Short Online Courses in Public Administration
The University of Birmingham Online
Program description
Short Online Courses in Public Administration
Across the globe, 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, our 8-week, 100% online short courses – or Postgraduate Microcredentials – will help you to progress in this dynamic and evolving field.
Covering topics such as leadership, governance and performance management, each postgraduate microcredential is designed to help hone your skills in a particular area of public services. Not only are they a quicker way to boost your CV, but they also teach you the skills you need to support your career objectives and continuing professional development (CPD) – without the commitment of long-term study.
Admission requirements
At least an upper second-class degree or postgraduate diploma from a UK university OR an equivalent qualification from a recognised institution. Professional applicants may also be considered.
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.
Does this course require proof of English proficiency?
The TOEFL® test is accepted by 10,000+ universities and higher education institutes in over 150 countries. Book your test today!
Learn moreProgram content
All of our postgraduate microcredentials are taught by academics and industry experts who are leaders in their field – supporting your ability to expand your career opportunities and effect positive change in public services.
We currently offer the following online short courses:
Leadership in public services
Exploring the concept of leadership and the changing demands on public service leaders, this course helps to hone a set of individual and highly practical leadership skills.
Performance management
Gain the practical skills and knowledge necessary to apply theoretical frameworks and data to drive performance management.
Partnership and collaboration
Understand the dynamics of inter-organizational collaboration in public service and government.
Strategic management
Learn how to strategically plan and manage policies, practices, resources, services and communities, drawing on appropriate examples from the private sector.
Democracy, governance and participation
Study the influence of representative democracy and the challenges in changing societies around the world, exploring models of participation and government.
Managing public money
Examine how the economy works and its role in government, and acquire key skills in budgeting, finance, cost/benefit analysis and more.
Managing in a political environment
Understand the value of political leadership in public service management, learning how to manage the interface between political and managerial leadership.
program management
Explore the practical aspects of program management and how it is used to implement new strategies and change in public services around the world.
Public management and governance in a changing world
Serving as an overview of the development of public service governance, this course examines the challenges and pressures on public bodies and governments to deliver public services.
Program delivery
Our short courses are 100% online, giving you the flexibility to study and progress your career around your existing commitments, from anywhere in the world. All you need to commit to is 12–15 hours of study a week.
By enrolling onto any of these microcredentials, you will be a fully registered University of Birmingham student for the duration of the course, with access to the same acclaimed lecturers, industry speakers, resources and support services as our campus-based students. You’ll also be connected to a community of like-minded learners from around the world, through live discussions, instant messaging, group work and more.
Tuition fees
For detailed pricing information and to find out more about the payment methods available, please request information and a member of the admissions team will be in touch to discuss your inquiry.
Qualification
At the end of your 8-week course, you will receive an official University of Birmingham Postgraduate Microcredential certificate worth 10 credits, and a transcript highlighting your new credential to both current and prospective employers.
Studying a short course is also an opportunity to introduce yourself to online learning. Should you choose to apply for a full masters program at a later date, any course credits you’ve earned through this Microcredential qualification will count towards the Online Master of Public Administration program.
About this institute

The University of Birmingham Online
Become a leader in your field with a postgraduate degree from the University of Birmingham. One of the UK’s top academic institutions, it combines a long history of rigorous academics and the informed expertise of our faculty with innovative educational...