Enhance your understanding of public sector governance management and performance challenges. Ideal for both experienced practitioners and aspiring professionals, you'll be equipped with essential leadership skills and knowledge for impactful careers in public service and management careers.
This course is only available as a full-time MSc, whether you start in September or January.
Choosing where to study Public Management was a big decision for me, but when I discovered the University of Birmingham’s dedication to student employability, I knew I’d found the right place. The university’s career support is outstanding, offering free career talks, networking events, and employability workshops tailored for public sector careers. It felt reassuring to know I’d be learning from top academics and getting practical advice to navigate the job market confidently.
This course will run over 12 months in a full-time mode.
You'll study three foundational 20-credit modules:
Assessment will be conducted throughout the semester as group works and assignments.
You'll study three additional 20-credit core modules exploring:
Assessment will be conducted throughout the semester as group works and assignments.
During this term, you will be completing assignments and focusing on your 60-credit research dissertation project.
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Prepare for impactful public service careers with our focus on global governance challenges and leadership development. Our comparative approach explores diverse socio-economic contexts, blending theory with practical applications through case studies and collaborative projects. Develop vital research skills with support from expert faculty in a flexible, inclusive learning environment conducive to career growth in national and international public sectors. Join us to shape policies, drive change, and lead confidently in today's dynamic public service landscape.
We're consistently one of the top UK universities targeted by leading graduate employers
'The Graduate Market in 2026' High Fliers report
Teaching will utilise a range of learning methods, including lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops.
A Masters programme is made up of 180 credits in total. For this programme, you'll take six core modules (120 credits) and a dissertation (60 credits).
The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.
As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.
Year: 1
2026/27 Session
The following core modules are included in your programme:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Comparative Public Management | 20 | Semester 1 (Sept - Dec) |
| Public Management and Governance | 20 | Semester 1 (Sept - Dec) |
| Public Sector Economics | 20 | Semester 1 (Sept - Dec) |
| Performance, Strategy and Challenge | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan - April) |
| Public Leadership | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan - April) |
| Public Policy and Evidence | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan - April) |
| Dissertation | 60 | Full term |
Year: 1
2026/27 Session
The following core modules are included in your programme:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Performance, Strategy and Challenge | 20 | Semester 1 (Jan - April) |
| Public Leadership | 20 | Semester 1 (Jan - April) |
| Public Policy and Evidence | 20 | Semester 1 (Jan - April) |
| Public Management and Governance | 20 | Semester 2 (Sept - Dec) |
| Comparative Public Management | 20 | Semester 2 (Sept - Dec) |
| Public Sector Economics | 20 | Semester 2 (Sept - Dec) |
| Dissertation | 60 | Full Term (May - Aug) |
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September including additional online courses in the summer term. Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.
or an equivalent professional qualification
Full-time, September and January start
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for September 2026 and January 2027 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
International students undertaking a postgraduate taught degree are required to pay a tuition fee deposit before an electronic Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) can be issued.
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
To help you afford your studies, we have put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants to apply for September start.
We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants to apply to start in January 2027.
We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
Prepare for influential roles in public management with our MSc course. Gain a deep understanding of governance, performance improvement, and public service coordination across global, national, and local contexts. Ideal for experienced practitioners and aspiring public sector leaders, our comparative approach equips you with essential skills and insights to navigate diverse challenges and drive meaningful change in governmental and related sectors, both domestically and internationally.
Gain skills, confidence and experiences ready for the world of work with your dedicated careers toolkit. With Careers Network, your dedicated careers service, and the variety of opportunities available at Birmingham, you can build your own toolkit of skills and experiences to get you ready for an ever-changing world after graduation.
Your careers toolkit connects you with the opportunities, support and experiences across the university, including:
We are one of the most consistently targeted UK universities by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2026). Read more about the achievements of our alumni and the way their university experience shaped their journey.
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham is a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.
Find new perspectives. Hear first-hand about life at Birmingham from our students, past and present.
