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Course overview
Advance your leadership in public administration with a focus on human resources. Experience global insights and hands-on learning through expert guidance and international study visits, addressing management challenges across diverse public sector environments.
Our MPA in Public Administration (Human Resources) empowers you with vital leadership and strategic skills, preparing you to lead transformative changes in global public sectors and forge a dynamic future in governmental and international settings.
Course Structure
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 three foundational 20-credit modules exploring:
- Human Resource and Development policy and strategies analysis
- Human Resource Management theories, strategies, and ethics
- Applied research in public policy and management, emphasising evidence-based decision-making and ethical research practices.
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.
Course highlights
Tailored for those passionate about public sector management, you'll benefit from a flexible curriculum featuring diverse optional modules, and engage in practical, theoretically-informed strategies through case study approaches to foster global perspectives. Join a vibrant international student community, supported by our extensive academic networks, and enhance your expertise in ethical leadership and sustainable management. Start shaping impactful public service today.
- Develop a global approach by analysing global trends in public administration and HRM with international case studies.
- Use diagnostic case studies to build practical, theoretically-informed strategies.
- Take your career to the next level. Ideal for public sector professionals or those aspiring to work in public services with a particular interest in Human Resource Management.
- Broaden your learning horizons with the possibility to choose from a wide range of optional modules and participate in international study visits.
- 3rd
International Development Department ranked 3rd in the UK for research which impacts on society
(REF 2021)
- UK #1
for being most frequently targeted by the country’s top employers
High Fliers Research 2024
- 5th
for research in Development Studies UK
REF 2021
- 45%
of our research rated world-leading
(REF 2021)
Course delivery
Teaching will utilise a range of learning methods, including lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops.
- Lectures: Academics give organised talks to large groups of students who take notes, less interactive.
- Seminars: Small group sessions designed to complement lectures and are generally more informal in nature. They give you the chance to discuss issues with fellow students and allow for more interaction than a traditional lecture.
- Tutorials: Small group discussions with a tutor which are informal.
- Workshops: Workshops are for smaller groups, but instead of discussion, students might learn about a tool or a technique that they will be required to know about for their course. They are usually more hands-on learning that allow discussion regarding the given topic.
Module information
The programme is composed of five 20-credit core modules completed by three 20-credit elective modules from the International Development Department as well as a 60-credit dissertation project.
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Any optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
Year: 1
2025/26 Session
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Dissertation (International Development) | 60 | Semester 2 |
| Human Resource Development Policy | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Human Resource Management and Development | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Research for Public Policy and Management | 20 | Semester 1 |
Students must either choose either: Public Management and Leadership (PML) or: Public Sector Reform (PSR)
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Public Management and Leadership | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Public Sector Reform | 20 | Semester 2 |
Students must choose 3 x 20 credit master level modules from IDD or elsewhere (subject to the agreement of the programme director).
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Gender and Development | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Conflict Analysis and Humanitarian Interventions | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Conflict and Development | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Democracy, Dictatorship and Development | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Development Cooperation Beyond Aid | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Development Policy and Politics | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Development Projects and Programmes | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Development in Practice | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Digital Governance and Citizen Engagement | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Disability and Inclusive Development | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Environment and Sustainable Development | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Governance for Development | 20 | Semester 1 |
| International Development | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Making Policy | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Post Conflict Reconstruction & Development | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Public Administration – Civil Service | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Public Financial Management | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Social Analysis of Inequality, Poverty and Development | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Urban Poverty + Policy | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Public Economic Management | 20 | Semester 1 |
Entry requirements
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.
- 2:1 Honours Degree
Work experience or professional qualifications may be taken into account.
English language requirements
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:
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill
English Presessional Programmes
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.
Fees and scholarships
- £13,040
Full-time
- £6,520
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.
Paying your tuition fees
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.
Postgraduate Masters Loan
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.
Scholarships
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.
Birmingham Masters Scholarships
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.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
- 29 August 2025
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
How to apply to our taught courses
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Career opportunities
Prepare for impactful roles in the public sector with our internationally oriented programme, designed for those passionate about HR management and development in public, state, or NGO sectors. You’ll be exploring global trends, leadership strategies, and organisational culture dynamics. Through practical case studies and diverse optional modules, you'll graduate fully equipped and confident to lead in influential positions within government and international structures.
Careers Network
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.
Student experience
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.
Accommodation
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.
Living in Birmingham
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.
Student support
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.
Campus life
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.