Programme Specification for the 2019/0 academic year

MPA Master of Public Administration with Applied Studies

1. Programme Details

Programme name	MPA Master of Public Administration with Applied Studies	Programme code	PTP9HPSHPS01
Study mode(s)	Full Time	Academic year	2019/0
Campus(es)	Streatham (Exeter)	NQF Level of the Final Award	7 (Masters)

2. Description of the Programme

The Masters in Public Administration with Applied Studies at Exeter is designed to help you meet the challenge of shaping and delivering effective public services in a climate of continuous change. The Exeter MPA with Applied Studies takes an international perspective to equip you with the skills and understanding you need to operate effectively in an increasingly global environment.

You will have the opportunity to benefit from the latest ideas on public policy, administration, regulation and leadership while learning alongside practitioners working in a variety of roles and organisations from the UK and overseas.

The MPA with Applied Studies is relevant whether you are working in local, regional, or central government, or for a charity or public-private partnership. It addresses some of the key issues facing the public sector such as effective leadership, anticipating and responding to change, performance management, governance and ethical practice and sustainability,

The MPA with Applied Studies is run by the Department of Politics with expertise from the University of Exeter Business School and draws on the work of academics who have an impressive reputation for research and whose ideas are published around the world. We have a long history of working with ministries and national governments, and members of our team have been involved with organisations such as the United Nations, World Bank, European Commission, Competition Commission, the Department of Work and Pensions, the OECD and the Treasury.

Our flexible modular programme, block teaching and excellent resources are designed to meet the needs of both those studying full-time and busy professionals aiming to manage part-time study with full-time employment.

While equipping you with core skills, the MPA with Applied Studies will provide you with the opportunity to research and seek solutions to issues and challenges you face in the workplace. You will also have the option to choose from topics such as such as leadership, change management, regulation, public policy, sustainability or project management. The involvement of leading practitioners from the public and private sector, together with real-life case studies, will make sure learning is relevant and informed by best practice.

On completion of the programme you will have an understanding of strategies for delivering public services effectively, efficiently and ethically and have gained an understanding of the comparative social, historical and financial context of public administration and public sector organisations. You will know how public policies are developed, implemented and evaluated in different systems and countries around the world.

With assistance from the Programme Director for applied studies running the special module for this cohort the NHIS students will identify a suitable schedule of work for the Applied Studies programme.

The NHIS student will draft a statement setting out their goals for the Applied Studies period in the light of the special applied studies module (see below), the student and faculty will work together to identify suitable work and activities.
The work programme may include time in a relevant external organisation if one can be identified, however this may not always be appropriate and cannot be guaranteed and depends on particular needs and circumstances. Students will typically be expected to engage actively interacting with one or more public sector organisations in the UK as part of their applied studies, this interaction will be facilitated by the University.
Students must attend a bespoke module in the second year of the course developed and run specifically for the applied studies students, this module is currently called “Masters of Public Administration: With Applied Studies.”
If a student fails to complete an agreed work placement, through no fault of the host organisation or CSSIS, CSSIS will not be obliged to help find a substitute host organisation.
Students should attend the programme of external speakers for MPA students arranged each year by MPA on public administration topics related to the core themes of the MPA.

In consultation with the student the Programme Director will make reasonable efforts to organise suitable access to external organisations, no guarantee can be given as this is beyond the control of the University.

3. Educational Aims of the Programme

1. To provide students with a sophisticated understanding of the theories and practice of public administration and comparative public policy in different policy sectors, in the UK, other OECD and developing countries.
2. To develop students' knowledge and skills relevant to management competencies such as strategic thinking, effective communication, leadership, negotiation and influencing, working with others, planning and organising
3. To develop skills that underpin the requirements of modernising public sector organisations, including policy analysis, evaluation, use of evidence, problem solving, communication and the management of change
4. To develop critical thinking about the relationship between the theory of public policy and administration and how it is practised in real life situations
5. To produce graduates who have learned to think and act systemically and who have developed a critical approach and commitment to continuous learning and self-development
6. To develop students' ability to apply originality and analytical skills alongside theory and practice to a specific research topic

4. Programme Structure

5. Programme Modules

The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.

The Exeter MPA with applied studies consists of a mixture of two core modules which provide the theoretical foundation for the degree; four optional modules enabling you to specialise in areas of interest; and a dissertation in year 1. During the dissertation you will work with an academic supervisor, and you will produce an original piece of academic research relating to a subject of your choice. This will be presented in the form of a 15,000-word dissertation. The topic can be related to any aspect of the topics covered in the MPA and your interests and can be an academic and/or policy related piece of work. As one way of doing the dissertation it can address a particular issue or problem that you or your organisation has identified in your place of work. In this way, you will be able to research and write about any new or difficult public sector management issue related to your work environment and produce a dissertation that will include recommendations of practical use to your employer or potential employer.

The second year consists of one MPA Applied Studies core module with 60 credits. The module aims to deepen your understanding of how research and evidence can be used to inform public administration practice, whilst acknowledging the political, practical and professional challenges of doing so. You will apply knowledge gained in term 1 seminars to assist you in completion of your report in term 2. Support and supervision is provided in preparing a 10,000 word report on a specific topic agreed with your employers. The intention is to support you in your ability to conduct independent research and policy analysis that will be of benefit to your professional practice. The module coordinator will assist in setting up/ supervising your policy analysis activity, where appropriate linked to work placements.

Please note it is possible for modules to change to reflect new ideas or to meet student demand, so check our website for the latest details.

Stage 1

100 credits of compulsory modules

Compulsory Modules

Code	Module	Credits	Non-condonable?
MPA Core modules
POLM002M	Management and Governance: Comparing Public Administration around the World	20	No
POLM003M	Policy and Politics: the theory and Strategy of Delivering Public Services	20	No
POLM013M	MPA Dissertation	60	No

Optional Modules

80 Credits from the listed MPA optional modules.

Code	Module	Credits	Non-condonable?
MPA Optional modules 2019/20
POLM005M	The Politics, Policy and Practice of Sustainable Development	20	No
POLM007M	The New Public Management: Principles, Practice and Prospects	20	No
POLM008M	Policy Analysis and Evaluation	20	No
POLM009M	Regulation and Reform: Analysis and Policy	20	No
POLM004M	Public Sector Finance for Managers	20	No
POLM015M	Behavioural Public Policy and Administration	20	No
POLM016M	Leadership, Equality and Diversity	20	No

Stage 2

Compulsory Modules

60 credits of compulsory modules.

Code	Module	Credits	Non-condonable?
POLM014M	MPA Applied Studies	60	No

6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods

Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:	Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):	...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:
1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of theories and practice of public administration and how these theories relate and often present conflicting policy choices. 2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of theories and practice of public policy and how these theories relate and often present conflicting policy choices regarding ideas and instruments. 3. Read critically the literature relating to research in public administration and comparative public policy, and evaluate government produced publications in the light of this reading. 4. Appreciate, analyse, synthesise, interpret and evaluate international political events, ideas and institutions to locate these 'real world' events and situations within their temporal, cultural and political context and interpret this in a strategic way.	Teaching/learning methods and strategies. 1-4 are developed through lectures, seminar discussion, group work and assignments in the core modules, and applied in the dissertation.	Assessment 1-4 are assessed through online preparatory exercises, seminar and workshop participation, coursework assignments, and in particular through the dissertation. Depending on the module, further assessment may also depend on: - Task-oriented work including case-study work - The use of computer networked experiments, simulations or models

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...

...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):

...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of theories and practice of public administration and how these theories relate and often present conflicting policy choices.
2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of theories and practice of public policy and how these theories relate and often present conflicting policy choices regarding ideas and instruments.
3. Read critically the literature relating to research in public administration and comparative public policy, and evaluate government produced publications in the light of this reading.
4. Appreciate, analyse, synthesise, interpret and evaluate international political events, ideas and institutions to locate these 'real world' events and situations within their temporal, cultural and political context and interpret this in a strategic way.

Teaching/learning methods and strategies.

1-4 are developed through lectures, seminar discussion, group work and assignments in the core modules, and applied in the dissertation.

Assessment

1-4 are assessed through online preparatory exercises, seminar and workshop participation, coursework assignments, and in particular through the dissertation. Depending on the module, further assessment may also depend on:
- Task-oriented work including case-study work
- The use of computer networked experiments, simulations or models

Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:	Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):	...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:
5. Synthesise and comment critically on a body of academic writing, and on the presentation of academic and practitioner insights during the intensive teaching period. 6. Make effective use of libraries and the world-wide web to find information. 7. Reference sources accurately in written work to a professional standard. 8. Plan, conduct and write up a substantial essay in the form of a dissertation by a set deadline.	Teaching/learning methods and strategies The Induction week will develop students' understanding of all of the core academic skills needed for the programme (5-8). Furthermore, 5 is developed through the intensive seminar workshop teaching format and assignments in all modules. 6-7 are developed through written assignments, seminar/workshop preparation, and workshop presentations. 8 is developed through the dissertation.	Assessment 5-8 are assessed through online preparatory exercises, seminar and workshop participation, coursework assignments, and in particular through the dissertation. Depending on the module, further assessment may also depend on: - Task-oriented work including case-study work - The use of computer networked experiments, simulations or models

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...

...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):

...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

5. Synthesise and comment critically on a body of academic writing, and on the presentation of academic and practitioner insights during the intensive teaching period.
6. Make effective use of libraries and the world-wide web to find information.
7. Reference sources accurately in written work to a professional standard.
8. Plan, conduct and write up a substantial essay in the form of a dissertation by a set deadline.

Teaching/learning methods and strategies

The Induction week will develop students' understanding of all of the core academic skills needed for the programme (5-8).

Furthermore, 5 is developed through the intensive seminar workshop teaching format and assignments in all modules. 6-7 are developed through written assignments, seminar/workshop preparation, and workshop presentations. 8 is developed through the dissertation.

Assessment

5-8 are assessed through online preparatory exercises, seminar and workshop participation, coursework assignments, and in particular through the dissertation. Depending on the module, further assessment may also depend on:
- Task-oriented work including case-study work
- The use of computer networked experiments, simulations or models

Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:	Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):	...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:
9. Think independently at an advanced level. 10. Undertake independent/self-directed learning (including time management) to achieve consistent, proficient and sustained attainment. 11. Reflect on the process of learning and evaluate personal strengths and weaknesses. 12. Construct and defend a rigorous argument, both in written form and orally, using primary and secondary materials. 13. Work as an individual on challenging material. 14. Work as a participant or leader of a group and contribute effectively to the achievement of objectives. 15. Use standard IT applications competently.	Teaching/learning methods and strategies The reflective learning log incorporated into each module will require students to reflect on their learning in terms of each module, the overall programme, and the relation of the module and programme to each student's career, thus providing an integral longitudinal formative element to the programme. 9-15 are requirements of all modules, in the preparatory, teaching and post-teaching task-completion phases, and are developed through the induction week and the ongoing reflective learning log.	Assessment Assessment for 9-15 will be spread across the three phases of each module (preparatory, intensive teaching period, and post-teaching task-completion phase), with certain skills brought to the fore during each phase: Preparatory week: 9,10,13,14 & 15 Intensive teaching block: 9,10,12,13,14 & 15 Post-teaching task-completion: 9,10,12 & 13 Reflective learning log: 11 Dissertation: 9,10,12,13 & 15 All are assessed through online preparatory exercises, seminar and workshop participation, coursework assignments/essays, learning log, and in particular through the dissertation. Depending on the module, further assessment may also depend on: - Task-oriented work including case-study work - The use of computer networked experiments, simulations or models

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...

...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):

...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

9. Think independently at an advanced level.
10. Undertake independent/self-directed learning (including time management) to achieve consistent, proficient and sustained attainment.
11. Reflect on the process of learning and evaluate personal strengths and weaknesses.
12. Construct and defend a rigorous argument, both in written form and orally, using primary and secondary materials.
13. Work as an individual on challenging material.
14. Work as a participant or leader of a group and contribute effectively to the achievement of objectives.
15. Use standard IT applications competently.

Teaching/learning methods and strategies

The reflective learning log incorporated into each module will require students to reflect on their learning in terms of each module, the overall programme, and the relation of the module and programme to each student's career, thus providing an integral longitudinal formative element to the programme.

9-15 are requirements of all modules, in the preparatory, teaching and post-teaching task-completion phases, and are developed through the induction week and the ongoing reflective learning log.

Assessment

Assessment for 9-15 will be spread across the three phases of each module (preparatory, intensive teaching period, and post-teaching task-completion phase), with certain skills brought to the fore during each phase:
Preparatory week: 9,10,13,14 & 15
Intensive teaching block: 9,10,12,13,14 & 15
Post-teaching task-completion: 9,10,12 & 13
Reflective learning log: 11
Dissertation: 9,10,12,13 & 15

All are assessed through online preparatory exercises, seminar and workshop participation, coursework assignments/essays, learning log, and in particular through the dissertation. Depending on the module, further assessment may also depend on:
- Task-oriented work including case-study work
- The use of computer networked experiments, simulations or models

7. Programme Regulations

Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual , specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework , and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook . Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria , can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook .

Classification

Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.

8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning

Personal and Academic tutoring : It is University policy that all Colleges should have in place a system of academic and personal tutors. The role of academic tutors is to support you on individual modules; the role of personal tutors is to provide you with advice and support for the duration of the programme and extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.

As a postgraduate taught student in the College of Social Sciences and International Studies you will be allocated a Personal Tutor at the commencement of your studies. In normal circumstances your Personal Tutor will remain your tutor throughout your study programme. You should make contact with your Personal Tutor three or four times a year and these meetings may typically commence soon after registration. These meetings will take place once or twice per-year to discuss your progress and to perhaps consider Personal Development Planning (ePDP) and once to discuss your overall performance. The ePDP is a particularly useful developmental tool which you are encouraged to utilise and which is accessible though the Exeter Learning Environment (ELE). Each student will in addition receive formative feedback from various discussion forums and exercises (administered by teaching staff) throughout the delivery of modules and therefore receive essentially continuous feedback during the taught component of the programme. Your dissertation supervisor will provide academic and tutorial support once students move on to the research component of the course. Student progess will be monitored and students can receive up-to-date records of the assessment, achievements and progress at any stage.

You should feel that you are able to approach your Personal Tutor for advice, pastoral support or academic support in a wider sense.

Student/Staff Liaison Committee enables students and staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision. For those learning in distance mode, nominations to the PGT SSLC will be undertaken democratically online. Where appropriate SSLCs will make use of telephone conferencing facilities to ensure those on the distance learning programme are included

9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning

Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.

10. Admissions Criteria

Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.

Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.

Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.

11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards

Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.

The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.

(http://as.exeter.ac.uk/support/admin/staff/qualityassuranceandmonitoring/tqamanual/fullcontents/)

12. Indicators of Quality and Standards

The programme is not subject to accreditation and/ or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs).

13. Methods for Evaluating and Improving Quality and Standards

The University and its constituent Colleges review the quality and standard of teaching and learning in all taught programmes against a range of criteria through the procedures outlined in the Teaching Quality Assurance (TQA) Manual Quality Review Framework.

14. Awarding Institution

University of Exeter

15. Lead College / Teaching Institution

Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS)

16. Partner College / Institution

Partner College(s)

Not applicable to this programme

Partner Institution

Not applicable to this programme.

17. Programme Accredited / Validated by

18. Final Award

MPA Master of Public Administration with Applied Studies

19. UCAS Code

Not applicable to this programme.

20. NQF Level of Final Award

7 (Masters)

21. Credit

CATS credits	240	ECTS credits	120

22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group

23. Dates

Origin Date	30/08/2017	Date of last revision	24/11/17

Programme Specification for the 2019/0 academic year

MPA Master of Public Administration with Applied Studies

1. Programme Details

2. Description of the Programme

3. Educational Aims of the Programme

4. Programme Structure

5. Programme Modules

Stage 1

Compulsory Modules

Optional Modules

Stage 2

Compulsory Modules

6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods

Intended Learning Outcomes A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge

7. Programme Regulations

8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning

9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning

10. Admissions Criteria

11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards

12. Indicators of Quality and Standards

13. Methods for Evaluating and Improving Quality and Standards

14. Awarding Institution

15. Lead College / Teaching Institution

16. Partner College / Institution

Partner College(s)

Partner Institution

17. Programme Accredited / Validated by

18. Final Award

19. UCAS Code

20. NQF Level of Final Award

21. Credit

22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group

23. Dates

Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge