| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Public Administration MPA at Ulster University is a part-time postgraduate program designed to enhance leadership and effectiveness skills for managers and leaders in public, voluntary, and community sectors. The program integrates research into teaching, collaborates with leading practitioners, and offers a flexible block-release format. Graduates can expect career advancement opportunities in various public sector organizations.
Program Outline
Public Administration MPA at Ulster University 2025/26 Entry - Part-time Postgraduate Study in Belfast
Degree Overview:
- Objective: This program aims to improve the quality of public services by equipping participants with leadership and effectiveness skills, preparing them to stand out in a competitive job market.
- Description:
- Ideal for managers and leaders in public, voluntary, and community sectors seeking career advancement.
- Designed to enhance leadership skills and effectiveness.
- Integrates internationally recognized, high-quality research into teaching.
- Involves collaboration with leading public service practitioners.
Outline:
- Program Structure:
- Part-time program normally completed over two years.
- Comprises eight modules (one double) delivered on a block-release basis.
- Option to exit after four or six modules with a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma in Public Administration.
- Course Content: Covers a broad range of topics relevant to public sector management and governance, including:
- Public Administration and Governance
- Policy Analysis
- Strategic Leadership
- Applied Government: From Policy to Delivery
- Policy Co-design and Policy Evaluation
- Contemporary Issues in Public Policy and Administration (Health and Social Care)
- Research Methods and Skills
- Comparative Public Administration
- Developing Collaborative Policy Solutions: Problem based Learning
- Project
- Course Schedule: Modules are taught over four-day blocks spread across the academic year.
Assessment:
- Assessment Methods: Normally based on coursework and projects.
- Assessment Criteria: Each module has 4 learning outcomes and no more than 2 assessment items. An item may comprise multiple tasks. The module pass mark for undergraduate courses is 40%. The module pass mark for postgraduate courses is 50%.
Teaching:
- Teaching Method: Primarily in-person.
- Faculty: Experienced academic staff, 60% holding PhDs and many with professional body recognition.
- Unique Approaches:
- Integration of research into teaching.
- Collaboration with leading practitioners.
- Block-release format for part-time flexibility.
Careers:
- Career Options: Graduates can find employment in various organizations, including health, housing, education, government agencies, civil services departments, police, non-departmental public bodies, and voluntary and community sector organizations.
- Career Outcomes: The program aims to prepare graduates for advancement in their public sector careers.
Ulster University
Overview:
Ulster University is a public university in Northern Ireland with campuses in Belfast, Coleraine, Derry~Londonderry, and a dedicated Sports Village. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, as well as short courses and research opportunities. The university is known for its commitment to research and innovation, ranking in the top 10% of UK universities for research impact.
Services Offered:
Ulster University provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Accommodation:
On-campus accommodation options are available at all campuses.Sports Services:
The university boasts a dedicated Sports Village with various facilities and memberships.Student Union:
The Ulster University Students' Union (UUSU) offers a variety of support services and social activities.Student Wellbeing:
The university provides support services for student mental health and well-being.Digital Services:
Students have access to online resources and services through the university portal.Library Services:
The university library offers a wide range of resources and support for learning, teaching, and research.Employability and Careers Advice:
The university provides guidance and support for students seeking employment opportunities.Global Partnerships:
The university offers opportunities for international students and partnerships with other institutions.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Ulster University offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience. Students can expect:
Strong sense of community:
Each campus fosters a welcoming and supportive environment.Active student life:
UUSU organizes various social events, clubs, and societies.Access to facilities:
Students have access to modern facilities, including libraries, sports centers, and accommodation.Opportunities for personal development:
The university offers various programs and activities to enhance students' skills and well-being.Key Reasons to Study There:
High-quality education:
Ulster University offers a wide range of programs taught by experienced academics.Strong research focus:
The university is known for its commitment to research and innovation.Vibrant campus life:
Students can enjoy a diverse and engaging campus experience.Excellent support services:
The university provides comprehensive support services for students' academic and personal needs.Career-focused approach:
The university emphasizes employability and provides career guidance to students.Academic Programs:
Ulster University offers a wide range of academic programs across various faculties, including:
Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment
Life and Health Sciences
Ulster University Business School
The university is particularly strong in areas such as:
Nursing and Healthcare
Business and Management
Engineering and Technology
Arts and Humanities
Other:
- The university has a strong commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
- Ulster University is registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland.
- The university has a dedicated website for alumni and supporters.
- The university offers a range of online courses and resources.
EU Home/UK Students:
- Normally a UK second class honours degree, or better, in any discipline.
- Additionally, applicants should normally have gained at least 3 years’ relevant work experience in a supervisory or managerial position in the UK or Irish civil service.
International Overseas Students:
- EU Entry requirements are the same for International Students.
- The University also recognizes a number of other English Language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.
Exemptions:
Students who have successfully completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Health & Social Care Management may be exempted for up to 120 credit points. Students on the NICS Postgraduate Certificate in Public Administration who are successful may progress to complete the MPA having already collected 60 credits.
