Overview
Diversity is a defining characteristic of our time, affecting every element of our society, from politics and press to education and the economy. In our globally connected world, the need to understand the impact and dynamics of diversity in local areas is more important now than ever before.
Our Master of Public Administration in Global Diversity Governance is an international master’s programme for public, private and voluntary sector professionals who are working in diverse contexts and who aim to deepen their knowledge, become more effective in their work and further their career. This course provides you with the opportunities to develop the skills, understanding and global perspectives that should enable you to successfully manage cultural diversity and create lasting, positive change in your own communities and organisations.
“The MPA offers a powerful and pioneering programme of study that prepares professionals from across the world to confront one of the prime responsibilities of our time: the successful governance of diversity.”
Professor Mike Hardy CMG OBE, Executive Director, Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations
Qualifications available:
Master of Public Administration Global Diversity Governance (16 monthsFast-Track AP(E)L*).
*The course only accepts students through the AP(E)L route. Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning (AP(E)L) is the process by which Coventry University awards credits towards a qualification based on a student’s prior learning and experience in, for example, their career, previous qualifications and other, relevant life experience. For this course, Coventry University is able to award a third of the credits of the qualification based on a student’s reflection on the outcomes of their prior experience and learning, providing an opportunity to complete a master’s degree in 16 months rather than 2 years. For more information on our APEL route or this course, contact our Postgraduate Programmes Team at study.ctpsr@coventry.ac.uk or on +44 (0) 2477659059.
Why Coventry University?
An award-winning university, we are committed to providing our students with the best possible experience. We continue to invest in both our facilities and our innovative approach to education. Our students benefit from industry-relevant teaching, and resources and support designed to help them succeed. These range from our modern library and computing facilities to dedicated careers advice and our impressive Students’ Union activities.
COVID-19
The University may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via emerging online technologies and methods across all courses. In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2020/2021 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.
Due to the ongoing restrictions relating to Covid-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.
Global ready
An international outlook, with global opportunitiesEmployability
Career-ready graduates, with the skills to succeedStudent experience
All the support you need, in a top student cityWhat our students say...
Today we see so much hatred, so much fear in society and this course addresses those really important, fundamental issues in helping to how people can live together in a better world.
Course information
Diversity is a defining characteristic of our time, affecting every element of our society, from politics and press to education and the economy. In our globally connected world, the need to understand the impact and dynamics of diversity in local areas is more important now than ever before.
The MPA (Master of Public Administration) Global Diversity Governance is an international master’s programme for public, private and voluntary sector professionals looking to deepen their knowledge and further their career. We aim to provide the skills, expertise and global perspectives to allow you to successfully manage cultural diversity and create lasting, positive change in your own communities and organisations.
“The MPA brings together leading expertise from across multiple disciplines, with both scholarship and grassroots experience spanning the globe – a unique opportunity to learn about diversity from a truly diverse array of perspective and approaches.”
Dr Serena Hussain, Associate Professor, MPA Global Diversity Governance
The MPA currently brings together experienced, mid- and senior-career professionals from different countries and regions to provide you with the opportunity to learn from leading experts and active researchers from across the social and political sciences. Together you will study the fundamental concepts, theories and frameworks which underpin the study of diversity and the policies, laws, tools and interventions which support its governance around the world.
The global political and economic environment is changing and a new and very different geo-political reality is emerging. The MPA has been designed to explore in detail the nature and implications of these changes, aiming to provide professionals with the skills and mind-sets that will allow them to manage cultural diversity and lead the organisations of the future, whether in education, health, security or other areas of service delivery.
We believe that the MPA offers professionals an unparalleled opportunity to build understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented by global diversity. We aim for each course member to graduate with stronger analytical abilities in assessing the challenges posed by cultural difference as well as a set of tools for responding to these challenges – essential prerequisites for any senior career in public administration.
The MPA is delivered through blended learning – a mix of distance and face-to-face learning allowing professionals to study flexibly around work and personal commitments.
Qualifications available:
Master of Public Administration Global Diversity Governance (16 months, fast-track through APEL).
What is an MPA?
A Master of Public Administration course is a Master’s degree that is designed to meet the needs of people who are working in public service, from government officers, community workers and charity leaders to those working in corporate social responsibility or for faith-based community organisations. Rather than being restricted to one academic discipline, an MPA draws on a range of different disciplines and fields in order to help equip professionals with a broader set of knowledge and skills relevant to their careers.
Our MPA focuses on diversity and its management and governance and draws upon fields such as sociology, political science, psychology, geography, economics, migration studies, theology, social policy, communication studies and cultural studies. It is thought to be particularly relevant to those working in any community-facing role or leaders in social and public policy areas such as migration, development, social relations, faith, equality, diversity and inclusion, diplomacy, security and policing.
MPAs are a common feature of the CVs of government and charity leaders around the world, including, for example, former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. Our MPA has previously been studied by diplomats, government officials, corporate diversity and inclusion leaders, NGO professionals, peacebuilders, activists, senior police officers, international consultants and people working for civil society organisations. This course is a versatile qualification and may be relevant to a wide range of careers and interests and focused on strengthening the work of those committed to public service in any form.
“The MPA offers a powerful and pioneering programme of study that prepares professionals from across the world to confront one of the prime responsibilities of our time: the successful governance of diversity.”
Professor Mike Hardy CMG OBE, Executive Director Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations
Course Specification
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Modules
We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.
In more detail...
This course is a pioneering programme of study that prepares practitioners and leaders from across the world to more effectively confront one of the prime responsibilities of our time: the successful governance of diversity.
The MPA represents the Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations’ ambition to help equip those who work with, for and in diverse communities with the latest and most innovative tools, evidence and thinking. Joining the MPA provides the opportunity to become a part of a network of professionals who should have the enthusiasm, theoretical and conceptual knowledge and practical skills required to create positive social change in their own contexts.
The course is designed and currently delivered by leading, active scholars in the field who have assembled the most powerful contemporary thinking from across the social and political sciences to inform your study.
We will provide you with the following:
- An opportunity to achieve an MPA via distance learning in the period of 16 months.
- The flexibility of studying online and through short residential workshops where you can meet, network and learn with peers in diverse roles around the world.
- A course currently delivered by senior researchers, many of whom are published in leading academic journals in this field.
- A pioneering programme of study currently delivered by world-leading researchers. Our courses are global, from the content of the programme and the staff leading them, to the diverse backgrounds of our participants.
- Access to all the same resources that would be available to you on campus, including library resources and access to relevant speakers;
- Recognition of your professional experience and prior learning, which can enable you to obtain a postgraduate qualification partly based on your learning from experience, rather than necessarily on your previous academic qualifications.
- Upon successful completion, access to a professional network of individuals working in various roles related to diversity governance all over the world, with an opportunity to benefit from their perspectives and experiences, which can allow for robust and informative learning beyond formal study.
- Courses developed by Coventry University, 15th in the Guardian’s University Guide (2020) and Times Modern University of the Year 2014, 2015 and 2016.
- Complete an MA in 16 months with accreditation of prior experiential learning (APEL): The course is only for those with 5 years+ working experience. One-third of the credits of the MPA may be awarded in recognition of what you’ve already achieved, through our fast-track APEL (Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning) route. This means that our MPA takes 16 months rather than 2 years to complete, part-time.
- Study wherever you are, whilst working: We provide the flexibility of studying online and through short residential workshops (subject to availability and travel and accommodation costs will need to be met by the student).Where you can meet, network and learn with peers in a diverse range of roles around the world. Often the biggest barrier to taking a master’s degree is balancing it with your employment – our blended-learning, part-time courses are designed for busy professionals, allowing you to work and study.
- An international network of professionals: Access to a network of practitioners working in roles related to diversity, peace and conflict, as well as the large team of researchers and practitioners currently working in the Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations.
- A distinctive, international course currently led by world-leading experts: A pioneering programme of study currently delivered by active international researchers. Our courses are global, from the content of the programme and the staff leading them, to the diverse backgrounds of our participants.
- Inspired by our city: Our courses are founded in and inspired by the heritage of Coventry, the UK’s City of Peace and Reconciliation. Further, our courses are developed by Coventry University, ranked 15th in the Guardian’s University Guide (2020) and Times Modern University of the Year 2014, 2015 and 2016.
- Practice-focused: A blend of academic knowledge and practical skills aim to ensure that our courses provide the opportunity for you to enhance your practice and further your career.
The course combines residential workshops in Coventry with interactive online learning, making it perfect for people who need to integrate their studies with family or work commitments. (travel and accommodation costs will need to be met by the student).
Online modules are provided through the virtual learning environment (Moodle) to facilitate communication between staff and students, and between students. You will have access to Coventry University’s library, including its digital resources and library support for distance learners.
Extensive coursework feedback and support from the programme team will be provided. CTPSR also has PGT (Postgraduate Teaching) Ambassadors who provide more general support.
This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods include coursework, essays and project work. This may also include exams, individual assignments or group work elements.
The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards the achieving the intended learning outcomes.
The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials.
As an innovative and enterprising institution, the University may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the University may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.
Global ready
Did you know we help more students travel internationally than any other UK university according to data from the experts in higher education data and analysis, HESA?
In 2018/19, we were able to provide a total of 5,469 experiences abroad that lasted at least five days.
Much of this travel is made possible through our Global Leaders Programme, which enables students to prepare for the challenges of the global employment market, as well as strengthening and developing their broader personal and professional skills.
Explore our international experiences1st for
International experiences
Sending more students overseas than any other UK uni 2016/17
5,469
Student experiences
The number of student trips abroad for at least 5 days in 2018/19
12,000
and counting
The number of students we’ve helped travel internationally since 2016
12
global programmes
As well as trips, we offer other opportunities like language courses
What our students say...
Today we see so much hatred, so much fear in society and this course addresses those really important, fundamental issues in helping to how people can live together in a better world.
Entry Requirements
What our students say...
Today we see so much hatred, so much fear in society and this course addresses those really important, fundamental issues in helping to how people can live together in a better world.
EU student
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year remain eligible for the same fees as home students and the same financial support. Financial support comes from Student Finance England, and covers undergraduate and postgraduate study for the duration of their course, providing they meet the residency requirement.
For tuition fee loans
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year must have resided in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland for the three years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that three year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
For maintenance loans
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year must have resided in the UK and Islands for the five years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that five year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
Travel and accommodation required to attend workshops is not included within course fees
Career prospects
Graduate Immigration Route visa
Based on current information from the UK Government, international students whose study extends beyond summer 2021 may be eligible for a visa under the UK Government’s Graduate Immigration Route, which will enable students to stay and work, or look for work, in the UK at any skill level for up to two (2) years. Check the most up to date guidance available to check your eligibility and any updates from the UK Government before making an application or enrolment decision.
Working effectively with diversity and cultural difference is a core requirement of almost every career path in public, private and voluntary sectors around the world – as important for charity managers in Africa and Asia as it is to senior police teams in Europe or youth and community across the world. Our MPA is designed to enhance the skills and understanding of professionals working in, with and for diverse communities. You will leave the programme with not only an enhanced CV and career prospects but with the networks, confidence and competence to create positive change in the communities they serve.
The MPA in Global Diversity Governance offers professionals an unparalleled opportunity to build their understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented by global diversity. Each course member should graduate with stronger analytical abilities in assessing the challenges posed by cultural difference as well as a set of tools for responding to these challenges – essential prerequisites for any senior career in public administration.
The MPA provides professionals with:
- a greater ability to assess the local relevance of national policies and global trends in diversity governance
- improved comparative analytical skills in understanding diversity governance contexts around the world
- enhanced capabilities in designing and delivering services which meet the needs of diverse societies
- advanced skills in dialogue facilitation and communication with people from different cultures
Whilst also gaining a formal, accredited postgraduate qualification, the MPA offers the opportunity to broaden your professional networks and study alongside people working on similar issues around the world. The course ultimately seeks to create a learning community, where ideas can be interchanged and debated amongst academic staff, alumni and current students, lasting well beyond the timespan of the academic programme itself.
The MPA is ideally suited for professionals looking to progress their careers in senior management where an ability to work effectively with the complexity of diverse communities is of paramount importance. The MPA equips you with the skills and knowledge usually needed to take up roles within a broad range of organisations. These could include roles in international non-governmental organisations, national and local government agencies, supranational government organisations like the United Nations, regional communities such as the European Union or the Economic Community of West African States, faith-based organisations, local and national charities and academia – a number of our Centre’s alumni have gone on to join our team as PhD candidates.
What our students say...
This is a unique and powerful course, fostering dialogue for a better future. It’s very helpful for mid-career professionals, allowing them to work and study and further their careers.
Disclaimer
By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2021/22 Contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the University will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.
The tuition fee for the course that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For UK and EU students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation. Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, EU students should be aware that there may be a change to UK laws following the UK’s exit, this may change their student status, their eligibility to study part time, and/or their eligibility for student finance. We will act in accordance with the UK’s laws in force in relation to student tuition fees and finance from time to time.
For International students the tuition fee that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For international students, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation.
