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MSc Public Management

Start date
October
Duration
1 year full-time
Course Type
Postgraduate, Continuing professional development, Taught
Fees

For 2023-2024:
£12,150 FT (UK)
£21,960 FT (International)
More Fees and funding details.

Our MSc in Public Management will provide you with an opportunity to develop your understanding of governance and the challenges of improving performance and co-ordinating public services with governmental processes.

This programme provides an opportunity for you to develop your understanding of public sector governance and the challenges of improving performance and co-ordinating public services and governmental processes. You will reflect on the changing demands affecting public organisations locally, regionally, nationally and internationally, building your knowledge base, leadership skills and self-confidence.

Who is this course for?

This programme will build knowledge, skills and confidence for careers in the public service, government and associated sectors. It is for experienced practitioners from the public and voluntary sectors and also those wishing to embark on a career in public service. The programme adopts a comparative context and is appropriate for UK based and international students.

If I could give anyone a bit of advice, it would be to say that it's not your job to tell you you're not ready. If you're interested in a role, put yourself forward – just do it.

Henrietta Brealey, alumna. CEO, Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce

Modules

Unless indicated otherwise the modules listed for this programme are for students starting in 2023.


Please note: The modules listed on the website for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. On rare occasions, we may need to make unexpected changes to compulsory modules; in this event we will contact offer holders as soon as possible to inform or consult them as appropriate.

Fees

Fees 2023-24
 
UK £12,150
International £21,960

Please check with the Department for the latest fees information.

Learn more about fees and funding.

Scholarships and studentships

Explore our range of studentships and scholarships

For further information contact the School directly or visit  StudentHelp.

How To Apply

Please note that for applications from China, we will be operating a staged admissions process for this course.

Our staged admissions process

A staged admissions process is in place for this programme. This means that when you apply, your application will be considered with all others that have been submitted before the deadline. Therefore you might not hear from us with a decision on your application until a few weeks after the deadline has been reached. This enables us to ensure that all applications are considered fairly and equally. When you apply please ensure that you submit all of your supporting documents including an English language proficiency certificate (if English is not your first language) if you have one.

Further information and application deadlines

1 July 2023 is the application deadline for international students applying through the student route who wish to study in the United Kingdom. We are not able to consider applications for 2023 made after this date. The deadline for Home students is 31 August 2023.

When clicking on the Apply Now button you will be directed to an application specifically designed for the programme you wish to apply for where you will create an account with the University application system and submit your application and supporting documents online. Further information regarding how to apply online can be found on the How to apply pages

Apply online

How to apply

To apply for a postgraduate taught programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online. We have put together some helpful information on the taught programme application process and supporting documents on our how to apply page. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.

Apply now

Our Standard Requirements

The normal admission requirement for our other taught postgraduate programmes is a good first degree or an equivalent professional qualification.

Learn more about entry requirements.

International Requirements



International Students

You can satisfy our English language requirements in two ways:


  • IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band
  • TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 in Listening, 22 in Speaking and 21 in Writing
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) including online: PTE Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
  • Cambridge English (exams taken from 2015): Advanced – minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component

Today's public practitioners must demonstrate understanding in the management of public services and contemporary public policy. They must also be able to offer confident leadership in formulating and implementing appropriate strategies to address them.

The programme provides an opportunity for you to develop your understanding of public sector governance and the challenges of improving performance and co-ordinating public services and governmental processes. You will reflect on the changing demands affecting public organisations locally, regionally, nationally and internationally, building your knowledge base, leadership skills and self-confidence.

"All our teaching is led by academic lecturers who are also supported by a number of practice-based practitioners who are currently working in the public services." Dr Karin Bottom

Assessment Methods

Typically modules are assessed through a variety of essay-based and task-orientated assignments. Each module will include at least one or more assignments, equivalent to a total of 4000 words per module. From the outset, we will provide you with guidance on assessed work, the marking criteria and deadlines. You will also receive personalised tutorial support throughout the programme to help you get the most out of your studies with us. At Masters level you will be expected to do an extended research project (a dissertation) of between 10,000-12,000 words and this can be linked to activities in your workplace. You will be assigned a dedicated supervisor to help guide you through the process of designing, researching and writing your dissertation. 

Careers

Typical paths include career progression within the public sector with the participant’s aspirations being more saleable with a supporting qualification. Transferability of skills also supports participants to change organisations or pathways within public and related sectors.

The qualification will also support postgraduates seeking an entirely new career within the public sector, such as management.

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