Online Masters of Public Administration (MPA)
Lead positive change
The world of public service has changed, and with it the demand for a whole new set of skills and way of thinking. By introducing you to the latest, pioneering public service practices, strategies and global perspectives, our flexible 100% Online Masters of Public Administration (MPA) will prepare you for today’s public sector challenges, equipping you with the tools to effect positive change, wherever you are in the world.
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Quick facts
international – students studying overseas in more than 70 different countries1
total programme fee (academic year 2024-25). This can be paid in full or in instalments2
the UK’s leading academic centre on local governance and strategic public management
Make a difference to your community
With the integration of the likes of AI and ‘big data’ into public service systems, today’s public servants need to be more forward-thinking and tech-savvy than ever. Packed with the latest ideas from around the world, and with topics attuned to the current direction of the public sector, this programme is all you need to help shape the future of public services.
The Online Master of Public Administration (PGDip/Cert/Microcredentials also available), 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. It’s this cutting-edge research and practice-based knowledge that will help you learn the policies and practices to make a genuine difference to people’s lives.
These same skills are also key to furthering your career, whether that’s a progression within an existing public sector role, or a move into a senior government or agency position, either at home or abroad.
Programme benefits
- 13th in the UK for Social Policy and Administration (QS 2024)
- INLOGOV-led programme
- Flexible, 100% online modules
- Multiple exit pathways
- No hidden fees
- Retention rate of 91%
“This MPA 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
The University of Birmingham’s MPA is a transformative two-and-a-half-year journey designed to equip you with the essential knowledge and insights to advance your career in the dynamic realm of public service.
Our 180-credit online master’s program is unique in that it provides you with both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills you need to succeed in a variety of public administration roles.
You will gain a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of public administration, policy development, and leadership. It will empower you to make a positive impact within government institutions and related organizations.
Tailored for career-driven practitioners, our programme is designed to help you advance your career in public administration, develop the skills you need to make a positive impact on your community and prepare for leadership roles in the public sector.
We will explore critical areas like strategy, good governance, performance, leadership, and digital public governance. It’s a holistic approach to public administration that prepares you for today’s challenges.
You will have the opportunity to connect with experts and real-world practitioners, engaging in meaningful discussions with a diverse community of students from various backgrounds and nationalities.
Throughout your study, a dedicated team are ready to support you, ensuring you thrive academically. Experience a blend of online coursework, collaborative projects, engaging online seminars, and the analysis of real-world case studies—applying theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios.
Shape your future, make a tangible difference. Apply today!
Career outlook
We’re committed to helping you develop the skills you need to advance your career to a level where you’re able to make a greater impact on people’s lives. Whether you’re looking to progress in the public or voluntary sector, or in a consultancy role, the Online Master of Public Administration prepares you for work in various areas of practice and policy.
For individuals with the right level of education and global expertise, a number of career choices are available, such as senior policy officer, social services manager and even a member of parliament. Backed by the skills and the know-how, you’ll have all you need to drive public sector efficiencies in your future career.
Unlock your careerMultiple pathways to completion
The Masters in 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:
- Full masters (180 credits)
- Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits)
- Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits)
- Postgraduate Microcredentials (10 credits)
Gain an authentic feel for effective online learning:
Join a free 4-week online course titled ‘Transforming Citizen Participation’ and gain an authentic experience of what it’s like to study this programme online. Offering a taster of the course content, you can discover the best techniques used to encourage citizen participation and learn how to engage at all levels of the public sector.
Proof of participation in this course could help to support your application if you do not meet standard entry criteria.
Demo Programme ContentAdmissions requirements
For entry to the Online Masters in Public Administration, you must have obtained (or be predicted to obtain) an upper second-class degree from a UK university OR an equivalent qualification from a recognised institution.
If you do not meet standard criteria, we offer a more flexible entry criteria and can accept applications with a lower degree and relevant work experience. Additional criteria is listed on our admissions pages.
If English is not your first language, you will also need to supply an up-to-date English language certificate. We accept an academic IELTS with a score of 6.5 and no less than 6.0 in any band. Other language test scores are accepted. Please speak with us to find out more.
View requirementsTuition details
The estimated total cost of the full masters programme is £14,625. You can pay in full or in instalments of £1,125 on a module-by-module basis. If you are interested in taking one module as a standalone micro-credential, the total cost of this is £1,405 per 8 week course. 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 the academic year 2024-25.
Online Birmingham Master’s Scholarship
In celebration of our 125th anniversary, we are continuing our rich tradition of supporting and welcoming the brightest students to the University by offering a £3,000 tuition fee discount through our Online Birmingham Masters Scholarship scheme. Apply by Friday 30th May to join the June 2025 intake. Find out more.
More tuition detailsStart dates:
January | March | May | June | September | October
“This Online Masters of Public Administration is helping me to overcome my challenges by introducing me to more innovative ways of thinking, supported by Module Convenors who are not only academics but have personal experience of working in the public sector. I can thoroughly recommend this course to anyone aspiring to improve their working knowledge and their career opportunities whether in the public or private sector.”
– Sharon Clayton, Online Master of Public Administration graduate, United Kingdom
Programme outcomes
You will complete this programme ready to:
- 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
As well as providing the highest levels of convenience and flexibility that 100% online learning offers, the programme is full of interactive elements, like video and group activities, which bring the content to life.
Rather than trying to replicate a campus-based setting online, we’ve built this programme from the ground up, drawing on the latest technology to create a truly unique and immersive student experience.
The online learning environment is not only a window to programme materials, it’s an opportunity to connect directly with your lecturers and other professionals like yourself.
Online ExperienceTaught by the same lecturers and global experts as the campus-based programme, you’ll be exposed to diverse theories and practical ideas from across the public service arena. As well as input from former international councillors, civil servants and consultants, the programme is run by former government policy officer Dr Philip Whiteman.
The opportunity to access the latest thinking in public services, from an international network of industry leaders and experts, will help you further your insights and influence, anywhere in the world.
A dedicated module convener and seminar tutor will be in contact with you on a weekly basis, guiding you through the programme content, discussion activities and assignments.
Frequently asked questions
You may have some questions about the programme, the university or the online environment. It’s always the way when starting something new. Don’t worry; we’re here to answer them.
If you have a question we don’t cover here, request more information or call +44 (0)800 032 7101.
You can apply to study the Online Master of Public Administration irrespective of which industry you work in. Whatever your professional ambition, this programme supports a broad range of organisational functions within the public and private sector.
Currently there are nine featured short courses available under the Master of Public Administration programme, which you can study online over an 8-week period. At the end of your course, you will receive an official University of Birmingham Postgraduate Micro-credential certificate worth 10 credits, and a transcript highlighting your new credentials to both current and prospective employers.
Through our online learning environment, Canvas, you can contact your peers and tutors, use discussion forums, connect to live lectures and take part in group work. It’s a highly interactive environment, designed to make you feel part of a community.
Some students also choose to use Skype, WhatsApp or Google Hangout whilst studying, in addition to Canvas.
As well as learning from leading lecturers and industry speakers, you’ll have access to community boards, instant messaging services, live discussions and one-to-one support from a Student Services Coordinator. We also offer 24/7 technical support should you encounter any difficulties accessing the online platform.
Our online learning environment includes videos and interactive activities for you to learn from. You can also access the university’s online library, which includes e-textbooks, journal articles and specialist industry reports.
Find out more about our online learning environment.
We have multiple intakes per year. Contact us to learn more about our upcoming start date.
References:
- Updated 14th March 2024. 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 14.03.2024]
- Programme fees are reviewed annually and are subject to change each academic year.