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 opening new doors throughout your career.
The UK’s leading academic centre on local governance and strategic public management
We're consistently one of the top UK universities targeted by leading graduate employers
'The Graduate Market in 2026'
Online study. A flexible learning alternative for working professionals around the world.
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly postgraduate students to get their thoughts on what life is like as an online student.
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.
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.
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:
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, supervision, assessment and includes membership to the Guild of Students.
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.
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.
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.
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
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.
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.
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.
Find new perspectives. Hear first-hand about life at Birmingham from our students, past and present.
