COURSE CURRICULUM

The Public Management and Leadership specialisation within the Master of Public Administration focuses on key themes central to understanding governance in contemporary society. You will explore leadership behaviour in public organisations, examine how political leaders and top-level civil servants make decisions, and study the changing dynamics between government and citizens in contexts marked by declining trust, growing polarization, and rapid digitalisation. These themes equip you with the analytical and practical skills to navigate and address some of the most pressing challenges faced by public organisations today.The one-year program builds on two foundational courses taken by all MPA students: Public Institutions and Public Policy & Values. These courses provide a grounding in the latest research and theoretical debates in public administration. Building on this base, the specialisation offers four dedicated courses, an elective, and a preparatory Research Design course that collectively prepare you to complete your master’s thesis in the final stages of the program. Courses are organised across two semesters, running from September to January and from February to June.The specialisation-specific courses are designed to address distinct but interconnected areas of public governance. Leadership in Organizations examines how public managers lead and inspire within complex bureaucracies. Politicians and Public Managers focuses on decision-making processes and the interplay between political and administrative leadership. Citizen-State Interactions investigates how public trust, digitalisation, and changing forms of participation influence governance. Collaborative Governance looks at how diverse actors work together across institutional and sectoral boundaries to solve complex public problemsThe program employs both traditional and innovative teaching methods. Interactive lectures provide space for discussion and reflection, while smaller working groups emphasise the active application of theory to practice. This combination ensures that you develop not only a strong academic foundation but also practical leadership and management competences.