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Postgraduate

Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Make an impact in your public or third sector career with a Master’s qualification in Public Administration. With a rigorous focus on both social sciences and crisis communications, this course will give you the theoretical and practical understanding needed to take your career to the next level.
Apply Now
Download Prospectus
Postgraduate

Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Make an impact in your public or third sector career with a Master’s qualification in Public Administration. With a rigorous focus on both social sciences and crisis communications, this course will give you the theoretical and practical understanding needed to take your career to the next level.
Apply Now
Download Prospectus

Award

MPA

Duration

1 year

Study mode

Full-time

Tuition fees

UK Fees: £12,350
International and EU Fees: £16,275

Starting dates

September, January, May

School

Education and Social Sciences

Award

MPA

Duration

1 year

Study mode

Full-time

Tuition fees

UK Fees: £12,350
International and EU Fees: £16,275

Starting dates

September, January, May

School

Education and Social Sciences

Course Menu

Introduction

Course overview

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) is designed for graduates and professionals who want to develop the knowledge and skills to lead, manage and improve organisations across the public, voluntary and wider public service sectors.

The course explores how governments, public organisations and policymakers respond to today’s social, economic and environmental challenges. You’ll examine public administration, governance and policy from an international perspective, while developing the practical skills needed to analyse complex issues and support informed decision-making.

During the course, you’ll:

  • Develop an understanding of public administration, governance and public policy.
  • Explore how governments and organisations respond to global, national and local challenges.
  • Examine the role of public policy in supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs)
  • Build leadership, research, analytical and communication skills for professional practice.
  • Choose optional modules that reflect your interests and career ambitions.
  • Complete an independent professional project focused on a real-world public administration or policy challenge.

The course is designed to develop knowledge and skills that may be relevant to careers across government, public services, charities, international organisations and policy-focused organisations.

Member of the United Kingdom Association for Public Administration - UKAPA

Member of the United Kingdom Association for Public Administration – UKAPA

Programme Information

Course structure

To achieve a Master of Public Administration (MPA), you’ll study 180 credits, including two 30-credit core modules, two 30-credit optional modules and a 60-credit professional project.

Programme modules

Core modules

  • Comparative Public Administration and Management 30 credits
    Explore how public organisations are managed across different countries and examine the theories, principles and practices that shape public administration.
  • Comparative Public Policy Process and Issues 30 credits
    Develop an understanding of how public policy is developed, implemented and evaluated while exploring contemporary policy challenges across different national and international contexts.
  • MPA Professional Project 60 credits
    Complete an independent professional project investigating a real-world public administration or policy challenge while applying the knowledge and skills developed throughout your studies.

Optional modules

Choose two optional modules from a range of specialist topics, which may include:

  • Management and Leadership in Public Organisations 30 credits
    Develop leadership and management skills for public sector organisations, with a focus on organisational performance and service delivery.
  • Transnational Administrations and Sustainable Development Goals 30 credits
    Explore how governments and international organisations work together to address global challenges, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
  • Collaborative Governance: Civil Society, Participation and Regional Development 30 credits
    Examine how governments, communities and organisations collaborate to support participation, partnership working and regional development.
  • Public Administration in Non-Western Countries 30 credits
    Explore different approaches to public administration and governance across non-Western countries and compare international policy approaches.
  • International Migration and Diaspora Governance 30 credits
    Develop an understanding of migration governance and explore how governments and organisations respond to migration and diaspora issues.
  • Governing the Environment 30 credits
    Examine environmental governance and explore how public policy can support sustainability and environmental management.
  • Principles and Challenges of International Political Economy 30 credits
    Explore how political and economic systems influence public policy, governance and international development.
  • Comparative Critical Infrastructure Policy 30 credits
    Develop an understanding of how governments manage and protect critical infrastructure across different national contexts.
  • Gender, Representative Bureaucracy and Social Policy 30 credits
    Examine the relationship between equality, representation and public policy, and explore how diversity influences public administration.

Teaching and assessments

Students are taught on-site through a combination of traditional lectures and small interactive seminars (leminars), group-tutorials and individual supervision. Indicatively, out of a two-hour seminar, 50% is lecture and 50% interactive group work based on student in-class engagement.

The MPA programme is 20% scheduled class-based learning and 80% independent study.

Assessment is 100% coursework based and varies from module to module. Some indicative forms of assessment are policy papers and research-based essays, individual and group presentations, poster development, professional portfolio development and the extended research project.

Admissions

Entry requirements

Academic entry requirements

We welcome applications from UK and international students.

You should normally hold:

  • A UK honours degree (minimum 2:2) or an equivalent international qualification, in a social sciences subject
  • A bachelor's degree in another subject together with significant relevant professional experience

We may also consider applicants who can demonstrate relevant professional or practice-based experience that prepares them for postgraduate study.

If your qualification is not listed, please contact an Admissions adviser for guidance on your eligibility to apply.

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English language proficiency level. The qualifications below must have been gained within two years of the start of your course. 

General English language requirements at UWS: International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training): 

  • Overall score of 6.0
  • No component below 5.5

Common equivalent English language qualifications

All stated English tests are acceptable for admission for both home/EU and international students for this programme: 

  • CAE (Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English): 176 overall; no component below 169
  • CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English): 176 overall; no component below 169
  • Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English: ISE II with a Pass in all components
  • Pearson PTE Academic: An overall score of 59 to 64 with no component below 59 (for programmes that require IELTS 6.0 with no component below 5.5). 
  • TOEFL iBT: 78; no component below 17 (Reading: 17; Listening: 17; Speaking: 17; Writing: 17)
  • Skills for English (SELT): Overall 6.0, minimum 5.5 in all skills

For applicants from certain countries who do not meet the minimum English language requirements outlined above, there may be an option to apply for an online pre-sessional English language programme.

For detailed information on English language entry requirements for international students, including accepted alternative qualifications and possible exemptions, please visit our English language requirements page.

Tuition Fees and Scholarships

Fees and funding

UK Students

£12,350
per year (2026/27)

Student loans and payment plans available

International and EU

£16,275
per year (2026/27)

Payment plans available

International scholarships available

Eligible international students can receive a £3,275 scholarship towards their tuition fees for the September 2026 intake.
  • Option 1: To secure your place at the University, 75% of your tuition fees must be paid before your CAS is issued. The remaining 25% must be paid before the start of your second term.
  • Option 2: Students applying from certain countries may be required to pay 100% of their tuition fees upfront and in full before enrolment.
    No early payment discount will apply. For further information, please contact an Admissions adviser.
What could my future career look like?

Career prospects

The Master of Public Administration is designed to develop leadership, policy analysis and management skills that may be relevant across public, voluntary and international organisations.

Roles that use these skills may include:

  • Public administration
  • Government and public policy
  • Local government
  • Civil service
  • International organisations
  • Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
  • Charities and voluntary organisations
  • Public sector management
  • Policy research and analysis

The course may also provide a route to further academic study, including research master’s and PhD programmes.

Course Leader

Dr Athanassios Gouglas
Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Core MPA team

Klement Camaj

Habibe Ilhan

Fatema Jahan

Pedro Munoz-Ramirez

Anastasis Petrou

The core MPA team is supported by a team of associate lecturers and industry experts who share their lived experiences as practitioners with our students.

Links with research

The MPA aspires to actively shape and be shaped by public administration and policy research and teaching in the UK and internationally.

The programme is linked to two UWS Research Centres:

  1. Sustainable Policy Analysis Research Centre (SPARC) (uws.ac.uk)
  1. Migration, Diaspora, Citizenship and Identity (uws.ac.uk)

MPA students will have the opportunity to be taught by some of the centres’ active members in London and Scotland, as well as participate in research events and workshops that are sponsored by SPARC and CMDCI.

Habibe Ilhan is the London SPARC Leader

Klement Camaj is the CMDCI London Leader

The MPA provides a path to future academic researchers and welcomes applications for the London based School of Education and Social Sciences PhD programme.

Support

Frequently asked questions

This course is suitable for graduates and professionals looking to develop advanced knowledge, improve career prospects or specialise in a particular subject area.

Applicants are normally expected to hold an undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification. Some courses may also consider relevant professional experience.

Yes, UWS London welcomes postgraduate students from across the world and provides support with applications, enrolment and settling into student life in London.

Most postgraduate taught courses can be completed in one year when studied full-time, although course lengths may vary depending on the programme.

Students can access academic guidance, careers support, wellbeing services and additional student support throughout their time at UWS London.

Introduction

Course overview

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) is designed for graduates and professionals who want to develop the knowledge and skills to lead, manage and improve organisations across the public, voluntary and wider public service sectors.

The course explores how governments, public organisations and policymakers respond to today’s social, economic and environmental challenges. You’ll examine public administration, governance and policy from an international perspective, while developing the practical skills needed to analyse complex issues and support informed decision-making.

During the course, you’ll:

  • Develop an understanding of public administration, governance and public policy.
  • Explore how governments and organisations respond to global, national and local challenges.
  • Examine the role of public policy in supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs)
  • Build leadership, research, analytical and communication skills for professional practice.
  • Choose optional modules that reflect your interests and career ambitions.
  • Complete an independent professional project focused on a real-world public administration or policy challenge.

The course is designed to develop knowledge and skills that may be relevant to careers across government, public services, charities, international organisations and policy-focused organisations.

Member of the United Kingdom Association for Public Administration - UKAPA

Member of the United Kingdom Association for Public Administration – UKAPA

Programme Information

Course structure

To achieve a Master of Public Administration (MPA), you’ll study 180 credits, including two 30-credit core modules, two 30-credit optional modules and a 60-credit professional project.

Programme modules

Core modules

  • Comparative Public Administration and Management 30 credits
    Explore how public organisations are managed across different countries and examine the theories, principles and practices that shape public administration.
  • Comparative Public Policy Process and Issues 30 credits
    Develop an understanding of how public policy is developed, implemented and evaluated while exploring contemporary policy challenges across different national and international contexts.
  • MPA Professional Project 60 credits
    Complete an independent professional project investigating a real-world public administration or policy challenge while applying the knowledge and skills developed throughout your studies.

Optional modules

Choose two optional modules from a range of specialist topics, which may include:

  • Management and Leadership in Public Organisations 30 credits
    Develop leadership and management skills for public sector organisations, with a focus on organisational performance and service delivery.
  • Transnational Administrations and Sustainable Development Goals 30 credits
    Explore how governments and international organisations work together to address global challenges, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
  • Collaborative Governance: Civil Society, Participation and Regional Development 30 credits
    Examine how governments, communities and organisations collaborate to support participation, partnership working and regional development.
  • Public Administration in Non-Western Countries 30 credits
    Explore different approaches to public administration and governance across non-Western countries and compare international policy approaches.
  • International Migration and Diaspora Governance 30 credits
    Develop an understanding of migration governance and explore how governments and organisations respond to migration and diaspora issues.
  • Governing the Environment 30 credits
    Examine environmental governance and explore how public policy can support sustainability and environmental management.
  • Principles and Challenges of International Political Economy 30 credits
    Explore how political and economic systems influence public policy, governance and international development.
  • Comparative Critical Infrastructure Policy 30 credits
    Develop an understanding of how governments manage and protect critical infrastructure across different national contexts.
  • Gender, Representative Bureaucracy and Social Policy 30 credits
    Examine the relationship between equality, representation and public policy, and explore how diversity influences public administration.

Teaching and assessments

Students are taught on-site through a combination of traditional lectures and small interactive seminars (leminars), group-tutorials and individual supervision. Indicatively, out of a two-hour seminar, 50% is lecture and 50% interactive group work based on student in-class engagement.

The MPA programme is 20% scheduled class-based learning and 80% independent study.

Assessment is 100% coursework based and varies from module to module. Some indicative forms of assessment are policy papers and research-based essays, individual and group presentations, poster development, professional portfolio development and the extended research project.

Admissions

Entry requirements

Academic entry requirements

We welcome applications from UK and international students.

You should normally hold:

  • A UK honours degree (minimum 2:2) or an equivalent international qualification, in a social sciences subject
  • A bachelor's degree in another subject together with significant relevant professional experience

We may also consider applicants who can demonstrate relevant professional or practice-based experience that prepares them for postgraduate study.

If your qualification is not listed, please contact an Admissions adviser for guidance on your eligibility to apply.

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English language proficiency level. The qualifications below must have been gained within two years of the start of your course. 

General English language requirements at UWS: International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training): 

  • Overall score of 6.0
  • No component below 5.5

Common equivalent English language qualifications

All stated English tests are acceptable for admission for both home/EU and international students for this programme: 

  • CAE (Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English): 176 overall; no component below 169
  • CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English): 176 overall; no component below 169
  • Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English: ISE II with a Pass in all components
  • Pearson PTE Academic: An overall score of 59 to 64 with no component below 59 (for programmes that require IELTS 6.0 with no component below 5.5). 
  • TOEFL iBT: 78; no component below 17 (Reading: 17; Listening: 17; Speaking: 17; Writing: 17)
  • Skills for English (SELT): Overall 6.0, minimum 5.5 in all skills

For applicants from certain countries who do not meet the minimum English language requirements outlined above, there may be an option to apply for an online pre-sessional English language programme.

For detailed information on English language entry requirements for international students, including accepted alternative qualifications and possible exemptions, please visit our English language requirements page.

Tuition Fees and Scholarships

Fees and funding

UK Students

£12,350
per year (2026/27)

Student loans and payment plans available

International and EU

£16,275
per year (2026/27)

Payment plans available

International scholarships available

Eligible international students can receive a £3,275 scholarship towards their tuition fees for the September 2026 intake.
  • Option 1: To secure your place at the University, 75% of your tuition fees must be paid before your CAS is issued. The remaining 25% must be paid before the start of your second term.
  • Option 2: Students applying from certain countries may be required to pay 100% of their tuition fees upfront and in full before enrolment.
    No early payment discount will apply. For further information, please contact an Admissions adviser.
What could my future career look like?

Career prospects

The Master of Public Administration is designed to develop leadership, policy analysis and management skills that may be relevant across public, voluntary and international organisations.

Roles that use these skills may include:

  • Public administration
  • Government and public policy
  • Local government
  • Civil service
  • International organisations
  • Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
  • Charities and voluntary organisations
  • Public sector management
  • Policy research and analysis

The course may also provide a route to further academic study, including research master’s and PhD programmes.

Ready to apply?

Start your application today and take the first step towards an exciting career.

Apply Now
Book a Call
Key dates
Final enquiry deadline

Tuesday 30 June

Course start date

Monday 7 September

Need help?

Our admissions team is here to answer any questions you may have.

Enquire
Download
Prospectus
full course specification
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