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Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly postgraduate students to get their thoughts on our courses, stunning campus and life in a vibrant and cultural city.
Course overview
Advance your leadership in public administration with a focus on human resources. Experience global insights and hands-on learning through expert guidance and international study visits, addressing management challenges across diverse public sector environments.
The courses exceeded my expectations as it gave me a deep understanding of Human Resource Management. The group discussion projects and exchanges among international students provided me with rich cross-cultural learning opportunities. Meeting with students from around the world, we shared academic insights and exchanged professional experiences. These interactions expanded my global perspectives and revealed that Human Resource Management is a truly global field.
Our MPA in Public Administration (Human Resources) empowers you with vital leadership and strategic skills, preparing you to lead transformative changes in global public sectors and forge a dynamic future in governmental and international settings.
Course Structure
This course will run over 12 months in a full-time-mode. There is also scope to undertake the programme on a part-time basis over 24 months for Home students.
First Term
First Term
Study three foundational 20-credit modules exploring:
- Human Resource and Development policy and strategies analysis
- Human Resource Management theories, strategies, and ethics
- Applied research in public policy and management, emphasising evidence-based decision-making and ethical research practices.
Study a combination of optional modules to gather a total of 60 credits from our list of International Development modules. Examinations will take place throughout the term as courseworks, written exams and/or presentations.
Second Term
Second Term
Further your learning with one 20-credit core modules covering either:
- Current issues and reforms in public sector management, emphasising leadership's role in organisational change and service improvement.
- Global reform strategies and the impacts of decentralisation across diverse contexts.
Complete your curriculum with additional credits from our International Development Department optional modules list, with assessments including coursework, exams, and presentations.
Summer Term
Summer Term
During this term, you will be completing assignments and focusing on your 60-credit research dissertation project.
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Course highlights
Tailored for those passionate about public sector management, you'll benefit from a flexible curriculum featuring diverse optional modules, and engage in practical, theoretically-informed strategies through case study approaches to foster global perspectives. Join a vibrant international student community, supported by our extensive academic networks, and enhance your expertise in ethical leadership and sustainable management. Start shaping impactful public service today.
- Develop a global approach by analysing global trends in public administration and HRM with international case studies.
- Use diagnostic case studies to build practical, theoretically-informed strategies.
- Take your career to the next level. Ideal for public sector professionals or those aspiring to work in public services with a particular interest in Human Resource Management.
- Broaden your learning horizons with the possibility to choose from a wide range of optional modules and participate in international study visits.
- Top 2
We're consistently one of the top UK universities targeted by leading graduate employers
'The Graduate Market in 2026' High Fliers report
- #7
in the UK for research in Development Studies
REF 2021
- #68
QS World University Rankings 2027
QS Top Universities
Course delivery
Teaching will utilise a range of learning methods, including lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops.
- Lectures: Academics give organised talks to large groups of students who take notes, less interactive.
- Seminars: Small group sessions designed to complement lectures and are generally more informal in nature. They give you the chance to discuss issues with fellow students and allow for more interaction than a traditional lecture.
- Tutorials: Small group discussions with a tutor which are informal.
- Workshops: Workshops are for smaller groups, but instead of discussion, students might learn about a tool or a technique that they will be required to know about for their course. They are usually more hands-on learning that allow discussion regarding the given topic.
Module information
A Masters programme is made up of 180 credits in total. For this programme, you'll take four core modules (80 credits), and a dissertation (60 credits), and then choose two optional modules (40 credits) that reflect your own interests.
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 |
|---|---|
| Dissertation (International Development) | 60 |
| Human Resource Development Policy | 20 |
| Human Resource Management and Development | 20 |
| Research for Public Policy and Management | 20 |
You will then choose one of the following core modules:
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Public Management and Leadership | 20 |
| Public Sector Reform | 20 |
You can then select two optional modules (40 credits) from the optional modules listed below, or from modules offered by the other Departments within the School of Government:
Entry requirements
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.
- 2:1 Honours Degree
Work experience or professional qualifications may be taken into account.
International entry requirements
Students who have not studied in English must pass a recognised English test. For more information on what proof you will need, visit our International Postgraduate requirements page
English presessional programmes
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.
Fees and scholarships
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, supervision, assessment and includes membership to the Guild of Students.
- £14,220
Full-time
- £7,110
Part-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 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.
Paying your tuition fees
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.
Tuition fee deposits for international students
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.
Postgraduate Masters loan
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.
Scholarships
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.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
- Applications open on 1 October
Applications for September 2026 have now closed.
How to apply to our taught courses
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Ask us a question
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please speak to our team.
Career opportunities
Prepare for impactful roles in the public sector with our internationally oriented programme, designed for those passionate about HR management and development in public, state, or NGO sectors. You’ll be exploring global trends, leadership strategies, and organisational culture dynamics. Through practical case studies and diverse optional modules, you'll graduate fully equipped and confident to lead in influential positions within government and international structures.
Your careers toolkit
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:
- Careers support services and Careers Network
- Work experience and placements
- Enterprise and entrepreneurship
- Alumni and employer connections
- Global opportunities and life experience
- Careers in the curriculum
We are consistently one of the top universities targeted by graduate employers
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.
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Student experience
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.
Accommodation
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.
Birmingham: a city built for students
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.
Student support
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.
Campus life
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.
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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.