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The Master's of Public Administration is designed for professionals who want to lead change and navigate decision making at the intersection of science, engineering and public policy.
To find out core information about this degree, such as entry requirements, programme length and cost, visit the UCL prospectus site.
Course information
Candidates undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of eight 15 credit modules (four of which are common across the MPA suite of programmes, two are route specific and two are electives from any other STEaPP module). Candidates may choose either the MPA Group Project or the MPA Individual Project as their final 60 credit module.
If you would like to find out more about any of the modules or course structure, please contact our admissions team: steapp.admissions@ucl.ac.uk
Compulsory modules
Candidates undertake four core modules together with students from sister MPA programmes, two route/specialist modules which focus on their MPA degree topic, and either the MPA Group Project or the MPA Individual Project.
- Foundations in Science, Engineering and Public Policy (Route Specific) (STEP0034)
- Science Funding and Governance (Route Specific) (STEP0024)
- Evidence for Decision Making (STEP0027)
- Policy Making (STEP0028)
- Public Administration (STEP0029)
- Analytical Methods for Policy (STEP0020)
- MPA Group Project (STEP0035) or MPA Individual Project (STEP0036)
Optional modules
Students must select two STEaPP modules, in 2022-23 these will likely be as follows:
- Risk Assessment and Governance (STEP0021)
- Science Advice and Diplomacy (STEP0003)
- Clean Energy and Development (STEP0004)
- Urban Innovation and Policy (STEP0009)
- Development, Technology and Innovation Policy (STEP0006)
- Emerging Dilemmas in Digital Technology Policy (STEP0012)
- Climate, Innovation and Sustainability Policy (STEP0025)
- Health Innovation and Public Policy (STEP0038)
MPA Group Project and Individual Project
In the MPA Group and Individual Projects candidates work with an external client on a relevant policy challenge.
The Group Project gives candidates the chance to apply their learnt skills and knowledge to a real-world policy challenge, while working constructively in an interdisciplinary team with the support of UCL STEaPP faculty. The Group Project is the default major component of UCL STEaPP’s MPA programme and offers candidates the full MPA experience. Candidates can submit their preferences for which group project they would like to work on depending on their specific areas of interest. Previous Group Project examples and organisations can be viewed here.
The Individual Project can be selected as an option with prior project approval from the department. Similar to the Group Project, the Individual Project is a major component of UCL STEaPP’s MPA programme, enabling students to work individually on a real-world policy challenge with the support of UCL STEaPP faculty. This option may specifically suit candidates who already have a partner organisation to work with, do not need a project partner for their project or are working towards doctoral studies.
