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MPA Masters in Public Administration (Human Resources)

Start date
September
Duration
12 months full time, 24 months part time
Course Type
Postgraduate, Taught
Fees

For 2024-2025
£12,600 FT (UK)
£6,300 PT (UK)
£26,280 FT (International)
More Fees and funding details.

Our MPA Masters in Public Administration (Human Resources) is aimed at those who aspire to a career in public administration, public sector management or public services and who have a particular interest in human resource development and management.

The MPA is an international masters programme which will encourage you to consider and analyse how a changing global environment has shaped the ways in which work is organised and managed and how ideas about leadership and management may be applied in response to different problems and challenges.

The Human Resources MPA pathway is designed for those who are interested in human resource management and development in the public, state or NGO sectors in developing, transitional or newly-industrialised countries. This is primarily a public sector management, not a business management, programme, although the themes covered are relevant to both sectors. 

On this pathway you will explore current and recent trends in public administration and human resources, focusing on relationship between hard and soft approaches to the analysis and practice of management. For example, between human resources management and human resource development. You will also examine the interaction between organisational structure, culture, power and motivation in public administration and in international organisations. 

The degree uses a diagnostic case study approach in its core modules, with an emphasis on practical, theoretically-informed discussion and strategy development. You may choose any relevant subject for your dissertation, with the final topic agreed between you and your assigned supervisor.

Why study this course?

This is an MPA programme aimed at people already working within, or closely with, the public sector, or wanting to join the sector, particularly within developing or newly industrialised countries. The programme:

  • Has a strong international focus, using examples from many countries and being relevant to many countries, and with an international student body.
  • Includes a study visit, to learn about public administration and strategy in a particular context, with meetings with a range of public sector and associated bodies. There are two locations to choose from each year – destinations in recent years include St Petersburg, Guangzhou, Vienna, Berlin.
  • Does not require or assume prior knowledge or experience of public sector management or human resource management.
  • Has a wide range of optional modules.

Modules

This pathway is designed for flexibility, allowing you to choose half of the MPA taught content from a wide range of optional modules.

Unless indicated otherwise the modules listed for this programme are for students starting in 2024.

The degree has three 20 credit core modules:

You will complete a 60 credit dissertation and take a further 20 credit module. Choose one module from the following:

You will need to choose 60 credits from the optional modules list:


Please note: The modules listed on the website for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. On rare occasions, we may need to make unexpected changes to compulsory modules; in this event we will contact offer holders as soon as possible to inform or consult them as appropriate.

Fees

Fees for 2024 - 2025

  • UK full-time: £12,600
  • UK part-time: £6,300
  • International full-time: £26,280

Please check with the Department for the latest fees information.
Learn more about fees.

Scholarships and studentships

See the departmental scholarships and funding pages.

Other funding may be available. International Students can often gain funding through overseas research scholarships, Commonwealth scholarships or their home government.

For further information contact the School directly or visit StudentHelp.

How To Apply

7 May 2024 is the application deadline for international students applying through the student route who wish to study in the United Kingdom. We are not able to consider applications for 2024 made after this date. The deadline for Home students is 30 August 2024.

Application Fee

For international applicants this programme is subject to a £50 non-refundable application fee. At the end of the application form, before you can submit it to us, you will be required to pay, or indicate how you will pay the required fee in order for us to process your application. Please complete and submit your application before paying your application fee.

Personal Statement

Entry to this programme is highly competitive and as a result your application and personal statement will be closely scrutinised by our Admissions Tutors. Please ensure that you spend some time familiarising yourself with the programme modules and outcomes. Personal Statements should be relevant to the programme and how you believe it will enable you to achieve your career goals.

How to apply

To apply for a postgraduate taught programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online. We have put together some helpful information on the taught programme application process and supporting documents on our how to apply page. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.

Apply now

Our Standard Requirements

  • An upper second-class Honours degree or equivalent from an approved university or an equivalent professional qualification in a relevant field (the equivalent US Grade Point Average is 3.2) or
  • A lower second-class Honours degree from an approved university with excellent work experience.
  • Adequate capacity in written and spoken English. Find out more about international entry requirements.
  • Degrees from all disciplines are considered and a candidate's work experience can also be taken into consideration.

International Requirements



International Students

You can satisfy our English language requirements in two ways:


  • IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band
  • TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 in Listening, 22 in Speaking and 21 in Writing
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) including online: PTE Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
  • Cambridge English (exams taken from 2015): Advanced – minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component

Teaching takes place over two ten-week terms, utilizing a range of teaching and learning methods, including short lectures, problem solving, role play and group work.

Assessment Methods

A range of assessment methods are used, with both formative and summative assessment. Assessment methods may include essays, policy briefs and presentations. A dissertation of no more than 12,000 words is also required.

The knowledge and skills gained in the programme will equip graduates for jobs in international, national and local government and non-governmental organisations.

See what some of our alumni are doing now and what they thought about studying with us at IDD.