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Course overview
Enhance your understanding of public sector governance and performance challenges. Ideal for both experienced practitioners and aspiring professionals, you'll be equipped with essential leadership skills and knowledge for impactful public service careers.
Our MSc in Public Management will position you at the forefront of public service innovation, empowering you to shape policies, drive positive change, and lead with confidence in dynamic environments locally, nationally, and globally.
"If I could give anyone a bit of advice, it would be to say that it's not your job to tell you you're not ready. If you're interested in a role, put yourself forward – just do it."
Course Structure
This course will run over 12 months in a full-time mode.
You'll study three foundational 20-credit modules:
- comparing public management in different settings, focusing on governance influences through utilising case studies
- examining government intervention in the economy, highlighting market operations and failures.
- understanding good governance principles and their role in effective public management and service delivery.
Assessment will be conducted throughout the semester as group works and assignments.
Course highlights
Prepare for impactful public service careers with our focus on global governance challenges and leadership development. Our comparative approach explores diverse socio-economic contexts, blending theory with practical applications through case studies and collaborative projects. Develop vital research skills with support from expert faculty in a flexible, inclusive learning environment conducive to career growth in national and international public sectors. Join us to shape policies, drive change, and lead confidently in today's dynamic public service landscape.
- Develop expertise in governance and public sector challenges for impactful career advancement.
- Gain insights into local, regional, national, and international public sector dynamics.
- Ideal for experienced practitioners and newcomers seeking career progression or transition within public service and related sectors.
- Enhance leadership skills and confidence through comparative learning contexts.
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 six 20-credit modules completed by a 60-credit dissertation project to reach the 180 credits required to graduate with an MSc.
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.
- A good 1st degree or an equivalent professional qualification.
or an equivalent professional qualification.
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
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.
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 influential roles in public management with our MSc course. Gain a deep understanding of governance, performance improvement, and public service coordination across global, national, and local contexts. Ideal for experienced practitioners and aspiring public sector leaders, our comparative approach equips you with essential skills and insights to navigate diverse challenges and drive meaningful change in governmental and related sectors, both domestically and internationally.
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.
Take a virtual tour
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.