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 approach taken within the programme is practical and introduces theories and conceptual models where they help understand and solve practical problems. Students analyse practical cases, using real data as far as possible to provide excellent experience and develop required skills in public economic and finance management.

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.

Why study this course?

This is an MPA programme aimed at people already working within, or closely with, the public sector or not-for-profit sector, or wanting to join the sectors, particularly within developing or newly industrialised countries. The programme has:

• A strong international focus, using real examples and practice from many countries and being relevant to many countries, and with an international student body.
• Includes a study visit, to learn about public administration and strategy in a particular context, with meetings with a range of public sector and associated bodies. There are two locations to choose from each year – destinations in recent years include St Petersburg, Guangzhou, Vienna, Berlin
• Is aimed particularly at applicants with experience and interest in financial and economic management within the public sector. However, no prior experience or study in economics or financial management is required or assumed.
• There is a wide range of optional modules to choose from.
• The dissertation can be written on any relevant subject, with the final topic agreed between the student and their assigned supervisor. It allows students to make an in-depth study of a topic of interest to them.