Degree type: MPA
UCAS Code: Apply direct to the University
Duration: 1 year full-time / 2 years part-time
Why choose this course?
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) is an internationally recognised qualification that offers a combination of knowledge, critical awareness, research training, analytical approaches and practical skills required for effective management in the public and voluntary sectors.
The course focuses on policy discourses and processes in the wider context, and how to apply this knowledge at a local level. It also provides key ideas, performance tools and techniques of management that are useful and relevant for people who wish to develop or enhance a career in public and voluntary sector institutions, and for others who work closely with public services.
The course covers the key areas of critical social policy, public policy, research skills and management. These areas are covered by core modules and students have the opportunity to select from a broad range of optional modules to suit their own interests and/or professional field. The core modules focus on policy discourses and processes in the wider context, and how to apply this knowledge at a local level. Emphasis is placed on the rigorous linking of theoretical analysis with relevant social issues and involves an engagement with a range of intellectual traditions.
The course also provides key ideas, performance tools and techniques of management that are useful and relevant for people who wish to develop or enhance a career in public and voluntary sector institutions, and for others who work closely with public services. The management component emphasises contemporary trends and issues as they affect management practice and policy in contemporary organisations and institutions. Options allow you to develop specialist interest in key policy areas. The project module allows you to undertake a piece of research of your choice and to produce a dissertation based on this.
How you learn
The course employs a variety of teaching methods delivered by a multidisciplinary team of staff. Teaching and learning methods emphasise student participation and self-directed study and may comprise lectures, seminars, discussions, group work, independent research and reading. You will be encouraged to keep a Personal Development Plan (PDP) that charts your personal learning and development during the programme.
How you are assessed
Assessment is diverse to reflect the broad range of knowledge and skills you will develop throughout the programme, and also to recognise the range of learning style preferences our students bring to the programme. Assessment methods may take the form of reports, class tests, case studies, presentations, examinations, group or individual research assignments. The 60 credit dissertation allows students to tackle an extended piece of self-directed research under the supervision of an appropriate member of staff.
Good Honours degree (minimum lower Second class) or equivalent in social policy, sociology, management or a related discipline.
Overseas/EU
All applicants are required to provide certified proof of competence in English Language and the University's minimum requirements are listed here
Your future
The MPA is directed primarily but not exclusively at those wishing to pursue or enhance a career in the public or voluntary sectors, for example, those working in local government, education, health, emergency services, criminal justice system, armed forces, NGOs, social enterprises, tourism/heritage organisations, or any voluntary/third/not-for-profit sector organisation. The course offers a unique combination of specialist knowledge and leadership development focused on the specific needs and challenges of the public and voluntary sectors. Your ability to critically analyse public policy, and your advanced understanding of management will be valuable to many organisations in the UK and elsewhere who need people with the capacity and skills to deal with the complexity and change faced by the public and voluntary sectors. The programme prepares you for roles with significant responsibility in these sectors.
More information
MPA
| Fee Category | September 2012 Fees |
Scholarships & Bursaries |
| Scottish and other EU students |
£3,400 |
Other forms of support |
| English, Welsh and Northern Irish students |
£7,000 |
Bursaries & Scholarships |
| Overseas (non EU) students |
£9,975 |
Overseas Scholarships |
Fee quoted is the total cost providing that the dissertation follows on immediately after the PG Dip element and is completed within the same academic year as started. Fees may be subject to increase.
