Program Overview
The Master of Arts in Public Administration - International Development at University of York is a rigorous postgraduate programme delivered fully online. Designed for graduates and professionals seeking advanced expertise in business & management, the programme develops both theoretical foundations and applied skills essential for today's competitive environment.
Spanning 24 months, students engage with cutting-edge research, industry-relevant case studies, and practical projects. Instruction is delivered in English by research-active faculty with professional expertise.
The programme culminates in a dissertation or capstone project. Graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles, research careers, and doctoral study in business & management.
Key Program Features
Why choose Public Administration - International Development at York?
Set yourself up for managerial roles in the developing world. From leadership and strategy to performance and human resources, you'll build a highly-sought after skill set. By investigating how policy is made, you'll be able to provide solutions that make a difference.
Study for a professional qualification in public administration. Grow and define your career with this internationally recognised course. Our graduates have gone on to work for a range of organisations. This includes development charities, parliament and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Be supported by internationally-renowned experts from around the world. Our staff regularly contribute to news media and advise governments and institutions across the globe. Their research and expertise will guide your learning, developing your own critical thinking in the process.
Personalise your study with a vast selection of option modules. Our option modules cover a wide range of topics. From the politics of security to the politics of global trade, with both policy-based and theoretical approaches. This means you can tailor your degree to focus on the areas of public administration that interest you most.
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Career Opportunities
Careers and skills
A York politics degree is recognised by employers worldwide. The skills you'll acquire through the study of public administration and international development will leave you well prepared for further study or work in a wide range of sectors, from social and political research to journalism, marketing and HR.
Career opportunities
- Diplomat
- Head of public affairs
- Civil Servant
- Financial consultant
- Policy and engagement manager within a government body
- Business development manager
Transferable skills
- The ability to research, source and examine information thoroughly
- Analytical skills
- Critical thinking
- Excellent written and oratory skills
- Intellectual independence and autonomy
- Teamworking skills
- A flexible and open-minded approach to work
Program Curriculum
Course content
- Four 20-credit core modules
- Two 20-credit option modules
- A 60-credit independent policy report
Taught modules will run throughout the first half of the year, with the policy report being completed during the summer and vacation.
Modules Dissertation Modules Core modules Advanced Policy Analysis Public Finance: Principles, Politics & Contemporary Issues delivered by the School for Business and Society Theories and Policies of Development Governance Leading and Managing Change delivered by the School for Business and Society Option modules You will study two option modules. Examples can be found below. Some option module combinations may not be possible. The options available to you will be confirmed after you begin your course. Challenges to Policy-making in Democratising Countries Global Governance Introduction to Qualitative Methods & Data Analysis Introduction to Quantitative Methods & Data Analysis Gendering Politics: An Intersectional Approach The Political Economy of Global China Theories and Issues in International Political Economy Principles of Policy Advice New Security Challenges Governing for the Environment Critical Theories of International Political Economy Conflict & Development Comparative Institutions and Public Policy Global Development Politics The Political Economy of Global China Some option module combinations may not be possible. The options available to you will be confirmed after you begin your course. Our modules may change to reflect the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff, and in line with Department/School academic planning. Dissertation During the second semester and vacation you will consolidate your interests in a policy report on a topic of your choice. You'll have regular meetings with your assigned policy report advisor, who will help guide you through the process and support you in the exploration of your chosen topic. Previous policy report titles include: The relationship between U.S. government donors and international non-profit organisations: A comparative analysis of the George W Bush and Barack Obama administrations Challenges of Public Administration reform in Afghanistan on corruption and development in Afghanistan Understanding China’s policy towards Africa, its impact and policy implications ProÁrbol: achieving sustainable development in Mexico through the Payment for Environmental Services (PES) A comparative study of health care systems in Brazil, India and China: what lessons can China learn?
Admission Requirements
Entry requirements
| Qualification | Typical offer |
| Undergraduate degree | 2:2 or equivalent. We are willing to consider applicants with lower qualifications, particularly if you have high marks in relevant modules and/or appropriate professional experience. Additional information may be requested. |
| Other international qualifications | Equivalent qualifications from your country |
English language
If English isn't your first language you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. We accept the following qualifications:
| Qualification | Minimum requirement |
| IELTS (Academic and Indicator) | 6.5, minimum 6.0 in each component |
| Cambridge CEFR | B2 First: 176, with 169 in each component |
| Oxford ELLT | 7, minimum of 6 in each component |
| Oxford Test of English Advanced | 136, minimum 126 in each component |
| Duolingo | 120, minimum 105 in all other components |
| LanguageCert SELT | B2 with 33/50 in each component |
| LanguageCert Academic | 70 with a minimum of 65 in each component |
| Kaplan Test of English Language | 478-509, with 444-477 in all other components |
| Skills for English | B2: Merit overall, with Pass with Merit in each component |
| PTE Academic | 61, minimum 55 in each component |
| TOEFL | 87, minimum 21 in each component |
| Trinity ISE III | Merit in all requirements |
For more information see our postgraduate English language requirements .
If you haven't met our English language requirements You may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language courses . These courses will provide you with the level of English needed to meet the conditions of your offer. The length of course you need to take depends on your current English language test scores and how much you need to improve to reach our English language requirements. After you've accepted your offer to study at York, we'll confirm which pre-sessional course you should apply to via You@York .
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
GBP 5,700/year (international)
Fees and funding
Annual tuition fees for 2026/27
| Study mode | UK (home) | International and EU |
| Full-time (1 year) | £12,000 | £27,250 |
| Part-time (2 years) This is the year 1 fee. Fees for future years are subject to confirmation. | £6,000 | £13,625 |
Students on a Student Visa are not currently permitted to study part-time at York.
For courses which are longer than one year , the tuition fees quoted are for the first year of study. UK (home) fees may increase in subsequent years (up to a maximum of 2%). International fees may increase in subsequent years in line with the prevailing Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate (up to a maximum of 10%).
Fees information
UK (home) or international fees? The level of fee that you will be asked to pay depends on whether you're classed as a UK (home) or international student. Check your fee status .
Find out more information about tuition fees and how to pay them.
- Postgraduate taught fees and expenses
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Fees and funding
Annual tuition fees for 2026/27
| Study mode | UK (home) | International and EU |
| Full-time (1 year) | £12,000 | £27,250 |
| Part-time (2 years) This is the year 1 fee. Fees for future years are subject to confirmation. | £6,000 | £13,625 |
Students on a Student Visa are not currently permitted to study part-time at York.
For courses which are longer than one year , the tuition fees quoted are for the first year of study. UK (home) fees may increase in subsequent years (up to a maximum of 2%). International fees may increase in subsequent years in line with the prevailing Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate (up to a maximum of 10%).
Fees information
UK (home) or international fees? The level of fee that you will be asked to pay depends on whether you're classed as a UK (home) or international student. Check your fee status .
Find out more information about tuition fees and how to pay them.
- Postgraduate taught fees and expenses
About University of York
University of York
Heslington, United Kingdom
University of York is a distinguished institution of higher education committed to academic excellence, innovative research, and preparing students for leadership in their chosen fields. The...
University Profile- Application Deadline 2018-03-01
- Start Date 2018-04-01
- Language English
- Duration 24 months
- Credits 120 ECTS / 360 credits (2-year programme)
