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Find out more See all matching coursesLooking for graduate level options? See Masters degrees in Public Administration in the UK
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree is rising in popularity for graduates. You will be given the opportunity to build on the knowledge you have gained during your undergraduate degree, preparing you for a role in the public administration field. Students on an MPA degree will be from a diverse background of academics and professionals, with a mixture of mature and younger students.
An MPA degree will cover a range of public administration topics. You will explore different subject areas including public policy, local and national government, management of public financial matters, and public service delivery among others.
Your course will be delivered through a mixture of modes. These will include lectures and seminars, as well as group discussions and presentations. You may have the chance to take part in a placement module, working for a business alongside part of your degree. A placement will allow you to apply and develop your skills in a real world environment, but also build your contacts in the business world.
Depending on where you choose to study, you may be able to specialise throughout your studies. This will allow you to focus on a certain area of public administration, developing your knowledge to an advanced level. Common specialisms include:
Your course may require you to write a dissertation or thesis. This will be an opportunity to perform in-depth research into an area of public administration that interests you.
The accreditation of a Master of Public Administration degree is generally standardised internationally. Most institutions will award you with an MPA degree once you have graduated. Gaining an internationally recognised award will mean that no matter where you choose to work, your future employers will recognise that you have advanced knowledge of public administration.
Certain degree courses may be accredited by independent professional or academic bodies. You should check with your institution for more information about this.
Normally, a Master of Public Administration will take one to two years to complete, when studied full-time. If you wish to study part-time, your degree will be spread across a longer period of time. The duration of your degree can sometimes be flexible to fit around your current work/home commitments. Your institution will be able to provide you with more information about their part-time study options.
On successful completion of your degree, you can either seek employment in your chosen area, or further your studies. You may choose to continue with your studies and gain another degree, such as an MPhil or PhD, or a graduate diploma or certificate.
Graduates of a Master of Public Administration will find that they have a broad range of career opportunities. Popular destinations include government roles, politics, healthcare administration, education, urban planning and international development. Your degree will allow you to progress into middle and senior management roles at a faster rate.
You will gain a variety of transferable and useful skills throughout your degree. These will allow you to apply your knowledge to a wide range of organisations, in the private sector, non-profit sector and public service sector. These skills could include oral and written communication, people and project management, analytical thinking, and financial management.
Public administration as an academic discipline is concerned with the implementation of public policy, administration of government establishment and management of non-profit organisations, among other things. As someone working in public administration, you will be involved with determining and delivering the policies of governments, including international, national and local. You will be responsible for planning, organising and coordinating these policies and operations.
During a Public Administration degree, you will cover a range of areas involved in the discipline. These will be across business, psychology and sociology. Some examples of modules you could study are:
Study in the UK
The UK is a popular destination for international students who want to study abroad. With a wide range of universities offering a variety of courses, there are so many opportunities that students might not be able to find elsewhere. Each university will pride itself on offering high quality education from leading teaching professionals. A qualification gained in the UK will be well regarded across the globe, making an education in the UK a great investment in your future. As well as this, there are many highly ranked universities in the UK, around 17 of which are consistently appearing in the top 100 of the QS World University Rankings.
See our detailed guide to studying in the UK for international students.
Read our selection of advice articles for those looking to start on their study abroad adventure. Covering topics from study visas, applications, funding and choosing the right course and institution:
Read av大平台's suggestions on your first steps when deciding where to study abroad, with helpful tips to make your decision easier.
Find out more about international student visas for studying abroad, as well as how, where and when to apply for yours.
In this article we look at how to approach choosing where in the world you would like to study.
Find out more about English language tests, your options and what is required as an overseas student.