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Masters in Public Administration Finance MPA
- CampusBirmingham (Edgbaston)Delivery formatIn person
- Start dateSeptember 2027Duration12 months (full-time), 24 months (part-time)
- AwardMaster of Public Administration
- Entry requirements2:1 Honours Degree
- Fees (UK/Ireland)£14,220 (full-time) / £7,110 (part-time)
Course overview
Develop your leadership in public management with a focus on global insights and practical skills. Explore efficiency, reform and strategy in government through expert guidance and international learning opportunities.
Our MPA in Public Administration (Finance) equips you with crucial leadership and strategic skills, empowering you to drive impactful reforms in global public sectors, shaping a dynamic future in governmental and international arenas.
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 two foundational 20-credit modules explore:
- Your public sector economists' skills in analysing current economic issues using real-world data and advanced analytical techniques.
- Applied research in public policy and management, emphasizing 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 covers key aspects of financial management in public sector organisations, emphasizing budgeting, financial appraisal, and modern management approaches. 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
The Masters in Public Administration (Finance) stands out with its strong international focus, practical approach, and diverse student body. You'll gain strategic financial management skills, explore new financial management reforms, and benefit from specialised modules tailored to your career goals. Aimed at people with experience in financial and economic management within the public sector although none is required, you'll engage in real-world case studies, and expert instruction from subject experts. This programme prepares you for leadership roles in government, public enterprises, and NGOs, emphasising global perspectives and practical application.
- Gain strategic financial management skills for effective public sector leadership.
- Engage in practical case studies and real data analysis.
- Tailor your studies with specialised modules and a dissertation on your chosen topic.
- 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 |
| Public Financial Management | 20 |
| Research for Public Policy and Management | 20 |
| Public Economic Management | 20 |
You will then choose one of the following core modules:
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Making Policy | 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 offer a range of scholarships and funding opportunities. We also offer advice and guidance 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.
- 27 August 2027
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
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 influential roles in public administration with our MPA in Public Administration (Finance). Designed for current and aspiring professionals in government, NGOs, and public enterprises, this programme imparts crucial financial management expertise. Whether steering financial reforms, crafting economic policies, or advancing within public sector organisations, our diverse curriculum ensures you are equipped for impactful leadership at all levels.
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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