Masters of Public Administration MPA

Program Overview

The Online Masters of Public Administration from the University of Birmingham equips students with the skills and knowledge to lead change in the public sector. Designed for working professionals, the program emphasizes applied and work-based learning through modules on governance, leadership, and public policy. The program's practical approach and contemporary subject matter prepare graduates for success in roles such as policy management, town planning, and corporate services.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Online Masters of Public Administration (MPA) is a 100% online program designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to lead positive change in the public sector. It is taught through the UK's leading academic center on local governance and strategic public management, the Institute of Local Government Studies (INLOGOV). The program is designed for working professionals who are seeking to advance their careers in public services, whether it's a move into a more senior role, a change in career, a new department, or a shift into consultancy work.

Objectives:

The program aims 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

Description:

The program introduces students to the latest, pioneering public service practices, strategies, and global perspectives. It covers topics attuned to the current direction of the public sector, including the integration of AI and 'big data' into public service systems. The program emphasizes applied and work-based learning to bring about positive change.

Outline:

The Online Master of Public Administration is a 180-credit full masters program. It is split between twelve taught modules, plus a final dissertation, spanning 2.5 years.

Year 1:

• Six 10-credit modules

Year 2:

• Six 10-credit modules
• Dissertation (60 credits)

Modules:

• Democracy, governance and participation
• Digital-era public service
• Leadership in public services
• Managing in a political environment
• Managing public money
• Partnership and collaboration
• Performance management
• Public management and governance in a changing world
• Public policy research methods
• Programme and project management
• Realising International Agendas in the Public Sector
• Strategic management

Course Schedule:

Each module lasts approximately eight weeks. Students must enroll onto each module in a linear structure to ensure they grasp concepts in manageable sections.

Assessment:

• Written assignments
• Discussion boards
• Simulations
• Presentations

Teaching:

• Video lectures
• Interactive assignments
• Real-life case studies
• Peer interaction
• Digital resources

Faculty:

The program is taught by internationally respected course leaders.

Careers:

• Policy management
• Town planning
• Corporate services
• Change management

Other:

• The program draws upon a huge range of experts within the field, who bring in real-life studies.
• The online format meets the needs of working professionals who are balancing careers and personal commitments alongside their studies.
• The program provides access to a cutting-edge digital platform throughout studies.
• The University of Birmingham's online students engage with the curriculum directly using a variety of digital media.
• The program is designed to help students maximize their potential, grow intellectually, and gain the skills, understanding, and attributes that are highly sought after by employers.
• Previous graduates have embarked on MPA careers in local councils, educational institutions, non-governmental organizations, and political organizations.
• The program is designed with a practical approach and contemporary subject matter to give students a commanding position in the job market.