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.
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.
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.
Study three foundational 20-credit modules exploring:
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.
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.
International Development Department ranked 3rd in the UK for research which impacts on society
(REF 2021)
for being most frequently targeted by the country’s top employers
High Fliers Research 2024
for research in Development Studies UK
REF 2021
of our research rated world-leading
(REF 2021)
Teaching will utilise a range of learning methods, including lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops.
The programme is composed of five 20-credit core modules completed by three 20-credit elective modules from the International Development Department as well as a 60-credit dissertation project.
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
2025/26 Session
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Dissertation (International Development) | 60 | Semester 2 |
| Human Resource Development Policy | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Human Resource Management and Development | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Research for Public Policy and Management | 20 | Semester 1 |
Students must either choose either: Public Management and Leadership (PML) or: Public Sector Reform (PSR)
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Public Management and Leadership | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Public Sector Reform | 20 | Semester 2 |
Students must choose 3 x 20 credit master level modules from IDD or elsewhere (subject to the agreement of the programme director).
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Gender and Development | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Conflict Analysis and Humanitarian Interventions | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Conflict and Development | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Democracy, Dictatorship and Development | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Development Cooperation Beyond Aid | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Development Policy and Politics | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Development Projects and Programmes | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Development in Practice | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Digital Governance and Citizen Engagement | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Disability and Inclusive Development | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Environment and Sustainable Development | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Governance for Development | 20 | Semester 1 |
| International Development | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Making Policy | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Post Conflict Reconstruction & Development | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Public Administration – Civil Service | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Public Financial Management | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Social Analysis of Inequality, Poverty and Development | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Urban Poverty + Policy | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Public Economic Management | 20 | Semester 1 |
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.
Work experience or professional qualifications may be taken into account.
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.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.
Full-time
Part-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 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.
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’ve 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.
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. 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 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.
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
Find out why we are the most targeted UK university by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2024) by meeting some of our successful alumni.
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.
