Public Administration and Innovation
Study programme title in Est.
Avaliku sektori juhtimine ja innovatsioon
Study programme title in Engl.
Public Administration and Innovation
TalTech study programme code
HAAM02
MER study programme code
2005
Study programme version code
HAAM02/25
Faculty / college
M - School of Business and Governance
Head of study programme/study programme manager
Külli Taro
Language of instruction
Estonian
Study level
Master study
ECTS credits
120
Self-paid study programme
no
Nominal study period
4 semesters
Study programme group
Business and Administration
Broad area of study
Business, Administration and Law
Study field
Business and administration
Curriculum group
Management and administration
Granting the right to conduct studies in the study programme group
õppe läbiviimise õigus
Validity date of the right to conduct studies in the study programme group
tähtajatu
No. of the decision granting the right to teach in the study programme group
112
Access conditions
Bachelor degree or education of corresponding qualification in accordance with admission requirements of TalTech.
Study programme aims and objectives
- To provide graduates with knowledge and skills in policy making and public sector innovation management and prepare them for careers of a policy analysis expert,
a specialist in different policy areas and/or a middle manager in the governmental, non-governmental and international organisations or in private sector think-tanks.
- To provide a comprehensive understanding of theoretical underpinnings, developments and best practices in the state, society and technology thereby equipping the graduates with the knowledge and skills required for solving practical policy problems.
- To develop students’ capacity to manage change and innovation in public sector organisations and in public policies.
- To develop students’ ability to carry out independent research and policy analyses, to dissect the contemporary complex policy problems that cross organisational and state borders, and to propose solutions (policies, measures) for addressing them.
- To provide an opportunity for pursuing a master's degree to the individuals who hold a bachelor's degree in a variety of fields, who work in the public sector or whose work requires a good understanding of the public sector.
- To prepare graduates for doctoral studies in the fields related to social sciences, including public administration, public management, public policy, technology governance, public sector innovation, etc. Show more...
a specialist in different policy areas and/or a middle manager in the governmental, non-governmental and international organisations or in private sector think-tanks.
- To provide a comprehensive understanding of theoretical underpinnings, developments and best practices in the state, society and technology thereby equipping the graduates with the knowledge and skills required for solving practical policy problems.
- To develop students’ capacity to manage change and innovation in public sector organisations and in public policies.
- To develop students’ ability to carry out independent research and policy analyses, to dissect the contemporary complex policy problems that cross organisational and state borders, and to propose solutions (policies, measures) for addressing them.
- To provide an opportunity for pursuing a master's degree to the individuals who hold a bachelor's degree in a variety of fields, who work in the public sector or whose work requires a good understanding of the public sector.
- To prepare graduates for doctoral studies in the fields related to social sciences, including public administration, public management, public policy, technology governance, public sector innovation, etc. Show more...
Learning outcomes of the study programme
Upon successful completion of the curriculum, the graduate:
- understands the interaction of developments in the state, society and technology, and is capable of analysing and evaluating the development processes in the Estonian society and at the international level;
- has acquired systematic knowledge and skills in the field of public administration and innovation with a focus on policymaking, change management and leadership;
- is able to initiate, plan and execute a project to solve an academic, applied science or practical policy problem, working individually or as a member of a team;
- is able to link the theoretical knowledge of public administration with everyday practice, to compile relevant analyses and propose solutions to the identified (wicked) policy problems;
- understands the complex nature of societal challenges and the main obstacles and approaches to tackling these from the perspective of cooperation between different public sector organisations, sectors (public, private, third sector) and governmental levels;
- is able to comprehend different international trends in public administration, their contextual specificities and their relevance to the Estonian public administration;
- understands the principles of conducting a scientific survey or analysis, and is able to plan and carry out a survey or analysis and to critically assess the results. Show more...
- understands the interaction of developments in the state, society and technology, and is capable of analysing and evaluating the development processes in the Estonian society and at the international level;
- has acquired systematic knowledge and skills in the field of public administration and innovation with a focus on policymaking, change management and leadership;
- is able to initiate, plan and execute a project to solve an academic, applied science or practical policy problem, working individually or as a member of a team;
- is able to link the theoretical knowledge of public administration with everyday practice, to compile relevant analyses and propose solutions to the identified (wicked) policy problems;
- understands the complex nature of societal challenges and the main obstacles and approaches to tackling these from the perspective of cooperation between different public sector organisations, sectors (public, private, third sector) and governmental levels;
- is able to comprehend different international trends in public administration, their contextual specificities and their relevance to the Estonian public administration;
- understands the principles of conducting a scientific survey or analysis, and is able to plan and carry out a survey or analysis and to critically assess the results. Show more...
Graduation requirements
Completion of the curriculum in the required amount, and the
successful defence of the graduation paper or taking the final exam in conformity with the requirements set by the TalTech Senate. In order to obtain Cum Laude diploma the graduation paper must be defended or teh final exam taken for the grade "5" and the weighted average grade must be at least 4,60, where all grades from diploma supplement are taken into account. Show more...
successful defence of the graduation paper or taking the final exam in conformity with the requirements set by the TalTech Senate. In order to obtain Cum Laude diploma the graduation paper must be defended or teh final exam taken for the grade "5" and the weighted average grade must be at least 4,60, where all grades from diploma supplement are taken into account. Show more...
Degrees conferred
Master of Arts in Social Sciences (public administration and innovation)
Study programme version structure :
Module type
total ECTS credits
General studies
6.0
Core studies
18.0
Special studies
66.0
Free choice courses
6.0
Graduation thesis
24.0
Graduation exam
24.0
Total
120.0
- +MAIN SPECIALITY 3: public administration and innovation
- +MODULE: General Studies 6.0 ECTS credits (General studies)AimsThe goal of the module is to give an overview of different methods in qualitative and quantitative research,
in order to ensure that the students are capable independently to work through and interpret scientific publications from international academic journals and other types of research, and are qualified enough to remain critical while evaluating their quality. The module is an important prerequisite for the conduct of independent scientific and tutorial work. Show more...Learning outcomesA student who has successfully completed the module:
- knows the key terminology in relation to the research methodology;
- has an overview of the main methodological proceeding points in scientific work, distinguishes between the qualitative and quantitative methods, can use and apply the most appropriate method for analysing and solving different problems;
- differentiates research methods in public administration and their limitations, is able to critically analyse the appropriateness of using these methods (qualitative vs quantitative) in the context of public administration;
- has internalised methodological know-how on conducting a scientific inquiry in the field of public administration and is competent to carry out one and/or to manage the respective procedure;
- knows the rules of academic writing and good practice and ethics and is able to assess his/her activity accordingly. Show more...Compulsory courses:Course titleCourse codeECTS creditsHours per weekLecturesPracticesExercisesE/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.Teaching semesterTotal: 6.0 ECTS credits - +MODULE: Core Studies 18.0 ECTS credits (Core studies)AimsThe general objective of the module is to deepen students' knowledge
on the specificities of the public sector by expanding students’ theoretical knowledge on detailed issues and problems with which the practitioners in public administration are faced in their everyday work. The key questions to be explored concern the basic values and governance principles of public administration, the policy design and implementation processes, and the strategic and professional management of the key resources (that is human and financial resources) in public sector organisations. The goal is to increase students' capability to comprehend the field of public administration from both more integrated and at the same time differentiated and context-based perspectives (e.g. special characteristics of different public administration models in Europe and the difference between public and private sector while applying particular contemporary management techniques or provision of services). Show more...Learning outcomesA student who has successfully completed subjects of the module:
- is familiar with the international trends, theoretical approaches and developments in relation to the key topical fields in public administration, is able to interpret these in the context of different public administration models and traditions;
- has an overview of the Estonian public administration system and its development and understands how the basic principles of the Estonian Constitution, fundamental rights and principles of good administration influence the public administration and policy process;
- understands the specific contextual features of public administration in Estonia and is capable of analysing and substantiating scientifically the appropriateness of applying the different practices and approaches to the Estonian context;
- understands the specific context of the public sector organisations in case of transferring management concepts (and techniques and models) and/or policies either from the private sector or from the other countries' practice;
- is able to have an integrated approach of public sector theories and practice while dealing with the specific topical issues and case studies, but also for solving these;
- has acquired sufficient knowledge and skills for conducting independent written analyses (incl. comparative analyses, case study analyses) in policy-making and public sector management related matters. Show more...Compulsory courses:Course titleCourse codeECTS creditsHours per weekLecturesPracticesExercisesE/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.Teaching semesterTotal: 18.0 ECTS credits - +MODULE: E1 Compulsory courses 48.0 ECTS credits (Special studies)AimsThe objective of the module is to deepen students' knowledge in the topical field-specific research areas,
trends and major challenges, especially in the context of digital governance and technological advancement, societal challenges and participatory and co-creation based policy-making processes. The key topic for discussion concerns the role and capacity of the public sector to be able to adapt but also to lead the respective change- and innovation-related processes in policy design, managerial and public service delivery related matters. The central focus of this module is to understand the nature and complexity of public policy issues (from the perspectives of cooperation, coordination, and digital transformations, in particular) and to be able to analyse and evaluate the potential solutions to tackle these issues. Show more...Learning outcomesA student who has successfully completed subjects of the module:
- has an overview about the field-specific topical issues, main theoretical strands, trends and challenges and is able to employ the respective theoretical knowledge for analysing and resolving the different wicked policy problems and complex societal challenges;
- understands contemporary challenges for public sector management on a systemic level and is able to propose solutions for complex policy problems while relying on different mechanisms and instruments of coordination and collaboration;
- is able to evaluate solutions and challenges derived from digital transformations for functioning of public sector organisations, delivery of public services, and the changing relationship between the state and people;
- has an overview about the opportunities for public sector innovation from the use of big data and analytics, public service design, and 'smart city' approaches;
- has a systematic understanding of the role of various actors (including the public sector) in innovation, entrepreneurship and technology management, in order to support both economic development and tackling complex societal challenges, including achieving sustainable development goals;
- has an overview of the main methods and techniques of policy analysis and evaluation, understands the role of it in the policy cycle and the specificities of different policy fields, and thereby is capable of explaining why and how the actual impacts of policies can be different from the intended impacts;
- has the experience in composing analytical statements to discuss the strategic and management-related challenges and practical problems;
- has the experience and skills to plan and participate in team-work related assignments and in problem-based learning processes;
- has the experience in preparing and giving presentations and is able to defend his/her main positions. Show more...Compulsory courses:Course titleCourse codeECTS creditsHours per weekLecturesPracticesExercisesE/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.Teaching semesterMNA54406.04.02.50.01.5ESMNI52206.04.02.00.02.0EKTotal: 48.0 ECTS credits - +MODULE: E2 Optional courses 18.0 ECTS credits (Special studies)AimsThe goal of the module is to provide a set of electives in order to deepen the knowledge of students about the specific key issues covered in core and special studies,
in particular: the state and governance-related developments (incl. those stemmed from technological progress, but also challenges to the role of nation-states in policy-making processes), policy analysis and the respective argumentation skills (incl. the analytical capacities needed for using big data), contemporary management trends and techniques, and public sector innovation. Show more...Learning outcomesA student who has successfully completed subjects of the module:
- has deeper knowledge in a certain field-specific area of public administration, public policy and analysis, public sector management and public sector innovation;
- knows the main foundations of the subject under consideration, its central problems and development trends;
- has a deeper understanding of the functioning of the state, technology and society, and their interconnections to the main issues of public administration and innovation;
- understands a number of emerging phenomena related to governance, and is equipped with the relevant theoretical knowledge and practical skills to have a coherent view of the matter in question and to propose the potential (governance) solutions;
- demonstrates the skills of critical thinking, conceptual analysis and argumentation both in written form and orally;
- is able to apply the acquired (theoretical) knowledge in analysing and solving practical issues. Show more...Elective courses:Course titleCourse codeECTS creditsHours per weekLecturesPracticesExercisesE/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.Teaching semesterTotal: at least 18.0 ECTS credits - +MODULE: Free Choice courses 6.0 ECTS credits (Free choice courses)AimsThe goal of the module is to provide students with a possibility to choose subjects according to their personal interests as well as their future career and academic aims (incl.
MOOC, green growth, sustainable development, service design, cyber security, foreign language, etc.). Show more...Learning outcomesA student who has successfully completed the module will have knowledge and skills for better performance in his/her field-specific academic activity,
professional field or as an active and educated member of the Estonian society. Show more... - +MODULE: Graduation Thesis 24.0 ECTS credits (Graduation thesis)AimsThe Master’s Thesis gives students the experience of conducting an individual research project and a deeper understanding of one specific topical field of the curriculum.
The acceptable format for a Master’s Thesis can vary from a classical academic analysis (incl. in the format of a scientific article) to a problem-based format solving a practical problem derived from the Estonian context. The completion of the Master Seminar is a compulsory precondition for the defence. Show more...Learning outcomesThe student:
- formulates a research problem corresponding to the specialty, sets the aim of the thesis and defines research questions/tasks/hypotheses;
- chooses appropriate scientific and field-specific literature, analyses and synthesizes their content;
- chooses appropriate methodology to fulfill the aim of the thesis;
- collects,processes and analyses relevant information;
- has deeper knowledge about the functioning and problems of one field-specific area of public administration, public policy, public sector management and/or public sector innovation;
- uses professional knowledge to solve the research problem, interpret the results and provide conclusions;
- formats the thesis according to pre-set requirements using scientific language and professional terminology and following proper citing principles;
- presents and justifies one`s viewpoints in both written and oral form. Show more... - +MODULE: Master's Exam 24.0 ECTS credits (Graduation exam)AimsThe aim of the Master's Exam is to verity the analytical skills and knowledge of graduating students.Learning outcomesAfter passing the Master's Exam, the student:
- analyzes societal processes both in Estonia and internationally,
based on the principles of interaction and development between society, the state, and technology;
- has acquired systematic knowledge and skills in public administration and innovation, with a focus on policy-making, change management, and leadership;
- links theoretical knowledge with the practical activities of public administration;
- analyzes the nature of complex societal problems and the challenges related to their resolution through cooperation among public sector organizations, cross-sector collaboration (public, private, and third sector), and different levels of governance;
- examines the content and specific characteristics of various international public administration trends, their applicability, and the need for adaptation within the context of Estonian public administration. Show more...Compulsory courses:Course titleCourse codeECTS creditsHours per weekLecturesPracticesExercisesE/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.Teaching semesterMNX005224.00.50.00.00.5ESKTotal: 24.0 ECTS credits - +STANDARD STUDY PLAN: Autumn daytime study