Master of Public Administration
Allowing you to develop your knowledge in the area of public administration, a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree will give you the skills needed to progress in your career. You will graduate ready to make your impact on the public sector, private companies, governmental agencies, non-governmental organisations, and international development roles.
About Master of Public Administration
Accreditation
The accreditation of a Master of Public Administration degree is standardised across the UK. Regardless of where you choose to study, you will be awarded with an MPA. Gaining this international recognised award will mean that more career options become viable, and future employers will recognise your advanced level of education. If you choose to further your studies, you might be awarded an MPhil or PhD.
Depending on where you choose to study, your degree course may be accredited by an independent academic or professional body. Your institution will be able to provide more information about this.
Duration
A postgraduate Master of Public Administration will normally take one to two years to complete, when studied full-time.
Your institution may offer part-time study options, which usually means that your degree will take two to six years.
Fees
Postgraduate course annual tuition fees are set by the institution, which means that they can differ. Postgraduate programmes are generally less expensive than undergraduate programmes. You will find detailed fee information on the institution webpage.
The fees displayed below are an example of typical annual tuition fees for a postgraduate MPA degrees. Actual tuition fees can be found on the institution webpages.
Typical Annual Tuition Fees
- Postgraduate - £11,000
Topics Covered
Postgraduate
A Master of Public Administration will build on knowledge gained during your undergraduate degree. The modules you study will cover the more complex and specialist areas of public administration. You will develop your understanding of both the traditional and contemporary concepts of the subject area. Modules and specialisms might include public management, public service administration, political science, economic policy, international development, inequality and poverty, and social impact.
Entry Requirements
The entry requirement for a Master of Public Administration degree will depend on where you choose to study. Most universities will require you to have an undergraduate degree in a closely related subject. Some universities might accept your application if your degree is in a different discipline, but you can prove that you have an interest in the area, as well as the academic ability to undertake the course.
If you do not meet the academic entry requirements, but have extensive relevant work experience, some universities may still consider your application. Most institutions encourage applications from working professionals and mature students.
Typical Entry Requirements
Postgraduate
- Degree Requirements - 2:1 or higher
- Required/Desired Subjects - Law, Business, International Business, Finance, Economics, Psychology
Career Prospects
Graduates of an MPA will find that there are many career opportunities available to them. You will have access to a wide range of roles, not limited to those within governance and politics. If you choose to work in a role directly related to public administration, jobs might include local government officer, social researcher, health service manager, or civil service manager. If you choose to work in a role not directly related to your degree, jobs might include charity officer, international aid worker, paralegal, or human resource manager.
