In the last two decades the public service landscape has changed dramatically, with the expansion of the commissioning of services from the private and voluntary sectors, and the development of new models of regulation, governance, accountability and performance management. With change comes demand for increased understanding of the new, complex, public service landscape from those who wish to work in this environment and researchers who wish to shed light on these trends.

This course is designed to provide you with the intellectual foundations for a career in leadership of these public services, whether in the public sector, or in private or voluntary sector organisations delivering public services, as well as access to relevant research being conducted into these services. Career routes to leadership in these sectors require a combination of skills: understanding of the wider public service context, the economics of public services, governance, accountability and performance management, and skills in leadership, management and finance. Public service leaders must also have specialist knowledge of the services and policy areas in which they operate.

You will be taught by academics based in the Policy Evaluation Research Unit (PERU), an internationally recognised policy-research unit with particular expertise in models of public service delivery and policy making. PERU members have a 12-year track record of research in the UK and Europe and links with institutions in the US and South East Asia. They are actively involved in research programmes commissioned by public service organisations, including central government departments, and many members of the unit have worked in public services at a senior or non-executive board level. Watch this video to find out more.

These international contacts and this practical and research experience will directly influence what you are taught, with the content of the course drawing on global public administration and policy case studies. All this means that you will be learning at the cutting edge of the latest developments in public services and administration.

The course aims to provide you with the skills to progress to a leadership role in public services, whether that be in the public, voluntary or private sectors. It also prepares you to continue a career in undertaking research into the new public service landscape.