Delivery format
Online
Course overview
Enhance your leadership and change management skills with our 8-week Democracy, Governance, and Participation course. Gain insights from our Institute of Local Government Studies experts, earn credits towards our Online MPA, and elevate your career while making a societal impact.
Empower your future with our postgraduate micro-credential course at Birmingham. Dive into cutting-edge theories, engage with new models of governance, and emerge ready to lead meaningful societal change and advance your career with confidence.
Why choose a postgraduate micro-credential course at Birmingham?
- Boost your CV in just eight weeks
- Develop the specialist skills you need for your career goals
- Gain an introduction to our Online MPA
- Get a taster of online learning before committing to a full MPA degree
- Earn a postgraduate micro-credential certificate worth 10 masters credits
- Study around your existing commitments with 100% online learning
- Expand your expertise at a top-100 University
- Join a community of like-minded learners from over 50 different countries
Learners will be fully registered University of Birmingham students and will be entitled to normal University services (including library and IT resources).
Course delivery
Delivered entirely online, our eight-week short course offers flexible, world-class learning through immersive modules led by expert faculty.
You can choose to complete a single micro-credential or combine all nine to pursue the full Online Master of Public Administration (MPA). Each module features interactive activities, lively discussions, and real-world applications, allowing you to study at your own pace and convenience. You'll gain practical skills in leadership and governance, preparing you to implement meaningful change in your community and advance your career.
- This course requires an average time commitment of 12 to 15 hours per week and comprises a total study time of 100 to 150 hours.
- Assessments include group discussions, blogs and essays.
Teaching staff
Dr Philip Whiteman
Lecturer in Public Administration and Policy
Dr Philip Whiteman is a lecturer in public policy and administration at the Institute of Local Government Studies at The University of Birmingham.
Entry requirements
To apply for this short course, you should have (or expect to have) an upper second-class degree or postgraduate diploma from a UK university, or an equivalent qualification from a recognised institution. Professional applications may also be considered. Please contact a Recruitment Coordinator if you would like to discuss your eligibility.
Fees and scholarships
The fee must be paid in full by card before enrolling.
- £1,405
Prices are subject to change each academic year.
The programme fee includes access to the online learning platform, course materials and digital reading materials. The fee does not include any personal expenses for new technical equipment or office supplies.If, after completing the course, you wish to transfer to the full Online MPA programme, please speak to your Student Services Co-ordinator. You will need to re-submit an application, and the cost of any short courses you’ve taken will be deducted from the full programme fee.
Application process
- Complete an application form online.
- Supply an up-to-date CV and any other supporting documents demonstrating your academic and work experience, plus any other skills that may support your application. These will help us to ensure you have the right experience for the course.
- Submit your most recent degree certificate from your previous institution, so we can verify your education.
- Supply an up-to-date English language certificate if English is not your first language. We accept up-to-date IELTS certificates with a score of 6.5, and no less than 6.0 in any of the elements.