Develop your leadership in public management with a focus on global insights and practical skills. Explore efficiency, reform and strategy in government through expert guidance and international learning opportunities.
Our MPA in Public Administration (Finance) equips you with crucial leadership and strategic skills, empowering you to drive impactful reforms in global public sectors, shaping a dynamic future in governmental and international arenas.
This course will run over 12 months in a full-time mode. There is also scope to undertake the programme on a part-time basis over 24 months for Home students.
Study two foundational 20-credit modules explore:
Study a combination of optional modules to gather a total of 60 credits from our list of International Development modules. Examinations will take place throughout the term as courseworks, written exams and/or presentations.
The Masters in Public Administration (Finance) stands out with its strong international focus, practical approach, and diverse student body. You'll gain strategic financial management skills, explore new financial management reforms, and benefit from specialised modules tailored to your career goals. Aimed at people with experience in financial and economic management within the public sector although none is required, you'll engage in real-world case studies, international field trips, and expert instruction from subject experts. This programme prepares you for leadership roles in government, public enterprises, and NGOs, emphasising global perspectives and practical application.
for being most frequently targeted by the country’s top employers
(High Fliers Research 2024)
for research in Development Studies
(REF 2021)
for research which impacts on society
(REF 2021)
of our research rated world-leading
(REF 2021)
Teaching will utilise a range of learning methods, including lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops.
The programme is composed of three 20-credit core modules completed by three 20-credit elective modules from across the School of Government and College of Social Sciences. To complete this and graduate with the 180 credits that will award you the MPA, you will have to undertake a 60-credit dissertation.
The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.
As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.
Year: 1
2025/26 Session
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Dissertation (International Development) | 60 | Semester 2 |
| Public Financial Management | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Research for Public Policy and Management | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Public Economic Management | 20 | Semester 1 |
Students either choose: Making Policy, or: Public Sector Reform.
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Making Policy | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Public Sector Reform | 20 | Semester 2 |
Students must choose any four 20-credit masters level modules, from IDD or elsewhere (subject to the agreement of the programme director).
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
Work experience or professional qualifications may be taken into account.
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.
Full-time
Part-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
Prepare for influential roles in public administration with our MPA in Public Administration (Finance). Designed for current and aspiring professionals in government, NGOs, and public enterprises, this programme imparts crucial financial management expertise. Whether steering financial reforms, crafting economic policies, or advancing within public sector organisations, our diverse curriculum ensures you are equipped for impactful leadership at all levels.
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
Find out why we are the most targeted UK university by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2024) by meeting some of our successful alumni.
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham is a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.
