About this course
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.
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
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2022 to 2023. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
Entry requirements
English language requirements
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:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
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.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Learning and assessment
Learning
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.
Fees, costs and funding
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
10% alumni discount
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.
Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)
This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.
Other postgraduate funding options
A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.
How to apply
- Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Submit your application.
Application deadlines
Places are limited and we allocate them on a continuous basis from 21 September 2022, until all places are filled. We advise you to apply early to avoid disappointment.
We expect to close applications for this course on Friday 7 July 2023 (11:59pm UK time).
This course may stay open after this date if places are still available.
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
You'll also need to send 2 academic references.
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'll assess your application on the strength of your:
- academic achievements
- relevant professional experience
- personal statement
- academic references
We will aim to send you a decision 6-8 weeks after you have submitted your application.
If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.
Unfortunately, due to the volume of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000