Master's Programme in Public Administration

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 the students' ability to conduct independent analyses of organizations, 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 MPA Programme 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 study of administration, organization and politics. As a field of study it has a political science orientation with particular emphasis on theories of democracy, organizations and organized action. The programme aims to develop knowledge of and insight into a) the relationship between organizations and individuals, and b) the relationship between organizations and their environments. It draws on theoretical and empirically-based research on formal organizations.

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 (AORG318) and Methodology (AORG319).

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).In the second semester there will be an assessment of students´ ability to continue with the program

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 1st 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 120 typed pages, using 1.5 line spacing and font 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.

Required Learning Outcomes

Required Learning Outcomes

By completing a Master of Philosophy in Public Administration (MPA) the student will have acquired the following:

Knowledge

• The student will have obtained an overview of recent developments in organization theory, public administration and public policy, and the theories and methods being used in these fields of study.
• The student will have developed a broader understanding of the relationship between politics and administration and between the formulation and implementation of public policy
• The student will have acquired the knowledge required to identify relationships between formal organization on the one hand and consequences and outcomes on the other.

Abilities

• Through the writing of the MPA thesis, the student will have acquired skills to conduct an analysis of a social phenomenon by using relevant theories, social science research methods, and analysis of empirical data.
• The student will be able to develop and analyze academic research questions within the chosen field of study indepentently.

General competence

• The MPA provides students a basis for conducting research and academic writing.
• The student will be able to prepare a research design, analyse and critically develop the relationships between research question, empirical data, concepts and theory. Moreover, the student will be able to identify, review, and discuss the major arguments in academic texts.

Work relevance

Through scientific work and presentations students will have developed analytical skills and competence to work with and carry out research on organizational issues, democracy, politics, administration and service delivery. The competences acquired throughout the MPA are well suited for positions where organizational design and leadership are required, but also for management in public administration, private firms and voluntary organizations. The student will also be able to give advice on organizational issues in the private and public sectors.

Admission

Semester

Autumn (August)

Admission Requirements

In order to be admitted to the M-Phil programme in Public Administration applicants must normally have obtained an undergraduate degree or Bachelor's degree of 4 years' duration, or have an equivalent educational background. The undergraduate degree must include 1, 5 years of full-time studies in relevant courses such as:

¿ Political Science or related subjects

¿ Public Administration

¿ Organization Theory

All candidates will also be selected on the basis of achievements in previous studies. Admission is competitive; applicants should have excellent academic records. Minimum 2 nd Class, Upper Division/B or the equivalent is normally required in order to be considered for admission. Applicants with first class or grade A are selected for the Quota Scholarship Program.

Teaching and supervision is conducted in English, applicants from non-English speaking countries must provide documentation of English language proficiency. If you are a native English speaker you are not required to provide a proficiency test. You are considered to be a native speaker of English if you are from Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, The UK, USA or South Africa.

Non-native English speakers must document their English language proficiency http://www.uib.no/en/education/49142/english-language-requirements#

Who can apply?

Students who fulfill the academic requirements can apply. We welcome both applicants to the quota scholarship as well as self-financing students with relevant academic background.

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
• Peradeniya University*, Sri Lanka
• 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