University of Birmingham Online

Online Masters of Public Administration

The University of Birmingham’s Masters of Public Administration has been specifically designed to equip public-sector professionals with the tools necessary to help make a positive difference, help manage change, and evaluate impact within local governance and strategic public management. The online format offers an immersive learning experience that a student can apply their learnings in real-time in their current role. With advanced knowledge, you’ll be able to make positive changes as we look at life together through a global lens.

Delivered through the prestigious Institute of Local Government Studies (INLOGOV) – the United Kingdom’s leading centre for the study of local public service management, policy, and governance – this programme is perfectly positioned to encourage progressive ideas and innovative thinking without having to set foot on campus.

Short Courses in Public Administration

Not looking for a full master? Study the core practises, principles, and strategies of public services by joining a flexible 8-week course and receive an official University of Birmingham Postgraduate Microcredential certificate worth 10 Master’s credits.

Programme Outline

The University of Birmingham Masters of Public Administration (MPA) online 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 the time you graduate, you’ll have mastered how public management and governance work so you can navigate managerial leadership and global governance and turn theoretical knowledge into real-world scenarios. Below is a sample of what you’ll study through reading, interactive live lectures, discussion forums, and group activities in an engaging, online format.

• Public management and governance in a changing world 
• Leadership in public services 
• Democracy, governance, and participation 
• Managing in a political environment
• Shape communities in public or private sectors

This online MPA provides the necessary practical, contemporary content to help you better serve your local communities and prepares you for work in various areas of practice and policy. You will develop the skills to advance your career to make a greater impact on people’s lives. This programme will help you improve your relevance, be it for the public sector, government, or external agencies.

For individuals with the right level of education and global expertise, several diverse MPA careers are available, from policy management and town planning to corporate services and change management. Underpinned by the latest research, academic insights, and practise-based learning, social services managers and even members of parliament and more.

This program is available as PGCert and PGDip and can be offered as a micro-credential.

Key Facts

The University of Birmingham’s Online Masters of Public Administration has been specifically designed to equip public-sector professionals with the tools necessary to help make a positive difference, help manage change, and evaluate impact within local governance and strategic public management. The online format meets the needs of busy professionals who are balancing full-time careers and personal commitments alongside their studies.

There are multiple intakes a year. Students can join the programme in January, February, June, August, and October.