MPA in Public Policy & Management

Program Overview

The University of York's online MPA Public Policy and Management program equips professionals in public and non-profit sectors with the knowledge and skills to analyze, influence, and implement public policies. Combining academic rigor with a practical focus, the program covers topics such as policy design, public finance, and ethical leadership, preparing graduates for careers in policy analysis, public administration, and related fields.

Program Outline

Degree Overview

The 100% online MPA Public Policy and Management program at the University of York is designed for professionals in the public sector and non-profit organizations, as well as individuals in for-profit organizations involved in public policy or public service delivery.

Objectives:

• Equip graduates with the knowledge and skills to analyze and influence policy development and implementation in an increasingly complex world.
• Enable graduates to understand the requirements for ethical leadership and effective change management.
• Foster critical thinking and the ability to contrast theoretical insights with real-world examples and professional experiences.

Description:

• The program combines academic rigor with a practical focus, drawing on current research and practical case studies.
• Graduates develop an advanced understanding of public policy issues and frameworks, as well as the skills to effectively design, implement, and evaluate public programs and policies.
Outline

Program Content:

• Explores various aspects of public administration and policy analysis in the context of increasing societal complexity.
• Focuses on the roles of public and private sectors in delivering public services, ethical leadership within organizations, and public value creation.
• Covers topics such as policy design, public finance, public-private partnerships, public service democratization, and social leadership.

Program Structure and Schedule:

• Two years, part-time
• Six start dates per year, allowing enrollment every two months
• Delivered entirely online

Individual Modules

• Comparative Social and Public Policy
• Analyzes similarities and differences in how various countries handle public policy issues and interventions.
• Examines the complexity of policymaking across national borders.
• Policy, Evidence and Advocacy
• Investigates the interplay between evidence and policymaking in an age of so-called "post-truth" governance.
• Explores how advocacy groups utilize evidence to shape public policy.
• Co-production and Democratisation of Public Services
• Analyzes the process of citizen engagement in public service decisions and delivery.
• Evaluates the benefits, obstacles, and challenges associated with democratizing public services.
• Ethical Social Leadership and Public Value
• Discusses the significance of ethical leadership in ensuring organizational integrity and pursuing public good.
• Examines how ethical social leadership contributes to both individual and public value.
• Leading and Managing Change
• Provides theoretical and practical tools for managing organizational change.
• Equips learners to effectively initiate, respond to, and manage change within their organizations.
• Policy Analysis for a Complex World
• Explores the complexities involved in contemporary social and public policy development.
• Equips participants with a framework for advanced policy analysis in various local, national, and international contexts.
• Public Finance
• Investigates how governments manage public resources, including revenue generation and allocation of public expenditures.
• Analyzes current challenges such as tax avoidance and public debt.
• Public-Private Partnerships in Public Services
• Examines the opportunities and challenges associated with public-private partnerships in public service delivery.
• Provides critical evaluation skills for assessing such partnerships.
• Exploring Policy Research
• Evaluates various research approaches and their appropriateness in public policy contexts.
• Enables participants to effectively evaluate and acquire research for policy needs.
• Project Proposal & Independent Study Project
• The Project Proposal module guides the development of the Independent Study Project.
• The Independent Study Project allows for independent research on a selected topic related to public policy, drawing on acquired knowledge, professional experience, and research skills.
Assessment

Assessment methods:

• Essays
• Project work
• Group assignments
• Online quizzes

Assessment criteria:

• In-depth understanding of public policy issues and their complexities
• Analytical and critical thinking skills
• Ability to apply theoretical concepts to practical situations
• Effective communication skills
• High-quality research and project execution
Teaching

Teaching methods:

• Interactive online lectures and seminars
• Group discussions and collaborative activities
• Asynchronous learning through online materials and discussions
• Individualized feedback from tutors

Faculty:

• Highly qualified academic staff with extensive experience and expertise in public policy and administration

Unique approaches:

• Active student engagement through online discussions and collaborative projects
• Incorporation of real-world case studies and current policy challenges
• Global perspective with learners from across the world
Careers

Potential career paths:

• Policy analyst
• Policy advisor
• Public administrator
• Project manager
• Consultant
• Researcher

Career opportunities:

• Government ministries
• Non-governmental organizations
• International organizations
• Public sector agencies
• Private sector organizations involved in public policy

Employment outcomes:

• Graduates work in roles across various sectors, including government, healthcare, non-profit organizations, consultancies, and the private sector.
Other
• The online program offers flexibility for working professionals to study at their own pace.
• Participants engage with a global network of like-minded individuals from diverse professional backgrounds.
• The curriculum is constantly updated to reflect evolving challenges and trends in the public policy landscape.

Total programme cost: £10,200