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Course overview
Explore the evolving nature of public administration, focusing on leadership, efficiency, and reform. Benefit from expert teaching, global insights, and practical skills, including an international field trip, to advance your career in public management worldwide.
Our Masters in Public Administration (MPA) prepares you with essential skills and global perspectives to lead effectively in public management, shaping your future impact in governmental and international contexts whether you're seeking to start or broaden your career.
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 a foundational 20-credit module in applied research, focusing on evidence-based decision-making in public policy and management. You'll also learn how to communicate findings effectively to diverse stakeholders. Customise your curriculum with 60 credits from optional modules within the School of Government or the College of Social Sciences, with assessments including coursework, exams, and presentations.
Course highlights
Explore our Masters in Public Administration, renowned for its versatile learning applications and practical approach. Immerse yourself in public sector management through an enriching international field trip, gaining first-hand experience in diverse governmental settings. Our curriculum prioritises research design tailored for public policy and management, alongside an extended and diverse list of optional modules. Join a cohort composed of students from around the globe to broaden your perspectives and prepare for influential leadership roles in public service worldwide.
• Gain practical insights through an international field trip to diverse governmental settings.
• Customise your learning with optional modules from our recognised School of Government and College of Social Sciences.• Develop expertise in research design tailored for effective public policy and management.
• Join a diverse cohort to broaden your global perspectives and prepare for influential leadership in public service.
International Development Department ranked 3rd in the UK for research which impacts on society
(REF 2021)
- 1 in the UK
for being most frequently targeted by the country’s top employers
(High Fliers Research 2024)
- 5th in the UK
for research in Development Studies
(REF 2021)
- 3rd in the UK
for research which impacts on society
(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.
• 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 three 20-credit core modules completed by three 20-credit 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 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Comparative Public Management | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Dissertation | 60 | Full Term |
| Performance, Strategy and Challenge (face to face) | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Public Leadership | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Public Management and Governance (face to face) | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Public Policy and Evidence | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Public Sector Economics | 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
Students who have not studied in English must pass a recognised English test. For more information on what proof you will need, visit our International Postgraduate requirements page
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
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.
We have put together some helpful information on the taught programme application process and supporting documents. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Career opportunities
Prepare for impactful leadership in public administration with our MPA course. Tailored for those with backgrounds in government, public policy, or related fields, it equips you to navigate modern governance complexities. Whether leading reforms in public institutions, driving policy changes, or advancing in public, voluntary, or consultancy sectors, our diverse curriculum ensures you're prepared for successful leadership in the public service.
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 has developed into 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.
Campus life
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our diverse 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.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus, so that you can get the most out of your university experience.