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Course overview
Enhance your understanding of public sector governance management and performance challenges. Ideal for both experienced practitioners and aspiring professionals, you'll be equipped with essential leadership skills and knowledge for impactful careers in public service and management careers.
Our MSc in Public Management will position you at the forefront of public service innovation, empowering you to shape policies, drive positive change, and lead with confidence in dynamic environments locally, nationally, and globally.
"If I could give anyone a bit of advice, it would be to say that it's not your job to tell you you're not ready. If you're interested in a role, put yourself forward – just do it."
Course highlights
Prepare for impactful public service careers with our focus on global governance challenges and leadership development. Our comparative approach explores diverse socio-economic contexts, blending theory with practical applications through case studies and collaborative projects. Develop vital research skills with support from expert faculty in a flexible, inclusive learning environment conducive to career growth in national and international public sectors. Join us to shape policies, drive change, and lead confidently in today's dynamic public service landscape.
- Develop expertise in governance and public sector challenges for impactful career advancement.
- Gain insights into local, regional, national, and international public sector dynamics.
- Ideal for experienced practitioners and newcomers seeking career progression or transition within public service and related sectors.
- Enhance leadership skills and confidence through comparative learning contexts.
Other start dates
This programme is also available with an September start date.
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.
Lecture
Seminar
Tutorial
Workshop
Module information
The programme is composed of six 20-credit modules completed by a 60-credit dissertation project to reach the 180 credits required to graduate with an MSc.
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 must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Performance, Strategy and Challenge | 20 | Semester 1 (Jan - April) |
| Public Leadership | 20 | Semester 1 (Jan - April) |
| Public Policy and Evidence | 20 | Semester 1 (Jan - April) |
| Public Management and Governance | 20 | Semester 2 (Sept - Dec) |
| Comparative Public Management | 20 | Semester 2 (Sept - Dec) |
| Public Sector Economics | 20 | Semester 2 (Sept - Dec) |
| Dissertation | 60 | Full Term (May - Aug) |
Teaching staff
Dr Jason Lowther
Director of the Institute of Local Government Studies (INLOGOV)
Jason Lowther's research interests focus on public service reform and the use of "evidence" by public agencies.
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.
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.
- 2:1 Honours Degree
or an equivalent professional qualification
Fees and scholarships
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, supervision, assessment and includes membership to the Guild of Students.
- £13,500
Full-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for January 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.
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.
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.
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.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
- 17 December 2025
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.
Career opportunities
Prepare for influential roles in public management with our MSc course. Gain a deep understanding of governance, performance improvement, and public service coordination across global, national, and local contexts. Ideal for experienced practitioners and aspiring public sector leaders, our comparative approach equips you with essential skills and insights to navigate diverse challenges and drive meaningful change in governmental and related sectors, both domestically and internationally.
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.
We're first choice for graduate employers... again!
We are the most targeted UK university by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2025). Our graduate stories highlight the achievements of Birmingham alumni and the way their university experience shaped their journey.
Upcoming events
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Student experience
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.
Accommodation
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.
Living in Birmingham
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.
Student support
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.
Campus life
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.
Take a virtual tour
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.