Program Overview

Master of Public Administration MPA

The Master of Public Administration is the most widely recognised graduate management qualification within public and third sectors. It combines public administration, sociology, politics, public policy and law. The MPA is attractive to sectors including local and national government, the civil service, private and public sector consultancy, NGOs, and international organisations.

Course Overview

You develop highly transferrable critical thinking, communication, leadership, and research skills and examine significant policy challenges facing society. You analytically examine the key issues involved in policy development and public engagement and gain an understanding of the value of considering them together to facilitate successful implementation.

You also consider the development and intersections of key aspects of public policy such as health, welfare, crime, education and housing to prepare you for careers in government, public-private partnerships, and the voluntary, community, and social enterprise sectors.

Course Details

Core Modules

• Contemporary Issues in Public Administration, Politics and Policy: You study the most important issues in public administration, politics and policy in the modern world at local, national and international levels, and will be assigned a supervisor to explore an area of independent research into a contemporary issue in public administration, politics or policy.
• Dissertation: You apply your knowledge, written communication and research skills to a specific area of interest relevant to the field in a dissertation or knowledge exchange equivalent of 15,000 words.
• International Law, Politics and Society: You gain a comprehensive understanding of the principles and structures which underpin international law, alongside a case study investigation into international relations, politics and society.
• Introduction to Public Administration and Policy: You assess the principles and theories in the management of the public sector and investigate key policy debates.
• Social Research Methods: You develop an advanced understanding of the processes and issues of social research.

How You Learn

The course uses a variety of teaching methods including seminars, tutorials and negotiated projects, with an emphasis on participatory and active learning. You are taught by a range of research-active academic staff, ranging from lecturers to professors.

How You Are Assessed

Modules are continuously assessed so you receive regular feedback to help you develop your knowledge, skills and abilities. Summative assessment includes a research proposal, presentation, policy brief, negotiated project, standard essay and a 15,000 word dissertation.

Entry Requirements

• Minimum lower second class honours degree in a humanities, social science, law, business or management subject area, or equivalent professional experience in a relevant field.
• Mature students without a degree may be considered if they can demonstrate appropriate professional experience and/or other relevant qualifications.
• International applicants should have an IELTS (academic) score of 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each component (or approved equivalent).

Employability

The Master of Public Administration greatly benefits those working within, or seeking to work in the public, public-private and third sectors to engage critically with policy problems and solutions. Graduates are well placed to work in private sector consultancy, non-governmental organisations, international organisations, and public sector employment, government or local government, as well as the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector.

Fees

Full-time

• Fee for UK applicants: £7,710 a year
• Fee for international applicants: £17,000 a year

Part-time

• Fee for UK applicants: £855 for each 20 credits

Length and Start Date

• Full-time: 1 year (September enrolment), 16 months (January enrolment)
• Part-time: 2 years

Why Choose Teesside?

• Stand out from other job applicants with your higher level qualification, specialist knowledge and expanded networks.
• Improve your project management, critical thinking, research skills, time management, presentation skills and teamwork.
• The median salary for working-age postgraduates (£45,000) was £6,500 more than for working-age (those aged 16 to 64) graduates (£38,500) in 2022.
• Study in our friendly town-centre campus with £280m of recent investment.
• Study at Europe's first Adobe Creative Campus and develop your creative and digital skills.