Public Management and Leadership Blended MSc / PGDip / PGCert

This unique programme has been developed by the Institute of Local Government Studies (INLOGOV) to meet the needs of public sector managers. Its content was developed with the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives (SOLACE), to ensure an excellent fit to the needs of local public agencies. Tutors on the programme often have extensive experience of practice in public agencies. 

Unlock your potential and advance your career with our specialised course in Public Management and Leadership. Develop cutting-edge leadership strategies and practical insights that will help you tackle complex challenges, drive impactful change, and seize advanced career opportunities in the evolving public sector.

Course Structure

What makes this course different?

• Blended Learning: Combines flexible online study with campus-based sessions for a high-quality, interactive and versatile learning experience.
• Collaborative Design: Created with SOLACE and industry leaders to ensure relevant, practical skills for dynamic public sector leadership.
• Dynamic Curriculum: Features a curriculum designed to address contemporary public sector challenges and develop advanced leadership skills.
• Industry-Relevant Insights: Gain practical, research-driven knowledge tailored to the needs of public sector professionals.

The course is delivered in a “blended” format. Each module consists of 6 weeks of independent learning with access to online lectures, discussion boards and tailored resources in our virtual learning environment. Then, we come together on campus for two in-person teaching days, with problem-based, interactive, approach, with external guest lectures etc.

Typically, taught modules are assessed through a variety of essay-based and task-orientated assignments utilising a range of learning methods, including lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops. Each module will include one or more assignments, equivalent to a total of 4000 words per module.

You will have a personal academic tutor who will provide support and guidance throughout the programme, as well as a practice-tutor who will provide support in your workplace and help you to develop your portfolio of professional skills, competencies and behaviours.

• 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.
• Online Live Classes: Classes with this format meet at a regularly scheduled time online. You can interact live with your instructor and classmates as you all work together at the same time and same days.
• Online On Demand classes: On-Demand content and materials are available around the clock, whenever they are needed. Each learner can proceed through at their own speed. 

The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

For information about which modules should be taken in each year, please contact your department.

The following modules should be taken in Year 1:

Year 2:

Students should normally have at least an upper second class (2.1) degree from a UK university or equivalent in any subject. However professional qualifications and relevant experience will be considered where relevant.

Students with the level 7 ILM qualification in Leadership and Management will enter the programme with 40 credits. The ILM qualification has been deemed equivalent to two core modules on this programme: Leadership in Public Services and Performance Strategy and Challenge. If your ILM qualification is more than five years old please contact the admissions tutor prior to making an application.

English language requirements

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:

• TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill

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.

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.

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’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.

Birmingham Masters scholarships

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.

Careers Network

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.

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.