Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • What is the Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance and when was it established?

    The Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance also known as “The Nelson Mandela School” was established at the University of Cape Town in 2011, as the Graduate School of Development Policy and Practice. It was renamed as the Nelson Mandela School on 5 July 2018. The Nelson Mandela School seeks to promote and inspire strategic public leadership in Africa. To learn more about the School's latest developments and multi-disciplinary programmes, check out this short video.

  • Where is the Nelson Mandela School based?

    The Nelson Mandela School is based at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa.

  • What are the main activities that bring the Nelson Mandela School to life?

    The Executive Education Programmes, Academic Programmes, Building Bridges, and research are the four main components to the Nelson Mandela School’s activities.

  • What are the degrees offered at the Nelson Mandela School?

    The Nelson Mandela School offers a two-year part-time Master’s programme, Master’s in Development Policy and Practice and it is aimed at senior officials across Africa. The degree is offered with a mix of intensive on-site and distance learning, ensuring participants need not reside in Cape Town.

    In 2021, the Nelson Mandela School offered a full-time Master’s degree for high-achieving graduates who are aiming for senior positions in the public sector. The School has capacity for a limited number of PhD students; preference is given to those familiar with the School’s academic approach. To hear what some of our students think about the School's Academic programme, click here to view a short video.

  • Where can I get more information on the Nelson Mandela School’s Academic programmes?

    For more information on the School’s degree programmes, please contact: elvina.moosa@uct.ac.za.

  • Does the Nelson Mandela School offer short courses?

    Yes. The Nelson Mandela School offers a range of short courses under the School’s Executive Education Programme. You may contact the School’s Programme Manager on recent offerings: hannah.diaz@uct.ac.za.

  • What is Building Bridges?

    Building Bridges is the alumni engagement platform of the Nelson Mandela School where participants from all the School’s courses and graduate programmes – established and emerging public leaders, policymakers and experts from across Africa – connect through various fora.