Presentation

Semester

Autumn (August)

The Degree

The master's programme leads to the degree of Master of Philosophy in Public Administration (MPA). It is a two year programme (120 ECTS credits).

Objectives and content

The objective of the Master of Philosophy in Public Administration (MPA) is to enhance students' ability to conduct independent analyses of organisations, political and administrative structures and processes, and public policy. The programme strengthens students¿ analytical skills and provides a comprehensive training in methodology. Participation in various seminars and individual writing ensure that the motivation for and ability to work independently in an academic or a professional setting is enhanced.

The MPAProgramme is equivalent to four semesters of study after completion of an undergraduate degree.

The programme is aimed at international students who obtain scholarships under the Quota Scheme and international self-financed students.

Exchange students under the Erasmus agreement and other guest students who fulfill academic requirements may on application be admitted to one or more courses in the programme.

Programme profile

Public Administration is the comparative study of administration, organisation and politics. As a field of study it has a political science orientation with particular emphasis on theories of democracy, organisations and organised action. The programme aims to develop knowledge of and insight into a) the relationship between organisations and individuals, and b) the relationship between organisations and their environments. It draws on theoretical and empirically-based research on formal organisations.

Programme structure

In the first semester, i.e. the autumn semester (August-December), students are required to complete two compulsory courses/seminars, in Organization and Politics (AORG320) and Methodology (AORG321).

In the second semester (January-June), students are required to complete two compulsory seminars, viz. the seminars in Research Design (AORG322), and Research Field (AORG323) or Scandinavian Public Administration (AORG324).In the second semester there will be an assessment of students´ ability to continue with the programme.

Master thesis

During the second year (3rd and 4th term), the students write the AORG351 Master's Thesis in close collaboration with their supervisors. Dissertation seminar may be arranged depending on the needs and progress of thesis of the students. The Master's Thesis shall be submitted in the fourth semester and the fixed date is June 1. in the spring semester. Submitting on a different date may be granted based on individual application. The length of the AORG351 Master's Thesis is normally stipulated to about 100 typed pages, using 1.5 line spacing and font¿s size 12.

Method

The MPA programme is characterized by pluralism of methodology. The students will be introduced to critical issues in the philosophy of the social sciences and the methodological basis for conducting scientific research. The students will receive training in different research strategies and have the possibility to choose between different methods particularly relevant to the theme and empirical foundation of their thesis.

Admission

Semester

Autumn (August)

Admission Requirements

In order to be admitted to the M-Phil programme in Public Administration, an applicant must normally have a 4-year university degree or equivalent (see below) from a recognized non-Norwegian university or comparable education recognized by the Department of Administration and Organization Theory. The undergraduate degree must include relevant courses in political science, public administration, and/or organization theory equaling a minimum of 1.5 years of full-time studies. These formal entrance requirements are identical to the minimum requirements that apply for admission to the Norwegian Master Programme in Administration and Organization Theory. Priority is given to candidates with a major in public administration or political science.

In addition to a relevant academic background, all candidates will be selected on the basis of achievements in previous studies. In general, applicants with First class or grade ¿A¿ are selected for the scholarship program. Candidates with 2nd Class Lower Division are normally not considered.

Who may apply

All teaching is conducted in English, and applicants must provide documentation of English language proficiency.

1. Applicants for the Quota Scheme, from the following universities:

• Jimma University, Ethiopia
• Mzumbe University*, Tanzania
• Makerere University*, Uganda
• Mbarara University of Science and Technology*, Uganda
• Uganda Management, Institute*, Uganda
• University of Ghana, Ghana
• University of the Western Cape*, South Africa
• University of Ruhuna*, Sri Lanka
• Peradeniya University*, Sri Lanka
• Shanghai Jiaotong University, China
• Tribhuvan University, Nepal
• University of Dhaka, Bangladesh
• North-South University, Bangladesh
• University of Chittagong, Bangladesh
• University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh

*A 3-year Bachelor degree from Sri Lanka, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda will also meet the requirement.

Priority will be given to applicants who have completed their degree at one of the above-mentioned universities during the last couple of years and/or employed at these institutions.

2. Self-financing degree students

Contact

More information

Information about admission: http://www.uib.no/education/admission/master

Dept. of Administration and Organization Theory
Christiesgt. 17, N-5007 Bergen
e-mail: studieveileder@aorg.uib.no
tel: + 4755582154

fax: + 4755589890

Contact person: Olga Mjelde

olga.mjelde@sos.uib.no

Tel: +4755589449