Master of Public Administration (Human Resources)

The MPA is an international masters programme which will encourage you to consider and analyse how a changing global environment has shaped the ways in which work is organised and managed and how ideas about leadership and management may be applied in response to different problems and challenges.

The Human Resources MPA pathway is designed for those who are interested in human resource management and development in the public, state or NGO sectors in developing, transitional or newly-industrialised countries. This is primarily a public sector management, not a business management, programme, although the themes covered are relevant to both sectors.

On this pathway you will explore current and recent trends in public administration and human resources, focusing on relationship between hard and soft approaches to the analysis and practice of management. For example, between human resources management and human resource development. You will also examine the interaction between organisational structure, culture, power and motivation in public administration and in international organisations.

The degree uses a diagnostic case study approach in its core modules, with an emphasis on practical, theoretically-informed discussion and strategy development. You may choose any relevant subject for your dissertation, with the final topic agreed between you and your assigned supervisor.

This is an MPA programme aimed at people already working within, or closely with, the public sector, or wanting to join the sector, particularly within developing or newly industrialised countries. The programme:

• Has a strong international focus, using examples from many countries and being relevant to many countries, and with an international student body.
• Includes a study visit, to learn about public administration and strategy in a particular context, with meetings with a range of public sector and associated bodies. There are two locations to choose from each year – destinations in recent years include St Petersburg, Guangzhou, Vienna, Berlin.
• Does not require or assume prior knowledge or experience of public sector management or human resource management.
• Has a wide range of optional modules.