Master of Public Administration (Finance)

The MPA is an international Masters’ programme, aimed at people who are pursuing (or would like to pursue) a career in public administration in government, public enterprises or non-governmental organisations, whether at local, national or international level. The MPA bridges theory and practice, enabling students to acquire the skills and understanding needed for effective management and strategy in government. The programme is delivered in a highly motivated international learning environment.

The Finance pathway enables managers in the public sector and not-for-profit sector to update and improve their understanding of financial and economic management. The programme is particularly designed for those working in finance ministries, finance sections within sectoral ministries, development banks, local government, public enterprises, aid providers, non-governmental organisations, and research and training organisations who wish to participate at a strategic level in financial management decisions.

The aim of the Finance pathway is to enable public sector managers to update and improve their practical skills in financial and economic management. The aim is to enable managers to participate on financial management at the strategic level in their organisation rather than to focus on detailed technical skills like bookkeeping. The programme is particularly designed for those working in finance ministries, finance sections within sectoral ministries, development banks, aid providers local government, public enterprises, non-governmental organisations, and research and training organisations who need to understand the principles of financial management and work with operational staff like accountants. This is primarily a public sector management, not a business management, programme, although some of the themes covered are relevant to both sectors. The programme includes development of understanding of the role of the state in managing the economy and public finances; managing monetary, exchange rate, fiscal, trade and environmental policy; budgeting and control. The programme considers the issues associated with working with the private sector; and, in designing, planning, financing and evaluating projects. New approaches to reform of financial management including performance budgeting and improving accountability receive string attention. There is a special focus on decentralised service delivery reflecting IDD’s long experience on working in decentralised systems.