Doctor of Public Administration (DPA)

Doctoral study at UCL STEaPP offers the opportunity to develop a career at the interface of science and public policy.

The DPA is policy-orientated and cross-disciplinary research methods are deployed to give students a competitive edge. A placement within a real-world policy setting forms a substantial component of the programme.

To find out core information about this degree, such as entry requirements, programme length and cost, visit the UCL prospectus site.

Doctor of Public Administration on the UCL Prospectus

• Programme Structure and Training Elements
• How to Apply
• Fees and Funding
• Supervisors

Programme Structure and Training Elements

The STEaPP PhD/DPA is a four-year doctoral programme (six years for part-time students) with substantial training elements covering research methods, the policymaking process, and policy engagement for researchers. Students are initially registered on an MPhil degree and within 15-21 months are expected to sit an examination to upgrade to PhD status. The upgrade examination is based on a pilot study, giving students the opportunity to test or validate a particular theoretical or methodological approach, or case study context.

STEaPP students are expected to work with a primary supervisor based within the department, and a subsidiary supervisor from another department in the School of the Built Environment (The Bartlett), the Faculty of Engineering Sciences, or the Faculty of Mathematical and Physical Sciences.

The taught component of the programme consists of five core training elements (modules from STEaPP) and two specialisation training elements (modules from STEaPP or a sister department within UCL BEAMS). The core modules are the following:

• Knowledge Systems, Public Policy and Management (STEP0013) (Term 1)
• Research Methods (STEP0014) (Term 1)
• DPA Research in Practice (STEP0015) (double module, to be completed before progression to the second phase of the degree - in Year Two for full-time candidates)
• Research Project Literature Review (STEP0016)
• DTP Books Seminar A (STEP0017) (Term 1)
• DTP Books Seminar B (STEP0019) (Term 2)

How to Apply

There are two primary routes to apply for the PhD programme:

1. Apply directly for an advertised studentship
   This is a funded position where the project scope, supervisor and funding are already confirmed. STEaPP studentships will be listed on this web page, typically between November-March for programmes starting in September. You can also search for opportunities across UCL: Funded Research Opportunities.
2. Submit your own project proposal and apply for funding separately

   This route allows you to scope your own research project, aligned with the expertise of a particular research supervisor at STEaPP. We can offer support in the form of information and advice about relevant funding opportunities, but students are responsible for obtaining research funding to cover tuition and living costs if they take this route. Please note, funding deadlines can fall as early as January (for an October start date) and you may need to submit your application to UCL in advance of this, to be eligible to apply. We also consider applications from self-funded students. If you receive an offer to join the PhD programme but cannot secure funding in time, you can opt to defer your offer by a year.

   Before submitting a formal application to UCL, please complete the Expression of Interest form including a draft project proposal and CV. We will respond within two weeks to share feedback on the proposed project’s alignment with the department’s research, and to connect you with potential supervisors. This will provide an opportunity for your potential primary supervisors to confirm whether they can support your project, and give feedback on the draft proposal.

Departmental application process and deadline

Once you have confirmation of availability from your potential supervisor, the next step is to submit an application to UCL.
You must apply via the UCL online application. Please select the UCL Department of Science, Technology, Engineering and Public Policy (STEaPP) as your home department in the application. In order to be considered as a prospective PhD candidate, and in addition to the documentation formally required by UCL, you will need to submit the following:

1. A research proposal
   This should be uploaded as a separate attachment to your application. The proposal is an outline of the research you intend to carry out for your PhD. It should be no more than three pages long (excluding a bibliography).
2. The name of at least ONE potential supervisor who you would like to review your application
   List their name under the "supervision" section of your application.
3. A Personal Statement
   Please make sure you complete the personal statement section on the electronic application. Please include a brief statement on how your research fits within the department, and a rationale for why STEaPP is the best home for your project.
4. Academic transcripts for each of your degree level qualifications
   Transcripts should be uploaded to UCL Select. They should outline both the grades you achieved in individual modules and the overall grade you obtained in your degree programme, degree certificates are not sufficient. Transcripts must be translated into English.

Fees and funding

Information on UCL tuition fees.

Supervisors