Program Overview

Introduction to the Public Administration and Policy MA

The University of Liverpool offers a Master of Arts in Public Administration and Policy, designed to equip students with advanced theoretical, methodological, and practical tools to research public administration and policy. This program explores the relationship between theory, practice, and contemporary developments in regional, national, and international spheres of public administration and policy.

Program Structure

The MA in Public Administration and Policy is available for full-time and part-time study, with durations of 12 months and 24 months, respectively. The program starts in September, and applications must be submitted by the specified deadline.

Full-Time Study

• Duration: 12 months
• Start date: September
• Application deadline: 11 September for UK students and 21 August for international students

Part-Time Study

• Duration: 24 months
• Start date: September
• Application deadline: 11 September for UK students and 21 August for international students

Course Content

The program consists of compulsory and optional modules, introducing students to key themes and issues in public administration and policy. The modules are designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject, including research skills, policy analysis, and governance.

Compulsory Modules

• PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND POLICY RESEARCH SKILLS AND METHODS (POLI551)
• UNDERSTANDING PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND POLICY (POLI552)
• NAVIGATING NORMATIVE ISSUES IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION (POLI553)
• INNOVATIONS IN PUBLIC POLICY (POLI554)
• WHEN GOVERNMENT FAILS: PUBLIC POLICY FAILURES AND HOW TO AVOID THEM (POLI555)
• CRISIS LEADERSHIP IN PUBLIC LIFE (POLI556)
• POLITICS PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION DISSERTATION (POLI550)

Optional Modules

• MODERN SLAVERY, FORCED LABOUR AND HUMAN RIGHTS (POLI521)
• THE INTERNATIONAL POLITICS OF THE MIDDLE EAST (POLI130)
• ADVANCED TOPICS IN ELECTORAL RESEARCH (POLI518)
• AFRICA-CHINA RELATIONS IN A CHANGING GLOBAL ORDER (POLI305)
• PUBLIC POLICY: AN ADVANCED INTRODUCTION (POLI310)
• POLITICS IN ACTION ADVANCED PLACEMENT SCHEME (POLI500)
• GENDER AND GLOBAL POLITICS (POLI349)
• COMPARATIVE PEACE PROCESSES (POLI133)
• BREXIT AND BEYOND (POLI522)
• INTERNATIONAL INTERVENTION (POLI321)
• THE FORMAL AND INFORMAL INSTITUTIONS OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND GOVERNANCE (POLI557)

Teaching and Assessment

Teaching is primarily through two-hour seminars, with some lecture and workshop input. Assessment methods include essays, presentations, participation, examinations, group work, and authentic assessments like podcasts and practitioner briefings.

Careers and Employability

The program is designed to provide students with transferable employability skills, including critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creativity, persuasion, adaptability, and research skills. Graduates can pursue careers in government, administrative services, NGOs, third-sector organizations, advocacy groups, journalism, and academia.

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for the program are as follows:

• UK fees: Ł12,500 (full-time), Ł6,250 (part-time) per year
• International fees: Ł28,000 (full-time), Ł14,000 (part-time) per year

Entry Requirements

Admission to the program requires a 2:2 honors degree from a UK university or an equivalent academic qualification from a non-UK institution. Non-graduates may be considered if they satisfy general University requirements and possess appropriate professional qualifications or experience.

English Language Requirements

International applicants must demonstrate competence in English language, with minimum scores as follows:

• IELTS: 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0
• TOEFL iBT: 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19, and speaking 20
• Duolingo English Test: 125 overall, with writing not less than 125, speaking and reading not less than 115, and listening not below 110

Conclusion

The MA in Public Administration and Policy at the University of Liverpool offers a comprehensive and engaging program for students interested in public administration and policy. With its strong focus on research skills, policy analysis, and governance, this program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in a variety of careers.