Gain the skills to analyse governance, policy-making and administration across different areas of government on our 1 year Master of Public Administration (MPA) course.
Explore public policy design and learn how organisations deal with major policy problems and the societal effects of policy choices. You’ll cover local, national and global perspectives.
Understanding the role of public administration in implementing government policy can benefit both individuals and society, on a local to global scale.
On this flexible UK master’s in public administration you’ll explore:
modern policy-making and administration
public policy design and delivery
public and non-profit organisations and their approach to major policy challenges
the effects of policy choices on society
You’ll develop understanding of the:
core public administration theoretical and practice-related perspectives
main issues and events shaping public administration in national and regional settings
central philosophical and methodological debates related to the study and practice of public administration
ways in which governance systems differ
skills to design and complete a dissertation on a specialist topic in the field of public administration
You'll also receive training in research design and will carry out individual, original research as part of your dissertation.
We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.
Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).
Course lead
Your course leader is Dr John Boswell. John’s current research looks at public engagement in relation to health spending and the relationship between old and new media in understanding unfolding or unexpected events. Visit Dr Boswell’s profile page to learn more about his work.
Taster lecture
Course leader Dr John Boswell discusses learning on the MPA programme
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with ONCAMPUS. Learn more about the programmes available.
Recognition of professional experience
If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.
Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
The master’s in Public Administration takes place over 1 year, across 2 semesters. It includes 6 modules and a dissertation.
You’ll study modules that give you a thorough grounding in the academic study of public administration. Later in your course you’ll be able to choose modules that interest you from across our social sciences subjects.
You’ll also undertake a module that prepares you for the dissertation.
The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.
As well as lectures and student-led seminars you’ll experience a range of teaching and learning formats, including:
problem-solving workshops
case analysis
supervised independent research
independent study
The majority of modules are taught as seminars where you can discuss the topics you’re learning about in small groups.
You'll also prepare papers and lead seminar discussions to develop your verbal and written communication skills.
Assessment
We’ll assess you using written assessment exercises including:
independent research papers
critical literature reviews
case analyses
Depending on the module, we may assess you on your individual and group presentations. If you're studying the 20-month course, we’ll assess your placement through a reflective journal and final, written report.
Dissertation
You’ll complete a 12,500 to 15,000 word dissertation to demonstrate the knowledge and research skills you’ve gained during the course.
Your supervisor will provide regular advice, guidance and feedback on your progress.
Academic Support
We'll assign you a personal academic tutor, and you'll have access to a senior tutor.
Careers
On this Public Administration course you'll gain the skills and knowledge to pursue roles within the civil service and local government.
You'll be in the ideal position to consider a PhD in public administration or a related field. You’ll also be able to work as a manager or analyst in the public, charity and private sectors.
Careers services at Southampton
We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
work experience schemes
CV/resume and interview skills workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.
International applicants: Monday 29 July 2024, midday UK time
UK applicants: Friday 30 August 2024, midday UK time
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.
If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.
Supporting information
When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.
You’ll need to include information about:
your knowledge of the subject area
why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
how you intend to use your qualification
References are not required for this programme.
Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We will aim to send you a decision 6 weeks after you have submitted your application.
Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.
Public Administration (MPA) is a course in the
Politics and international relations
subject area.
Here are some other courses within
this subject area:
