Course Details

Course Code(s):
MAPUADTFAD/MAPUADTPAD
Available:
Part-Time
Full-Time
Intake:
Autumn/Fall
Course Start Date:
September
Duration:
1 Year Full-Time / 2 Years Part-Time
Faculty: Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Course Type: Taught, Professional/Flexible
Fees: For Information on Fees, see section below.

Contact(s):

Name: Dr Bernadette Connaughton
Email: Bernadette.Connaughton@ul.ie Telephone: 353-61-202792 Web: http://www.ul.ie/ppa/postgraduate
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Brief Description

The Graduate Diploma/MA in Public Administration (MPA) is a one year full-time or 2 year part-time interdisciplinary programme aimed at providing students with analytical and professional skills, combined with knowledge of public management and policy making in government. The modules offered in the MPA programme are designed to provide participants with a rigorous and inter-disciplinary curriculum in public administration, economics, and law. The MPA aims to equip students with a comprehensive knowledge of the nature, role and development of the public sector, and an awareness of public service values. Students take compulsory modules in Public Administration, Economics, Organisational Behaviour, Policy Analysis and Law. For the research element of the programme students participate in a research methods module designed for practitioners and complete an individual research project. 

MA in Public Administration (MPA) –    1 Year Full-Time/ 2 year Part-Time

The Masters in Public Administration (MPA) is a 1 year full-time or 2 year part-time interdisciplinary programme aimed at providing students with analytical and professional skills, combined with knowledge of public management and policy making in government. The modules offered in the MPA programme are designed to provide participants with a rigorous and inter-disciplinary curriculum in public administration, economics, and law. The MPA aims to equip students with a comprehensive knowledge of the nature, role and development of the public sector, and an awareness of public service values. Students take compulsory modules in Public Administration, Economics, Organisational Behaviour, Policy Analysis and Law. For the research element of the programme students participate in a research methods module designed for practitioners and complete an individual research project. 

Both the 1 year full-time and 2 year part-time MPA also provide an exit award of Graduate Diploma in Public Administration for students who meet the academic requirements of the taught programme (60 ects) and do not proceed to the dissertation (30 ects).

Full Time

Autumn SemesterSpring SemesterSummer Semester 
  • Public Administration Theory & Practice (9 ECTS)
  • Research Methods for Practitioners (9 ECTS)
  • Organisational Behaviour (6 ECTS)
  • Economics for Business (6 ECTS)
  • Collaborative Governance & Leadership (9 ECTS)
  • International Economic Issues (6 ECTS)
  • Administrative Law (6 ECTS)
  • Using Evidence to Improve Societal Outcomes in the Real World (Online) (9 ECTS)

 

Alternative Exit Route - Graduate Diploma in Public Administration.

  •  Dissertation (30 ECTS)

 

 Part-time Variant

Year 1Year 2

Autumn Semester

  • Public Administration Theory & Practice (9 ECTS)
  • Organisational Behaviour (6 ECTS)
  • Economics for Business (6 ECTS)

Autumn Semester

  • Research Methods for Practitioners (9 ECTS)

Spring Semester

  • Collaborative Governance & Leadership (9 ECTS)
  • International Economic Issues (6 ECTS)
  • Administrative Law (6 ECTS)

Spring Semester

  • Using Evidence to Improve Societal Outcomes in the Real World (9 ECTS)

Summer Semester (end of year 2) Dissertation (30 ECTS)

 Alternative Exit Route- Graduate Diploma in Public Administration.

Content of modules can be found by using the search option on the book of modules.

Applicants for a Master’s programme must normally have a first or second class Level 8 honours degree (NFQ or other internationally recognised equivalent) in a relevant or appropriate subject, or equivalent prior learning that is recognised by the University as meeting this requirement. Applicants must also satisfy the English Language Requirements of the University. The University reserves the right to shortlist and interview applicants as deemed necessary.

Alternative Exit route of Graduate Diploma in Public Administration on completion of 2 semesters (60 ECTS).  Students who attain the standard of second class honours grade one on completion of the (60 ects) may, on the submission of an appropriate research proposal, be permitted to transfer to the MPA register at the discretion of the Course Board.

WHAT TO INCLUDE WITH YOUR APPLICATION:

  • Qualification transcripts and certificates
  • A copy of your birth certificate or passport
  • A copy of your CV
  • If your qualifications have been obtained in a country where English is an official language this will suffice. 
  •  If this is not available, the following additional documents must be provided:
  • English translation of your qualification(s)/transcripts AND
  • English language competency certificate
  • Please click here for Further Information on English Language Requirements

 

EU Full Time €7,600 - Part Time €3,900 per annum*

Non EU Full Time €18,00- Part Time €9,400 per annum*

*Please note year 2 fees are subject to change

Further information on fees and payment of fees is available from the Student Fees Office website. All fee related queries should be directed to the Student Fees Office (Phone: +353 61 213 007 or email student.fees.office@ul.ie.)

 

Please click here for information on funding and scholarships.

Career Prospects

A MPA degree is an internationally recognised masters programme with an interdisciplinary curriculum that prepares students for management roles in the public sector. This programme is relevant postgraduate training for both serving public officials and students who are interested in a public service career. It is also suitable for those aspiring to management roles in public agencies or non-governmental organisations working with government, whether at the local organisational, national or international levels.

The Masters in Public Administration provides students with an excellent overview of politics, public administration, law and economics. The Programme's core modules are informative and the real life examples provided help to make the learning process both practical and theoretical. The Programme prepares students for a wide range of future careers and activities, and is particularly suited to those hoping to pursue a career in public management and policy making. 

Graduate Testimonials

Dr Lisa Kiely, Administrative Officer, Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport "As a mature student I studied for a Masters in Public Administration at UL, graduating in 2006. I found this to be an excellent programme, providing me with extensive training in public policy, good governance, development studies and partnership. This led me to undertake further research and I graduated with a PhD in Public Administration from UL in 2012. 

Dr Mark Mantey Director, Padre Pio Rehabilitation Centre, Ghana, West Africa "These qualifications and my experience at UL have made a huge difference to my work with local communities in Ghana and across Africa."

Jurate Andrijauskiene, Student, MA Public Administration (Part-time), Limerick City and County Council. I would definitely recommend this course for anyone who wants to work with the community and citizens, and build a career in the public sector. I would urge anyone who works in the public sector and who wishes to learn and apply principles of new public management and collaborative leadership to do this MA programme.

 

Neil O’Brien, “I would definitely recommend this programme to others as it really sets you up with a good knowledge base and also increases your employability post-graduation due to the practical and relevant subjects on offer as part of the programme.”