Master of Social Sciences in
Public Administration
Introduction
The Master of Social Sciences in Public Administration(MSSPAD) is a program of advanced study designed to train candidates in the skills and knowledge required for a career in the civil service and other public organizations in the Macau SAR, as well as in mainland China and other administrative regions. MSSPAD students examine the structures, operations, and policies of the Macau SAR and other governments and institutions in the region. They also develop policy analysis skills with an emphasis on managing changes brought about by Macau’s transfer of authority from Portugal to China. The MSSPAD thus provides a solid foundation for individuals who desire to take the next step in their careers as public policy professionals.
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes
- Understand the main issues and challenges, key concepts, representative theories and major debates in the fields of Public Administration and Public Policy.
- Apply such knowledge to identify and analyze relevant issues and challenges in the fields of Public Administration and Public Policy.
- Obtain an adequate level of critical thinking, research skills, communication skills, and digital literacy which are essential for staff of Government or NGOs, and be able to write essays, reports or theses and to publicly present such works with these skills.
- Be job-ready in relevant professions or be ready for further studies in related academic fields following the completion of the entire coursework and project report.
Course Plan
POLICIES
Admissions
Admission to the MSSPAD program is competitive. Applicants are evaluated on the basis of their academic records, work experiences, and a face-to-face interview. The following are minimum requirements for admission:
- Applicants should have achieved an overall undergraduate grade point average of C+ or better (2.3 on the 4.0 GPA scale, 14 on the 20-point scale, or 70 out of 100).
- Applicants with relevant undergraduate training or work experience, or with demonstrated knowledge of international relations or public administration, will be given a higher priority in admission assessment.
- English Requirement is not compulsory on/after Academic Year 2016/2017.
- Other admission requirements are in accordance with the University Admission Regulations.
Please visit the Graduate School admission website for further details.
Medium of Instruction
The medium of instruction is Chinese.
Attendance
Students are required to attend at least 80% of total class hours. Students who do not meet this requirement will be given a failing grade in the course.
Program Mode
Evening.
Evaluation
Each student is required to pass all compulsory courses and electives with an overall average of B- before being allowed to proceed to thesis research under the guidance of an assigned supervisor. Students may only submit and present theses with the approval of their supervisors. A panel of examiners will be appointed by the Academic Council of the Faculty of Social Sciences to examine each thesis and conduct an oral examination on the subject of that thesis.
Tuition
Please visit the Graduate School website for information on graduate tuition.