Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Make an Impact in 2024
Award
MSc
Duration
1 year full-time
Study mode
Full time
Start date
January, May, September
School
School of Education & Social Sciences
Why study Master of Public Administration at UWS London?
Learn from experts
Our inspiring team and esteemed guest lecturers bring a wealth of knowledge and global experience garnered from their extensive careers in both UK-based enterprises and across international markets.
Immerse yourself in the world’s capital
Live and study in London; one of the leading cultural, financial and cosmopolitan capitals of the world.
Build your network
Our alumni network spans across more than 100 nationalities, offering a dynamic platform for connections that can drive your career forward.
Exceptional career prospects
London is a global economic hub, which means there are abundant opportunities for professionals with various skill sets and backgrounds. UWS London careers department will help you to navigate the graduate job market during your studies and up to 2 years after you graduate.
For the full MPA qualification you are required to accumulate 180 credits.
This is achieved with the completion of six 20-credit modules plus one 60-credit extended research project, the dissertation module.
- Comparative Governance & Public Administration (20 credits)
- Policy Analysis & Practice (20 credits)
- Contemporary Social Issues (20 credits)
- Crisis & communication (20 credits)
- The State, Globalization and Social Justice (20 credits)
- Applied Research Methods in Social Science (20 credits)
- Dissertation (60 credits)
Students achieving 120 credits are entitled to exit with a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration, or a Post-Graduate Diploma (PgD) in Combined Studies depending on the combination of modules achieved.
Students achieving 60 credits are entitled to exit with a Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Social Science.
Students are taught through a combination of traditional lectures and small interactive seminars (leminars), group-tutorials and individual supervisions.
The course 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 individual and group presentations, poster development, applied and research-based essays and the extended research project.
What is a Master of Public Administration all about?
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 programme will give you the theoretical and practical understanding needed to take your career to the next level.
This high level, specialist qualification will equip modern public managers and policy-makers with the skills required to make a decisive contribution to solving global public policy issues. The programme combines a rigorous social science focus on governance, public administration, public policy and politics with a strong grounding in public sector management and communication.
Our MPA has a strong international focus and is ideal for professionals looking to progress into a global career.
Whether you’re looking to enter the world of public management or policy making, or uplevel your current work experience by expanding your sector knowledge, this course will help you develop the knowledge, skills and connections you need to take those vital next steps.
You will gain:
- An understanding of public management, leadership and administration within a global and comparative context
- The opportunity to develop expertise in the area of public management, public leadership, public administration, and governance that interests you
- A deep awareness of crisis management within an organisational context
- The chance to enhance your employability with career-relevant content through innovative learning and assessment
- The opportunity to study within a diverse international community of learners
Why study for a Master of Public Administration?
This qualification is ideal for anybody looking to improve their understanding of public policy and governance and develop the skill-set needed to enter the job market at a high level. The role of policy-makers and public managers is changing quickly, and this programme has been designed to reflect the increase in demand for managers skilled in policy analysis, public administration and management, crisis communications, and evaluation.
Public sector, third sector and civil service roles are a natural progression for our graduates, but an MPA can lead to private sector roles too. The leadership and management skills you will develop, teamed with a deep understanding of governance and public policy, will allow you to step into many organisational roles involving people, policy and impact.
This course is more than just theory, it’s been carefully designed to set you up for a career. The teaching team have years of practical experience and insight to share, and will help you build links with our industry partners via the Oxfam partnership, as well as other civil service and public sector bodies. You’ll also be able to expand your professional CV by undertaking a practice-based project as part of your final dissertation in collaboration with a public or third sector organisation.
Topics you will study include:
- Contemporary Social Issues
- Crisis & Communication
- Crisis Leadership & Management
- Applied Research Methods in Social Science
- Policy Analysis & Practice
Who is this programme for?
- Graduates looking to move into a career in public policy and governance
- Professionals with relevant industry experience who are looking to expand their current skills and knowledge and progress to a higher level
Applications for this programme will be considered on an individual basis.
Where will this programme take me?
A public administration masters degree provides a cross-section of skills for professionals looking to work in public, third sector, and even private organisations at management or leadership level. It’s a highly versatile qualification that can lead to a range of top-level positions for individuals looking to make a real impact.
The MPA equips you with skills in areas including public policy analysis, budgeting, human resources management and leadership. The skills are highly valued in the public sector, non-profit organisations, and even at some private companies that work closely with government agencies.
Join one of the 600 highest ranked universities in the world* (*Times Higher Education World University rankings 2020)
What could my career progression look like?
analysts, CSR managers, HR managers and many other positions with a connection to public management, governance or policy. Here are a few career progression examples:
- Policy Analyst: Research, analyse, and provide recommendations to policymakers based on their assessment of public policies and their potential impacts.
- Programme Manager: Oversee the implementation and coordination of specific projects or initiatives within government agencies or non-profit organisations
- City/County Manager: Oversee day-to-day operations, implement policies set by elected officials, manage budgets, and represent the municipality to the public and other stakeholders
- Government Relations Officer: Act as liaisons between their organisation and government entities
- Human Resources Manager: Oversee personnel matters including recruitment, employee relations, training, and compliance with labour laws
Our facilities
Our modern London Campus is located in London Docklands, a one minute walk from East India DLR station. The campus is well connected and only a few stops away from the exciting city centre.
Our technology-rich campus with light and airy study spaces is the optimal place for learning, making international friends, and taking one closer step to your future career.
Learn more about our London Campus, the history behind it and what areas are nearby for you to explore as a student at UWS London.
Programme leader profile
Further information
To study a post graduate programme with UWS London, applicants are expected to hold at least an ordinary degree from a UK institution, or an equivalent qualification if the applicant has studied outside of the UK.
Applications are also welcome from individuals who do not meet the academic requirements for each programme but can demonstrate significant professional experience in a relevant field. In this case, for example Public Administration, Civil Service (National or International), or healthcare management in the public sector may be considered.
Alternative degree titles with transcripts showing they have studied modules in Social Sciences, Research methods, Sociology or other modules which can demonstrate Critical Thinking in a Social Sciences context can also be considered.
For further details, please contact one of our Admissions Officers.
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) |
| Test Minimum Requirement IELTS (International English Language Testing System) | IELTS Indicator Overall score of 6.0, with no less than 5.5 for each component |
| Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) | Grade C |
| Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) | Grade C |
| Cambridge English Level 2 Certificate in ESOL Int’l | Overall score 170 with no element below 163 |
| Cambridge AS and A Levels | Grade C or above |
| Trinity College London ISEII | Reading: Pass; Listening: Pass |
| ibTOEFL | 78; no sub-test less than 17: Reading: 17; Listening: 17; Speaking: 17; Writing: 17 |
| Pearson Test of English (Academic) | PTE Overall score of 59 with no element less than 59 |
| Password English Language test | Grades equivalent to CEFR B2 for entry at L9 entry and above. Password scores of 6.0 or higher |
| LanguageCert International ESOL | B2 Communicator pass/Communicator High Pass (postgraduate applicants at 6.0) |
| Oxford International English Language Level Test (ELLT) | Overall 6, minimum 5.5 in all skills. Must be at a minimum of B2 and equivalent to IELTs of 6. |
| Skills for English (SELT) | Overall 6, minimum 5.5 in all skills. Must be at a minimum of B2 and equivalent to IELTs of 6 |
UWS London provides a comprehensive range of student services dedicated to supporting you at every stage of your academic journey, ensuring your success and well-being throughout your studies.
- Careers & Placement
- Academic Support
- Counseling & Wellbeing
- Student Union
- Free trips and events with TEG Club
Tuition fees
Master of Public Administration
Discovering your path to academic excellence begins with a simple enquiry. Dive into our simple application guide, created to guide you on every step of the journey. Yet, should you like personalized support or seek inspiration from our experienced advisors, look no further than The Education Group London (TEG London). As the trusted and exclusive service partner of the University of the West of Scotland’s London Campus, TEG London is here to support your academic goals and streamline your application process. Reach out today, and let’s embark on this transformative voyage together.
Apply now
Ready to kickstart your journey with us?
Applying is simple with our online application system! But before you dive in, make sure you meet our entry requirements and have all your documents in order. Need a bit more info or some guidance? Reach out to us, and one of our friendly admissions advisers will be happy to help.
Remember, our programme usually don’t have a set closing date, but they fill up fast! So, don’t wait too long – apply early to secure your spot.
Let’s make your academic journey extraordinary together!
Table of Contents
Enquire with us
We are here to help and to make your journey to UWS London as smooth as possible. Please use the relevant button below to enquiry about a course you would like to apply, or to clarify any questions you may have about us and our admission’s process. After you submit your enquiry, one of our advisers will get back to you as soon as possible.
Application guide
Information to explain how you can apply and make your UWS application as smooth as possible for all our courses.