Public Administration (MPA)

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York's professional programmes have been deliberately designed to support the international modernising civil services agenda in general and the British government's Professional Skills for Government agenda in particular. By implication they are the product of close collaboration with international governments and public sector training institutions who share similar reform objectives. We adopt a problem-solving method of learning drawing on case study and practical exercises, role play and practice-based assessment.

The York MPA offers a portfolio of modules which have been designed to meet the challenges of contemporary public management. Participants undertake six modules in the autumn and spring terms that are commensurable with the international modernising civil services agenda in the following areas: Policy Analysis; Public Management and Delivery; Leading and Managing Change; Understanding Governance; Strategic Planning and Public Finance. These core modules provide common skills training for senior public managers in policy, operational delivery and corporate services in developed countries. During the summer term participants write a policy report with the aim of reviewing and integrating learning activities across the modules which have been undertaken during the autumn and spring terms. This is achieved through the development of an independent piece of research in which a policy process or organisational change is evaluated from both a practical and an academic perspective. This 10,000 word policy report is supported by the Graduate Study and Professional Skills workshop convened in the autumn and spring terms which provides workshops in dissertation writing and apparatus of scholarship. A Policy Report Workshop is convened in the summer term at which participants present research proposals to a forum consisting of subject specialists and colleagues.

The Master of Public Administration programme will provide professional development for those working in the broad field of public services management, or those wishing to develop a career in that area. The MPA programme will be particularly relevant for those individuals involved in the delivery and management of services. The programme will therefore broadly focus on the organisational and governmental context within which public services are delivered, and the skills required for successful administration of public service programmes. The programme will promote shared learning across sectors (public, private, non-profit), within an international context. The field of public administration is increasingly being shaped by a set of common global themes, which set the overall framework for the programme.

A series of induction workshops will be provided for new students in Week 1 of the autumn term in the Department of Politics. These include: orientation sessions on Graduate Study at York with the Director of the Graduate School; a course introduction with the Programme Convenor; a one day team building workshop with the course team; a social reception to meet colleagues and staff; and a Graduate School party.

Autumn Term

Three compulsory modules are delivered in the autumn term:

* Policy Analysis
* Leading and Managing Change
* Understanding Governance

Spring Term

Three further compulsory modules are delivered in the summer term:

* Public Management and Delivery
* Managing Public Finances
* Strategic Planning

Summer Term

* A 60 credit policy report supported by a policy report workshop.

The purpose of the report is to review and integrate learning activities across a number of the modules which have already been undertaken during the autumn and spring terms. This is achieved through the development of an independent piece of research in which a process of policy or organisational change is evaluated from both a practical and an academic perspective. This 10,000 word policy report is supported by a Policy Report Workshop in the summer term at which participants present research proposals to a forum consisting of subject specialists and colleagues. This workshop includes a formal process of written peer and supervisory review providing a broad range of feedback for students. A specialist supervisor is provided for this component of the course. The Policy Report is completed during the last five months of the programme.

For the most up-to-date information on the programme structure and module descriptions, please see

* An honours degree (2:1 or above or foreign equivalent) or (where no previous degree is held), relevant professional experience in the field of public management * An IELTS score of 6.5 (with no less than 6.0 in any element), for non native English speakers, or for those whose first degree was not taught in English or, * TOEFL. iBT 87 with no less than 21 in each component * Cambridge: Certificate of Proficiency in English A and B, Certificate in Advanced English A.Candidates will be asked to submit a short personal statement as part of the formal applications process, describing the ways in which they hope the MPA programme will contribute to their professional and personal development. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 CAE score: (read more) Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) is part of the Cambridge English suite and is targeted at a high level (IETLS 6.5-8.0). It is an international English language exam set at the right level for academic and professional success. Developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment - part of the University of Cambridge - it helps you stand out from the crowd as a high achiever. 80 (Grade A) TOEFL iBT® test: 87 IMPORTANT NOTE: Since April 2014 the ETS tests (including TOEFL and TOEIC) are no longer accepted for Tier 4 visa applications to the United Kingdom. The university might still accept these tests to admit you to the university, but if you require a Tier 4 visa to enter the UK and begin your degree programme, these tests will not be sufficient to obtain your Visa. The IELTS test is most widely accepted by universities and is also accepted for Tier 4 visas to the UK- learn more.

For the latest information on funding available throught the Department of Politics please see