. There are Ten Course units to be offered, divided into five courses in each semester. These courses are core courses.  

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

11 courses 45 credit units

Academic Year 1

11 courses | 45 units
Semester 1
20 units
PAD1101 Theories of Public Administration
4 units | Core
PAD1103 Introduction to Government and Politics in Africa
4 units | Core
PAD2201 Classical and Modern Political Thought
4 units | Core
PAD7101 Public Policy Management
4 units | Core
PAD7201 Decentralization and Local Government
4 units | Core
Semester 2
25 units
HRM7103 Strategic Human Resource Management
4 units | Core
LLW3101 Administrative Law
4 units | Core
PAD7301 Public Sector Management
4 units | Core
PAD7303 Comparative Public Administration
4 units | Core
UCC6100 Project Report
5 units | Core
UCC7100 Research Methods
4 units | Core
05

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for admission, applicants to the programme should:
Hold a Bachelors degree or its equivalent in the related field

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.