Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Introduction

Studying towards a postgraduate degree in Public Administration gives students the opportunity to focus their learning on the theory behind public policy decisions and how these are implemented.

About the programme

This one-year, full-time course is intended for students who want to pursue a career in public policy. This course aims at preparing students for employment in public and third sector organisations through combining social science with communications.

Areas of study covered include public policy, politics, public and crisis management, and administration. This way, graduates of this programme will exit the course with highly developed and sought-after skills to increase their employability.

Areas of Study

During your Master of Public Administration, you will complete five core 20-credits areas of study and a further one optional area of study for the Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip). This ensures that all students can pursue their chosen specialisms on solid intellectual and disciplinary foundations. You will then complete your MPA by carrying out an extended research project dissertation.

For the Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) stage, you will study the following core areas of study:

Contemporary Social Issues (20 credits)
Crisis & Communication (20 credits)
Crisis Leadership & Management (20 credits)
Applied Research Methods in Social Science (20 credits)
Policy Analysis & Practice (20 credits)

Optional area of study

Global Crisis Management (20 credits)
Power, Politics & Civil Society (20 credits)

Successful completion of the PgDip allows you to proceed to the master’s area of study:

Dissertation (60 credits)

The master’s dissertation gives you the opportunity to specialise in an area of public policy, leadership, administration and governance that interests you, while under academic supervision. You will also have the opportunity to enhance your CV by undertaking a work-based project as part of your final dissertation with a partner organisation (e.g. NGOs, campaign groups, public agencies, third sector organisations, etc.).

Teaching and Assesment

Students are taught and assessed through a combination of lectures, tutorials, exams and essays.

You’ll complete five taught core modules, plus one option, followed by an extended research dissertation, which may be practice-based.

The course is 16% scheduled learning and 84% independent study.

Assessment is 100% coursework based.

Why study MPA?

One of the most attractive features of this programme are the enhanced career prospects it brings to graduates. Through developing skills such as leadership, communication and management, graduates can easily transition into management roles within the public and third sector.

While this programme is underpinned by the latest theory, this course also has a strong practical focus. Students have the opportunity to apply theory through real-world industry projects.

Entry Requirements for MPA

The standard entry requirements for this programme are a 2:2 honours degree in a social science subject. This can include social science, business, law and social work. However, applications are assessed on an individual basis and relevant work experience may be considered.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English must be able to demonstrate sufficient English Language capabilities.

Below are some of the accepted English Language qualifications:

IELTS (gained in the last 2 years). Score: 6.0 overall and no lower than 5.5 for sub-tests.
Cambridge certificate of advanced English (CAE) and certificate of proficiency in English (CPE). Score: 176.
Trinity College Integrated Skills in English. Score: ISEII.
Pearson Academic English. Score: 61.
TOEFL IBT. Score: 78.

You may also be permitted to take a supplementary English language programme prior to the start of the programme. All applications are considered on an individual basis, so it is always worth discussing your options with an admissions officer.

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