100% online Master of Public Administration
World-class Russell Group member
Ranked 17th in UK (Complete University Guide 2025)
22nd in the world for Social Policy and Administration (QS World University Rankings 2021)
100% online - study from anywhere
Start within weeks
Pay-per-module
Total programme cost: £10,440
Next start: 13 January 2025
Develop the skills to make a real difference to public service provision and shape the future of public administration
Designed for professionals in public and non-profit organisations, the 100% online Master of Public Administration programme from the University of York equips you to rise to the modern day challenges of public administration and make a positive impact on improving public service provision and public life.
You will learn how to analyse complex public management problems and lead change effectively, and you will develop your ability to manage through networks and partnerships. Upon graduation, you will be able to shape and deliver the public services of the future, and move into more strategic roles in a wide range of public, non-profit and third sector organisations.
Request information here
Flexible learning and accelerated career progression
The flexible design of the programme means that you can access programme content at any time and study around your work, family and private commitments. Because the online Master of Public Administration is delivered entirely online, you can study and complete it from anywhere in the world, without ever needing to visit campus.
You will learn from a highly experienced team with a global reputation for its teaching and research. The Department has received global recognition, including in 2021 when the University of York was ranked 22nd in the world for social policy and administration in the QS World University rankings.
About this programme
Studying the online MPA, you will explore three dimensions of public administration: the policy process, within which public services are developed; the organisational and human context through which public services are delivered; and the wider social, economic and political environment that shapes public service demands and constraints.
The knowledge and skills that you will gain – in combination with a qualification from a prestigious Russell Group university – will help enable you to move into public service roles with higher degrees of leadership responsibility and strategic impact.
York MPA graduates go on to a wide range of roles, including in government, international NGOs and charities, the NHS, leading consultancies and accountancy firms, universities, banks, and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Why York?
- Part of the elite Russell Group of major research-intensive universities
- Top of the Russell Group for academic support (NSS 2020)
- Over 20,000 students and 4,000 staff from 150 countries
- Ranked joint 10th in the UK for research quality (Research Excellence Framework 2021)
- 17th overall in the Complete University Guide 2025
- University of the Year shortlisted (Times Higher Education Awards 2021)
- University of the Year shortlisted (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022)