Online Master of Public Administration Postgraduate Microcredentials
Study only what you need to succeed
Study the latest practices, strategies and global perspectives, to prepare yourself for the changing demands of 21st-century public service with a short postgraduate micro-credential course in public administration.
Quick Facts
international – students studying overseas in more than 70 different countries1
total course fee for an 8-week programme.
the UK’s leading academic centre on local governance and strategic public management
Centred on the application of new technology and new ideas from around the world, the University of Birmingham’s 8-week 100% online postgraduate micro-credentials offer busy working professionals the tools to get ahead in the ever-changing field of public service.
By choosing to study with us, you will be joining one of the world’s most prestigious universities, with full access to our renowned lecturers and thriving global community of students. As well as being acknowledged globally for our academic performance, we are the most-targeted university by the UK’s top employers (2024).2 The School of Government, which runs the courses, was also recently awarded a Bronze Athena SWAN for Equality and Diversity (2020).3
The School draws on insights from the Institute of Local Government Studies (INLOGOV), an academic department for research and teaching on local governance and strategic public management. These insights are key to understanding the public service practices, strategies and global perspectives necessary to effect positive change and expand your career opportunities in public service.
Courses cover everything from leadership and performance management to managing public money and public service governance. Each course is designed to hone the specialist skills you need to support your career goals and continuing professional development (CPD). This makes it perfect for professionals who are unable to commit to a long-term programme of study.
At the end of the course, you will receive a postgraduate micro-credential certificate worth 10 credits, and a transcript highlighting your new credential. You can use these credits to apply for advanced entry to the University of Birmingham’s full Online Masters of Public Administration (MPA) qualification.
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 ExperienceExplore our featured 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.
Next start date: October 2025
Apply nowPerformance Management
Gain the practical skills and knowledge necessary to apply theoretical frameworks and data to drive performance management.
Next start date: October 2025
Apply nowPartnership and Collaboration
Understand the dynamics of inter-organisational collaboration in public service and government.
Next start date: January 2026
Apply NowStrategic Management
Learn how to strategically plan and manage policies, practices, resources, services and communities, drawing on appropriate examples from the private sector.
Next start date: January 2026
Apply NowDemocracy, Governance and Participation
Study the influence of representative democracy and the challenges in changing societies around the world, exploring models of participation and government.
Next start date: March 2025
Apply NowPublic Policy Research Methods
Study quantitative and qualitative research methods and employ real-world scenarios to impart skills which you can apply directly to your career.
Next start date: June 2025
Apply NowManaging Public Money
Examine how the economy works and its role in government, and acquire key skills in budgeting, finance, cost/benefit analysis and more.
Next start date: March 2025
Apply NowManaging 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.
Next start date: May 2025
Apply NowProgramme and Project Management
Explore the practical aspects of programme and project management and how it is used to implement new strategies and change in public services around the world.
Next start date: September 2025
Apply NowPublic 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.
Next start date: September 2025
Apply Now‘Anyone wishing to advance their career in public administration need not look any further, as the MPA modules are easy to access anytime, anywhere on mobile devices. The MPA is versatile, exciting, workable and you have freedom to study when it is convenient to you.’
– ANA SOOCHIT, TRINIDAD
Admissions requirements
To be eligible to apply, you will need to 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. Professional applications may also be considered. Please speak to a recruitment coordinator to discuss your eligibility.
Choose a programme to apply for, by selecting from the titles above. Fill out your online application, saving your progress as you go.
To apply, you will need to submit the following:
- Completed application – You first need to complete a course application form online. To fill out an application form, choose from the short courses above and click ‘APPLY NOW’.
- Curriculum vitae (CV) or résumé – Supply an up-to-date CV demonstrating your academic and work experience, plus any other skills that may support your application. This will help us to ensure you have the right experience for the course.
- Most recent degree certificate – To verify your education, we ask you to submit your most recent degree certificate from your previous institution.
- 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. We accept up-to-date IELTS certificates with a score of 6.5, and no less than 6.0 in any of the elements.
Tuition details
Cost per course: £1,405*
Total credits: 10
Payment method: Card
The fee includes any online resources, including full access to the online learning platform, course materials and required digital reading materials. The fee does not include any personal expenses for new technical equipment or office supplies.
* Prices are subject to change each academic year.
Frequently asked questions
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 11th February 2020. 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 11.02.2020]
- UNKNOWN (2024) The graduate market in 2024. High Fliers Research Limited [online] Available at: <https://www.highfliers.co.uk/> [Accessed 10.06.2024]
- UNKNOWN (2020) The School of Government receives Athena SWAN accreditation [online] Available at: <https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government/news/school-wide/2020/athena-swan.aspx> [Accessed 21.02.2020]