Public Administration

Overview

Take the next step in your public service career with the Masters in Public Administration (MPA) at Ulster University — a professionally focused degree designed for managers, policy officers, and leaders across the public, voluntary, and community sectors.



This flexible MPA programme empowers professionals like you to enhance your leadership, governance, and strategic decision-making skills — all while continuing to work.



Why Ulster’s MPA degree stands out:

• Tailored for professionals in public administration, public policy, and governance

• Co-designed with NI civil service to fit around your career with part-time and block-release study options

• Taught by academic experts and senior practitioners with real-world public sector experience

• Internationally respected qualification backed by high-quality research

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.



• For English language requirements go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/english-language-requirements



• For Your country go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/country



Exemptions and transferability

Students who have successfully completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Health & Social Care Management may be exempted for up to 120 credit points. Students on the NICS Postgraduate Certificate in Public Administration who are successful may progress to complete the MPA having already collected 60 credits.

Your Application

You can apply directly to Ulster at any time of year. We advise that you submit your application no later than two weeks prior to your course start date. This is to ensure there is sufficient time for your application to be reviewed and, should you be made an offer, time for you to complete all the necessary pre-enrolment tasks.



Some programmes will have specific deadlines as additional selection (e.g. interview, portfolio submission etc) is required, so please check the course page to ensure you have sufficient time to complete your application.

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

Start Date: September 2026.

Careers and Opportunities

Graduates of Ulster's Masters in Public Administration go on to excel in leadership, policy, and management roles across the public and voluntary sectors.



Where this MPA degree can take you:

• Civil Service and Government Departments

• Local Government and Councils

• Health and Social Care Management

• Policing and Criminal Justice

• Education and Housing Authorities

• NGOs, Community, and Voluntary Organisations



Benefits to your career:

• Increased earning potential in public service

• Access to senior-level roles and promotions

• Skills to lead and manage teams through change

• Confidence to shape and evaluate public policy



View our student and employer stories section to hear from those who have benefited from studying this programme.