Discover the Innovation, Public Policy and Public Value MPA

About the MPA

At UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose, we lead the world in rethinking the role of the public sector in co-creating value and driving change.

There is no equivalent postgraduate degree that combines our alternative approach to policymaking, with a focus on structural change and innovation. Innovation, Public Policy and Public Value MPA teaches the dynamic skills required for purpose-driven organisations — in public, private, and civil sectors — to confront the grand challenges of the 21st century. Tackling these challenges requires new ways of thinking and new organisational capabilities. As a graduate you will be equipped to help reshape organisations to be mission-led, experimental, and driven by public purpose.

Study with world-leading faculty, innovating public policy worldwide

Tap into a world-leading faculty, influencing innovation and public policy around the world. Founder and Director Mariana Mazzucato has been described by Quartz as “one of the world’s most influential economists… on a mission to save capitalism from itself.” She is an academic, advisor and communicator on innovation-led, inclusive and sustainable growth. Professor Rainer Kattel has published an award-winning book on creative bureaucracies — a path-breaking study on how governments innovate. Associate Professor David Eaves is a public policy entrepreneur and specialist in the governance of digital public infrastructure. He was named one of the 20 most influential people on Apolitical’s World’s 100 Most Influential People in Digital Government list.

Choose your pathway

We offer you the opportunity to tailor your studies with a bespoke pathways in Public Administration, Economic Policy and Political Economy or Digital Transformation. After exploring the MPA’s four disciplinary pillars of economics, politics, public administration, and design, you will choose the specialist pathway to match your interests and ambitions.

Placements with purpose to kickstart your career

100% of our graduates were in highly skilled work 15 months after graduation (HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017-21). Our alumni are now public sector leaders, tackling societal challenges and changing how the state is imagined, practised and evaluated around the world. You will apply new ideas from the classroom to real organisations tackling 21st century challenges. Putting theory into practice, you will undertake either a research-based thesis or placement in a public organisation with one of our partners, gaining skills for the next step in your career.

Study in London, a global hub on the world-stage

Studying in London, you will be at the heart of the debate. You will have exclusive networking opportunities engaging with our alumni and partners driving change in purpose-driven organisations. London is also the best city in the world for students (QS Best Student Cities 2025).