Programme mission 

The mission of the MPA in Governance programme is to educate professionals in public administration in order to make them more competent in the context of a society faced with increasing challenges, to enhance the quality of governance for the public good. The programme is conducted by FHR School of Governance, Law & Humanities in cooperation with The International Institute of Social Studies (ISS).

 

Learning Goals

  • To become able to identify and understand the complex field of governance.
  • To develop skills to reach out to other actors within and outside their own organization and country.
  • To become capable to engage effectively in policy-relevant analysis and research in matters of governance.
  • To become adept in managing and leading organizations in complex situations and handling ambiguity.
  • To do all this in an ethical way.

 

Learning Outcomes

  • Knowledge of main Governance concepts and theories.
  • Ability to analyze, apply critical and integrative thinking.
  • Formulate evidence-based and policy-relevant judgments.
  • Ability to report on crucial processes and act as a bridge in complex networks.
  • Have an aptitude for continuation of study, related to governance.

 

Apply TodayDownload Brochurepublic disclosure

More information?

Contact Chennegail van Kust
MPA Program Manager
Telephone:
+597 520797
Email: pm.mpa@fhrinstitute.sr

Target population

The program is designed for young professionals and mid-career executives from the public and private sector, non-governmental and other civil society organizations who are committed to public service.

Mode of Delivery

In-class lecturing is from Monday till Friday from 18:00 – 21:30 and on Saturday from 9:30 – 15:00 hrs.

Individual in-class exams are on a Saturday from 09:30 – 12:30 hrs.

Class attendance is compulsory.

Program Structure

This part-time MPA program consists of 70 ECTS and is lectured over approximately 30 months in 9 modules, 3 Master Classes and an Individual Study Project. The modules are characterized as Foundation, Core and Focus.

Title upon completion

Master of Public Administration (MPA) granted by the FHR Institute for Higher Education and certified by the International Institute of Social Studies. The degree is nationally and internationally accredited by:

  • Nationaal Orgaan voor Accreditatie (NOVA)
  • European Association for Public Administration Accreditation (EAPAA)
Block
Description 
Course
ECTS
Admission Required Leveling Courses
The leveling courses provide students with the basic skills and knowledge required for successful participation in a master level programme in public administration. The basic skills are English, Statistics, ICT Skills and Academic Skills.
English for Governance
0
Academic Skills
0
Statistics
0
ICT Skills Workshop
0
Foundation
The foundation courses introduce participants to key concepts and approaches in the foundational disciplines of the study of governance: politics, economics, law and policy studies. Together, the five courses provide participants with a firm grounding to understand the origin and causes of governance problems in contemporary (developing) countries.
Democracy and Institutional Framework
5
Governance, State and Public Policy
5
Governance and Law
5
Master Class I: Institutions of the Open Society in Suriname
3
Core
This category focuses on the principal instruments of governance available to ensure sustainable provision of public goods and services. The courses provide students with an understanding of key aspects of the functioning of the public sector, and the management and leadership skills to apply this knowledge in positions within the government and related organizations. Together, the courses provide a perspective on the operation of the public sector and the ways in which public activities are managed, the financial and human resources involved in the functioning of the public sector and the most important ways to plan and implement policies.
Public Management
5
Public Finance and Management
5
Public Leadership
5
Master Class II: Serving the Public Interest in Suriname
3
Focus
The category focus consists of courses about global issues and their implications for governance at the national level. The general and specific functional features of these issues will be addressed in courses on globalization, human rights, sustainability and planning for social and economic growth. The courses are in the context of Sustainable Development in a Globalized world. These courses provide students with an understanding of key aspects of Sustainable Resource Development, and the national and international actors and factors involved. The courses explore concepts of Sustainable Development and human rights and how translate these concepts into decisions and actions in the public sector to achieve Sustainable Development.
Planning for Sustainable Growth
5
Global Governance and Human Rights
5
Research Method
5
Master Class III: Human Rights and Good Governance Reforms in Suriname
3
Thesis Trajectory
The last component of the MPA in Governance consists of the ISP paper plus workshops aimed at providing students with a structured support framework in the context of writing their thesis as an Individual Study Project (ISP).
Thesis writing workshop 1
3
Thesis writing workshop 2
3
Research/Thesis Writing/Defense
10

*EC (European Credit): A unit expressing the Study Load for students, whereby 1 EC = 28 hours of study. An EC encompasses all study activities, including classroom contact hours as well as hours spent on self-study and group work

A Master degree in Public Administration opens the gateway to a number of career possibilities. With a focus an ethical decision-making the Master in Public Administration has academic knowledge of policy-making and governance and knows how to build strong institutions and partnerships.

Common career opportunities:

Civil Servant:

Also known as, government officer, civil service tends to be more people oriented. This can mean working with citizens and residents on behalf of the government or ministry. Civil servants plan, coordinate, and direct a broad range of services in everything from education to healthcare. State and local governments, as well as finance and insurance, are also potential employers.

Policy Advisor:

The role of a policy advisor is to inform policy makers on various issues. The focus ranges from delivering policies and public service to advising ministers. For example, the policy advisor might give advice on a particular program run by the government, which in turn the policy maker can use to make decisions. A policy advisor may also look at ways to implement policies when they have been approved by Parliament.

Public Administration Consultant:

Being an expert in administration, many public administration professionals can go into consulting. They can be responsible for planning, analyzing, and evaluating the effectiveness of a program. They make policy and procedural recommendations for meeting budgets, deadlines, etc. They provide instructional leadership and day to day management in all kinds of institutions.

Executive Director:

This public administration career is the sort of CEO of a non-profit group. They head up the advocacy, fund raising, and other civic duties associated with the role. Usually chosen by the board of the non-profit, they are charged with running the entire organization.

District Commissioner:

Public administration professionals who have found success in one or more of the above positions can often put their names on the ballot and run for District Commissioner even a position in Parliament. A record of leadership and results can often be required.

Admission requirements

Candidates are admitted on a competitive selection basis.

In order to be eligible for admission to the MPA in Governance programme, an applicant needs to fulfill the following requirements:

a. Degree
A Bachelor degree, preferably in one of the social sciences; consisting of a minimum of three years’ university or HBO study
b. Work experience
At least two (2) or more years of relevant working experience.
c. English Proficiency
Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in the English language by submitting official test scores from Hogeschool Taal (B1 & B2 level), TOEFL or from another Equivalent Test.
d. Successful completion of the Admission Required Leveling Courses
All applicants must successfully complete the following admission required leveling courses before TBD.
e. Submit mandatory documents
  1. a completed and duly signed application form providing the candidate’s personal data, educational record and employment record
  2. copies of certificates and academic transcripts
  3. curriculum vitae
  4. personal motivational letter
  5. Two (2) reference letters from employers or other professionals
  6. copy of a valid ID or passport
  7. one passport size picture
  8. Proof of payment of the application fee of €300 and a payment plan for the tuition fee of €10.000.
All letters and documents must be submitted in Dutch or English.

Deadlines

Application deadline
The application deadline is  June 30, 2023

Application Fee

The admission required leveling courses start in April 2023
and the admission fee of € 300 is due by that date.

Program tuition Fee

The tuition fee amounts to € 10.000 (including costs of textbooks
and other study material).

Funding

Payment of the Program tuition Fee (incl. E-Books and study material):
a. Full payment at once
b. Two installments:
50% to be paid at the start of the program
50% to be paid six months after the program has started
c. A free of interest periodic installment agreement with FHR

 

We expect each participant to arrange own funding of the tuition fee or through sponsorship of his/her employer
*The above mentioned fees may be converted to Surinamese dollars based on the Centrale Bank Exchange sales rate on the day of payment.
EAPAA accredited
Nova accreditatie