Education at the Institute of Public Administration focuses on the broad study of public administration, including the semi-public sector, lobby organisations, civil society, and relevant private organisations.

Through an interdisciplinary and theoretical-empirical approach, insights from supporting disciplines such as economics, political science, sociology, and law are integrated. This knowledge is applied to current issues in public administration, using social science research methods.

Students learn to critically and independently analyse contemporary political and administrative issues, based on a thorough understanding of the functioning and development of institutional arrangements for public services. Special attention is given to the foundations, history, and ethics of public administration.

Graduates possess academic work and thinking skills and are capable of operating effectively within and between organisations in the public domain. They are able to tackle complex societal problems with a strong awareness of ethical and normative dilemmas, and can offer independent advice on improvements in administrative practice.

The education at the Institute of Public Administration has three distinctive features:

• A strong academic orientation
• Broad societal applicability for graduates
• Strong ties to the city of The Hague