Master of Public Administration (MPA) offers an integrated approach to the study of public policy and management. It focuses on the requirements of those in management or policy roles within local, national and international public service organisations.

The MPA degree is an internationally recognised postgraduate qualification designed to prepare you for the challenges and opportunities of a career in today's public administration and management.

Teaching staff have expertise across a broad range of subjects including public administration, public policy, government and institutions, social policy, European affairs, management, applied economics, research methods and comparative approaches to the disciplines and subject areas to be taught.

The course has a strong emphasis on independent and small group study. The rationale behind this strategy is to develop and foster self-reliance in analysis and problem solving, providing you with the confidence to seek practical solutions to problems. In addition, you will have the opportunity to develop research and IT skills.

The course is studied full-time on campus.

Stage 1

• Comparative Government
• Contemporary Public Services
• Applied Policy Research
• Plus one module from
  • Managing People
  • Values and Ethics in a Democratic Context
  • Governance and Public Policy Making
  • Project Fundamentals

Exit Award: PgCert Public Administration

Stage 2

• Leadership and Strategic Management
• Policy Analysis
• Financing Public Services
• Plus one module from
  • Global Civil Society
  • Social Welfare
  • Managing Change 

Exit Award: PgDip Public Administration

Stage 3

• Dissertation

Award: MPA

You will learn through a combination of lectures, seminars and workshop sessions. These comprise of a mix of group study, discussion, simulation and presentations of findings by teams and individuals. You will work as an individual and also as part of a team on case studies, team activities, presentations and discussions. 

Access to our virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle, is also provided giving you access from home to learning materials (including videos, e-books and journals).

CampusMoodle offers full and open access to tutors and other class members. The online campus provides students with lectures and course materials and it also includes:

• Virtual tutorials
• Live chat
• Discussion forums - student and tutor led
• Up-to-date web technology for delivery methods
• User friendly material
• Access to our online library

As online learners, students are part of a 'virtual cohort' and the communication and interaction amongst members of the cohort is a significant aspect of the learning process.

This course is ideal for students who possess a good honours degree in a relevant subject area, such as politics, social sciences or law. Other qualifications and experience will be considered for entry, subject to the University's judgement that you have a reasonable expectation of being able to fulfil the requirements of the award.

All international students, for whom English is not their first language, must provide evidence of linguistic ability, by gaining either IELTS 6.5 or its equivalent in TOEFL prior to receiving an unconditional offer of a place on the course.

English Language Requirements

Merit Scholarship
Aberdeen Business School offers a number of merit scholarships to outstanding students. The scholarship is available to:

• international students who will study the course by full time and distance learning and pay for the fees at the international rate; or
• UK or EU students who will study the course by full time and the fees are set in excess of 6,000 GBP; or
• UK or EU students who will study the course by distance learning.

To find out more information on the Merit Scholarship.

Postgraduate Funding
Applicants (Scottish domiciled and EU) to this course may be eligible for a Postgraduate Tuition Fee Loan (PTFL). Full-time students can apply for a PTFL up to £3400. Part-time students can apply for up to £1700. The tuition fee loan is only available to part-time students who are undertaking at least 50% of a full-time course, and therefore, complete their qualification in 2 years.

Information on funding for postgraduate students can be seen under Postgraduate Student Finance.

All course fees are reviewed annually and subject to change. Published fees apply to the course's mode of delivery.

All students can apply online by visiting Apply Online.

If you have any queries, please contact our Admissions Office: 

• Email PGOffice@rgu.ac.uk

If you are an International Student and would like further information and application advice:

• Complete our International Enquiries form
• Call 0044 1224 262726
• Email international@rgu.ac.uk

Further details are also available from Course Leader:

Kirsteen Close
Aberdeen Business School
Robert Gordon University
Garthdee Road
Aberdeen AB10 7QE

Tel: +44 (0)1224 263419
Email: k.close@rgu.ac.uk 

The MPA Programme provides you with a solid grounding in the key academic disciplines informing contemporary public administration, whilst also developing key transferable skills in management and leadership.

Graduates from this MPA programme have gone on to a wide variety of careers across government, in the voluntary and not-for-profit sector, the international and the private sectors.