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.
We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.
Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).
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
Learn more about this subject area
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.
Entry requirements
You'll need a 2.1 with any background in social sciences, such as:
- politics
- public administration
- economics
- sociology
- social policy
- business management
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
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
If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before your course starts.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Pre-masters
If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus. Learn more about the programmes available.
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
Course structure
The master’s in Public Administration takes place over 1 year, across 2 semesters. It includes 6 modules and a dissertation.
You’ll study modules that give you a thorough grounding in the academic study of public administration. Later in your course you’ll be able to choose modules that interest you from across our social sciences subjects.
You’ll also undertake a module that prepares you for the dissertation.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.
For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules :
Advanced Policy Analysis
The subject provides an overview of the key elements of policy analysis. Key theoretical models are used to equip students with an analytical framework for conducting detailed policy analyses. The approaches covered include the rational model and evidence...
Comparative Public Administration
This course provides an introduction to comparative public administration by looking at shared theoretical approaches and common problems. It does not provide descriptions of the system of public administration in any single country. The course addresses ...
Issues in Contemporary Public Administration
MPA Capstone
MSc Dissertation in Politics & International Relations
The researching and writing of a 12,500 – 15,000 word dissertation provides you with the opportunity to integrate and hone a variety of skills acquired and extended during your studies, and to significantly deepen your knowledge of a topic of your choice....
Public Ethics and Public Policy
You must also choose from the following modules :
Ageing, Health and Well-being
This module aims to provide you with foundation of knowledge in the areas of health and well-being in later life and the impact of inequalities. You will be introduced to key issues and literature concerning the nature of ageing, quality of life, and well...
Challenges of Governance
Demographic Change, Ageing & Globalisation
This module provides you with a foundation of knowledge on demographic change and population ageing in a cross-cultural, global perspective. The module views ageing through an international development lens, focusing on less economically developed countri...
Development and International Relations
This module will examine the main points of contention regarding the South, its position in the international economy and changes that have occurred over the last few decades. Students will be asked to critically evaluate the reasons for the economic stas...
International Social Policy
This module will review and discuss the state of the art in research on social welfare and human well-being and the one, and on social policies addressing these issues on the other hand. In the first part students will explore how previously dominant econ...
Migration Policy in Practice
The course covers key theoretical debates in international migration and discusses migration policies as practiced.
Population, Poverty & Policy
During the module you will develop your key skills in: 1. Understanding and exploring the associations between population, poverty and policy issues in a range of countries and setting 2. Analysing complex information and producing well-argued and s...
Professional Skills for the 21st Century Policy World
This module offers practical experience and insight into the skills needed to thrive in the contemporary policy world. Teaching and learning activities will build your capacity to understand complex policy problems, critically assess the use of evidence i...
Qualitative Research Methods 1
The module is aimed at enabling you to understand the principles of qualitative methods and analysis, and equipping you to apply qualitative research methods in practice. The module assumes no previous knowledge of either NVivo or qualitative analysis so...
Qualitative Research Methods 2
This module provides advanced training in the use of qualitative research methods in the Social Sciences, and particularly in the field of Gerontology. It builds on the introductory module Qualitative Methods 1. Indicative topics include ethnographic meth...
The Political Psychology of Crises and Conflicts
Theories of Leadership
This module examines different approaches to political leadership through a variety of lenses, mostly grounded in historical and contemporary political theory.
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.
Careers and employability
Employability skills
This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.
The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:
- Research
- Critical thinking
- Self-management
- Confidence
- Leadership
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Creativity
- EDI leadership
- Problem solving
The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.
Download skills overview
Career pathways
Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:
Central Government,
Local government,
Charity and Third Sector,
Non governmental organisations.
- Civil servant
- Governance officer
- Political advisor
- Public affairs specialist
- Development coordinator
- Public relations manager
- Logistics analyst
- Human resources manager
- Financial analyst
- Charity manager
- Park manager
- Data analyst
- Environmental consultant
- Budget analyst
- Economic consultant
- Policy manager
- Professional services manager
- Civil servant
- Policy support officer
- Project manager
- Data analyst
- Legal associate
- Consultant
Job prospects for Master of Public Administration graduates
*Example graduate job titles and job prospect statistics taken from The Graduate Outcomes Survey, which gathers information about the activities and perspectives of graduates 15 months after finishing their course.
Work experience opportunities
Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.
Careers services and support
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV and interview skills and workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £27,800.
Deposit
If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.
Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.
Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.
Explore:
10% alumni discount
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for 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.
Southampton Economic, Social and Political Sciences Postgraduate International Scholarship
A scholarship of £3,000 is available to international students studying for a postgraduate master’s in Economic, Social and Political Sciences.
Find out more about the Southampton Economic, Social and Political Sciences International Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.
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.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
- Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
- Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal. .
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Pay the £50 application assessment fee, (there are some exemptions, check terms and conditions).
- Submit your application.
For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.
Application deadlines
UK students
The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 9 September 2025, midday UK time.
We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.
International students
The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 26 August 2025, midday UK time.
We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.
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
References are not required for this programme.
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 will aim to send you a decision 6 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 number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
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