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.

It can be studied full-time or part-time on campus, or online by distance learning. This flexible approach provides the opportunity for those in employment to study for a postgraduate degree while also maintaining their career.

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.

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

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 MPA can be studied full-time and part-time on campus and by distance learning, delivered online through Campus Moodle, the university's Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).  Campus Moodle enables students to undertake the programme from anywhere and provides a generic infrastructure for online learning. Students assume responsibility for their own learning experience through individual and group study. Online facilities provided include:

• discussion forums for tutorials, online meetings and conferences
• messaging service
• publishing space enabling production of a personal profile, organisation of relevant links, and links to work
• calendar of course events

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

ABS Scholarships
A number of full and partial fee-reduction scholarships may be available for entry to the MPA course. These scholarships are available to Home/EU students only and are awarded to students who are seen to be particularly suited to the course. Factors considered include the individual's academic record, their employment experience, career goals and aspirations and extra-curricular achievements.
Contact Kirsteen Close, Programme leader, for more information

Postgraduate Funding
Information on funding for postgraduate students can be seen under Postgraduate Student Finance and also on the SAAS website.

All course fees are reviewed annually and subject to change.

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

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.