Public Administration

Entry requirements

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.

Students registered for the Graduate Diploma in Public Administration who attain the standard of second class honours grade one on completion of the programme (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
• English language qualification(s) if English is not your first language
• Certified English translation of your transcripts/certificates where the original transcripts are in a language other than English.
• A copy of your birth certificate or passport

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of either prior successful completion of a degree qualification taught through the medium of English or meet one of the criteria below (no longer than two years prior to application):

Acceptable English Language qualifications include the following:

• Matriculation examinations from European countries where English is presented as a subject and an acceptable level is achieved
• Irish Leaving Certificate English –Ordinary Level Grade D or above
• TOEFL – 580 (paper based) or 90 (internet based)
• IELTS – Minimum score of 6.5* with no less than 6 in any one component.English Test for English and Academic Purposes (ETAPP) – Grade C1
• GCE ‘O’ level English Language/GCSE English Language – Grade C or above
• University of Cambridge ESOL –Certificate of Proficiency in English - Grade C / Certificate in Advanced English Grade A
• GCE Examination Boards – Oxford Delegacy of Local Examinations – Grade C / Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate – School Certificate Pass 1-6 / University of London Entrance and School Examinations Council – School Certificate Pass 1-6

Results in examinations other than those listed above may also be accepted as meeting our English language requirements. Contact the International Education Division for advice.

Months of entry

September

Course content

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).

Fees and funding

Assessment