The 1-year Master in Public Administration (MPA) programme provides an intensive, interdisciplinary course of study for experienced professionals who wish to acquire new knowledge and skills to enhance their leadership and managerial capabilities. This innovative programme can be taken on a full-time (1-year) or part-time basis.

Taught by expert faculty using a problem-based learning approach and real-world case studies, MPA students learn to apply the techniques of policy analysis and programme evaluation to resolve complex multi-dimensional policy challenges, as well as sharpen their leadership and communication skills. The School also conducts an active programme of seminars and public lectures by political, not-for-profit and business leaders to enable all students to complement their formal learning with the opportunity to interact with distinguished individuals who are shaping the future.

The MPA class comprises approximately 60 accomplished and motivated individuals who bring with them a wealth of diverse experiences to enhance the classroom learning experience. Students come from many different countries – from Southeast Asia, South Asia, East Asia and the Pacific and Africa. They work in a variety of sectors such as finance, trade, education, media, health, transport, housing, foreign affairs and development. Despite their short time together, or perhaps because of the shared experience of learning and working under tremendous pressure, MPA students forge an enduring international network of professional and personal contacts.

The School expects its MPA graduates to serve in a wide range of middle- to senior-level positions in the government, non-profit organisations, international organisations and the private sector.