MPA Master of Public Administration

Summary 2012/13

• Equip yourself with a range of practical skills to support effective practice in public administration;
• Explore theories and concepts in public management and public administration;
• Engage with current debates on public sector service provision.

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) course provides advanced skills and study in public governance, the development of public policy and the management of public services. The programme recognises the growing importance of partnerships with different sectors, adopting an interdisciplinary approach to understanding different patterns of provision and encouraging an international perspective by drawing on examples from a number of different countries.

2012 Entry Requirements

To join this MPA you should have a degree equivalent to at least UK lower second class honours. Alternatively, you can demonstrate the ability to study on the programme with an equivalent professional qualification and experience at a senior level in public administration.

For overseas applicants IELTS 6.5 or equivalent is required.

Summary 2013/14

• Equip yourself with a range of practical skills to support effective practice in public administration;
• Explore theories and concepts in public management and public administration;
• Engage with current debates on public sector service provision.

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) course provides advanced skills and study in public governance, the development of public policy and the management of public services. The programme recognises the growing importance of partnerships with different sectors, adopting an interdisciplinary approach to understanding different patterns of provision and encouraging an international perspective by drawing on examples from a number of different countries.

2013 Entry Requirements

To join this MPA you should have a degree equivalent to at least UK lower second class honours. Alternatively, you can demonstrate the ability to study on the programme with an equivalent professional qualification and experience at a senior level in public administration.

For overseas applicants IELTS 6.5 or equivalent is required.

Details

Who is this course for?

If you want to engage with current debates about the nature of public sector service provision and develop the skills to deal with the major challenges currently emerging in public administration, then this is the programme for you.

What will I gain from this programme?

The course will develop your awareness and understanding of a range of concepts and theories in public management and public administration and consider how they relate to the practice of public policy and management.

You will be equipped with a range of practical skills to support effective practice in public administration and gain the experience and ability to perform bibliographical searches, problem-solve, think critically and plan, organise and produce a sustained piece of work.

How we will support you

Full support will be provided to help you get the most from your learning experience. You will be assigned a personal tutor who will offer support both face-to-face and online. A range of other support options are also available. Extensive use is made of information technology to support classroom activities.

For students from overseas, the Centre of International Education exists to help you deal with any problems you may have and provide support to ensure that you get the most benefit possible from your stay.

What will I study?

The course comprises six taught modules and a dissertation.

You will begin by looking at different practical approaches to the governance of public sector organisations before exploring current debates about the theory and practice of management, particularly the concept of ‘leadership’ and how this applies to the public sector.

An examination of public finance and different models for strategic and financial planning is followed by a grounding in strategic human resource management. You will also analyse the importance of cultural research theories in understanding the development of different systems of public administration.

A module on applied research and statistics prepares you for the dissertation, providing an opportunity to undertake independent research, drawing on and synthesising the knowledge and skills you will have gained throughout the programme.

How will I study?

The programme will be delivered mainly during the daytime at Edge Hill University and will include lectures, seminars, workshops and projects. Extensive use will be made of the Virtual Learning Environment and electronic media.

Who will be teaching me?

The programme is taught by staff from Edge Hill Business School and the Centre for International Education, supplemented by occasional guest speakers. The course team have extensive experience of all aspects of public administration and are all active in research and consultancy directly relevant to the programme.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment methods will include essays, assignments, project reports and a dissertation.

What are my career prospects?

The programme will provide you with the opportunity to enhance a number of key transferable skills, including:

• Adapt policy formulation / creation skills to different environments;
• Interact effectively within a team or group demonstrating skills of leadership, collaboration and negotiation;
• Apply research and statistical skills in a work context;
• Demonstrate the ability to evaluate yourself and critically reflect on your own practice and intercultural experience together with its impact on your own development of intercultural competence and sensitivity.

Successful completion of the MPA will enhance your career prospects in public policy, public administration and management in a variety of areas, including local government, health services, education, public utilities, sport and both public and private business dealing with public services.

Professional Accreditation

Professional accreditation is to be sought from the European Association for Public Administration Accreditation.

A Great Study Environment

Edge Hill University’s stunning £8m Business and Law building provides state-of-the-art teaching and learning facilities for students in the Business School and Department of Law and Criminology. The three-storey building offers modern seminar and meeting rooms and social learning areas which encourage a more informal and interactive style of learning. A roof garden and atrium are other attractive features along with a 100-seater lecture theatre.

Based in 160 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, the Ormskirk Campus is a unique and inspirational place to study. Industry standard resources and cutting edge technology combine to make an interactive and highly advanced teaching and learning environment.

The University library gives you access to thousands of books, journals, online resources and extensive PC and media provision. You'll get all the support you need to succeed, reflected in Edge Hill University being ranked in the top two in England for students' personal development, and the top three in the country for assessment and feedback, in the 2011 National Student Survey. The University is also featured in the top four in England for graduate employment.

How do I apply?

Apply online at www.ukpass.ac.uk.

Visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/applyukpass for more information on the application process.

Fees and Finance

Tuition fees for this programme are £7,650pa for UK and EU students and £11,900pa for international students in academic year 2012/13.

Edge Hill graduates joining an eligible postgraduate programme at the University in academic year 2012/13 could benefit from a 20% reduction in tuition fees. If you're a UK or EU student and will be paying the fees yourself, you might be eligible to receive this discount. See www.edgehill.ac.uk/reducedfees for more information.

Not got the entry requirements?

Accreditation of Prior and Experiental Learning (APEL) may be used at the admission stage to credit you if you have non-standard qualifications or relevant work experience.

Where can I find out more?

If you would like to receive a copy of our prospectus or be kept updated about forthcoming events, contact the Course Information, Advice and Guidance Team by emailing study@edgehill.ac.uk or calling 01695 657000.

If you want to attend one of our open events held throughout the year, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/postgradopendays to book your place.

You will also find Edge Hill University staff at many postgraduate study fairs taking place across the UK and Ireland.

Still want more?

If you have any questions you would like to ask the programme leader about this course, please contact:

• Dr Julian Clarke, Edge Hill Business School, Edge Hill University, St Helens Road, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L39 4QP
• Tel: 01695 584613
• Email: clarkej@edgehill.ac.uk

Overseas students should visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/international or email international@edgehill.ac.uk for further information.

Modules

CLP4013 Governance, Public Policy and Decision-making (20 credits) promotes an understanding of the way in which the governance of public sector organisations has emerged in different sets of circumstances and has changed over time. It examines theories of governance and administration and looks at case studies showing how different approaches have worked out in practical terms. The module is critical of the notion that formal descriptions of systems of governance and administration can predict outcomes. It looks at the actual effects different configurations have had on public service delivery and considers the meeting of 'need'.

CLP4014 Public Management and Leadership (20 credits) deals with current debates about the theory and practice of management and its application to public sector organisations and the place of concepts of leadership within those debates. It critically examines the emergence of ‘new public management’ and its attendant practical outcomes. It evaluates these also in relation to more traditional approaches to public administration. In particular it explores the trend towards rational policy making and evidence-based management / policy.

CLP4015 Public Finance and Strategic Planning (20 credits) supports an understanding of both public finance and different models for strategic and financial planning which can be applied in public administration. It will encourage you to take a critical approach to distinguish between these different models, consider their application to a range of public sector organisations and identify the key elements in the planning process. The module will provide a critical account of the relationship between different elements of strategic planning, including financial management systems and budget setting.

CLP4016 Cross Cultural Collaboration and Policy Development (20 credits) considers the importance of theories of cultural research in understanding the development of different systems of public administration. You will explore the practicalities of operating in international and intercultural professional environments and consider the issues of comparing good / best practices and benchmarking between organisations.

BUS4000 Strategic Human Resource Management (20 credits) gives you a grounding in the strategic aspects of Human Resource Management, a distinct approach to management that has emerged partly because of the increasing professionalisation of the Human Resources function. It is widely accepted that the effective management of people is of fundamental importance to any organisation, as is a coherent, considered company strategy. While the emphasis in strategic human resource management (SHRM) remains upon the management of employees and their effective utilisation, much more attention is devoted to the organisation’s future direction and the changing demands placed upon employees because of those changes.

SPS4003 Applied Research and Statistics (20 credits) provides you with the ability to engage with and undertake research design, including consideration of philosophical and ethical issues. You will look at developing research questions, performing a literature review, selecting and using a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods for data collection, engaging with critical analysis and completing realistic project planning.

CLP4009 Dissertation (60 credits) provides you with the opportunity to undertake independent research in a relevant area of your choice (subject to approval by the programme team). The dissertation module allows you to draw on and synthesise the skills and knowledge acquired on other modules in a way that demonstrates your effectiveness as an independent learner and researcher.