MA Public Administration and Public Policy

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of York

Program Overview

The MA in Public Administration and Public Policy at the University of York is a dynamic 2-year part-time program that dives deep into how governments worldwide create, frame, and deliver policies shaping our societies—perfect for professionals eager to influence decision-making in public service, NGOs, or international organizations. You'll gain practical skills to analyze policy processes, tackle real-world challenges, and provide expert advice, all while balancing work and study with flexible online options.

### Curriculum Structure
Year 1
You'll kick off with foundational core modules like Advanced Policy Analysis and Comparative Institutions and Public Policy, building a strong grasp of how policies evolve across different countries and governments. Alongside Public Management and Delivery, you'll explore the nuts and bolts of implementing policies effectively in real organizational settings, while Principles of Policy Advice teaches you to craft compelling recommendations for decision-makers. This year sets you up with the analytical tools to dissect policy successes and failures from a global perspective.

Year 2
Building on your foundation, you'll dive into option modules tailored to your interests, such as Challenges to Policy-making in Democratising Countries, Global Governance, or Public Finance: Principles, Politics & Contemporary Issues, allowing you to specialize in pressing global issues like development, environment, or economic policy. The year culminates in a dissertation where you apply everything learned to an independent research project on a topic you care about, guided by expert supervisors. It's your chance to produce work that could directly impact policy debates.

Focus areas
Global policy dynamics, comparative public administration, leadership in public management, international governance, and specialized topics like migration politics, environmental policy, and development governance.

Learning outcomes
You'll identify key drivers of policy processes across countries, critically apply theories to explain policy variations, and deliver expert advice to decision-makers—plus master research design, ethical analysis, and communicating complex ideas to diverse audiences.

Professional alignment (accreditation)
This program aligns directly with careers in public sector leadership, policy advising, and international organizations, equipping you with in-demand skills in policy analysis and management—no specific external accreditation noted, but it's designed for practical application in government and beyond.

Reputation (employability rankings)
York's programs in politics and public policy consistently rank highly, with the university placing in the top 10 in the UK for politics (Guardian University Guide 2025) and strong graduate outcomes in public administration roles, preparing you for impactful careers through rigorous, real-world training.

Ready to take the next step? Apply now and shape the policies of tomorrow: [https://www.york.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/courses/ma-public-administration-policy/](https://www.york.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/courses/ma-public-administration-policy/)

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of York, our MA in Public Administration and Public Policy stands out because it goes beyond theory to build real-world skills through hands-on modules like Advanced Policy Analysis, Public Management and Delivery, and Principles of Policy Advice, where you'll evaluate policy options using intellectual reasoning, empirical testing, and data interpretation to advocate for effective solutions. You'll tackle modules such as Introduction to Qualitative Methods & Data Analysis and Introduction to Quantitative Methods & Data Analysis, gaining practical expertise in research design, data gathering, and drawing policy recommendations—skills that employers in government and NGOs crave. The program culminates in a dissertation or independent policy report, letting you independently design and execute a full research project on real policy challenges, from creation to implementation.

This practical focus prepares you to hit the ground running:
- Group projects and collaborative analysis: Engage in modules like Comparative Institutions and Public Policy and Leading & Managing Change, where you'll work in teams to assess policy strengths/weaknesses and apply strategic tools to public sector scenarios.
- Data analysis tools: Master qualitative and quantitative methods with hands-on training in data interpretation, systematic empirical testing, and software-aligned skills for policy evaluation (e.g., statistical analysis for public finance and governance issues).
- Independent research projects: Design your own policy-focused dissertation or report, operationalizing research questions, selecting theories, and presenting findings to professional audiences.
- Option modules for specialized practice: Dive into real-world topics like Global Governance, Governing for the Environment, or Public Finance through critical analysis and application.
- Policy communication skills: Learn to craft persuasive written reflections and presentations that bridge academic rigor with actionable advice for policymakers.

Imagine applying right now for the 2026 entry—spots fill fast, and this part-time, flexible 2-year format fits around your life while opening doors to leadership roles. Check out York's full facilities list here: [https://www.york.ac.uk/about/facilities/](https://www.york.ac.uk/about/facilities/). Ready to take the next step? Let's chat about your application.

Progression & Future Opportunities

At the University of York, our MA in Public Administration and Public Policy stands out for its strong focus on experiential learning, where you'll build practical skills through hands-on modules that mirror real-world policy challenges, like advanced analysis, public management, and leading change. You'll dive into core modules such as Advanced Policy Analysis, Public Management and Delivery, and Principles of Policy Advice, gaining tools to evaluate policy options, test ideas empirically, and craft persuasive recommendations for professional audiences. This isn't just theory—it's designed to equip you with the confidence to tackle decision-making processes that shape societies, all backed by the expertise from our Politics department and the School for Business and Society.

Here are some standout ways you'll get that real-world edge:
- Group visits and practitioner talks: Integrated into modules like Comparative Public Administration, with group trips to local and national institutions, round tables, and visits from practitioners to connect theory with live public admin examples.
- Independent research projects: Design and lead your own dissertation or policy report, operationalising research questions, gathering data, and drawing policy conclusions under supervisor guidance—perfect for building your portfolio.
- Option modules with practical depth: Tailor your experience with hands-on topics like Introduction to Qualitative and Quantitative Methods & Data Analysis, Public Finance, or Leading & Managing Change, applying analytical tools to real policy issues.
- Policy masterclasses and applied projects: Engage in sessions like the Policy Masterclass and Independent Study/Applied Policy Project to critique and shape policies in economic, social, and political contexts.

This hands-on approach will set you up for leadership roles—imagine applying right away with skills honed at York. Ready to take the next step? Check the full facilities and resources here: [University of York Postgraduate Facilities](https://www.york.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/courses/ma-public-administration-policy/). Let's chat about your application!