About Public Administration, Graduate Diploma/ma in University of Limerick

The Graduate Diploma/MA in Public Administration (MPA) is a one year full-time or 2 year part-time interdisciplinary programme aimed at providing students with analytical and professional skills, combined with knowledge of public management and policy making in government. The modules offered in the MPA programme are designed to provide participants with a rigorous and inter-disciplinary curriculum in public administration, economics, and law. The MPA aims to equip students with a comprehensive knowledge of the nature, role and development of the public sector, and an awareness of public service values. Students take compulsory modules in Public Administration, Economics, Organisational Behaviour, Policy Analysis and Law. For the research element of the programme students participate in a research methods module designed for practitioners and complete an individual research project. 

Both the 1 year full-time and 2 year part-time MPA also provide an exit award of Graduate Diploma in Public Administration for students who meet the academic requirements of the taught programme (60 ects) and do not proceed to the dissertation (30 ects).

A MPA degree is an internationally recognised masters programme with an interdisciplinary curriculum that prepares students for management roles in the public sector. This programme is relevant postgraduate training for both serving public officials and students who are interested in a public service career. It is also suitable for those aspiring to management roles in public agencies or non-governmental organisations working with government, whether at the local organisational, national or international levels.

The Masters in Public Administration provides students with an excellent overview of politics, public administration, law and economics. The Programme's core modules are informative and the real life examples provided help to make the learning process both practical and theoretical. The Programme prepares students for a wide range of future careers and activities, and is particularly suited to those hoping to pursue a career in public management and policy making. 

Academic qualification equivalents

• A four-year or three-year honours degree in a relevant discipline from a recognised university. First-division results are required with a minimum overall grade of 60%*.
• Particular programmes may require an interview and/or work experience.  

         *The programmes listed below have specific entry requirements. Please read carefully if you are interested in applying to one of these       programmes.

Masters of Mechanical Engineering/Aeronautical Engineering

• Students are required to hold a four-year or a three-year honours degree in a relevant discipline from a recognised university with a minimum average score of 70% or above and no backlogs.
• Students for both courses must also submit a written paper outlining the details of their Final Year Project as part of the application. 

MSc. Nursing

• A four-year or three-year honours degree in a relevant discipline from a first-level university. First-division results are required with a minimum overall grade of 65%.

English language requirements (one of the below):

• IELTS: Minimum score of 6.5* with no less than 6.0 in any component.

  *Please note some programmes have a higher IELTS requirement.

  **Please note, we can only accept Academic IELTS. General IELTS will not be accepted. 

• TOEFL : 580 (paper based) or 90 (internet based)
• PTE: a minimum score of 61 (with no section score below 59)

University of Limerick Highlights 

University of Limerick Cost of Living

The estimated cost of living for one academic year (9 months) at UL is: