Normally a UK second class honours degree, or better, in any discipline or the equivalent of this for international students. Additionally, applicants should normally have gained at least 3 years’ relevant work experience in a supervisory or managerial position in the UK or Irish civil service.

English Language Requirements
English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.

Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

• For English language requirements go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/english-language-requirements

• For Your country go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/country

Exemptions and transferability
Students who have successfully completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Health & Social Care Management may be exempted for up to 120 credit points. Students on the NICS Postgraduate Certificate in Public Administration who are successful may progress to complete the MPA having already collected 60 credits.

Your Application
You can apply directly to Ulster at any time of year. We advise that you submit your application no later than two weeks prior to your course start date. This is to ensure there is sufficient time for your application to be reviewed and, should you be made an offer, time for you to complete all the necessary pre-enrolment tasks.

Some programmes will have specific deadlines as additional selection (e.g. interview, portfolio submission etc) is required, so please check the course page to ensure you have sufficient time to complete your application.

Start Date: September 2026.

This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Careers and Opportunities
Graduates of Ulster's Masters in Public Administration go on to excel in leadership, policy, and management roles across the public and voluntary sectors.

Where this MPA degree can take you:
• Civil Service and Government Departments
• Local Government and Councils
• Health and Social Care Management
• Policing and Criminal Justice
• Education and Housing Authorities
• NGOs, Community, and Voluntary Organisations

Benefits to your career:
• Increased earning potential in public service
• Access to senior-level roles and promotions
• Skills to lead and manage teams through change
• Confidence to shape and evaluate public policy

View our student and employer stories section to hear from those who have benefited from studying this programme.