MA in Public Administration (MPA)

Overview

The Executive Master of Public Administration (Executive MPA) at the University of Kurdistan Hewlêr (UKH) is a professionally focused postgraduate programme designed for experienced professionals, current and aspiring public-sector leaders, and managers working in government institutions, NGOs, international organisations, and the wider public service.
The programme has been developed in response to the growing need for capable public-sector leaders who can address complex governance challenges, drive institutional reform, improve public service delivery, and contribute to evidence-informed policymaking across the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and the wider region. Developed through consultation with government stakeholders, public-sector practitioners, and academic experts, the programme reflects the practical knowledge and leadership skills required in today’s evolving public sector.
Unlike a traditional research-oriented academic degree, the Executive MPA emphasises applied learning, strategic leadership, and professional development. Participants are encouraged to bring their workplace experiences into the classroom, enabling the integration of theory with real-world public administration challenges through case studies, policy analysis, collaborative projects, and practice-based learning.
The curriculum equips participants with advanced knowledge and practical skills in public policy, governance, public finance, institutional leadership, digital government, programme evaluation, and public sector reform. The programme also develops critical thinking, strategic decision-making, ethical leadership, and evidence-based management capabilities that can be directly applied within participants’ organisations.
Designed to accommodate working professionals, the Executive MPA provides an opportunity to advance careers while continuing full-time employment. Graduates will be well prepared to assume senior leadership and management roles within government ministries, public agencies, municipalities, regulatory bodies, non-governmental organisations, international development organisations, and other institutions committed to improving public governance and service delivery.
The Executive MPA supports the University of Kurdistan Hewlêr’s mission of strengthening public-sector capacity, promoting good governance, and contributing to sustainable social and economic development by preparing the next generation of executive public leaders.

Admission Requirements

• Undergraduate Degree: Minimum undergraduate average of 60%
• Experience: Minimum 2 years of full-time professional experience in government, NGOs, or international organisations.
• English Language Proficiency: Minimum English Language requirement is 50 in PTE – 6 in IELTS -74 in TOEFL iBT or 105 in Duolingo.
• All applicants are required to submit a valid English language proficiency test from the list above, including graduates of English-medium universities.
• School Interview.
• Equalised transcript is required for students who have graduated from international institutions.
• Acceptance is subject to the availability of seats.

• Application Form: Online application form is required.
• Official Transcripts: Provide a copy of your undergraduate transcript with your application.
• Letters of Recommendation: Two recommendation letters are required to be submitted with your application, preferably one of which will be from a university academic.
• A copy of your CV.
• A copy of your passport and national ID.

Curriculum

Skills Development