Public Administration MA

London Metropolitan University

Why study this course?

Our Master of Public Administration MA course is a well-established and prestigious programme aimed at those who aspire to begin or enhance a public service or voluntary sector career.

Apply for the course if you’re a graduate working in public services and want to develop expertise in public service reform, capacity strengthening and institutional development. If you’re a manager (or want to become one), our course will help you learn how to deal with the growing political and economic uncertainty affecting public sector and voluntary organisations.

You’ll undertake an intensive year of professional and academic development of the highest standard. This includes a work placement with an organisation from our wide network of public and voluntary sector employers.

In the most recent (2015-16) Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) survey, 100% of graduates from this course were in work or further study within six months.

More about this course

Our course aims to equip you with the skills and understanding needed to make significant change within your professional environment.

In particular, the programme places great emphasis on:

• developing a variety of academic capacities and transferable skills related to public administration

• instilling flexibility of thought and innovation as guiding principles to public sector management and reforms

• developing a commitment to lifelong learning and reflective practice

• Work placement

The work placement module is a key feature of our course. You’ll have the chance to directly experience work within a relevant area of public service in a London-based organisation over a substantial period.

The network of employers that offer work placements for you include:

• the London Boroughs of Hackney, Harrow, Havering, Islington, Redbridge, Tower Hamlets and Westminster

• government bodies such as the Department of Work and Pensions

• voluntary sector organisations such as Thames Reach

Your work placement is an excellent opportunity for you to apply the knowledge acquired during class to develop your practical skills in the real world.

If you’re looking for work after the course, you’ll receive the guidance and support of our full-time placement and employability officer.

What our students say

"Studying the Master of Public Administration course part-time while working full-time was challenging and rewarding. It involved the opportunity to share and learn different working practices and policies from Europe, Asia, Africa and the USA.

The MPA course is set up to test your skills and abilities. You're assessed through different methods such as regular presentations, written reports and essays. The feedback received from colleagues and lecturers was very insightful. The knowledge and skills I've gained have enhanced my career prospects at my current organisation and improved my future aspiration to work in the public sector in other parts of the world.

I would recommend the MPA as you are taught by experienced and helpful lecturers with varied backgrounds. Lectures are delivered in an interactive manner and the international background of the students makes for interesting, lively and informative debates throughout the lectures.” MPA graduate

“I am proud that I have been part of London Metropolitan University. Through qualitative teaching and practical experience, it has prepared me professionally for the job market. As part of my master’s degree in Public Administration, I finished an internship at the London Borough of Redbridge. This has been a life-changing opportunity. I was able to learn a lot and practice the knowledge gained during the MPA in evaluating one of the Borough's employment projects. I was even offered a job!” MPA graduate