University of Birmingham - College of Social Sciences
Masters in Public Administration (MPA)Birmingham, United Kingdom
DURATION
1 up to 2 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline *
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
GBP 30,370 / per year **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* deadline for International students I 29 August 2025 deadline for Home students
** for full-time International students | part-time UK students: £15,185 per year | for full-time UK students: £13,040 | part-time UK students: £6,520 per year
Key Summary
Introduction
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.
Gallery
Ideal Students
The MPA is an international masters programme, aimed at those who aspire to a career in public management or policy-making in government, public agencies or non-governmental organisations working with government, whether at local, regional, national or international levels, worldwide.
Since the programme was founded in 2009 it has attracted students from Azerbaijan, Brunei, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Croatia, France, Georgia, Guyana, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Mexico, Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, South Africa, South Sudan, St Kitts, St Lucia, Tajikistan, Thailand, United Kingdom, Vietnam.
Admissions
Scholarships 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.
Visit the course page for more information on the modules available.
Curriculum
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 below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.
As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.
Visit the course page for more information on the modules available.
Program Tuition Fee
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.