Undergraduate Diploma in Public Management and Governance

The aim of the Diploma in Public Management and Governance is to provide students with both a strong conceptual foundation for understanding and analysing problems of public management and governance and an effective toolkit of skills and techniques required to operate in an increasingly complex managerial and organisational environment of the public sector.

For Communication Skills:

The learner will be able to:

• Convey ideas, in a well-structured and coherent way to peers, supervisors and clients
• Formulate practical and theoretical responses to abstract and concrete problems and make judgements on social and ethical issues related to public management and governance

For Learning Skills:

The learner will be able to:

• Evaluate own learning and identify learning needs necessary to undertake further learning
• Engage with fellow students in the peer learning process to share your own learning and development and assess and comment on the progress of others in the context of the material being taught
• Develop advanced knowledge and understanding to systematically and creatively upgrade public management and governance practices

The overall course objectives are:

Knowledge:

• Give due consideration to legal, regulatory and ethical frameworks related to the public sector
• Understand the roles and functions of public management and governance
• Understand the implications of micro- and macroeconomic theory on public management and governance
• Evaluate and assimilate knowledge of human resource management communication skills, customer care and relevant professional responses in the public sector setting
• Develop the body of knowledge about ICT, social media and promotional tools for public entities including and prevalent trends related to business development and innovation

Skills:

• Formulate responses to well-defined concrete and abstract problems and challenges related to public management and governance
• Analyse and apply the essential rules and principles of public procurement taking relevant public procurement regulations into consideration
• Recognise and assess the needs of public sector customers and understand the importance of applying customer care and communication skills to deal with customers and other stakeholders
• Evaluate relevant specialist theory and practice related to community governance and leadership, public management and governance, collaborative strategy and public policy-making
• Examine ethical issues and regulatory aspects in the context of the public sector
• Be able to apply fundamentals of public accounting
• Examine and apply various record-keeping fundamentals and conventions as applicable to relevant public organisations

Competences:

• Manage communication with customers and/or other stakeholders by applying communication and problem-solving techniques where there are many factors, some of which interact and lead to unpredictable outcomes
• Show creativity related to working with multidisciplinary teams in providing public services including the use of ICT and social media
• Assess the importance of ethics, administrative and constitutional law as well as relevant regulations in working within the public sector
• Develop a capacity for independent thought and be reflectively self-critical
• Develop HR and record-keeping competencies applicable to and used in the public sector

Prerequisites

Candidates who apply for this course must possess the following:

• A qualification at MQF Level 4 (one A-level or equivalent in any subject); AND
• A pass in English Language and Mathematics at MQF Level 3 (O-level or equivalent)
• Preference will be given to prospective applicants having a year of work experience related to the study programme

Target Audience

This course is targeted at:

• Professionals within the public sector aspiring for professional and academic advancement in public management and governance
• Mid-career break professionals looking for opportunities to return to or change their career
• Other individuals who would find this programme suitable for their academic and professional path

Career Paths

The possible positions for which this programme aims to prepare you for include:

• Executive secretary
• Supervisor
• Manager

Modules

You are required to complete all 10 compulsory modules (60 ECTS) to fulfil the requirements of the Undergraduate Diploma in Public Management and Governance.

How you’ll be assessed

This is a part-time programme and will typically take 15 months to complete. The programme comprises a total of 10 modules. The method of assessment is assignment-based.

The course comprises:

• 6 lectures per module
• 3-hour lectures (evening)
• 12 hours of guided learning and presentations, comprising synchronous online discussions, tutorials and/or videos
• Self-study hours comprising research, reading and assignment work

IDEA College is Malta’s largest private further education institution focused on cultivating future leaders through specialized and accredited courses. With a philosophy centred around the students, IDEA College designs its part-time courses to seamlessly integrate into the personal and professional schedules of its attendees.

The curriculum is deeply rooted in industry needs, equipping students with practical skills and knowledge essential for success in their careers. The Academy distinguishes itself with personalized attention, access to expert mentors, an extensive resource library, and flexible payment options.

IDEA College offers a diverse range of programs, from introductory courses to advanced degrees from MQF/EQF level 4 all the way through Doctorate programs, all within a supportive, student-first environment.