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Innovation, Public Policy and Public Value MPA

London, Bloomsbury

The Innovation, Public Policy and Public Value MPA teaches the competencies, capabilities and leadership skills needed for purpose-driven organisations. Confront the grand challenges of the 21st century across public, private and civic sectors by studying core modules in economics, politics, public administration, and innovative design, and either completing a thesis or an industry placement with partner organisations.

UK students International students
Study mode
UK tuition fees (2026/27)
£39,200
£19,600
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Overseas tuition fees (2026/27)
£39,200
£19,600
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Duration
1 calendar year
2 academic years
5 calendar years
Programme starts
September 2026
Applications accepted
Applicants who require a visa: 20 Oct 2025 – 26 Jun 2026
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Applicants who do not require a visa: 20 Oct 2025 – 28 Aug 2026
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Apply for this course

Entry requirements

UK Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate Arts and Humanities, Social Science and Economics, and Engineering subjects awarded with an Upper Second-class Honours (2:1), or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.

The English language level for this course is: Level 4

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree


Tackling the grand challenges of the 21st century—transitioning to a sustainable economy, decreasing inequality, delivering effective public services—requires new ways of thinking and new organisational capabilities. The Master of Public Administration combines an alternative approach to policymaking with a clear focus on structural change and innovation, equipping you with the dynamic skills to lead purpose-driven organisations across the public, private and civic sectors.

This course is multidisciplinary in its approach to teaching and learning. It provides you with a solid grounding in economics, politics, public administration, innovation and design, united by a focus on challenging economic orthodoxies and exploring the new thinking and skills governments need to drive transformative change.

Core modules cover the economics and political economy of innovation and technical change, examine the political shaping of institutions and systems, and introduce models of governance with the mission of ‘market shaping’, not merely ‘market-fixing’. You will learn to design frameworks enabling public organisations to steer innovation and enable systems change, and develop practical skills in qualitative, quantitative and mixed-method policy analysis.

Elective modules allow you choose from three professional pathways:

  • Public Administration –  specialise in the development of public sector capabilities to tackle grand societal challenges;
  • Economic Policy and Political Economy – explore the state/market relationship, finding heterodox solutions to the economic challenges facing capitalist societies;
  • Digital Transformation – navigate the shifting digital landscape within the public sector.

You conclude your studies by putting ideas into action—either through an industry placement with a partner organisation tackling real-world challenges, or by producing a research-based thesis advancing new thinking on public purpose.

Who this course is for

Our students come from around the globe, with backgrounds in public policy, economics, innovation, digital technologies and design. They generally have at least two years experience in local or national government, third sector organising, education, or private sector projects focused on public challenges. We also welcome professionals keen to pivot towards the public sector and/or heterodox economics.

Read about what it takes to study for a Master's at UCL

What this course will give you

Flexible options to build expertise for the impact you want to make
Whether it’s your ambition to shape state capabilities, rethink economic systems or lead digital change, this course gives you the flexibility to focus on your ambitions. Our optional pathways are designed to align with different sectors, challenges and leadership roles. By applying your learning via a research thesis  or industry placement, you build your professional portfolio and prepare for the next step in your career.

Tap into a world-leading faculty shaping global public policy
Learn from leading thinkers driving innovation and policy reform. Our faculty includes Director Mariana Mazzucato, described as “one of the world’s most influential economists… on a mission to save capitalism from itself.” Rainer Kattel is the author of an award-winning study on creative bureaucracies; David Eaves, public policy entrepreneur, was named among the 20 most influential figures in digital government. The Institute’s network of full-time and visiting professors and research fellows are all groundbreakers in their fields–and integral to teaching in the MPA.

Study in London, a global hub on the world stage
In London and at the UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose, you are at the heart of the debate. Students have exclusive networking opportunities with alumni and partners who are driving change in purpose-led organisations across the world. London is ranked the best city for students in the UK and Europe, and holds third place worldwide (QS Best Student Cities 2026), and UCL is ranked 9th in the world (QS World University Rankings 2026), placing you within one of the most dynamic academic and professional environments anywhere.

Read about what you'll get out of a graduate programme
Making an impact
A picture of water on a leaf

Case study: The Global Commission on the Economics of Water

Co-chaired by Professor Mariana Mazzucato, this global commission is rethinking the economics of water, understanding links with economic development, climate and biodiversity to drive policy change.

The foundation of your career

Many public sector bodies, policy think tanks, NGOs and large private organisations are seeking professionals who can justify, evaluate and implement public policy in new and effective ways. The Innovation, Public Policy and Public Value MPA is designed to meet this growing demand. Our graduates are policy makers, economists, researchers, designers – and leaders. They work at all levels of government, in the UK and internationally, as well as in global institutions and mission-led private sector organisations.

We have alumni working in international organisations such as the OECD, local governments including Camden and Hackney, leading innovation agencies like Vinnova in Sweden, digital teams such as the UK’s Central Digital and Data Office, and private firms such as Public Digital (LinkedIn, HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017-23). Alumni also choose to stay at the UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose in the short- or long-term, carrying out policy research, teaching and/or undertaking a PhD.

Meet our students and alumni ►

The MPA has helped me to develop a more critical perspective on key features of my professional career, like sustainability, economic growth, technology, etc. Similarly, it was great to have contact with world-leading researchers on these subjects.

Juan David Garcia Gonzalez

Innovation, Public Policy and Public Value MPA

Employability

As a graduate, you will be equipped with the confidence and capabilities to lead innovative, mission-driven organisations focused on public purpose. You will leave the MPA with the theoretical grounding and practical tools to reimagine the role of the state and contribute to systemic change.

The MPA develops your critical thinking, leadership and strategic capabilities to meet the changing demands of public policy and governance. Core modules encourage a systems-level understanding of policy actors, institutional change and country-specific innovation dynamics. You also build professional skills in stakeholder engagement, negotiation and influencing organisational change.

Practice-based seminars allow you to apply ideas introduced in lectures, and your final project—either a research-based thesis or an industry placement—gives you the chance to work on real-world challenges while building your professional portfolio.

Support is available from UCL Careers to help you explore your options, build valuable skills, showcase your practical experience and navigate the job application process. This includes events and training tailored to public purpose and policy careers, such as alumni and industry insight panels, career taster sessions, masterclasses, careers fairs and more.

Networking

By studying with us, you join the UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose network, a global community shaping the future of public policy and institutional reform.

We collaborate with governments globally, from the highest political levels to service delivery organisations, helping them to rethink how they work to tackle the challenges they face. Our academics regularly advise local, national and international governments and organisations. Many of your peers will already be working in the public sector, bringing their professional experience into the classroom and broadening your network.

You will have the chance to get involved in our applied research and learning projects, and to embed in a policy organisation during the flagship placement programme. These placements also offer a valuable networking opportunity, working with our Mission-Oriented Innovation Network (MOIN) and other public organisations around the word.

Throughout the year, the UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose hosts public lectures, seminars and panel discussions featuring global experts in innovation, policy and public value. These events give you the opportunity to engage with leading ideas and expand your professional network.

Each year we also host alumni sessions in London where you can meet with alumni and build on the growing network of policy makers around the globe educated at the UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose.

Students also take an active role in shaping the community. Past participants have arranged conferences at the UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose in collaboration with organisations such as INET’s Young Scholars Initiative (YSI), entered competitions like Map the System, and presented their work at the Institute’s annual conference.

Teaching and learning

The Innovation, Public Policy and Public Value MPA is delivered both inside and outside of the classroom. On campus, the course will be taught through a series of lectures and small group seminars. To apply policy tools in action, you will take part in research and policy projects at the Institute, making important contributions to high-level work with governments and NGOs around the world and working in partnership with faculty members.

The course is assessed through personal and group presentations, and written reports and papers. The mix of assessment methodologies will help develop both your writing and presentation skills and will provide you with teamwork experience.

Full-time students typically study the equivalent of a full-time job. Over Terms 1 and 2, full-time students usually have around 12 hours of contact time per week, consisting of both lectures and seminars. Our optional enrichment lectures add an additional hour per session. The remainder of students’ time, approximately 25 hours per week, is dedicated to self-directed learning and completing coursework assignments, some of which requires group study and preparation. In Term 3, you will either choose the thesis or placement modules, whilst keeping regular contact with your supervisor throughout the term and summer period. The start of the placement module involves an intense 8 week industry placement.

Modules

You will take six compulsory modules, representing the disciplinary bedrock of the course: economics, politics, public administration, innovation and design. You will then personalise your MPA with two elective modules and your choice of industry placement or extended policy analysis/thesis.

The structure of the year is:

Term 1 (October–December)

Term 2 (January–March)

  • Creative Bureaucracies looks at governance frameworks geared to developing dynamic capabilities within organisations, enabling them to become more flexible, adaptable and willing to experiment.
  • Transformation by Design will help you develop strategic design skills and techniques for creating policy innovation cultures, processes, environments and organisations, particularly addressing the dynamics of digital transformation.
  • Elective A
  • Elective B

Term 3 (April–June) and Summer (June–September)

  • Placement with a public sector or mission-oriented private sector organisation. Working in a small group, you will have the opportunity to apply your studies to real-world challenges. Read more in the ‘Placement’ section below

or

  • Final Project: Policy Analysis. With the support of a supervisor, you will work independently to carry out empirical research on a specific policy problem or organisational and institutional challenge, conducting high-level interviews with policy actors and sophisticated quantitative analysis.

Elective modules can be selected from those offered by the UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose, which are tailored to our optional pathways, and/or combined with others from across UCL. Health sciences, sustainability, development, computing, finance, economic history, politics – UCL has a huge range of modules in related topics. Combined with your final project/placement, this wide choice produces an individually-specialised degree.  

Learn more about elective modules and specialising in your MPA ►

As a part-time student, you will take the same six compulsory modules, two elective modules and final project (an extended policy analysis/ thesis or industry placement) as full-time students. You are free to deviate from the suggested structure; however, this structure is designed so that part-time students can take all of their classes and seminars across just two sequential days per week.

The suggested structure across two years is:

Term 1 (October–December, Year 1)

  • New Economic Thinking and Public Value considers alternative models for public policy, governance and administration – from those focused on ‘market fixing’ to new ones that can be expressed as ‘market making’.
  • Economics of Innovation and Public Purpose surveys the economics of innovation and technical change, with a focus on theoretical contributions in evolutionary and structural economics.

Term 2 (January–March, Year 1)

  • Creative Bureaucracies looks at governance frameworks geared to developing dynamic capabilities within organisations, enabling them to become more flexible, adaptable and willing to experiment.
  • Elective A

Term 3 (April–June, Year 1)

  • First year part-time students are encouraged to attend the Final Project bootcamp and to start the research and literature review for their dissertation/placement in the summer term of Year 1.

Term 1 (October–December, Year 2)

Term 2 (January–March, Year 2)

  • Transformation by Design will help you develop strategic design skills and techniques for creating policy innovation cultures, processes, environments and organisations, particularly addressing the dynamics of digital transformation.
  • Elective B

Term 3 (April–June) and Summer (June–September, Year 2)

  • Placement with a public sector or mission-oriented private sector organisation. Working in a small group, you will have the opportunity to apply your studies to real-world challenges. Read more in the ‘Placement’ section below. Note that part-time students who opt for Placements must be available for eight weeks of group work in Term 3 of their second year.

or

  • Final Project: Policy Analysis. With the support of a supervisor, you will work independently to carry out empirical research on a specific policy problem or organisational and institutional challenge, conducting high-level interviews with policy actors and sophisticated quantitative analysis. Note that some part-time students choose to do their policy analysis at their current place of employment.

Elective modules can be selected from those offered by the UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose, which are tailored to our optional pathways, and/or combined with others from across UCL. Health sciences, sustainability, development, computing, finance, economic history, politics – UCL has a huge range of modules in related topics. Combined with your final project/placement, this wide choice produces an individually-specialised degree.

Learn more about elective modules and specialising in your MPA ►

The Innovation, Public Policy and Public Value MPA can also be completed on a flexible basis, over the duration of up to five years. You will take the same six compulsory modules and two elective modules as full-time students and complete your studies with the final project (an extended policy analysis/ thesis or industry placement).

As with part-time students, we recommend that flexible students undertake one of two study patterns for completing this final intensive module. For the Thesis option, you can start your research during Term 3 of your penultimate year and  complete in Term 3 and the summer of your final year. For the Placement option, you can negotiate with your employer or arrange other commitments so that you can dedicate yourself to working on the project full-time through Term 3 and the summer of your final year.

Learn more about elective modules and specialising in your MPA ►

Compulsory modules










Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MPA in Innovation, Public Policy and Public Value.

Placement

If you choose to take the placement module, you will embed in a policy organisation during Term 3 and work in a small team on a live policy challenge, applying the new thinking, tools and frameworks developed over the first two terms of the MPA.

Placements are matched to your interests, skills and background, and take place with organisations across the UK and internationally. Many hosts are part of the UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose’s Mission-Oriented Innovation Network (MOIN), a global community of public organisations advancing new approaches to public value. Recent partners have included the Scottish Government, Greater London Authority, New Zealand Ministry for the Environment, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Challenge Works, Innovate UK and the Danish Design Centre.

These placements offer more than practical experience—they provide a space to apply innovative ideas, work closely with expert partners and build your professional network in the public purpose field.

The department guarantees placements for all students who take the module.

Accessibility

The department will endeavour to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities, including those with long-term health conditions, neurodivergence, learning differences and mental health conditions. This list is not exhaustive. If you're unsure of your eligibility for reasonable adjustments at UCL, please contact Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

Reasonable adjustments are implemented on a case-by-case basis. With the student's consent, reasonable adjustments are considered by UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services, and where required, in collaboration with the respective department.

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information about support available can be obtained from UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

For more information about the department and accessibility arrangements for your course, please contact the department.

Where you'll study

A photo of graduate from UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Policy celebrating their graduation

UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose’s mission is to change how the state is imagined, practised and evaluated in order to tackle societal challenges. We push frontiers at the cutting-edge interface between research and policy. We believe that innovation in public policy can create fairer and more sustainable societies.

Find out more

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Graduate Open Events: Bartlett Promise UK Scholarship

Join our virtual event to explore our postgraduate courses, hear from academic staff and current students, and learn about the application process, scholarships, and career support. A live Q&A will give you the chance to get your questions answered. Take the next step toward shaping a more sustainable built environment with us.

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Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time Part-time
Tuition fees (2026/27) £39,200 £19,600
Tuition fees (2026/27) £39,200 £19,600

Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.

Postgraduate Taught students benefit from a cohort guarantee, meaning that their tuition fees will not increase during the course of the programme, but UCL reserves the right to increase tuition fees to reflect any sums (including levies, taxes, or similar financial charges) that UCL is required to pay any governmental authority in connection with tuition fees.

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Where the course is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.

Additional costs

For full-time and part-time offer holders with a fee status classification of UK, a fee deposit will be charged at 2.5% of the first year fee.

For full-time and part-time offer holders with a fee status classification of Overseas, a fee deposit will be charged at 10% of the first year fee.

For modular/flexible offer holders with a fee status classification of UK, a £350 deposit will be charged.

For modular/flexible offer holders with a fee status classification of Overseas, a £500 deposit will be charged.

Further information can be found in the Tuition fee deposits section on this page: Tuition fees.

Core costs related to the Placement, should you choose this option, will be covered by the UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose. This includes partner and facilitation expenses, travel-related costs where travel is necessary (eg transportation, visas, travel insurance) and accommodation costs where required. Personal expenses (eg food, mobile data, non-essential leisure activities) must, as normal, be covered by the student regardless of whether placements occur in person or remotely. 

For in-person teaching, UCL’s main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1-2 is £119.90. This price was published by TfL in 2025. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide.

Funding your studies

In our faculty, The Bartlett Promise Scholarship aims to enable students from backgrounds underrepresented in the built environment to pursue master's studies. Please see the Master's scholarship and Sub-Saharan Africa Master's scholarship pages for more information on eligibility criteria, selection process and FAQs.

Any additional funding available from the UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose and The Bartlett are advertised on the respective websites.

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

Bartlett Promise UK Master's Scholarship

Deadline: 31 May 2026
Value: Full tuition fees and an annual stipend of £17,096 for a 12 month master's or £15,864 for a 9 month (Duration of programme)
Criteria Based on financial need
Eligibility: UK

IIPP Policy Studio MPA Scholarship

Deadline: 01 May 2026
Value: Full tuition fees (1 year)
Criteria Based on both academic merit and financial need
Eligibility: UK, EU, Overseas

Next steps

There is an application processing fee for this course of £90 for online applications. Further information can be found at Application fees.

When we assess your application, we would like to learn:

  • Why you want to study Innovation, Public Policy and Public Value at graduate level
  • Why you want to study Innovation, Public Policy and Public Value at UCL
  • What particularly attracts you to the MPA
  • How your academic and professional background meets the demands of this challenging course
  • Where you would like to go professionally with your degree.

Together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to illustrate whether your reasons for applying to this course match what the course will deliver.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate courses (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2026-2027

Apply for this course

Got questions? Get in touch

Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose
Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose

bartlett.pg-iipp@ucl.ac.uk

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