Master of Science in Public Management and Leadership
Explore how leadership and management shape effective public governance through an internationally comparative and practice-oriented curriculum.
Best for:Best for professionals and graduates interested in public administration, policy analysis, and leadership in governance, seeking a rigorous academic programme with a strong international and practical focus.
Overview
This Master of Science programme at Leiden University examines why governance often fails to address societal challenges effectively. Focusing on the role of management and leadership in public administration, it provides an internationally comparative perspective on how political executives, bureaucrats, and front-line professionals influence governance outcomes. The curriculum integrates theory with practical insights, preparing graduates for careers in international public organisations or management consultancies. Students will critically analyse decision-making processes and organisational behaviour within public governance structures, with a strong emphasis on real-world applications and cross-country comparisons.
What you'll do
- Develop a theoretical and practical understanding of how management and leadership behaviours influence public governance outcomes.
- Analyse and critically evaluate the effectiveness of policy solutions across different countries and governance domains.
- Engage in comparative research on the actions of political executives, bureaucrats, and front-line professionals.
- Apply management and leadership theories to real-world governance challenges and case studies.
- Prepare for careers in international public organisations, government agencies, or management consultancies.
- Participate in practice-oriented projects that bridge theory and real-world governance scenarios.
Requirements
Degree required: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Public Administration, Political Science, Sociology, Economics, or related disciplines.
Degree offered: Master of Science (MSc)
Language: English; Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (minimum score 180), IELTS overall band 6.5, or TOEFL internet-based score of 90
Instruction: English
- Proven academic background in social sciences, public administration, or related fields.
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to evaluate governance structures and policies.
- Ability to conduct comparative research across different countries and contexts.
- Proficiency in conducting research and writing academic papers.
- No specific nationality restrictions.
- No age restrictions.
- No prior work experience required.
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
Admissions not verified
A catalogue listing does not mean applications are open or funding is guaranteed. Check the source for your intake.
- Intake
- Not confirmed by the source
- Duration
- Not confirmed by the source
- Teaching language
- Not confirmed by the source
- Taught / research mode
- Not confirmed by the source
- Study mode
- Not confirmed by the source
- Campus
- Not confirmed by the source
- Prerequisites
- Not confirmed by the source
- Application instructions
- Not confirmed by the source
- Tuition
- Not confirmed by the source
- Funding
- Not confirmed by the source
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-15
Applicants must submit their application through Leiden University’s official online portal. Required documents include a CV, a letter of motivation, academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency, and a copy of your passport or ID. Ensure all documents are uploaded before the deadline.
- CV
- Letter of motivation
- Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s degree)
- Proof of English proficiency (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English, IELTS, or TOEFL)
- Copy of passport or ID
Contact
Create a free profile to unlock your personal match score, the full requirements, funding details and how to apply — in English or Persian.