Public Administration

About

Whether you want to further your learning or advance your career, the MPA is a flexible programme designed to work with your life.



Normally completed over two years, the course comprises eight modules (one of which is double), delivered on a block-release basis. You also have the option to exit after four or six modules with a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma in Public Administration.



Students come from a variety of roles and organisations across the public, voluntary and community sectors. This diversity adds to the learning experience. You will study alongside like-minded professionals and gain an invaluable insight into different organisations, while also developing your network.



There is also an opportunity to study at one of our partner universities in the European Master of Public Administration Network.



Modules cover a broad range of topics relevant to public sector management and governance, and will help you hone your leadership and management skills.



You will develop a critical awareness and understanding of policy, management and organisations and explore the impact of various forces on organisations including political uncertainty, economic constraints, demands for greater efficiency and effectiveness and an increasing focus on outcome



You will also learn how to analyse and evaluate key public policies that impact on your organisation.



Career opportunities are excellent and graduates of the MPA currently work across a wide range of organisations in health, housing, education, local government, government agencies, civil services departments, police, non-departmental public bodies and many voluntary and community sector organisations.

Full -Time Attendance

Year 1

Semester 1

Public Administration and Governance (PUP709) Compulsory, 20 credits

Strategic Leadership (PUP816) Compulsory, 20 credits



Semester 2

Policy Analysis(PUP802) Compulsory, 20 credits

Applied Government(PUP892) Compulsory, 20 credits



Year 2

Semester 1

Policy Evaluation and Policy Co-design (PUP801) Compulsory, 20 credits

Comparative Public Administration(PUP712) Compulsory, 20 credits

Contemporary Issues in Public Policy and Administration (Health and Social Care)(PUP827), Compulsory (only for students progressing from the PgDip in HSC Leadership & Management), 20 credits



Year 2

Semester 2

Module Title: Research Methods (PUP711) Compulsory (only for students progressing from year 1 of the MPA), 20 credits

Developing Collaborative Policy Solutions: Problem Based Learning (PUP713) Compulsory (all groups of students), 40 credits



Part-Time Programme

Year 1

Semester 1

Public Administration and Governance (PUP709) Compulsory, 20 credits

Strategic Leadership(PUP816) Compulsory, 20 credits



Semester 2

Policy Analysis(PUP802) Compulsory, 20 credits

Applied Government(PUP892) Compulsory, 20 credits



Year 2

Semester 1

Policy Evaluation and Policy Co-design (PUP801) Compulsory, 20 credits

Comparative Public Administration(PUP712) Compulsory, 20 credits

Contemporary Issues in Public Policy and Administration (Health and Social Care)(PUP827), Compulsory (only for students progressing from the PgDip in HSC Leadership & Management), 20 credits



Year 2

Semester 2

Research Methods (PUP711) Compulsory (only for students progressing from year 1 of the MPA), 20 credits

Developing Collaborative Policy Solutions: Problem Based Learning (PUP713) Compulsory (all groups of students), 40 credits

Normally a UK second class honours degree, or better, in any discipline or the equivalent of this for international students. Additionally, applicants should normally have gained at least 3 years’ relevant work experience in a supervisory or managerial position in the UK or Irish civil service.



English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants

The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.



Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

Attendance: Modules are taught over four day blocks spread over the academic year.

Start Date: September 2025.

Career options

Our graduates are already immersed in their professional lives but this qualification should enhance the prospects for further career progression.