Urban Innovation and Policy MPA

This Master’s of Public Administration (MPA) is designed for professionals in the public, private or third sector who would like to lead change in urban development and city leadership. Students undertake a major live project with a real client and have the opportunity to engage with leading urban scholars and practitioners across UCL. Graduates are equipped with key skills for a role in urban policy, including strategic engagement, city leadership and experimentation. Students study conceptual frameworks for innovation and urban planning, and master policy tools and analytical methods to implement, evaluate, and revise urban policies. They are taught how to bridge gaps within government and in the public and private sector, and how to gather evidence to support decision making.

The degree is suitable for professionals or graduates currently working in (or who want to work in) urban policy and planning, as well as future city leaders from a wide range of organisations including non-governmental organisations, the private sector, consultancies and the third sector.

Throughout the MPA programme, students will: gain a greater awareness of current issues and developments in urban innovation, science, technology and engineering; develop an understanding of the knowledge systems underpinning successful policy making processes; learn how to communicate with scientists and engineers, policymakers and industry experts; develop the skills to mobilise urban and innovation policy, and science and engineering knowledge and expertise, to address societal challenges.