Discover pioneering public service practices, strategies, and global perspectives that bring about change in your community with our Online Master's in Public Administration (MPA).
Designed for public sector professionals aspiring to take on senior leadership roles, this programme equips you with the skills to create a positive impact at local, national, and international levels.
Request information to learn more about the online Masters of Public Administration (MPA). We’re ready to answer any questions and are available to provide guidance, advice and honest feedback.
Delivered by the Department of Public Administration and Policy (DPAP), the UK’s leading academic centre for research and teaching on local governance and strategic public management.
This programme provides you with cutting-edge research and practice-based knowledge that will empower you to develop and implement policies that make a real difference to people’s lives.
With full immersion in a diverse international student community, the online MPA exposes you to global perspectives and international networks, expanding your knowledge and opeining new doors throughout your career.
The UK’s leading academic centre on local governance and strategic public management
Ranked 1st in the UK for being targeted by top employers (2024)
Online study. A flexible learning alternative for working professionals around the world.
This leading online MPA features expert lecturers and researchers from a range of disciplines. You’ll be taught through a blend of tutorials, projects, and practical assignments to consolidate your learning.
The Online Masters of Public Administration is a 180-credit masters programme which takes 2.5 years to complete.
This course comprises of a series of twelve taught core modules. The core modules are designed to build your specialist public services knowledge, while giving you the tools to think independently and resolve unique sector-related challenges.
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.
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
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, including:
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:
Total cost
Per module
The programme 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.
Our Online Birmingham Masters Scholarship offers £3,000 via a tuition fee discount, to support the brightest and best applicants undertaking a postgraduate course via distance learning in 2025.
Online postgraduate study is a significant financial commitment, and we want you to be completely aware of the associated costs – and all the support available – before becoming a student with us. There are a number of funding options available to help you, including loans, scholarships and employer reimbursement.
To apply for an online postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
If you have a question about your application or the application process, including whether your current degree qualifies you for the programme, contact us using the details below, and we will be happy to help. We’re ready to answer any questions and are available to provide guidance, advice and honest feedback.
For professionals eager to advance their skills and stay ahead in a rapidly changing sector, our Online MPA offers practical, contemporary content to help you better serve your local communities.
If you're looking to develop cutting-edge skills and expertise, this programme opens doors to a variety of MPA careers - from policy management and town planning to corporate services and change management - whether in the public sector, government, or with external agencies.
Your relationship with the University of Birmingham will continue long after your graduation. To make the most of your future career prospects, we will help you gain the skills, knowledge and attributes that employers are looking for.
As one of the largest providers of distance learning in the UK, we offer you a prestigious online education that matches the on-campus experience, taught by our same expert professors and lecturers. You have the flexibility to study from wherever you are in the world, control your daily schedule, and still benefit from the academic, wellbeing, and career support as part of our global postgraduate community.
From the moment you enrol to the time you graduate, we will give you all the support you need to succeed. Whether you have questions about your application, assignment deadlines, technical issues or careers opportunities, we’re here to help.
