Online Masters in Public Administration
Now is the time. Activate your future.
The University of Birmingham’s online Masters in Public Administration is the most flexible programme of its kind in the UK. You’ll engage in hands-on modules led by expert lecturers and apply what you learn right away in your current role. Graduate empowered to help shape the future of public services.
Make Birmingham yours
Complete the form below for detailed programme and pricing information and to be contacted by phone and email.
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Multiple pathways to completion
Our Masters of Public Administration features a career-centred curriculum that empowers students to make a more meaningful impact in their communities. In this flexible programme, you can take breaks when you need them and choose the exit pathway that best suits you: Complete a full masters (180 credits), Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits), Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits) or individual modules.
Module highlights
- Digital Era in Public Policy
- Public Management and Governance in a Changing World
- Programme and Project Management
Excellence in distance learning
The University of Birmingham’s online courses encourage students to elevate their ideas and reshape the world. You’ll have the freedom to study whenever and wherever it works best for you while benefitting from world-class instruction delivered by the same lecturers and faculty experts who teach on campus. Enjoy the flexibility of online learning with convenient modules that prioritise immersive activities and lively discussions. Graduate poised to step into your desired role with new knowledge and skills gained from a research-informed, career-centred programme.
Flexible entry criteria
Birmingham values your experience as a dedicated public servant, and our commitment to student success sets the stage for life-changing educational experiences. The online Masters of Public Administration offers multiple entrance pathways to accommodate your individual background and level of experience.
Offer in principle for qualifying students
Students who have obtained an upper second-class degree or postgraduate diploma from a UK university are eligible for standard academic entry and must submit a completed application and a copy of their CV. Anyone who meets standard entry criteria will receive an offer in principle within 48 hours.
Requirements for academic entry:
| Certificate/transcripts | Student must have obtained (or be predicted to obtain) an upper second-class degree or postgraduate diploma from a UK university OR an equivalent qualification from a recognised institution. |
| Additional Documentation |
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| Evidence of language (if applicable) | If English is not your first language, you will also need to supply an up-to-date English language certificate. Please see the detailed language criteria listed below. |
Alternative paths to entry
Students seeking non-standard academic entry may pursue the following routes.
- The degree or equivalent qualification must be from a UK university or recognised institution.
- You must provide evidence of at least 1-5 years of relevant work experience in the public sector.
- You must also submit one reference. Your reference can be either be uploaded to your application by your referee or email directly to your Student Recruitment Coordinator.
- Optional: Submit a personal statement uploaded in PDF format.
- The degree or equivalent qualification must be from a UK university or recognised institution.
- The student must provide evidence of at least 5-7 years of relevant senior experience in the public sector.
- You must also submit one reference. Your reference can be either be uploaded to your application by your referee or email directly to your Student Recruitment Coordinator.
- Optional: Submit a personal statement uploaded in PDF format.
- Without a degree, the student must provide evidence of 8+ years of senior work experience in the public sector.
- You must also submit one reference. Your reference can be either be uploaded to your application by your referee or email directly to your Student Recruitment Coordinator.
- Optional: Submit a personal statement uploaded in PDF format.
Earn an internationally recognised masters
At Birmingham University, we’re shaping the future of industries through pioneering research and world-class degree programmes that prepare graduates to better serve the global community. We pride ourselves in welcoming and supporting international students – as of 2023, 62% of students in the online masters programme are international and reside in 70 different nations outside the UK.
If English is not your first language, you will need to supply an up-to-date English language certificate. See the details below.
- Academic IELTS certificates with a score of 6.5, and no less than 6.0 in any band
- TOEFL with a score of 88, and no less than 21 in ‘Reading’, 20 in ‘Listening’, 22 in ‘Speaking’, and 21 in ‘Writing’
- Pearson PTE with a score of 67 and no less than 64 in all four skills
- Cambridge Advanced English with a minimum overall score of 176 and no less than 169 in any component
- Language Cert ESOL SELT B2 ‘Communicator’ test certificate with a minimum score of 33 in each skill
- Trinity ISE III with a ‘Pass’ in each skill
- HKDSE with a minimum score of 4 overall, to include three bands at grade 4 and one band at grade 3
- India Standard XII with a minimum pass of 80% in ISC, CBSE, Maharashtra or 75% in West Bengal, or 85% in other state boards
You may not need to provide evidence of your English language abilities if:
- You’re from a specified majority English-speaking country
- You’ve completed a degree in English in a specified country within two years of your intended start date
If nationals from the following countries have a degree or GCSE English grade 4/C equivalent taken, then they do not need to provide a test and there is no validity period for their degree or GCSE equivalent.
Nationals of other countries can be exempt if they hold a degree from one of the below countries within the last two academic years:
- Australia
- Belize
- Botswana
- British Overseas Territories
- Anguilla
- Bermuda
- British Antarctic Territory
- British Indian Ocean Territory
- British Virgin Islands
- Cayman Islands
- Falkland Islands (and Dependencies)
- South Georgia
- South Sandwich Islands
- Gibraltar
- Montserrat
- Pitcairn
- Henderson
- Ducie and Oeno Islands
- Saint Helena (and Dependencies)
- Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
- Turks and Caicos Islands
- Brunei
- Cameroon
- Canada
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Guyana
- Republic of Ireland
- Kenya
- Malta
- Mauritius
- Namibia
- Nigeria
- Sierra Leone
- Singapore
- South Africa
- Tanzania
- United Kingdom
- United States
- West Indies
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Jamaica
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Transparent tuition costs
The estimated total cost of this programme is £15,145 GBP. You can pay in full or in instalments of £1,165 per module. All costs are listed to help you make an informed decision.
Programme fees are reviewed annually and are subject to change each academic year. The fees listed above are for academic year 2025-26.
Rewarding careers in public administration
An online Masters in Public Administration will prepare you for a range of rewarding careers in public services. Pursue roles such as public sector leadership, public service manager, finance secretary, strategic change manager, performance analyst, public procurement, project officer, political risk analyst and more. Graduates of this programme are employed in a range of environments, including local council, local government, geo-political and socio-economic organizations, emergency services and civil service.
- The average annual salary for people who have a Master of Public Administration is £54,0001
- Change managers working in the UK earn an average of £51,3502
- On average, senior policy advisors earn a yearly salary of £44,9783
“This course has helped me to identify gaps through process mapping, defining and resolving problems faster and more effectively. It has given me the scope to view local government through wider lenses and a future towards e-governments, greater public involvement and co-production of services and delivery.”
– Ana Soochit, Online Master Of Public Administration Graduate, Trinidad
Earn a highly recognised credential
Gain global insights, develop big-picture thinking and emerge with an impressive credential for success in the workplace. Employers are keen to hire our graduates, trusting in their preparedness, advanced postgraduate knowledge, and the fact that we have eight Nobel Laureates and two prime ministers among our alumni.
Ranked 76th in the world (QS 2026)
Ranked 93rd in the world (THE 2025)
Ranked 14th in the UK (Complete University Guide 2024)
Ranked 35th most internationally diverse university in the world (THE 2024)
Russell Group member
Universitas 21 member
Learn more today
Request InfoReferences
- Payscale. “Master of Public Administration (MPA) Degree.” Retrieved 15 Oct. 2024 from https://payscale.com/
- Payscale. “Average Manager, Change Management Salary in the United Kingdom.” Retrieved 15 Oct. 2024 from https://payscale.com/
- Payscale. “Average Senior Policy Advisor Salary in United Kingdom.” Retrieved 15 Oct. 2024 from https://payscale.com/