Abstract
Substantial sums of money are spent in the UK funding Masters of Public Administration (MPA) programmes. In the current financial climate, learners and employers are seeking evidence that courses provide relevance, value for money and return on their investment. New guidance has been developed by government and academic groups to set a benchmark for excellence in content and delivery. UK MPA courses already attract a large number of international students and this new guidance should add value for overseas participants as well as UK students.