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.

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)
  • Comparative Governance & Public Administration (20 credits)
  • Crisis Leadership & Management (20 credits)
  • Applied Research Methods in Social Science (20 credits)
  • Policy Analysis & Practice (20 credits)

Optional area of study

  • The State in a Global Order (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.).

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.

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 course 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

Where will this course take me?

An MPA 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.

MPA graduates may go on to work as local government analysts, programme coordinators, statisticians, policy analysts, CSR managers, HR managers and many other positions with a connection to public management, governance or policy.

Join one of the 600 highest ranked universities in the world* (*Times Higher Education World University rankings 2020)

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 course 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 course 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 course will be considered on an individual basis.

Students of Master of Public Administration (MPA) in a classroom

Further Information

You should hold an honours degree (minimum 2:2 classification) or equivalent within the broad area of the Social Sciences or a bachelor’s degree with significant and relevant work experience. Relevant subjects include: Social Science, Business, Health, Law or Social Work.

Where candidates do not meet the standard entry requirement, they must demonstrate that they have sufficient relevant professional or practice-based experience to undertake their chosen programme of study. They may be admitted to the programme at the discretion of the programme Admissions Officer/Programme Leader.

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 6.0
  • No sub-test less than 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 sub-test less than 169
  • CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English): 176 overall; no sub-test less than 169
  • Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English: ISEII with the minimum of a Pass in all sub-tests
  • PTE Pearson Academic English:
    • Overall score of 59 with no element less than 59 FOR PROGRAMMES THAT REQUIRE IELTS COMPARABLE 6.0 with no element below 5.5
    • Overall score of 66 with no element less than 66 FOR PROGRAMMES THAT REQUIRE IELTS COMPARABLE 6.5 with no element below 6.0

For further information on English Language qualifications accepted click here.

For applicants who do not meet the minimum English language requirements above, there is an option to apply for the pre-sessional English language programme combined with chosen degree programme. Find out more here.

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.

Find out all student services available at the London campus.

2023/24

Scottish — £7,500

Rest of UK & Northern Ireland — £11,750

International & EU — £15,250

2024/25

Scottish — £7,500

Rest of UK & Northern Ireland — £11,750

International & EU — £15,500

Find out how you can pay for your course fees here

To enquire about the application process and required documentation, please review our application guide section. Should you require assistance or wish to speak with an advisor beforehand, The Education Group London (TEG London) is the designated service partner of the University of the West of Scotland’s London Campus, overseeing all aspects of recruitment and student admissions.

Enquire now

International Student doing homework on the laptop for his Master of Public Administration

Apply now

Apply now through our online application system. Before applying, you should check that you meet our entry requirements, and you should have all your supporting documents ready.

The first step is to create a profile. Then, after submitting your completed application, you will be required to upload your supporting documents listed in our documents checklist page.

Most courses don’t have a formal closing date, but they will close when they are full; apply early to avoid disappointment.

Alternatively, if you would like further information or guidance, enquire with us to speak with one of our admissions advisers.