Online Programme
3 Why an online MPA with the University of Liverpool? Develop the leadership, management, analytical and communication skills increasingly sought after in public administration and non-profits/ NGOs Enhance your understanding of the unique challenges and tensions facing public sector managers Recognise which public administration models would work best in your own environment, by comparing different options and asking the right questions Understand the importance of frontline public servants in influencing change and delivering optimal outcomes Acquire a range of tools that will enable you to develop new thinking on complex and challenging social problems Learn to capitalise on the rapid expansion of new knowledge and technical innovation impacting public administration around the world Contents Make a difference in public life 4 Learn with a globally-respected UK university 6 A world-class research institution 7 Leading the way together 8 A reputation you can rely on 8 The Liverpool online Master of Public Administration 9 Programme structure 11 Convenient and accessible 12 Drive public service innovation 14 Contribute to positive social change 15 Join our global alumni network 16 Admission requirements 17 Take the first step today 18 Fit your studies around your other commitments, so you can enhance your career without interrupting your current job
4 Make a difference in public life The University of Liverpool s online MPA is designed for managers in the public and non-profit (NGO) sectors, who want to improve their knowledge, develop their careers and contribute to the growth of their organisations and their communities. You will study the theory and practice around the organisation of public life, how public policy is designed and implemented, and the way services are delivered. Rather than focusing on a best-in-class approach, you will compare and challenge accepted models, exploring different options and creating tailor-made solutions for your local setting. You will also look at the challenges and dilemmas facing the sector, from the changing role of the public sector and increasing influence of the global sphere, to new funding structures and innovative modes of service delivery. Offered fully online by the AACSB-accredited University of Liverpool Management School (ULMS), part of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, the programme lets you study without interrupting your personal and professional life. With 24/7 access to your online classroom, you will study alongside a global network of peers, in an inspiring, collaborative online learning environment. The University of Liverpool MPA is well positioned to meet the growing need of preparing the leaders of tomorrow and enhancing the skill set of the leaders of today. The modules in the MPA programme contain a breadth of topics and themes and the ability to focus on key elements of interest to the student s own professional area. The graduates of the programme will acquire must have knowledge that has real world value and immediate practical application. Tony Mancini, Academic Director, Management Programmes, Laureate This MPA will: Challenge you to question accepted models and formulate tailor-made solutions Empower you to become an effective manager and innovative policymaker Equip you with the key transferable skills you need to be a successful public administrator or manager in a non-profit/ngo Support your personal and professional development with a critically reflective mode of learning Help you acquire a range of analytical techniques for effective tactical and strategic management Nurture your leadership skills in a collaborative international environment, with a global faculty base and international public and NGO professionals studying alongside you
5 By studying online with the University of Liverpool, I have invested in my future. Draupadi Pradhan Liverpool online management graduate From Mexico, living in Chile
6 Learn with a globally-respected UK university Making the commitment to pursue a masters degree is a big decision. There are many choices you need to consider which university to study with, its reputation, the quality of the management school, how you will learn and what sort of experience you will have. At the University of Liverpool, we and research in public administration, most offer the very best choice for public administration professionals of the Heseltine Institute for Public Policy recently demonstrated by the establishment looking to boost their careers and improve and Practice. their practice alongside peers from around the world. This online MPA will broaden your horizons, help you develop critical and analytical understanding, and give you the highly One of the key strengths of our online MPA is its emphasis on both rigorous academic sought-after skills, knowledge and confidence to make a difference, both to your or- thinking and the acquisition of practical management tools and techniques. This ganisation and to society as whole. Best of dual focus stems directly from the University s long-standing expertise in teaching your job to all, you won t need to take any time out from study. University of Liverpool Key facts In the top 1% of universities worldwide* Member of the UK s Russell Group One of Europe s largest providers of fully online degrees Nine Nobel Laureates in 100 years
7 A world-class research institution The University of Liverpool is a world-class research university with a long track record of academic excellence and rigour. It is a member of the UK s prestigious Russell Group and ranked within the top 1% of universities worldwide*. We have been providing online postgraduate education since 2000, with more than 10,500 online students currently studying with us around the world. Over 5,000 students have already graduated with an online degree, joining the University s thriving international alumni network of 183,000 people in over 192 countries. Global pioneers A pioneer in research and education since its founding in 1881, the University is considered one of the great international centres of research, knowledge and innovation. Our reputation attracts students, faculty, experts and partners from across the globe. Through our research, teaching and collaborations, we seek to be life changing and world shaping. Leaders in online We re also a European leader in fully online postgraduate degrees. Our partnership with e-learning experts Laureate Online Education enables us to support you every step of the way throughout your studies. It s through this exciting partnership that the University is a member of the Laureate International Universities network an international network of prestigious, innovative institutions of higher education giving you access to international experts and leaders through events such as the World Business Forum and the Clinton Global Initiative. *As listed in the International Universities Handbook, published 2012 Pioneers in research and education since 1881 5,000+ online graduates 10,500+ online students worldwide
8 Dr Mike Rowe Co-Director of the Heseltine Institute for Public Policy and Practice, University of Liverpool The Heseltine Institute brings together experts from across the University to explore complex social problems. Research themes, including economic development policies, urban governance, health and well-being, and migration, will inform the case studies and teaching materials you will explore during your studies. And, in turn, we hope your research projects will introduce fresh thinking and evidence to the work of the Institute. Leading the way together One feature that differentiates our MPA is the strong focus on leadership and collaboration, drawing on the internationally recognised strength of ULMS in this area. You will work closely with your course colleagues, exploring management and leadership skills that are in high demand internationally in public administration, while questioning accepted models and gaining the knowledge and confidence to think differently and develop innovative ideas. You will also benefit from the expertise and vision of the University s new Heseltine Institute for Public Policy and Practice, which carries out pioneering research in key public policy areas such as economic change, health and well-being, and governance and democracy. A reputation you can rely on The Management School is part of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences and is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the oldest and most respected global accreditation body for business schools. Our mission is Learning to Make a Difference. This is reflected in the foundations of our research and teaching, which strive to make a difference to the lives of individuals, organisations and communities. For more information, visit www.aacsb.edu Visit www.liv.ac.uk/heseltine-institute
9 The Liverpool online Master of Public Administration The online MPA is designed for managers in the public and non-profit sectors looking to enhance their understanding and skills in managing and leading public services, and connect with fellow professionals in the non-profit field around the world. Because it is taught fully online, you can learn while you earn, broadening your career prospects with highly sought-after practical knowledge and advanced abilities that you can put to immediate use in your work. and population growth Compare, challenge and innovate Global perspectives, local impact Integration Seminars Making global topics relevant locally Explore global topics in your environment through assignments and discussions on subjects that include: Clean Water On this programme, you will compare and challenge accepted public service models, explore global topics in a local context, create solutions tailored for your own environment and investigate the key role of frontline public servants. At the end of your studies, you will emerge with the skills and understanding to create, influence and support innovative policy making for social change. The programme allows you to study from wherever you are, at any time of the day from your first module all the way through to graduation. You will analyse global public administration topics such as crime, clean water, and population change, making them relevant to your local context through assignments and discussions, an approach we call integration seminars. You will also benefit from the support of subject-matter experts, chosen for their ability to look at public administration from a comparative, international viewpoint. and Population growth
10 Focus on the frontline A key hallmark of the programme is the emphasis on frontline public servants. You will consider the crucial role that public servants such as police and social workers have in the shaping of policy outcomes, a feature that is often overlooked by policymakers and which sets our MPA programme apart from others. Advance your professional development Designed with input from employers and industry professionals, this exciting programme is grounded in academic theory that is balanced with professional development and transferable skills. It will enable you to become an effective leader and innovative policymaker in the public sector, wherever you are in the world. Dr Dominique Lelievre-Finch Director of Studies for the online MPA, University of Liverpool At the University of Liverpool, the unique mix of an international classroom and a global faculty constitutes a powerful source of both opportunities and challenges at the pedagogical and academic levels. In many ways, we are helping to frame the classroom of the future. With our faculty instructors, we aim to offer a learning experience that truly makes a difference to our students lives. Collaborate across borders You will also collaborate and share best practice with fellow professionals from around the world, building your international network and gaining real insights into today s global public service trends. Reap the rewards - immediately You don t have to wait until you graduate for your programme to have an impact. A practical benefit of our online MPA is that you can apply your learning and understanding to your work as you progress through the programme increasing your career opportunities while you study.
11 Programme structure The University of Liverpool online MPA has eight core modules and culminates in a 15,000 20,000-word dissertation or public service project. ~ 2.5 years The Individual, Civil Society and the State 12 weeks Culture, Politics and Power 8 weeks Policy and Implementation 8 weeks Modules Managing Finance in the Public and Non-Government sector 8 weeks Managing People, Performance and Development 8 weeks Working Across Boundaries 8 weeks Delivering Outcomes through Public and Non-Government Organisations 8 weeks Policy Analysis and Research 8 weeks Dissertation or Public Service Project 9 months SRO Breaks (2-3 weeks) Personal Development Portfolio Student Readiness Orientation Integration Seminars Student Readiness Orientation This is a self-study online course of about 15 hours to complete. Personal Development Portfolio You will reflect on your progress in a Personal Development Portfolio, designed to further your success as a learner, practitioner and professional. Dissertation or public service project You will complete your MPA with a dissertation or a public service project researching and writing it with support from your personal dissertation advisor. Integration Seminars Through Integration Seminars assignments and discussions you will explore global topics like crime, clean water and population change in the context of your own local environment.
12 Convenient and accessible As a fully online programme, our MPA fits around other commitments you may have, whether at work or at home. So wherever in the world you live and work, you can begin the next stage of your career in public service without it interfering with your other priorities. There are no fixed lecture times. All your coursework, class discussions and group projects take place online, and the classroom is always open. As long as you have internet access, you choose when in the day you study and where. Continuous support You can interact and collaborate with your faculty instructors and fellow students at any time of the day. And if you run into any IT problems, our technical support team is on hand 24/7 to help you out. You will also benefit from continuous academic support. From the moment you contact us right through to your graduation, you will enjoy dedicated support, including a personal Student Support Manager and regular feedback on your progress from our international faculty instructors, as well as additional self-study and taught skills modules to support your academic and professional development. Your online experience L A U R E A T E LEARN. EVOLVE. NETWORK. SOCIALIZE. Your studies will be based around the Laureate LENS learning platform, developed by the University s e-learning partner. Laureate LENS brings together all the resources you Visual Identity Usage Guide need Laureate from LENS your online classroom Date Created 10.05.12 to learning tips, the University s extensive and fully online library to student support in one easy-touse dashboard, making it easier for you to stay motivated and focused on your studies. Laureate LENS also enables you to network with your fellow online students around the globe. You can engage, learn and share with your peers and with the faculty, not only on your course, but across the entire online university community giving you the chance to make valuable connections across a range of professions and industries.
13 I could study at my own pace at home, in the office, or on business trips. I am very proud of my achievement and the impact it will have on my career. Joseph Salameh Liverpool online management graduate From Lebanon, living in the United Arab Emirates
14 What our online management graduates say: Drive public service innovation Our online MPA is designed for experienced managers in the public and non-profit sectors looking to improve their understanding of the changes, challenges and opportunities facing public administrators around the globe. 76 % perceived a career improvement as a result of their education with the University of Liverpool.* Students will develop the skills and understanding to respond to these challenges, but also to become effective agents of public service innovation, helping to deliver global social change and create more effective public poli- Studying with us gives you a solid foundation on which to develop your career, achieve your aspirations, and make a tangible difference in your work. Not only will you study the latest trends and developments, develop new skills and understanding, 87% felt that their degree prepared them for their career.* cies. and learn how to apply the latest theories to real life situations, you will develop an extensive glob- It s a unique opportunity to combine rigorous aca- al network of like-minded public administrators, demic study with practical experience and insights into real issues, in an international environment of collaboration, commitment and leadership. from government officers to charity managers; project managers to policy makers. 90% would recommend the University of Liverpool to a friend, family or colleague.* *Results gathered by the University of Liverpool in 2012 from online alumni who responded to our survey.
15 Contribute to positive social change Our students come from managerial positions in public sector organisations all over the world, including international agencies, NGOs, government organisations at all levels, the uniformed services, social enterprises and voluntary groups. The key characteristic they have in common is the desire to make a difference, not only to their own career prospects, but to their ability to bring positive change to their jobs, organisations and communities. The Liverpool online MPA is not designed to be easy. It will stretch you, encourage you and support you to move beyond your comfort zone. But you will come away with an unrivalled suite of in-demand skills and knowledge in public policy, administration and management, to enable you to create, influence and direct social policy and practice.
16 Join our global alumni network On graduation, you become part of the University of Liverpool s 183,000-strong international alumni network. The University s alumni programme will continue to support you throughout your career, offering a range of benefits and services to help you achieve your career aspirations. Wherever you are in the world, the benefits of an online postgraduate degree with the University of Liverpool will stay with you, both professionally and personally, long after graduation. Alumni Benefits Professional development courses Exclusive discounts International events and lectures Career and business focused webinar series Free online journal access Visit: liv.ac.uk/alumni
17 Admission requirements The University of Liverpool s online MPA is aimed at professionals in the public and non-profit sectors looking to enhance their careers and gain knowledge they can apply immediately in their work. We welcome applications from all over the world, at any time of the year. The programme is based on the demands of the rapidly-evolving public sector. We expect our students to be able to demonstrate suitable skills, knowledge and experience that will enrich their studies and help them gain maximum benefit from, and make a valuable contribution to, this programme. Entry requirements When you apply, we will consider both your educational qualifications and your work experience. In general, you will be expected to have a bachelors degree from an accredited college or university, or a degree from a recognised institution comparable or equivalent to a British honours degree, as well as two years relevant working experience. If you do not directly meet the educational requirements, you will be evaluated on an individual basis, taking into account your vocational and professional qualifications and your working experience. English proficiency The online MPA programme is taught in English. So if English is not your mother tongue, you will need to demonstrate English proficiency comparable to IELTS 6.5, TEEP 6.5, TOEFL 600, or GCSE C. How to apply It s our aim to make the application process as smooth and straightforward as possible. The first step is to get in touch with one our dedicated Enrolment Advisors. They will advise and guide you through the application process, help you prepare the information we need, and explain your options to you. After that, you will need to: 1. Submit an online application form 2. Provide the required documents (for example, identification and certificates) 3. Pay an application fee Your application will then be passed to the Admissions Team and, provided it meets the entry requirements, we will assess your application.
18 Take the first step today To contact an Enrolment Advisor, find out more about the online MPA, or check tuition fees, visit: www.university-liverpool-online.com/mpa Information sessions and webinars You can also come and meet us at one of the many information and networking sessions we organise all over the world, or join us online for free 45 minute webinar presentations, where you can have your questions answered and find out more about the University of Liverpool s online programmes. Contact: Laureate Online Education B.V. Haarlerbergweg 23C 1101 CH Amsterdam Z.O. The Netherlands www.university-liverpool-online.com learnmore@liverpool-online.com +31 (0)20 713 0000 Visit www.university-liverpool-online.com/events to find out when the next information session, networking event or webinar is taking place.