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Postgraduate Taught
| UCAS code | 1234 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 year full time Up to 3 years part time |
| Entry year | September 2025 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Politics and International Relations |
| Contact |
| Typical offer | 2:2 Honours degree |
|---|---|
| UCAS code | 1234 |
|---|---|
| Duration | Full time 21 months |
| Entry year | September 2025 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Politics and International Relations |
| Contact |
| Typical offer | 2:2 Honours degree |
|---|---|
Top 15 in the UK for Politics
11th in The Complete University Guide 2025
Top 100 in the world for Politics
QS World University Subject Rankings 2025
Top 75 in the world for Public Administration
Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS) or Shanghai Rankings 2024
Study the MPA Masters of Public Administration full-time or part-time
Applies to the MPA only. MPA with Applied Study is only available full-time
Top 15 in the UK for Politics
11th in The Complete University Guide 2025
Top 100 in the world for Politics
QS World University Subject Rankings 2025
Top 75 in the world for Public Administration
Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS) or Shanghai Rankings 2024
Study the MPA Masters of Public Administration full-time or part-time
Applies to the MPA only. MPA with Applied Study is only available full-time
We will consider applicants with a 2:2 Honours degree with 53% or above in a social science* subject. Experience of working in government, public policy, or a managerial role more broadly, is welcome but not necessary. Please explain your motivation for applying for the degree and any relevant experience in your personal statement. If you have extensive experience in a managerial role in government we may be able to be flexible about the academic requirements (subject and grade), but you will need at least the equivalent of a UK Bachelors with Honours.
*Accepted social science subjects include:
Please note, if we receive an application which we deem more suitable for one of our other programmes, such as the MSc Public Policy, we may make an offer for that alternative programme instead.
The MPA with Applied Studies programme is designed for public officials who are sponsored by the organisation they work for (for example their department). If you do not have sponsorship from a public sector employer please apply to the one year MPA.
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.
You will study a range of modules specifically designed for the MPA. The modules will address key challenges in modern public management and policymaking. You will engage with big questions of how government should respond to public pressure, and improve your ability to understand and solve policy problems while at the same time getting into the details of policy issues. The degree is flexible enough to allow you to develop some of your specialised interests within its framework.
Small group teaching provides opportunities to work collaboratively with students from a variety of backgrounds to explore a range of challenges. As well as providing you with a strong background in the study of government and policy the programme offers the opportunity for you to explore cutting edge ideas in academic debates about government.
The part-time route is suitable for UK students working in the public sector who want to develop skills relevant to their roles and earn a higher level qualification. It is also suitable if you wish to change career or if you are working to support your studies. In the first year of part-time study you will complete the core module in term 1 (‘Management and Governance’) and typically select one further module in term 2. In the second year you will complete two further modules and you can either complete your dissertation in the second or third year. There is some flexibility about this schedule.
Mid-career professionals with government sponsorship can take the extended MPA with Applied Studies which provides you with further opportunity to research and seek solutions to issues and challenges you face in the workplace. The MPA with Applied Studies is only available full-time.
The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. 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.
90 credits of compulsory modules.
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| POLM220M | Management and Governance: Comparing Public Administration around the World | 30 |
| POLM013M | MPA Dissertation | 60 |
90 Credits from the listed MPA thematic cluster optional modules or 60 credits from below and up to 30 credits from other modules in the Facutly of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences.
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| POLM222M | The Politics, Policy and Practice of Sustainable Development | 30 |
| POLM237M | Collaborative and Participatory Governance | 30 |
| POLM887 | Public Policy Process | 30 |
| POLM228M | Leadership, Equality and Diversity | 30 |
| POLM342M | Public Accountability and Governance | 30 |
90 credits of compulsory MPA modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| POLM220M | Management and Governance: Comparing Public Administration around the World | 30 |
| POLM013M | MPA Dissertation | 60 |
90 credits from the listed optional MPA thematic cluster modules or 60 credits from below and up to 30 credits from other modules in the College of Social Sciences and International Studies.
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| POLM222M | The Politics, Policy and Practice of Sustainable Development | 30 |
| POLM887 | Public Policy Process | 30 |
| POLM237M | Collaborative and Participatory Governance | 30 |
60 credits of compulsory MPA modules.
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| POLM014M | MPA Applied Studies | 60 |
£12,500 full-time; £6,500 part-time
£25,300 full-time; £12,650 part-time
Prospective students enrolling in 2025/26 will pay £31,300 tuition fees in total. Year 1: £25,300, Year 2: £6,000 (9 months).
The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students applying to study with us in the 2025/26 academic year, such as our Exeter Excellence Scholarships*.
For more information on scholarships and other financial support, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
*Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.
Your course will normally be delivered in a mix of intensive teaching blocks and weekly sessions, this depends on the specific module selected.
Intensive modules will consist of:
Non-intensive modules meet once a week through term time.
Content and delivery will include not only traditional teaching methods, such as lectures, seminars and workshops, but depending on your choice of modules may involve:
You will benefit from excellent online learning resources including lecture notes, articles, and presentations.
The programme includes an induction to welcome you to the Exeter MPA and help you adjust to postgraduate study. We will provide practical help and advice on subjects such as study and research skills and be available to answer any of your questions.
Stephen’s research and teaching interests are in public policy and administration. He has a particular interest in various types of arm’s length governance and the way that these are, or are not influenced, by the political system. His research has primarily focused on the UK at national and local levels. Stephen teaches on the core module Policy and Politics: the theory and Strategy of Delivering Public Services.
I had been serving my country as a public official at the Office of the Judiciary under the Court of Justice of Thailand for almost six years before I started the MPA. I would certainly recommend the Exeter MPA to someone who considering studying in the field of public administration.
The programme is dynamic and open for independent study. Modules are kept up-to-date with the current challenges in public administration, and are well facilitated with the Exeter Learning Environment (ELE), giving access to all essential materials students need online.
The Exeter MPA is an excellent programme to personally transform you by learning and sharing ideas and experience with the Faculty, your classmates and other members in the community at Exeter. If you are looking for change in your life for a brighter future, or a way to contribute positive change in your career or organisation, the Exeter MPA programme is the right programme for you.
Kritsanant
Master of Public Administration graduate from Thailand
The range of opportunities offered by the core and elective modules allows participants to plot a course which best matches your immediate business priorities as well as individuals’ professional development needs. Your organisation will benefit from:
We are keen to work with you to help you and your managers get the best out of the Exeter MPA and have a good track record of collaborating with sponsors and employers. In each year of the degree, we have welcomed students with extensive experience working in the public sector and on policy issues.
We aim to take a flexible approach to programme delivery and will be happy to discuss any specific requirements of sponsoring organisations such as:
This degree is most suitable for applicants with experience of working in public management or governance broadly defined, for example:
Many of our students have already embarked on a career in public service, but we do accept students who have demonstrated a commitment to a role and career in public governance, NGOs, and international organisations.
We have a long history of teaching public administration and public policy to postgraduates at Exeter. Students have gone on to careers in regional governments, ministries, embassies and other organisations around the world.
The need to develop management and leadership skills is being recognised as increasingly important within the public sector and this has been reflected by the introduction of management competencies and a growing demand for formal qualifications for senior management positions.
There are many reasons to study for the Exeter MPA including:
Our careers advisory service provides expert guidance to all students to enable them to plan their futures through psychometric testing, employer presentations, skills events, practice job interviews and CV preparation.
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