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1 UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD Faculty of Social Sciences Bradford Centre for International Development Programme title: Master in Public Administration Awarding and teaching institution: University of Bradford Final award and interim award(s): Programme title: Programme approved / accredited by: Duration: UCAS code MPA; Postgraduate Diploma; Postgraduate Certificate [Framework for Higher Education Qualifications level 7] Public Administration N/A 12 months full time; 2-5 years part time N/A Relevant subject benchmark N/A statement(s): FHEQ Level: 7 Date produced: January 2012 Last updated : May 2015 Introduction This is a Master s level qualification in public administration. It aims to provide you with an advanced programme for the study of a range of issues associated with public service management: from theory to policy development and policy analysis, through to implementation and monitoring of policy at the practical level. The programme is intended to provide a springboard if you are aspiring to higher levels of public service management and to develop the managerial, analytical and critical thinking skills which are key to public administration. For those of you already in senior management positions, the programme presents you with the opportunity to reflect on your experience, to develop further critical thinking to enhance the services for which you are responsible, and to develop your own professional standing and capabilities. The programme presents a framework through which you can enhance your knowledge of public management and your management skills through studying a range of core modules. You will also be able to develop your learning in more specialised areas, through your choice of optional study modules. 1

2 Programme Aims The programme is intended to: A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 A6 A7 A8 Develop skills to enable the critical evaluation of theory and policy in relation to public service management. Develop autonomous learning skills for lifelong learning. Develop personal and transferable skills in management, research and planning. Advance and develop knowledge and critical skills to analyse policy and practice in public service management. Develop the necessary knowledge and skills to become reflective, critical public service managers. Critically analyse current and emerging research and practice. Critically appraise the nature of evidence in public service management. Formulate and independently investigate a problem related to public administration, management or governance. Programme Learning Outcomes When you have successfully completed Level 7 of the programme you will be able to: Postgraduate Certificate in Public Administration 1. Critically evaluate advanced theoretical concepts in public service management. 2. Critically appraise public policy and practice. 3. Evaluate complex information on a range of public service issues. 4. Use initiative in self-directed learning and in constructing written argument. Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration 5. Critically reflect on advanced theoretical concepts in public service management 6. Critically evaluate public practice and policy-based intervention. 7. Synthesise complex information gathered from a range of sources 8. Apply originality and creative problem solving in dealing with complex issues. Master in Public Administration (MPA) 9. Demonstrate a detailed and critical knowledge of current research and scholarship in a specialist area within public service management. 10. Identify appropriate research designs and methods for specific purposes and applications 11. Apply critical reasoning to the existing evidence base and scholarship 2

3 12. Formulate a research project, gather and analyse evidence, and present results supporting argument with evidence Curriculum Postgraduate Certificate [Level 7] This stage of the programme will equip you with the learning as indicated in 1-4 above. It provides the basis for you to reflect on your own experience and to analyse your own practice in relation to the new knowledge and skills acquired during this stage. It will have provided the opportunity for you to formalize the learning you have acquired so far in your professional career and to integrate that with new learning. Module Code Module Title Type Credit Level Study period SD-7019D SD-7020D Public Sector Management: Concepts and Practice Strategic Management in the Public Sector Core Core SD-7009D Project Finance and Appraisal Option SD-7014D Organisations and Capacity Enhancement Option Postgraduate Diploma [Level 7] Successful completion of this stage of the programme will equip you with the learning outcomes 5 8 in addition to the learning outcomes at the Certificate stage. By the end of this stage you will be able to apply a wide range of knowledge and skills relating to public management, including both theoretical and practical aspects. You will also have met your own individual or specialised learning needs through studying a further optional module. Module Code Module Title Type Credit Level Study period SD-7006D Public Policy Analysis and Management Core SD-7011D Professional Practice Core SD-7010D SD-7013D Human Resource Management and Development Project Appraisal and Economic Analysis Option Option

4 Masters [level 7] Successful completion of this stage of the programme will equip you with the learning outcomes 9-13 in addition to the learning outcomes at the Certificate and Diploma stages. By the end of this stage you will have developed a detailed knowledge and understanding of the academic research process. You will be able to explain and critique the development and use of evidence in the public management context. You will have gained experience of conducting a significant piece of research into one specific public management topic. Module Code Module Title Type Credit Level Study period SD-7015Z Dissertation (BCID) C 60 7 DISS Optional Modules In addition to the optional modules stated above, the following list contains other relevant optional modules that may be available, subject to the module running and there being no clash of timetables: Module Code Module Title Type Cre dit Level Study period SD-7004D Project Planning and Management 1 Option SP-7010D Conflict Resolution Theory Option SP-7002D Gender, Conflict and Development Option SD-7008D International Economics Option SP-7005D Applied Conflict Resolution Skills Option Other options available across the Faculty or other Faculties may be available to choose provided the programme team consider the curriculum, learning outcomes and assessment to be appropriate to the aims of the MPA. During the orientation programme, there will be opportunities to discuss module option choice with your personal tutor and the programme team. The curriculum may change, subject to the University's programme approval, monitoring and review procedures. Teaching and Assessment Strategies As a professional programme, this will involve a number of different learning strategies including lecture or group-based teaching for core and optional programme units, while individual supervisors provide specialist guidance during dissertation writing. As the programme progresses, the main learning method gradually becomes more individualised and student-centred. The programme starts with an intensive induction to develop your learning and personal development planning skills and to provide an introduction to 4

5 IT and library resources. This will be provided on site for those attending sessions in Bradford. Additional group and one to one support is provided for you if you require it, again both face to face and via online facilities where appropriate. You will be introduced to academic writing, research and analytical skills as part of the preparation for writing your academic assessments. To ensure the systematic development of knowledge of key subjects, modules are assessed by a variety of assessments in addition to essays and formal examinations. Group work, where the assessment may be based on a report or a presentation, provides you with both team work experience and practice in different ways of expressing arguments and information. Some modules may also use problem-solving exercises, learning diaries, reflective assessments or require the presentation of a portfolio of work. Please see appendix for further details. Assessment Regulations This Programme conforms to the standard University Assessment Regulations for Postgraduate Programmes which are available at the following link: Admission Requirements The University welcomes applications from all potential students regardless of their previous academic experience; offers are made following detailed consideration of each individual application. Most important in the decision to offer a place is our assessment of a candidate s potential to benefit from their studies and of their ability to succeed on this particular programme. Entrance requirements for each programme will vary but consideration of your application will be based on a combination of your formal academic qualifications and other relevant experience. If you have prior certificated learning or professional experience which may be equivalent to parts of this programme, the University has procedures to evaluate this learning in order to provide you with exemptions from specified modules contained within the curriculum. Please talk to us if you do not fit the standard pattern of entry qualifications. We are continually reviewing and developing our practices and policies to make the University more inclusive, but if you are disabled we may need to make some adjustments to make sure that you are not disadvantaged. We would advise you to contact the programme leader before you apply to discuss these. Learning Resources The JB Priestley Library on the city campus and our specialist library in the Faculty of Management and Law provide a wide range of printed and electronic resources to support your studies. We offer quiet study space if you want to work on your own, and group study areas for the times when you need to discuss work with fellow students. Subject librarians for each Faculty provide training sessions and individual guidance in finding the information you need for your assignment, and will help you organise your references properly. 5

6 Student PC clusters can be found in both our libraries and elsewhere on the campus. Many of these are open 24/7. You can also use the University's wireless network to access the internet from your own laptop. Most of our journals are available online (both on and off campus), and you can also access your University account, personal information and programme-related materials this way. Staff are on hand during the daytime to help you if you get stuck, and there is a 24/7 IT helpline available. Student Support and Guidance Programme Team Support for you personally and in your programme of study, will be provided both by the University and the Programme Team. You will be allocated a personal tutor who is someone with whom you will be able to talk about any academic or personal concerns. The Faculty will ensure that there is someone available with whom you feel comfortable to help and support you. You will be provided with a comprehensive series of handbooks that you can consult on a range of learning issues and your programme tutors will be available to consult on subject specific queries. Students Union We value the feedback provided by students and collaborate with the Students Union, through a system of student representatives and formal staff student liaison committees, so that any issues you wish to raise are addressed rapidly. The Students Union provide professional academic representation and advice. The Students Union and the University of Bradford work in partnership to provide confidential counselling and welfare services where you can get help with any aspect of your personal or academic life. Student Financial and Information Services (part of the Hub) will provide you with information about a diverse range of issues such as council tax, personal safety and tourist information. International Students can access a range of additional advice and support services through the Students Union. Employability and Career Development The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance their employability profile, commitment towards a career pathway(s) and to implementing a career plan. Professional career guidance and development support is available throughout your time as a student and as a graduate from Career Development Services. The support available from Career Development Services includes a wide range of information resources, one to one appointments, a weekly workshop programme, a mentoring programme, graduate recruitment and careers fairs, plus information and help to you find part time work, summer work placements, internship programmes and graduate/postgraduate entry vacancies. In addition, some students will receive seminars and workshops delivered by Career Development Services as part of their programme of study. All students are encouraged to access Career Development Services at an early stage during their studies and to use the extensive resources available on their web site 6

7 Career Development Services annually undertakes a survey of all postgraduates to find out their destination six months after graduation. The survey gathers data on the employment and further study routes graduates have entered and a range of other information including job roles, name and location of employers, salary details etc. The survey findings for each programme of study are presented on the programme information pages on the University website and via Career Development Services website The specific provision on this programme is its emphasis on practical experience, particularly shown in the Research Project and the internship-based Professional Practice module. In the latter, the internship will consolidate your understanding of public administration concepts and help to develop your managerial practice. There is a dedicated team who will help you with finding and applying for a placement, helping you with your CV and preparing for your time in work. You will be supported during your internship either by a tutor who will visit you onsite if the UK or by a UKbased tutor and a field supervisor in the internship is abroad. These internships are normally expected to last four weeks, but different arrangements will be made if you are in employment and the internship is related to your own job. You will be supported by the Programme Team in finding and applying for internships. Discussing options with specialist advisers helps to clarify plans through exploring options and refining skills of job-hunting. The programme tutors are also available for such discussions at appropriate stages of the programme. The MPA programme provides you with knowledge and skills specific to the area of public service management and its aim to enhance your employability and your career progression within this context. Academic Skills Advice Service For postgraduate students on taught programmes who are looking to improve their marks during their time at university, study skills and maths advice is available to all regardless of degree discipline. Students can access a programme of interactive workshops and clinics which is delivered throughout the year. This is in addition to our extremely popular face-to-face guidance from our advisers, who also offer a wide range of online and paper based materials for self-study. Disability Disabled students will find a supportive environment at Bradford where we are committed to ensuring that all aspects of student life are accessible to everyone. The Disability Service can help by providing support, advice and equipment to help you get the most out of your time at Bradford. It is a place where you can discuss any concerns you may have about adjustments that you may need, whether these relate to study, personal care or other issues. For more information contact the Disability Service by phoning: or via [email protected] 7

8 University policies and initiatives Ecoversity Ecoversity is a strategic project of the University which aims to embed the principles of sustainable development into our decision-making, learning and teaching, research activities campus operations and lives of our staff and students. We do not claim to be a beacon for sustainable development but we aspire to become a leading University in this area. The facilities we create for teaching and learning, including teaching spaces, laboratories, IT labs and social spaces, will increasingly reflect our commitments to sustainable development. Staff and student participation in this initiative is crucial to its success and its inclusion in the programme specification is a clear signal that it is at the forefront of our thinking in programme development, delivery, monitoring and review. For more details see Further Information: For further information, please check the University prospectus or contact Admissions. The Admissions Office The University of Bradford Richmond Road Bradford, BD7 1DP UK +44 (0) The Admissions Office Faculty of Social Sciences The University of Bradford Pemberton Building Richmond Road Bradford, BD7 1DP UK +44 (0) The contents of this programme specification may change, subject to the University's regulations and programme approval, enhancement and review procedures. 8

9 Appendices: Master in Public Administration 1. Programme Learning Outcomes Level Code Title Type 1 7 SD-7019D Public Sector Management: Concepts and Core A A S S S Practice 7 SD-7020D Strategic Management in the Public Sector Core A A A A 7 SD-7014D Organisations and Capacity Enhancement Option S S 7 SD-7009D Project Finance and Appraisal Option S S 7 SD-7011D Professional Practice Core A S A A S 7 SD-7006D Public Policy Analysis and Management Core A A A A S 7 SD-7010D Human Resource Management and Option A A Development 7 SD-7013D Project Appraisal and Economic Analysis Option S S 7 SD-7015Z Dissertation (BCID) Core A A A S A A Notes A = this outcome is formally assessed in the module S = this outcome is explicitly supported in the learning and teaching but is not formally assessed 1

10 2. Teaching map Level Code Title Type SD-7019D Public Sector Management: Concepts and Practice Core X X X 7 SD-7020D Strategic Management in the Public Sector Core X X X 7 SD-7014D Organisations and Capacity Enhancement Option X X X 7 SD-7009D Project Finance and Appraisal Option X X X 7 SD-7011D Professional Practice Core X X X 7 SD-7006D Public Policy Analysis and Management Core X X X 7 SD-7013D Human Resource Management and Development Option X X X 7 SD-7010D Project Appraisal and Economic Analysis Option X X X 7 SD-7015Z Dissertation (BCID) Core X X X Teaching and Learning Methods 1. Lectures 2. Seminars 3. Directed Study 2

11 3. Assessment map Level Code Title Type SD-7019D Public Sector Management: Concepts and Practice Core X X 7 SD-7020D Strategic Management in the Public Sector Core X X 7 SD-7014D Organisations and Capacity Enhancement Option X X 7 SD-7009D Project Finance and Appraisal Option X X 7 SD-7011D Professional Practice Core X 7 SD-7006D Public Policy Analysis and Management Core X X 7 SD-7013D Human Resource Management and Development Option X X X 7 SD-7010D Project Appraisal and Economic Analysis Option X 7 SD-7015Z Dissertation (BCID) Core X X Methods of Assessment 1. Coursework (e.g. essay; assignment; portfolio, etc) 2. Individual Presentation (e.g. seminar paper) 3. Group Presentation 4. Group Assignment 5. Dissertation or Project Report 3