university of
exeter The Exeter MPA Master of Public Administration
Contents The Exeter MPA
1
Meeting the challenge
2
Programme aims
3
MPA content and structure
4
Teaching and learning
6
Core module descriptions
7
Optional module descriptions
8
Application information
10
International students
12
Your career
15
The University of Exeter
17
The MPA team
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Academic staff
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Contact us
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The Exeter MPA The Master of Public Administration at Exeter is designed to help you meet the challenge of shaping and delivering effective public services.
The Exeter MPA takes an international perspective to equip
reputation for research and whose ideas are published around
you with the skills and understanding you need to operate
the world. We have a long history of working with ministries and
effectively in an increasingly global and constantly changing
national governments, and members of our team have advised
environment.
organisations such as the United Nations, World Bank, European Commission, the Department of Work and Pensions, the OECD
You will have the opportunity to benefit from the latest ideas
and the Treasury.
on public policy, administration and regulation while learning alongside practitioners working in a variety of roles and
Our modular programme, block teaching and excellent online
organisations from the UK and overseas.
resources are designed to meet the needs of both those studying full-time and professionals aiming to manage part-time study with
The MPA is relevant whether you are working in local, regional,
full-time employment. While equipping you with core skills, the
or central government, or for a charity or public-private
MPA will provide you with the opportunity to research and seek
partnership. It addresses some of the key issues facing the
solutions to issues and challenges you face in the workplace.
public sector such as effective leadership, financial crisis
The involvement of leading practitioners from the public sector,
management, anticipating and responding to change,
together with real world case studies, will make sure learning is
performance management, governance and ethical practice,
relevant and informed by best practice.
risk and decision-making and sustainability. The University of Exeter is a supplier of MPA qualifications The MPA is run by the Department of Politics with expertise
through the Crown Commercial Service, the national
from senior civil servants and leading financial consultants.
procurement partner for UK public services and has been
It draws on the work of academics who have an impressive
rigorously assessed for quality and value for money.
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Meeting the challenge In many respects a nation’s public administration is its conscience; it reflects the values and practices of a nation and the public sector is an essential element in maintaining a society’s cohesion and prosperity. For a generation radical change has been endemic at all levels
The Exeter MPA is an interdisciplinary degree, rooted in public
within the public sector. In different countries and at different
policy and administration, which aims to help you address these
times this change has variously been labelled as re-engineering,
challenges. You will explore the social, historical and financial
new public management, and modernisation and has been
context of public policy, public administration and public sector
driven by forces such as technological innovation, political
organisations, and the way in which policies are made,
fashion, Europeanisation or globalisation.
implemented and evaluated in the public sector. For those working at a local or regional level, the course places their
Public sector practitioners and those in the private sector
public service role within its broader professional and political
delivering services contracted by national and local governments,
context. You will learn to address the challenges of change by
need to understand the context and dynamics of these changes
building your skills, competencies and confidence so you may
and how to develop their own professional skills to deliver
progress in any area of the public service.
services effectively for the benefit of the wider society.
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Programme aims The MPA provides professional development for people working in or with public services. It will help you:
• develop knowledge and skills relevant to management
• develop critical thinking about the relationship between the
competencies such as strategic thinking, effective
theory of public policy and administration and how it is
communication, leadership, negotiation and influencing,
practised in real life situations
working with others, planning and organising • become highly competent in subject-specific, core • develop skills that underpin the requirements of
academic, personal and key skills
modernising public sector organisations, including policy analysis, evaluation, use of evidence, problem solving,
• learn to think and act systemically and develop a critical
cut-back management, communication and the
approach and commitment to continuous learning and
management of change
self-development.
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MPA content and structure The Exeter MPA consists of a mixture of core modules which
Optional modules (20 credits each)
provide the theoretical foundation for the degree; optional
A choice of three modules from a list which may include
modules enabling you to specialise in areas of interest; and
the following:
either a dissertation or work-based research project involving
• Global Governance and Administration
a piece of original research on a subject of your choice. • New Public Management: Principles, Practice and Prospects Please note it is possible for modules to change to reflect new ideas or to meet student demand, so check our website for
• Policy Analysis and Evaluation
the latest details. • Project Management Core modules (20 credits each) • Management and Governance: Comparing Public
• Regulation and Reform
Administration around the World • Risk, Responsibility and Regulation: Whose Policy • Policy and Politics: the Theory and Strategy of
is it Anyway?
Delivering Public Services • The Politics, Policy and Practice of Sustainable Development • Public Sector Finance for Managers
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Dissertation (60 credits)
Two work-based research projects (30 credits each)
Working with an academic supervisor, you will produce an
Instead of a dissertation you can choose to complete two
original piece of academic research relating to a subject of your
work-based projects. Each project can address a particular
choice. This will be presented in the form of a 15,000-word
issue or problem you or your organisation has identified in
dissertation.
your place of work. In effect, you will be able to research and write about any new or difficult public sector management issue related to your work environment and deliver the project in the form of a report of practical use to your employer.
Teaching and learning The way in which the Exeter MPA is taught has been designed to meet both the needs of working professionals and full-time students.
Based on an ethos of active learning through interactive teaching and learning methods, it aims to encourage the link between theory and real life practice.
• Presentations from visiting speakers such as senior civil servants, chief executives, leading consultants and public figures • Field trips to local, regional and national public bodies such as the National School of Government and Welsh Assembly.
Depending on your choice of options, either the majority or your entire course will be delivered in intensive teaching blocks.
You will benefit from excellent online learning resources including
Intensive modules will consist of:
lecture notes, articles, and presentations. Some work can also be
• Preparation period of one week (guided readings
submitted and marked online.
and preparatory research) • 3-4 days of intensive seminars, lectures/talks, exercises and workshops • Post-teaching period (reflection, task completion, preparation of assessed work) • Fast marking turn-around with individual feedback. The content and delivery of the MPA will include not only traditional teaching methods, such as lectures, seminars and workshops, but depending on your choice of modules may involve: • Task-oriented work including case-study work
The programme includes an induction to introduce you to the Exeter MPA and help you adjust to postgraduate study. We will provide practical help and advice on subjects such as study and research skills and time management and be available to answer any of your questions. You will have the chance get to know the academic team and your fellow students in a relaxed and informal environment. You will also have the opportunity to practise reflective learning and consider your professional development at key stages throughout the MPA.
• The use of reflective journals and the negotiation of learning contracts
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Core module descriptions Management and Governance: Comparing Public
Using real life examples, we will see how complex structures
Administration around the World
and institutions can be explained in ways which are meaningful
This module compares administrative theories, practice and
and easy to understand. You will begin to explore the way in
processes and the importance of the contexts in which they
which policy makers and their advisors structure decision making
operate. You will gain a critical awareness of the approaches
in the public sector and then explain these decisions in terms
of different political regimes to public administration and public
which appeal to customers, stakeholders and others with a
sector management. You will also develop a good practical
vested interest.
and theoretical understanding of the impact of globalisation and de-territorialisation on national and international
Public Sector Finance for Managers
governance. The module explores some of the main issues
Led by a former public sector finance director now working in
and problems confronting public sector managers such as
private consultancy, this module provides you with the skills to
modernisation and the barrier to reform; cut backs in public
use your finance teams strategically to get the best outcomes
funding; accountability, ethics and delivery; regulation, oversight
for your organisation. You will gain a sound introduction,
and audit; and markets and de-regulation.
understanding and working knowledge of the key concepts, theories and calculations of basic financial accounting,
Policy and Politics: the Theory and Strategy
management accounting and finance. The module takes a
of Delivering Public Services
practical perspective and is suitable for students with varying
This module explores the different traditions and theories
degrees of management expertise or experience. The aim
of policy analysis and the importance of using theoretical
is to provide you with the skills you need to plan, control,
frameworks for the analysis and understanding of human
report on and analyse services from a budgetary perspective.
endeavour, governance and progress. We will also investigate what is meant by the term ‘the public sector’. By the end of this module you should be aware of the importance of theory as a means of analysing institutions and issues in public administration.
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Optional module descriptions Global Governance and Administration
initiatives, organisational aspects, leadership and performance
This module examines the emerging structure of global
management. We also look at the future for New Public
governance and administration which many see as an aspect
Management and cover areas such as the potential for citizenship
of globalisation. This includes both informal aspects, such as
empowerment, e-government and the regulatory state. Specialist
the pressure from Western states and international agencies
visiting speakers will present case studies and explore the record
for all states to adopt good governance norms, and formal
of the New Public Management in action. You will also prepare
aspects such as the international regimes in areas like trade,
case studies in the areas which most interest you.
intellectual property and the environment. You will develop an understanding of key developments and concepts such as
Policy Analysis and Evaluation
the World Trade Organisation, the role of the United Nations,
A key theme of contemporary public policy and public
good governance and global civil society. You will also learn
management is the use of evidence to discover ‘what works’,
about policy making and administration at the global level and
with the aim of improving theory and practice. Measurement,
the way national, regional and international institutions and
analysis and evaluation of public service performance, especially
policy makers both co-operate and compete with each other.
as part of performance management, are increasingly practised. Knowledge of the analytical and evaluative techniques used in
New Public Management: Principles, Practice
this activity is increasingly important for decision making at senior
and Prospects
levels across many parts of the public sector. This module
The ‘New Public Management’ is a shorthand term for what has
addresses a set of potentially powerful and widely used analysis
become the orthodox model for the modern management of
and evaluation tools and critically assesses current practice. We
public services. This course examines the origins of the model and
look at policy interventions in socio-economic policy, local public
the principles involved including privatisation, the use of market
management and public service performance.
principles, emulation of the private sector and partnership working. Its operation in practice is analysed covering policy
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Project Management
Risk, Responsibility and Regulation:
This module mixes practical work and analysis and is designed
Whose Policy is it Anyway?
for managers who work with projects as part of their role. It is
This module introduces the key debates in the contemporary
aimed at those who wish to go beyond a standardised ‘how to’
governance of risks in policy fields such as biotechnology, food,
methodology and examines the selection of tools, techniques and
environment and rail policy. You will develop an understanding
approaches available in project management. By the end of the
of the emerging trends in risk regulation in OECD countries and
module you should be able to set the scope of a project, identify
in particular the UK, EU and USA. The module explores some of
the nature and particular demands of different projects, plan
the main theoretical approaches used to explain risk governance
effectively for success and manage both risk and stakeholders.
and encourages you to think critically about the relationship between theory and practice, both in terms of the contribution
Regulation and Reform
of theory to understanding current risk policies and how well
This module blends theories and academic analysis, with
different theories perform when confronted by practice.
know-how and practical application of the new better regulation toolkit. You will learn about the tools of better regulation, such
The Politics, Policy and Practice
as problem definition, consultation, risk regulation, regulatory
of Sustainable Development
impact assessment, economic techniques including cost-benefit
This module covers the key scientific background to the climate
analysis and multi-criteria analysis, simplification, reduction of
change issue. It examines key policy drivers and legislative
administrative burdens, evaluation and quality assurance. By the
provision and explores how climate change targets are
end of the module you will be able to understand the concept
incorporated into public policy processes. We will look at a
of regulatory reform, work with simple versions of better
range of case studies to explore policy initiatives including
regulation instruments, and critically appraise better regulation.
renewables policy, carbon-zero building and sustainable
Teaching and assessment tools may include learning journals,
agro-food systems.
role play, case studies, guest speakers and video sources.
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Application information Qualification: The Master of Public Administration will be
Student support: Our academic teaching staff will be available
awarded to successful students after completion of 180 credits.
to discuss any aspects of the modules on an informal basis during
Students who would prefer not to undertake the full masters
their designated office hours. Student services staff within the
programme may obtain a Postgraduate Certificate after
College of Social Sciences and International Studies provide a
completing 60 credits or a Postgraduate Diploma after 120
friendly and helpful point of contact while the University offers
credits. All qualifications are dependent on satisfactory progress
a wide range of support services and specialist advice on topics
which is measured through assessment.
such as accessibility, accommodation, childcare, career development, learning, and counselling. Full details can be
Duration: 12 months full-time or 36 months modular.
found at www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate
Entry requirements: You should have a good honours
Fees: Information about our latest tuition fees can be found on
degree (2:1 or above) and experience of working in a public
the MPA website www.exeter.ac.uk/mpa. Full-time students are
sector environment. Exceptions may be made for candidates
required to pay a non-refundable deposit which is required in
with exceptional experience or relevant professional
advance, on firm acceptance of your place on the MPA. Fees
qualifications. Individuals who do not meet the criteria may be
are pro-rata and credit-based for modular students.
required to submit examples of work or to participate in an interview. International students who do not meet the entry
Funding: The University of Exeter and College of Social Sciences
requirements may be interested in the INTO Graduate
and International Studies offer a range of funding awards. Visit
Diploma in Public Administration (see details on page 13).
the University website www.exeter.ac.uk/scholarships for information.
Assessment: A variety of methods of assessment may be used depending on the modules you take including essays, presentations, blogs, journals, group projects and work-based projects. All students have to complete a 15,000 word dissertation or at least one work-based research project.
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www.exeter.ac.uk/mpa
How to apply: You can apply for the Exeter MPA online at
UK public sector clients: Following a rigorous evaluation and
www.exeter.ac.uk/mpa/apply
selection process, the University of Exeter was awarded a place on the Crown Commercial Service framework agreement –
Sponsors: We believe that organisations benefit most from
Learning and Development and eLearning Solutions – to
our programme when several people attend as a group and
provide the MPA qualification to the public sector.
we may be able to offer a discount when several members of the same organisation are sponsored on the programme. Please contact Dr Stephen Greasley tel: +44 (0)1392 723166; email: s.greasley@exeter.ac.uk for more details.
International students The Exeter MPA is multi-national programme and welcomes students from around the world.
The University campus provides a safe and friendly environment
applications for accommodation and deposit are received
for study with access to the city of Exeter and some of the most
by our deadline. Visit the accommodation section of our
beautiful countryside and coastline in the UK within easy reach.
postgraduate study website www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate
The College of Social Sciences and International Studies has
for details.
around 740 international students while students on the MPA have come from countries such as China, Korea, Japan, Nigeria,
English language requirements: At time of going to print
Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan, Sudan, and Israel as well as the UK.
we require IELTS 6.5 (no less than 6 in the writing section) or TOEFL 230 and above for entry into the MPA programme. The
International Office: Staff in the University’s International
latest information about our English language requirements can
Office will be happy to advise you about any aspect of
be found on our website www.exeter.ac.uk/mpa
living and studying at the University of Exeter, including the suitability of your existing academic qualification and English
English language support: The INTO University of Exeter
language proficiency. For more information, including
Centre offers Academic English and intensive pre-sessional
details of the University’s local representatives, please visit
English summer courses, designed for students who need to
www.exeter.ac.uk/international or contact the International
improve their ability in English and study skills before they
Office. tel: +44 (0)1392 7263405, email: intoff@exeter.ac.uk
start their degree programme. The Centre also offers non-credit bearing in-sessional support courses including
Accommodation: We can guarantee a place in University
writing tutorials, grammar workshops and oral communication
accommodation to all new unaccompanied international
classes throughout the year. These are available, free of
postgraduates from outside the EU in their first year of study
charge, to students who meet the minimum English language
and attending for the full academic year, provided that their
entry requirements but wish to continue to improve their
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academic English skills. Further information is available at www.exeter.ac.uk/into INTO Graduate Diploma in Public Administration
Dong Hee Lim Ministry of Employment and Labour, Korea
International students who do not meet the entry requirements for the MPA may be eligible for the INTO Graduate Diploma in Public Administration. The Diploma provides good preparation and may assist you reach the required entry level for the masters programme. Visit www.exeter.ac.uk/into for more details.
I work for the Ministry of Employment and Labour for the Korean Government. MPA courses are very well known for their practical and theoretical elements and many employees from the Korean Government come to the University of Exeter and study the MPA. I enjoy that the professors have a passion for what they are teaching. Most of the students have experiences and careers in the public sector so we can share our experiences. It is very useful because we can investigate the economic and political policies among different countries. Public organisations deal differently with situations and it is useful to share ideas.
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Anne Harrison-Bailey Consultation and Planning Officer Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service Since leaving university I have worked in local government and always wanted to complete a Masters degree. The MPA seemed ideal as it linked my work experience with a Masters course and would allow me to build on the skills and knowledge I had already gained through work. The MPA at Exeter offered a wide choice of topics and a flexible modular programme which looked like it would make fitting a degree in with a full-time job much easier. The most valuable aspect is that the topics are relevant to the job I’m currently doing.
After completing each module I have returned to work with a fresh perspective on the work I do and a greater understanding of the sector I work in. Due to the international nature of the MPA I have gained a wider perspective of the topics we have been studying, which has allowed me to appreciate the administration systems we already have in place in the UK and learn from other countries how these can be improved. The MPA has given me a wider perspective of public administration on a national and global level. It has helped me to identify some of the key themes that run through public administration and how they affect the organisation I work for and the work I do. The online learning provides access to all the essential information I have needed for the course and has enabled me to keep up to date with what’s going on. The course has helped me to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to progress in the public sector.
Your career The need to develop management and leadership skills is being recognised as increasingly important within the public sector and this has been reflected by the introduction of management competencies and a growing demand for formal qualifications for senior management positions. The MPA is a qualification which is recognised around the
• Developing strategic decision making and leadership skills
world and is taken seriously not only by prospective employers but also by organisations who want to retain and progress
• Improving your confidence and credibility in the workplace
skilled managers. • Gaining more knowledge about other people and There are many reasons to study for the Exeter MPA including: • Enhancing your opportunities for career progression
other organisations • Networking and sharing experiences with public sector colleagues.
• Making you stand out in a competitive job market We have a long history of teaching public administration and • Obtaining a wider perspective of the environment in which you work
public policy to postgraduates at Exeter. Students have gone on to careers in regional governments, ministries, embassies and other organisations around the world.
• Obtaining a personal sense of achievement
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Azmin Ahmad Civil Servant, Brunei Darussalam The MPA is closely related to my profession as a civil servant in my country of Brunei Darussalam. The MPA covers in depth what I need to learn and apply to my profession such as theories relating to modernising public services and policy reform. What motivates me the most is the course content which offers dynamism in terms of module selection, compared to some universities that only offer a traditional or limited module choice. I also chose the MPA because of the relationship that the University has with the World Bank, International Monetary Fund and civil service agencies. The expertise and background of the lecturers and tutors, who are very experienced and have published a wide selection of public administration and public policy books, also encouraged me to apply. As people say, to be the best you have to learn from the best.
The facilities offered by the University are overwhelming, especially the information technology such as e-learning and the online library, personal records and timetable which are just very convenient for students. And the forum website is very useful for an open discussion with course mates as well as lecturers and tutors. Having a mixture of international course mates has also made it enjoyable, as we are able to learn about each other’s public administration as well as culture and countries. And most importantly the international relationships have built an atmosphere of unity. The welcoming environment of the University has made studying here an enjoyable experience. Besides the University, the city of Exeter is a very beautiful and peaceful place to study and live. The people of Exeter are very friendly and always talking with a friendly smile.
The University of Exeter The University of Exeter is rated firmly in the premier league of UK universities and combines world-leading research with high levels of student satisfaction.
A member of the prestigious Russell Group, Exeter is ranked
Exeter is consistently rated as one of the best places to live in
8th in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2014
the UK for the quality of facilities and low crime rate. London
and amongst the top 1% of universities in the world.
is just over two hours away by train and sandy beaches, moorland and some of the most stunning countryside in Britain
Significant investment has been made in student and research
are all just a short journey away. The city has excellent road
facilities. The University has implemented an ambitious ÂŁ450
and rail links and has its own regional airport which has flights
million investment programme in new buildings and facilities
to many parts of the UK and Europe.
including a state-of-the-art student services centre. The University’s Streatham Campus is one of the most beautiful in the country and the safe, student-friendly city centre is within walking distance.
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The MPA team The MPA is led by the Department of Politics with expertise from leading figures from the public and private sectors.
Department of Politics The University of Exeter has one of the best all round Politics departments in the UK. We excel in research and teaching across all the main areas of political science including public
Tracey Rear Drug Outreach Manager Guernsey
policy analysis, comparative politics, public opinion and electoral behaviour, international relations, political theory, and the politics of European integration. We were ranked 6th in the UK for our world-leading research in the last Research Assessment Exercise (2008) and 4th for Politics in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2014. Our research active staff, including the University’s Vice-Chancellor Steve Smith, contribute to several research centres including the Centre for European Governance, Centre for Elections, Media and Parties, and the Centre for Rural Policy Research. Our work is
The professors we have here have immense knowledge which they are very good at passing on to you so that you can understand. That’s the main thing for me. The lecturers are excellent. I would definitely recommend the programme because of the teaching methods, it’s really good, it’s engaging. I would never have thought I could have sat in a classroom for a whole day and listen, but you can!
published in international journals and by presses around the world.
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www.exeter.ac.uk/mpa
Academic staff Dr Stephen Greasley
Dr Claire Dunlop
Programme Director
With research interests in public
Dr Greasley’s research and
policy, administration and
teaching interests are in public
regulation, Dr Dunlop has been
policy and administration. He has a
funded by the British Academy for
particular interest in various types
research into the relationship
of arm’s length governance and the
between scientific knowledge and
way that these are, or are not, influenced by the political system.
political decision making in relation to bovine TB. Previously she
His research has primarily focused on the UK at national and
has led research for the Scottish Consumer Council into the
local levels.
development of risk governance, worked on evidence-based policy making in the Scottish Executive and led a high profile
Professor Andrew Massey
project on the regulation of teachers’ wellbeing services.
Professor Massey has written widely on government and civil
Professor Oliver James
service modernisation, public
Professor James regularly works
sector management and EU
with public sector organisations in
reform. Elected to the Academy of
the UK and elsewhere, and has
Social Sciences in recognition of his
acted as a consultant to bodies
contribution to social sciences in the UK and overseas, he has
including the World Bank, OECD,
acted as a consultant for several international organisations and
UK Treasury, UK National Audit
spoken at the United Nations. He has a long standing interest in
Office and UK Audit Commission. His research interests
energy policy, professionalism, ethics and accountability.
include public sector organisation and reform, public service provision, executive politics and regulation of the public sector. Recent projects involve exploring the relationship between performance, public expectations and satisfaction.
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Professor Claudio Radaelli
Dr Duncan Russel
Professor Radaelli holds the
Duncan Russel is a senior lecturer
Anniversary Chair in Politics and
in the politics of climate change and
Jean Monnet Chair in Public Policy.
sustainable futures. His research
As the Director of the Centre for
and teaching interests include: UK
European Governance, he has
and European environmental
contributed innovative theories to
policy; climate policy; public policy;
the fields of Europeanisation, policy transfer, the role of
policy appraisal; policy coordination; evidence and policy
knowledge in the policy process, and the use of economics in
interactions; budgetary politics. He has provided extensive
government. His ground-breaking research is funded by
policy input within the UK, including: providing evidence to
organisations including the European Research Council.
parliamentary select committees, the parliamentary Environmental Audit Committee, and the Environmental Agency.
Contact us MPA Programme Director Dr Stephen Greasley telephone: +44 (0)1392 723166 email: s.greasley@exeter.ac.uk College of Social Sciences and International Studies Postgraduate taught enquiries telephone: +44 (0)1392 723192 email: ssis-admissions@exeter.ac.uk International Office telephone: +44 (0)1392 723405 email: intoff@exeter.ac.uk Postgraduate admissions www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate
Exeter MPA www.exeter.ac.uk/mpa The University of Exeter is a supplier of MPA qualifications through the Crown Commercial Service, the national procurement partner for UK public services.
This document forms part of the University’s Postgraduate Prospectus. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in the Prospectus is correct at the time of going to press. However, the University cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information contained within the Prospectus and reserves the right to make variations to the services offered where such action is considered to be necessary by the University. For further information, please refer to the Postgraduate Prospectus (available at www.exeter.ac.uk/pgp/disclaimer).
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