Delivery format
Online
Course overview
Unlock your potential to lead change in public service with the University of Birmingham's Strategic Management short course. You'll gain practical, data-driven strategies to navigate complex challenges, influence communities, and advance your career globally. Taught by top experts, this course offers essential skills for impactful public administration.
Our Strategic Management short course equips you with essential skills in strategic planning and execution, crucial for high-impact roles like council manager, senior policy officer, or member of parliament. Advance your career trajectory by mastering strategies that drive effective management and deliver meaningful progress in public service.
Why study this course?
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Master the principles of strategic management and their importance in public administration.
- Develop core skills for shaping emergent strategies and meta-planning in complex yet dynamic public service systems.
- Analyze external forces driving strategic change
- Generate and evaluate coherent and effective options for public services.
- Identify and engage key stakeholders to achieve strategic goals and drive impactful results.
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. This course empowers you with practical strategic management skills to tackle global public service challenges, drive innovative solutions, and enhance your leadership in public administration, paving the way for career advancement and impact.
- 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, case studies and essays.
Teaching staff
Paul Joyce
Lecturer
Paul Joyce is an Associate at INLOGOV, University of Birmingham.
Catherine Mangan
Professor of Public Management and Leadership
Catherine Mangan is a Professor of Public Management and Leadership in the Institute of Local Government Studies at the University of Birmingham.
Entry requirements
- 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, which is for the full course, 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.