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.
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 two foundational 20-credit modules explore:
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.
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.
During this term, you will be completing assignments and focusing on your 60-credit research dissertation project.
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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, international field trips, 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.
We're consistently one of the top UK universities targeted by leading graduate employers
'The Graduate Market in 2026' High Fliers report
in the UK for research in Development Studies
REF 2021
of our research rated as world-leading and internationally excellent
REF 2021
Teaching will utilise a range of learning methods, including lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops.
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:
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.
Here is the standard offer for the course and additional requirements for students applying from India.
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 or a Presessional English course.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
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.
Full-time
Part-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2026 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.
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.
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.
At Birmingham, we believe in removing all barriers to education, so all of our talented students can achieve their full potential. That's why we've made more than £10.5 million in scholarships available for international students coming to study at Birmingham.
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
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 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.
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.
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.
Find new perspectives. Hear first-hand about life at Birmingham from our students, past and present.
