Overview

Both programmes are designed to:

• provide - by means of compulsory core modules - a general and subject-based knowledge of the major themes and issues associated with the analysis and evaluation of national and European public administration, management and policy making.
• provide - by means of elective option modules - specialist and detailed subject-based knowledge relating to specific aspects of national and European politics and policy.

Additionally, the MPA programme is intended to:

• provide both theoretical and practical research training through the compulsory research methods module and the submission of a supervised research project in the form of the dissertation.

Contact Details
Course Director: Brid Quinn
Department of Politics and Public Administration
Tel : 353-61-213514
Email :brid.quinn@ul.ie

Graduate Profile

These programmes are designed to attract students from two distinct yet complementary areas: Professionals from the public sector and related areas, aiming to up-skill/ augment their professional expertise with a postgraduate qualification; and Recent graduates, seeking a postgraduate qualification to develop either their career or research potentials.

Programme Content

Students following the MPA or the Postgraduate Diploma must successfully complete six taught modules. The selection of core and elective modules will be determined according to the programme of study. In addition, MPA students must complete an individual research project in the form of a written dissertation. Students following either programme may opt for full or part-time studies.

Entry Requirements

Graduate Diploma in Public Administration
Applicants should normally be holders of a primary degree in Public Administration or in a cognate discipline or hold an approved equivalent qualification (Primary Degree: Level 8 NQAI). Applicants without the above but who have substantial and relevant professional experience may also be considered for admission in accordance with university regulations.

Masters in Public Administration
The graduate diploma is primarily designed for professionals working in the public sector who wish to upskill or return to study. Applicants should normally be the holders of a primary degree with first or second class honours in Public Administration or in a cognate discipline or an approved equivalent qualification (Primary Degree: Level 8 NQAI).

Students registered for the Graduate Diploma in Public Administration who attain the standard of second class honours grade one and who have elected to take the prescribed module in research methodology may, on the submission of an appropriate research proposal, be permitted to transfer to the MPA register at the discretion of the Course Board and with the approval of the Assistant Dean - Research.

What to Include with your Application

• Qualification transcripts and certificates
• English language qualification if English is not your first language
• Certified English translations of your transcripts/certificates where the originals are in a language other than English.
• A copy of your birth certificate (long document)

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 – 550 (paper based), 213 (computer based), 80 (internet based)
• IELTS – Minimum score of 6.5* for Business, Arts, Humanities or Education programmes. Minimum score of 6.0* for Science, Engineering, Informatics or Electronics programmes *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.