Public Administration

Program Overview

The Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) is a two-year, part-time postgraduate degree offered by Victoria University of Wellington and ANZSOG. It equips senior managers in the public and government-related sectors with the management and policy skills needed to navigate complex public environments and effect positive change. The program emphasizes a practical and applied approach, integrating academic rigor with practical application through case studies, simulations, and guest lectures. Graduates are prepared for leadership and management roles in the public and government sectors.

Program Outline

Public Administration - Postgraduate

Degree Overview:

The Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) is a two-year, part-time postgraduate degree offered jointly by Victoria University of Wellington and the Australia and New Zealand School of Government (ANZSOG). The program equips senior managers in the New Zealand and Australian public or government-related sectors with the management and policy skills needed to navigate increasingly complex public environments and effect positive change. The EMPA program emphasizes a practical and applied approach, focusing on real-world challenges and equipping students with the tools and knowledge to tackle them effectively. The curriculum integrates academic rigor with practical application, utilizing case studies, simulations, and guest lectures from leading practitioners to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of public administration theory and practice.

Outline:

The EMPA program is structured around a series of core modules and electives, covering a broad range of topics relevant to public administration.

Core Modules:

• Public Policy and Governance: This module examines the principles and processes of public policy development, implementation, and evaluation.
• Strategic Management: This module explores the key concepts and frameworks of strategic management in the public sector, with a focus on developing strategic thinking and decision-making skills.
• Leadership and Change Management: This module equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to lead effectively in complex and changing environments.
• Financial Management: This module provides students with a comprehensive understanding of financial management principles and practices relevant to the public sector.
• Economic Analysis for Public Policy: This module equips students with the tools and knowledge to analyze economic issues and their impact on public policy decisions.

Elective Modules:

Students can choose from a range of elective modules to tailor their program to their specific interests and career aspirations. Some examples of elective modules offered include:

• Performance Management
• Public Sector Human Resource Management
• Managing Public Sector Projects
• Public Sector Innovation
• Ethics and Accountability in Public Administration

Assessment:

The EMPA program utilizes a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning. These include:

• Assignments: Students complete written assignments on various topics covered in the modules.
• Case Studies: Students analyze and discuss real-world case studies to apply their knowledge and skills to practical situations.
• Presentations: Students present their work and findings to their peers and faculty members.

Teaching:

The EMPA program is delivered by a team of experienced academics and practitioners with expertise in public administration and related fields. The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures: Leading academics and practitioners deliver lectures on key topics.
• Seminars: Smaller group discussions allow for in-depth exploration of specific topics and issues.
• Workshops: Interactive workshops provide students with opportunities to apply their learning to real-world scenarios.
• Guest Lectures: Leading practitioners from the public and private sectors share their experiences and insights with students.

Careers:

The EMPA program prepares graduates for a range of leadership and management roles within the public and government sectors. Graduates of the program typically find employment in positions such as:

• Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
• Director-General
• Deputy Secretary
• General Manager
• Policy Advisor
• Project Manager

Other:

• Admissions: Prospective students may be admitted based on extensive practical or professional experience of an appropriate kind, even if they do not have previous university-level study.