The School launched the one-year Master in Public Administration (MPA) programme in 2006 in response to feedback that the duration of the MPP programme was too long for mid-career professionals. For increased flexibility, the MPA degree was also designed so that it can be earned through either full-time or part-time study to better cater to different career commitments.

The MPA is designed to enhance the effectiveness of mid-career professionals from the public, private and non-profit sectors in managing and resolving complex multidimensional policy issues. MPA graduates also develop their skills in policy analysis and programme evaluation, as well as hone their leadership abilities. MPA students need to have at least five years of work experience. Compared to the MPP programme, therefore, the MPA programme places greater emphasis on management and decision-making.

In January 2008, the School launched the double degree programmes with NUS Faculty of Law and NUS Business School in its continuous effort to broaden the MPA classroom experience. The Master of Laws (LLM) and MPA double degree programme aims to provide students of law and public administration broad exposure to the issues and challenges that lawyers and leaders of public institutions face, while the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and MPA double degree 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.