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Online Masters of Public Administration

By developing your understanding of today’s public service practices and strategies, this 100% online programme will prepare you to lead change anywhere in the world.

Taught through the UK’s leading academic centre on local governance and strategic public management

60% of students
studying overseas across more
than 50 different countries1

Ranked 4th
in the UK for social policy2

School of Government
awarded Bronze
Athena SWAN (2020)3

Transform your tomorrow

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Lead change in your community

Today, public servants need to be more forward-thinking and tech-savvy than ever. Complete with contemporary topics and the latest thinking from around the world, this programme offers everything you need to progress in this dynamic field.

The programme is taught through the Institute of Local Government Studies (INLOGOV), the UK’s leading academic centre for research and teaching on local governance and strategic public management. By gaining access to cutting-edge research and practice-based knowledge, you’ll be able to develop the policies and practices necessary to make a positive impact to people’s lives.

These insights are also instrumental to advancing your career, whether that’s furthering an existing public sector role, or moving into a senior government or agency position, either at home or abroad.

Career opportunities

We’re committed to helping you develop the necessary skills to further your career to a point where you’re able to make a real impact on people’s lives. Whether you’re looking to progress in the public or voluntary sector, or in a consultancy role, this programme will prepare you for what lies ahead in your career.

For individuals with the right level of education and global expertise, a number of career choices are available, such as within local councils and educational institutes or as a senior policy officer, social services manager or even a member of parliament.

View Transcript +

00:02 Enrich your learning experience

00:04 with an online programme

00:07 “Online courses have advanced greatly in both their curriculum and acceptance in the marketplace.” – Patrick Gettleman, Global Procurement Manager, United Kingdom

00:15 Streamline your study

00:18 Streamline your study – Course overview

00:19 Calendar

00:21 To do list

00:23 See your tasks at a glance

00:26 Learn anywhere, any time

00:33 “The killer feature for me was the flexibility of the programme” – Vanna Camille Curi – Programme Coordinator, United States of America

00:38 Plan your workload

00:44 “I can study in my own time and at my own pace. The fact that the resources are all online also means I can study on the move.” – Ceridwen Scerri, Research Analyst, Malta

00:51 Interact with your lecturer

00:58 Link instantly with classmates

01:04 “Studying online ensures an internationally composed classroom. It adds substance and inspiration from different people and cultures.” - Helena Feibert, IT Consultant, Denmark

01:10 Learn through collaboration

01:24 Chart your success

01:30 “I now have the confidence and knowledge to engage and challenge thinking in many areas of business.” – Andrew Lavin, Global Head of Asset & Fleet Management, United Arab Emirates

01:37 Get tailored student support

01:41 Get tailored student support
Assignment and submission queries
Information on university policies and procedures
Managing conflicting commitments
Any other non-academic support

01:45 Access to technical support
Virtual learning environment queries
24 hour support, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
Troubleshooting

01:52 “The University of Birmingham was the right choice for me due to the reputation of its academics, world rankings and research achievements” - Kathirvel Balakrishnan, Solution Architect, United Kingdom

02:00 Online courses now available
Masters of Business Administration (MBA)
Masters of Public Administration (MPA)
Masters of Science in International Business (MSc IB)

02:03 Be empowered to greater things

02:06 Study online with the University of Birmingham

02:10 birmingham.ac.uk/online

I chose this course because it will help me to undertake my present role in a more professional manner and give me a better understanding of how public services can and should be delivered. Studying online has many advantages which include being able to study from the comfort of my own home, at times of my own choosing, with all the appropriate readings for each lesson available online. I also have the opportunity to get to interact with fellow ‘classmates’ via discussion forums and online webinars.

Sharon Clayton, Town Clerk, Much Wenlock. From the United Kingdom.

Why choose online?

To keep you engaged with the content, the programme offers a wide range of learning techniques, including real-world case studies. By drawing on practical examples from the world of public service, the programme improves your understanding of key strategies and how to apply them.

The programme offers access to an international network of industry leaders and experts, broadening your experience and furthering your insights and influence. Our inclusive approach to international students adds further to the global dynamic and access to new ideas.

Since the course is 100% online, you also have the benefit of studying at a time that suits you, giving you flexibility around your existing commitments.

Programme curriculum

Drawing on real-world expertise from both lecturers and external experts, the programme covers topics from leadership and governance to partnership strategy and public policy. This broad range of subject matter ensures the programme is relevant to your day-to-day work.

By leveraging case studies from the world, you’ll develop a thorough understanding of essential public service strategies and solutions. But most importantly, you’ll learn the practical techniques to apply this knowledge to bring about positive change in your community.

Key programme outcomes

  • Understand public management and governance
  • Navigate managerial leadership and global governance
  • Apply individual strategies for public service career development
  • Implement theoretical knowledge through real-world scenarios
  • Deploy international perspectives on strategy and practice

References:
1Updated 11th February 2020. Country names categorised using information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) [online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/country-names/country-names-the-permanent-committee-on-geographical-names-for-british-official-use [Accessed 11.02.2020]
2UNKNOWN (2020) Social Policy League Table 2020. The Complete University Guide [online] Available at: <https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/league-tables/rankings/social-policy> [Accessed 21.02.2020]
3UNKNOWN (2020) The School of Government receives Athena SWAN accreditation [online] Available at: <https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government/news/school-wide/2020/athena-swan.aspx> [Accessed 21.02.2020] ]

Duration:

2.5 years

Start dates:

March
June
October

Entry requirements:

  • At least an upper second-class degree or postgraduate diploma from a UK university or equivalent 3.0 GPA
  • Two references
  • A statement of purpose
  • Academic and professional qualifications or industrial experience are normally taken into account

International students:

With the exception of Graduate Diploma Students, applicants must have an IELTS score of 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band.

Your future starts here
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