Public Administration MPA

Please note: this masters is also available for January 2021 start. Applications for January entry close on 31 October 2020. View, and apply for, January 2021 entry here.

This interdisciplinary programme unites the expertise of the School of Sociology and Social Policy and Leeds University Business School, allowing you to study a broad range of modules which will enhance your knowledge of public administration and policy analysis in varying contexts of global and local challenges.

The programme will equip you with the necessary skills to take up a senior position in public administration. You will acquire a mastery of the diverse range of problems that public administration professionals face in the contemporary socio-economic climate and an in-depth understanding of the contested nature of debates in social and public policy.

Throughout the course you will be introduced to and debate the challenges, opportunities, understandings and approaches to managing such issues as ageing populations, social inclusion, migration, unemployment, health, inequality, sustainability and resilience, drawing on the insights and experiences of public and third sector leaders from across the globe.

A key part of the programme is its vocational element which enables you to apply your acquired knowledge to real life situations through project work linked to partner organisations. Throughout the course you will be exposed to a wide variety of the challenges, issues and problems that individuals engaged in public administration face and you will be supported to develop a portfolio of project work tailored to your own interests and career aspirations.

Highlights

• Enhance your knowledge of decision making, policy analysis and implementation.

• Benefit from the expertise of two schools: Sociology and Social Policy and Leeds University Business School.

• Consider challenges faced on a global level to broaden your expertise.

• Develop or strengthen the skills required for senior positions in public services across sectors.

• Complete a portfolio of project work where you can apply the advanced skills and attributes developed across the programme.

Throughout the course you will take a range of modules from across the two schools. One of the compulsory modules is the MPA Project Labs module which represents the vocational element of the course, designed to replace the traditional dissertation.

The MPA Project Labs will run across each semester, giving you the unique opportunity to conduct independently designed project work anchored in collaboration with a partner organisation, enabling you to apply the advanced skills and attributes developed across the programme. The module will be supported by workshops on public administration scenarios and challenges, hosted by academic leaders and guest speakers, including professionals and officials with different roles in the public and third sector. The module also includes workshops on research and impact, problem-focused group work, and one-to-one project supervisions. You will be equipt with a depth and breadth of expertise and specialist skills valued by employers and commissioning bodies working in the public sector.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Public Administration MPA in the course catalogue

Modules

Year 1

Learning and teaching

We use various teaching methods including lectures, seminars, guest lectures and workshops from external speakers, problem focused group work, and student-led debates.

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

Assessment methods are likely to vary, depending on the optional modules you choose. Most of our taught modules are assessed through written work such as essays and reporting.

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree (hons) with a 2:1 or non-UK equivalent in a social sciences, humanities or related discipline plus two years of work experience in a relevant area.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Politics and Society (6 weeks) and Language for Social Sciences and Arts: Politics and Society (10 weeks).

If you need to study for longer than 10 weeks, read more about our postgraduate pre-sessional English course.

How to apply

Application deadlines

• UK students: 31 July

• International students: 30 June

If you intend to apply for funding, you should submit an application for a place on your chosen course at least one month before any specific scholarship deadline.

For 2020/21 academic year courses the link visible above will take you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.

For courses starting from September 2021, applications will open on October 1st 2020 and you will be able to access the application system from that date.

If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Documents and information we will need include:

• Original or certified copies of your transcripts

• Original or certified copies of your degree certificate

• Original or certified copy of your IELTS/TOEFL results (if English is not your first language)

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

Faculty of Social Sciences Taught Admissions Policy 2021

Fees

• UK: £21,250 (total)
• International: £21,250 (total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

Brexit 
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

The MPA is recognised as the key professional qualification for those who wish to pursue or further a career in senior public service. The global perspectives and opportunities to apply your knowledge during this course will equip you with the critical thinking and professional skills needed for a successful and impactful career.

Graduates of this programme are likely to work in government departments, the third sector, and multi-national NGOs. Additionally graduates may progress into private sector and consulting firms that work closely with these areas.

Careers support

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.