MPA Social and Public Policy

The online MPA Social and Public Policy from the University of York has been specifically designed for aspiring leaders working in the public or non-profit sector, or in private sector roles with a link to public policy or public management. Equivalent to an MBA that is specific to public services, it equips you with the skills and knowledge to shape and influence policy and deepens your understanding of policy making and the interaction between policy making on the local, national and global level.

The skills you will develop as you study this programme will help enable you to take on roles with higher degrees of leadership responsibility and strategic impact, empowering you to shape policy and change people’s lives for the better.

One of the defining features of this online course is the online learning experience, which is built on interaction and collaboration with tutors and fellow learners. In discussion groups, you will explore course materials with peers and dedicated tutors and will have a unique opportunity to build your global professional network, making valuable connections with professionals from your sector based all over the world.

The entirely online teaching and delivery of this master’s degree ensures that there is no need to ever visit campus – this MPA can be studied and completed from anywhere in the world. The flexible design of the programme makes it the ideal choice for busy professionals as it can be studied at any time. This enables you to study around work and family life, with no need to put your ambitions on hold by taking a career break.

You will learn from a highly skilled team of academics from around the world and study with a Department that has received national and global recognition in this field: in the 2020 QS World University rankings, the University of York ranked 10th in the world for social policy and administration.

Career opportunities and progression

York MPA graduates go on to a wide range of roles, including in government, international NGOs and charities, the NHS, leading consultancies and accountancy firms, universities, banks, and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.