York Minster

Next start date:

Online MPA: April 2012

Campus MPA: October 2012

For further information on start dates and application deadlines please click on Start dates

FAQs: Table of Contents

  1. Is the MPA programme wholly online or do I need to come to York... ?
  2. What sort of support will I get... ?
  3. Can I enrol onto the MPA programme without a first degree... ?
  4. I have studied a related programme at Masters level before. Can I be exempt from part of this programme... ?
  5. How is the MPA programme assessed... ?
  6. What level of English is required... ?
  7. How do I get hold of the reading materials for each module if I am studying online... ?
  8. Do I need any special computer equipment or IT skills... ?
  9. Can I do the online MPA programme in less than three years... ?
  10. Is the online MPA at York a recognised qualification... ?
  11. Will the words ‘online’ or ‘distance learning’ appear on my final award if I choose to study all/part of my degree online... ?
  12. Do I have to apply for the whole programme at the beginning... ?
  13. How flexible is the online MPA programme and can I fit it around my changing workload... ?
  14. If I was experiencing a problem while on the programme is there someone to contact... ?
  15. Can I talk to a member of the team before I enrol... ?

Is the MPA programme wholly online or do I need to come to York?

You can choose! The MPA programme is available wholly online, via campus-based delivery, or a combination of both. However, at the point of application you will need to select a particular mode of study.

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What sort of support will I get... ?

You will be assigned a personal supervisor for the duration of the programme, providing both pastoral and academic support. For each module you will also be assigned a tutor who will support your study on that module. You will also have the support of the programme team and your fellow colleagues.

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Can I enrol onto the MPA programme without a first degree... ?

Yes, providing you have professional experience in a discipline relevant to the course.

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I have studied a related programme at Masters level before. Can I be exempt from part of this programme... ?

It is possible to apply for Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) for up to 40 credits of the total York award. This is a discretionary arrangement made on a case-by-case basis and only applies to previous study at a postgraduate level. The exemption does not apply to the first two modules. (Public Management and Delivery and Policy Analysis and Process.) Informal enquiries should be directed to the Programme Managers in the first instance

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How is the MPA programme assessed... ?

Each module is assessed by one or two pieces of written work. There are no closed examinations.

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What level of English is required... ?

If English is not your first language you need to have studied a first degree (taught in English), or have passed with one of the following:

  • An IELTS score of 6.5, with no less than 6.0 in any element.
  • TOELF:iBT 100.
  • Cambridge: Certificate of Proficiency in English A and B, Certificate in Advanced English A.
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How do I get hold of the reading materials for each module if I am studying online... ?

All of the material you need for the programme is available online with the exception of the module text books, which will be sent to you by post.

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Do I need any special computer equipment or IT skills... ?

If you are choosing to study all, or part of the MPA degree online you will need access to a personal computer which is linked to the internet and has a speed of 56K. Students will also need to be familiar using the internet, e-mail, Word and windows filing systems.

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Can I do the online MPA programme in less than three years... ?

Yes, it is possible to study two modules at once and complete the programme in less than two years. This requires a heavy time commitment (approximately 15 hours per week for each module), so it is not recommended if you are in full time employment. You can also choose to come to the campus at York and study full-time for a term.

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Is the online MPA at York a recognised qualification... ?

Yes. The online qualification is no different from the campus-based MPA and any other Masters programmes offered by the University of York.

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Will the words ‘online’ or ‘distance learning’ appear on my final award if I choose to study all/part of my degree online... ?

No. The final award will simply state the degree title and your classification - i.e. pass or distinction.

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Do I have to apply for the whole programme at the beginning... ?

For the online MPA programme initial enrolment (for all students), is to the postgraduate certificate stage of the programme. After successful completion of the first stage, you would progress to the Diploma and Masters stages. This is also the structure of the campus-based MPA.

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How flexible is the online MPA programme and can I fit it around my changing workload... ?

Because there is no requirement to attend seminars or classes the online MPA programme is extremely flexible. You can study at any time of the day or night! It is also possible to take a break rather than studying continuously, we recognise that this may sometimes be helpful for working professionals.

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If I was experiencing a problem while on the programme is there someone to contact... ?

Yes, your tutor, supervisor and the MPA programme team are all on hand to provide advice and guidance whatever the problem. One of the key factors in the success of the programme is the rapid response students can expect from University Staff.

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Can I talk to a member of the team before I enrol... ?

Yes, please do contact us if you have any questions or queries. Queries can be directed to the Programme Managers in the first instance.

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