The MPA is a two-year interdisciplinary graduate programme in public policy and administration. We enable students to make an immediate impact on employers by equipping them with world-class applied and professional skills to understand, analyse and produce effective public policy.
In contrast to similar programmes in other policy schools, we place special emphasis on rigorous empirical training, particularly in economics, econometrics and political science. You will apply these skills to real-world scenarios via the MPA Capstone in the second year of the MPA. Only a two-year degree can offer this depth of study and the combination of methodological discipline with practical application.
This challenging programme produces well-rounded professionals who make an immediate impact for employers in the public sector, private companies, non-governmental and inter-governmental organisations around the world, including government departments and agencies, consultancies and international development agencies.
The first year of the MPA is common to all students. From the start of the second year you wil specialise in one of six policy streams:
As a member of the Global Public Policy Network (GPPN), the Institute of Public Affairs offers its MPA students the opportunity to spend their second year of study at one of our GPPN partner institutions. Students already in their first year at one of our partner schools can also apply to enter directly into the second year of the LSE MPA.
By combining study on the LSE MPA with study at another internationally-renowned university, you will experience the challenges and processes of public policy-making and analysis from different academic and cultural perspectives thus equipping you with a high-demand professional skill-set and providing the international exposure frequently sought by top employers.
Our partner schools include
* Note that the programme length for students studying at the University of Tokyo is 24 months with graduation no earlier than December of the second year.
Studying the LSE MPA is an excellent career decision with many global employers attracted both to the intellectual rigour and the practical applications of the course.
MPA graduates take highly competitive jobs in consulting, advisory and analyst roles in government departments, private sector companies (including Deloitte, McKinsey, Boston Consulting Group, and KPMG); international organisations (including the World Bank, OECD, UNICEF and EBRD); and think tanks: The Overseas Development Institute (ODI); The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR); and the Fundação Getúlio Vargas.
Further information on graduate destinations for this programme
Earn your Online Masters of Public Administration (MPA) and make a lasting impact on society with a practical understanding of public leadership and a global perspective. Further your career with theory and applicable strategies gained through the University of Birmingham’s advanced online platform. It is a modern solution for today's globally minded postgraduate, offering informed insights and flexibility to meet the demands of your schedule.
Our online MPA course is taught through the Institute of Local Government Studies (INLOGOV) and led by course director Catherine Staite. INLOGOV sets the standard for progressive thinking in the public sector, and helps give students access to an international network of industry leaders and experts.
Advance your public service career and drive meaningful change globally with an Online MPA. Add to your current skill sets with knowledge and practical tools rooted in proven strategies and the experience of our international body of module leaders. To offer proactive support during your studies, this course also provides a personal tutor who will help you to further your understanding and your professional goals.
Conclude your MPA with a dissertation that connects you with other members of our diverse student body to bring the theories and understanding you've cultivated to life with the functional application of proven strategies in private and non-profit sectors.
Organised and delivered by the Institute of Local Government Studies (INLOGOV), our leading academic centre for research and teaching on local governance and strategic public management, an MPA from the University of Birmingham also brings with it research excellence recognised by our membership in the Russell Group, an organisation of 24 universities dedicated to the best in research, teaching and learning, and an invaluable resource for professional networking.
Master public administration with our leading-edge postgraduate online learning course, strengthen your foundation in governance and managerial discipline and learn to effectively bring about societal change on a local, regional, national and global level.
The University of Birmingham's virtual learning platform presents Online MPA students with a superior environment for their online studies. We have moved beyond the traditional classroom structure, taking full advantage of digital media with modules that draw on interactivity, active student participation and social connectivity with faculty and peers around the world to provide a more dynamic, global learning experience.
Rather than simply reading lecture transcripts and sending in assignments, the University of Birmingham's online students engage with the curriculum directly using:
For more information on studying online, click here.
Our Online Masters of Public Administration is ideal for candidates wishing to pursue careers in public policy or strategic management in government organisations or public agencies at local, regional, national or international levels. It also enables public managers to broaden their careers, facilitating a move to a different department within the public or voluntary sector or a move into consultancy.
Make the move into accounting or get the certification you need to take the next step in your accountancy career.
Develop the ability to manage complex accounting and business issues, and the confidence to provide specialist expertise.
You’ll build an understanding of professional practice, ethics and procedures, and insight into the business landscape in New Zealand and internationally.
Set up to fill a global shortage of accounting graduates, the MPA helps you fast-track your certification—it’s a globally-recognised qualification you can complete in 16–17 months full-time study.
The MPA is also ideal for working professionals wanting to add accountancy to their resume. You don’t need to have studied accounting before and evening courses mean you can study part time while working.
The MPA gives you the academic requirements for certification from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, and CPA Australia.
The School of Accounting and Commercial Law is part of Victoria Business School, the only school in New Zealand to get accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) in both Business and Accounting.
The Victoria Business School is among a small group of business schools worldwide that hold the 'Triple Crown' of international business education accreditations. You can be confident your qualification will stand up against the best around the world.
Find out more about accreditations and what they mean for you.
Develop professional skills in financial management, accounting information systems, financial reporting, business law, auditing, corporate governance and contemporary accounting standards around the world.
Build deeper expertise through advanced courses in financial accounting, management accounting and financial management.
You’ll study 14 core courses and either two special topics or a research paper.
You can either start in the first or the third trimester.
Assessment includes projects, tests and examinations.
You’ll learn from leading professionals who will encourage you to aim for high-level roles. MPA staff include a former auditor general, a member of the Securities Commission, current and former members of the accounting standard-setting bodies as well as former partners in major chartered accounting firms.
The workload is about 15 hours per course each week.
Full time
Full-time MPA students can expect a workload of 60 hours per week.The MPA normally takes at least four trimesters full time—about 16–17 months.
Part time
Part-time MPA students can take between one and four courses per trimester.You must complete all your courses within four years of enrolling in the programme.
Postgraduate study at Victoria will help you build valuable relationships and networks with peers, university staff and future colleagues from around the world.
You'll have access to the faculty postgraduate facilities and opportunities to attend events, workshops, careers sessions and seminars such as the Student Learning Postgraduate Research skills sessions. You'll also be able to meet with people from the chartered accountancy bodies on campus.
The Postgraduate Students' Association can give you information and provides a voice for you within the University.
As well as roles in accountancy firms, your MPA can set you up for a career in banking and finance, law, government, not-for-profits and companies large and small. You’ll be on track to move into roles including chief financial officer, general manager—finance and finance manager.
The MPA programme in the Department of Political Science offers an applied, problem-based approach, blending new theoretical developments and practice, with a view to managing public policies domestically and overseas. The MPA aims to provide participants with the practical tools and the academic knowledge that public policy managers need to implement effectively and successfully achieve their agendas.
The MPA offers a balanced coverage of a wide range of public administration topics, with a strong focus on managing public services and leadership skills. Participants are exposed to public affairs challenges usually faced by public organisations, or related non-profit and private firms. The programme's curricular structure and real-world fieldwork opportunities foster the managerial skills needed to meet today's greater demands for accountability and success from public, non-profit, and private organisations.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of two core modules (60 credits), four optional modules (60 credits), and a dissertation (60 credits).
Core modules
Optional modules
Dissertation/report
All students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 10,000 words.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures and seminars. Assessment is through a variety of methods, including essays, unseen examinations, graded coursework and a dissertation.
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Public Administration and Management MPA
For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.
On completion of the MPA, participants will be able to develop their careers further within public, private, or non-profit leading organisations. They will be equipped with the knowledge and the capabilities to take positions of responsibility, administrating and implementing different aspects of public policies.
Employability
The MPA will develop key management skills in administrating and implementing public policies. Students will acquire critical abilities to analyse public policies; they will also develop their leadership capacity and gain understanding of how different institutional arrangements can be used to deliver public services. They will also be exposed to a series of cases to advance their strategic decision-making skills.
The programme addresses the needs of policy implementation and administration leaders who require management theories but at the same time have to consider the specificities of each of the public, private, and non-profit sectors.
This MPA will deliver the essential knowledge and skills managers require in order to think creatively and to innovate in an ever more complex and constantly evolving multi-actor environment.
Programme participants will discover an excellent forum to assess their managerial skills and administration competencies with a view to improving their performance at work.
This Master’s of Public Administration (MPA) is designed for professionals in the public, private or third sector who would like to lead change in urban development and city leadership. Students undertake a major live project with a real client and have the opportunity to engage with leading urban scholars and practitioners across UCL.
Graduates are equipped with key skills for a role in urban policy, including strategic engagement, city leadership and experimentation. Students study conceptual frameworks for innovation and urban planning, and master policy tools and analytical methods to implement, evaluate, and revise urban policies. They are taught how to bridge gaps within government and in the public and private sector, and how to gather evidence to support decision-making.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of four core modules (105 credits), one optional module (15 credits), an elective module (15 credits), and a Major Group Project module (45 credits).
Core modules
Students undertake three core modules with students from sister MPA programmes, and a specialist module focusing on their degree topic.
Optional modules
Students select one optional STEaPP module from the following:
Students will then also select one further 15-credit graduate module which is relevant to their degree of study. This module can be selected from any UCL department.
MPA Group Policy Project
In the Group Project, students work with an external client on a relevant policy challenge. With the support of STEaPP academic staff, the multidisciplinary student groups work together to produce an analysis that meets their clients' needs.
Teaching and learning
The programme combines innovative classroom teaching methods with unique scenario-based learning, enabling students to dynamically engage with real-world policy challenges. Scenarios are designed to help students consolidate knowledge and develop essential practical skills and their understanding of principles. During the programme, students acquire a comprehensive range of relevant skills.
The degree is suitable for professionals or graduates currently working in (or who want to work in) urban policy and planning, as well as future city leaders from a wide range of organisations including non-governmental organisations, the private sector, consultancies and the third sector.
The MPA is also suitable for academics, engineers, scientists and technologists who would like to shape the policies for future sustainable urban development.
MPA graduates can go on to work in a range of organisations, including: national and local government; government offices of innovation and development; transportation agencies; planning agencies; corporate and institutional sustainability offices; city network organisations (such as C40 Cities); public water and energy utilities.
Employability
Throughout the MPA programme, students will:
More than half of the world's population are city dwellers, making cities a key pathway to sustainable change. This practical programme offers experiential learning for skills needed in urban innovation policy-making.
Students undertake a week-long scenario activity on the policy-making process where they engage with external experts and UCL academics. During the programme, students undertake a nine-month major project on urban policy for a real-world client. Example policy problems include congestion, water or energy infrastructure, waste management, transport or safety.
Students will gain the opportunity to network with UCL STEaPP's broad range of international partners, expert staff and a diverse range of academics and professionals from across the department's MPA and doctoral programmes.
This Master's of Public Administration degree prepares future leaders and decision makers across the public, private and third sectors to synthesise political and technical factors in order to effectively address issues like cyber security, the digital economy and online human rights.
The MPA will tackle a series of pressing topics for policymakers, such as:
Students also gain deep understanding of conceptual frameworks, policy tools and analytical methods to implement, evaluate and revise public policies through a series of core modules.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of four core modules (105 credits), one optional module (15 credits), an elective module (15 credits), and a Major Group Project module (45 credits).
Core modules
Students undertake three core modules with students from sister MPA programmes, and a specialist module focusing on their degree topic.
Optional modules
Students select one optional STEaPP module from the following:
Students will then also select one further 15-credit graduate module which is relevant to their degree of study. This module can be selected from any UCL department.
MPA Group Policy Project
In the Group Project, students work with an external client on a relevant policy challenge. With the support of STEaPP academic staff, the multidiscipinary student groups work together to produce an analysis that meets their clients' needs.
Teaching and learning
The programme combines innovative classroom teaching methods with unique scenario-based learning, enabling students to dynamically engage with real-world policy challenges. Scenarios are designed to help students consolidate knowledge and develop essential practical skills and their understanding of principles. During the programme, students acquire a comprehensive range of relevant skills.
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Digital Technologies and Policy MPA
This MPA degree prepares graduates to step into leadership and decision-making roles in government, technology companies, think tanks, and consultancies that engage with issues like cyber security, the digital economy, the Internet of Things, Internet governance and online human rights.
Employability
Throughout the MPA programme, students will:
Policymakers and those in the private sector often feel they lack the appropriate background to take the lead on developing strategies, policies and guidelines that can account for the wide range of diverse (and sometimes competing) interests that characterise today's era of rapid technological change. Graduates of this Master's of Public Administration will be able to develop informed policy and tackle the challenges and opportunities of the digital age.
Students are taught how to bridge gaps within government and in the public and private sector, gather evidence to support decision-making and engage with issues like cyber security and Internet governance. They also gain practical insights through a week-long scenario activity on the policy-making process and an extended policy project with a real-world client on a relevant topic.
Students will gain access to UCL STEaPP's network of international partners, expert staff and a diverse range of academics and professionals from across the department's MPA and doctoral programmes.
The Research Excellence Framework, or REF, is the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. The 2014 REF was carried out by the UK's higher education funding bodies, and the results used to allocate research funding from 2015/16.
Learn more about the scope of UCL's research, and browse case studies, on our Research Impact website.
This flexible and unique Master's of Public Administration is designed for professionals who want to lead change and navigate decision making at the intersection of science, engineering and public policy. The degree combines core content on policy making, analysis and frameworks with the opportunity to focus on areas tailored to your individual interests by selecting two elective modules from across UCL.
Students are taught the conceptual frameworks, policy analysis tools and analytical methods to creatively develop policies relevant to science and engineering contexts. Students also study how policies are implemented, evaluated and revised in policy cycles. A focus on leadership and the development of professional skills is emphasised throughout. Students also gain insights from policy practitioners, industry experts and UCL researchers.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of three core modules (90 credits), one optional module (15 credits), two elective modules (30 credits), and a Major Group Project module (45 credits).
Core modules
Students undertake three core modules with students from sister MPA programmes.
Optional modules
Students select one optional STEaPP module from the following:
Students will then also select two further 15-credit graduate modules from any UCL department.
MPA Group Policy Project
In the Group Project, students work with an external client on a relevant policy challenge. With the support of STEaPP academics, the multidiscipinary student groups work together to produce an analysis that meets their clients' needs.
Teaching and learning
The programme combines innovative classroom teaching methods with unique scenario-based learning, enabling students to dynamically engage with real-world policy challenges. Scenarios are designed to help students consolidate knowledge and develop essential practical skills and their understanding of principles.
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Science, Engineering and Public Policy MPA
STEaPP will be announcing a limited number of scholarship places for 2018/19. Details to be announced during Summer/Autumn 2017.
To receive further details and updates on scholarships, register your interest or contact [email protected]
For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.
This MPA graduates develop the skills and insights to work for a range of policy/strategy focused organisations, including:
Employability
Through the MPA programme, students will:
Science and engineering are at the center of an increasing number of policy issues that affect every aspect of society. This unique and practical programme offers experiential learning for the skills and knowledge that leaders need to navigate policymaking at the intersection with science and engineering.
Students undertake a week-long scenario activity on the policymaking process where they engage with external experts and UCL academics. Students go on to undertake a nine-month major project on a policy challenge for a real-world client. Example policy areas include resources, energy, waste, transport, or communications
Students will gain the opportunity to network with UCL STEaPP's broad range of international partners, expert faculty and a diverse range of academics and professionals from across the department's MPA and doctoral programmes.
- Innovative ‘leadership exchange’ will enable students to gain valuable experience of working in another public service organisation.
- Variety of expert guest speakers and research-active academics.
- Diverse learning activities and assessment methods across all modules.
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) is an internationally recognised professional postgraduate degree, which is a public sector equivalent to the Master of Business Administration (MBA). The course is targeted primarily at public service and third sector professionals. The content is relevant to both international students and those based in the UK.
The aim of the MPA is to enable learners to build on their professional experience by engaging critically with, and reflecting on, key developments in public administration in order to more effectively deliver public service outcomes in a rapidly changing environment.
The course is based on a philosophy of transformational learning and transformational change. Central to this is the role of public services in promoting social justice and equality. International examples will be used to provide thought provoking challenges to the way our public services are designed and delivered. Rather than reflect today’s public services, the state and society, this MPA aims to shape the public service landscape of tomorrow.
This MPA offers an excellent student experience and includes an innovative ‘leadership exchange’ element, working with the Association of Chief Officers of Scottish Voluntary Organisations (ACOSVO), to enable all students to participate in an appropriate exchange within another public service organisation.
The MPA offers options for both full-time and part-time study which will fit with busy working lives. This is a multidisciplinary course, with the purpose of preparing students for professional roles in the public sector. As such the delivery draws on academic expertise from a range of backgrounds such as administrative justice, public management and social policy. The input of research active academics will be complemented with expert guest speakers and visits to key public administration sites such as the Holyrood Parliament in Edinburgh, Houses of Parliament in London, Parlament de Catalunya in Barcelona and the European Parliament in Brussels. A series of academic development workshops are run alongside the taught modules to support stuents with academic writing and research methods.
The amount of contact time will vary depending on whether you are studying on a part-time or full-time basis.
The ‘leadership exchange’ element of the course is delivered in association with the Association of Chief Officers of Scottish Voluntary Organisations (ACOSVO). We are also an institutional member of the Joint University Council’'s Public Administration Committee.
There is a range of core and optional modules from which you will need to complete 120 credits, plus the 60 credit dissertation module in order to complete the MPA.
Core modules: International Trends in Public Administration/ Gender and Equalities/ Leading Change in Public Services/ Workplace Learning/ Dissertation
Optional modules: You can choose from a wide range of optional modules which include Strategic Internal Communications in a Digitalised World / Communications Impact on Policymaking / Negotiation / Mediation Theory and Practice / Behavioural Finance / Introduction to Finance and Accounting and many others.
In Scotland 21% of the workforce is employed in the public sector. This does not include the many private and third sector organisations that help deliver vital public services. At a time of increasing pressure on public finances, it is increasingly important that all those who support the delivery of our public services continue to develop their professional skills and knowledge. This course supports those seeking to develop these skills.
Innovative ‘leadership exchange’ will enable students to gain valuable experience of working in another public service organisation.
Variety of expert guest speakers and research-active academics.
Diverse learning activities and assessment methods
This interdisciplinary programme unites the expertise of three schools - the School of Sociology and Social Policy, the Business School and the School of Politics and International Studies, allowing you to study a broad range of modules which will enhance your knowledge of public administration and policy analysis in varying contexts of global and local challenges.
The programme will equip you with the necessary skills to take up a senior position in public administration. You will acquire a mastery of the diverse range of problems that public administration professionals face in the contemporary socio-economic climate and an in-depth understanding of the contested nature of debates in social and public policy.
Throughout the course you will be introduced to and debate the challenges, opportunities, understandings and approaches to managing such issues as ageing populations, social inclusion, migration, unemployment, health, inequality, sustainability and resilience, drawing on the insights and experiences of public and third sector leaders from across the globe.
A key part of the programme is its vocational element which enables you to apply your acquired knowledge to real life situations through project work linked to partner organisations. Throughout the course you will be exposed to a wide variety of the challenges, issues and problems that individuals engaged in public administration face and you will be supported to develop a portfolio of project work tailored to your own interests and career aspirations.
Throughout the course you will take a range of modules from across the three schools. One of the compulsory modules is the MPA Project Labs module which represents the vocational element of the course, designed to replace the traditional dissertation.
The MPA Project Labs will run across all three semesters, giving you the unique opportunity to conduct independently designed project work anchored in collaboration with a partner organisation, enabling you to apply the advanced skills and attributes developed across the programme. The module will be supported by workshops on public administration scenarios and challenges by academic leaders and guest speakers, including professionals and officials with different roles in the public and third sector; workshops on research and impact; problem-focused group work; and one-to-one project supervisions. You will be equipped with a depth and breadth of expertise and specialist skills valued by employers and commissioning bodies working in the public sector.
Compulsory modules
Optional modules
For more information on typical modules, read Public Administration MPA in the course catalogue
We use various teaching methods including lectures; seminar, guest lectures and workshops from external speakers; problem focused group work and student-led debates.
Assessment methods are likely to vary, depending on the optional modules you choose. Most of our taught modules are assessed through written work such as essays and reporting.
The MPA is recognised as the key professional qualification for those who wish to pursue or further a career in senior public service. The global perspectives and opportunities to apply your knowledge during this course will equip you with the critical thinking and professional skills needed for a successful and impactful career.
Graduates of this programme are likely to work in government departments, the third sector, and multi-national NGOs. Additionally graduates may progress into private sector and consulting firms that work closely with these areas.
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.
This unique Master's of Public Administration degree provides professionals working in international development with the practical tools and skills to collaborate on policy that responds to the need for balanced growth, social wellbeing and environmental protection in developing countries.
Students are taught the conceptual frameworks, policy analysis tools and analytical methods to creatively develop innovative sustainable policy for developing countries. Students also study how development and innovation policies are implemented, evaluated and revised in policy cycles. A focus on leadership and the development of professional skills is emphasised throughout.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of four core modules (105 credits), one optional module (15 credits), an elective module (15 credits), and a major group project module (45 credits).
Core modules
Students undertake three core modules with students from sister MPA programmes, and a specialist module focusing on their degree topic.
Optional modules
Students must select one compulsory option from the following STEaPP modules
Students will then also select one further 15-credit graduate module which is relevant to their degree of study. This module can be selected from any UCL department.
MPA Group Policy Project
In the group project, students work with an external client on a relevant policy challenge. With the support of STEaPP academic staff, the multidiscipinary student groups work together to produce an analysis that meets their clients' needs. The Group Project is usually around 12,000 words.
Teaching and learning
The programme combines innovative classroom teaching methods with unique scenario-based learning, enabling students to dynamically engage with real-world policy challenges. Scenarios are designed to help students consolidate knowledge and develop essential practical skills and their understanding of principles. During the programme, students acquire a comprehensive range of relevant skills.
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Development, Technology and Innovation Policy MPA
Graduates with Development, Technology and Innovation Policy MPA degrees will typically work in government agencies, corporate regulatory affairs departments or within advocacy groups doing legislative, regulatory or policy analysis. The career path for this type of profession begins as research or policy assistant, moves through policy or research analyst, then to technical consultant or project director or other senior professional roles. Ambitious candidates can work towards top-level positions such as assistant secretary or executive director.
Employability
Through the MPA programme, students will:
Developing countries face rapid technological change, increased global interdependencies, and problems such as climate change. This practical programme offers experiential learning for skills needed in innovative development policy-making.
Students undertake a week-long scenario activity on the policy-making process where they engage with external experts and UCL academics. Students go on to undertake a nine-month major project for a real-world client involved in development initiatives. Example policy problems include water or energy infrastructure, food, or telecoms.
Students will gain the opportunity to network with UCL STEaPP's broad range of international partners, expert staff and a diverse range of academics and professionals from across the department's MPA and doctoral programmes.
The Research Excellence Framework, or REF, is the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. The 2014 REF was carried out by the UK's higher education funding bodies, and the results used to allocate research funding from 2015/16.
Learn more about the scope of UCL's research, and browse case studies, on our Research Impact website.
