Faith-Based Leadership (Online) MPA

This course is ideal for anyone in a senior position in a faith setting, or someone looking to progress to a senior position. You might be working for a faith-based organisation or work for an organisation that deals with faith-based issues. Our course brings together professionals from a variety of faiths.

The course runs over 12 months full-time or 24 months part-time.  

Please note that the apprenticeship option is no longer available for this course.

On this course you'll develop leadership and management skills, ready to maximise the social impact of your faith community or organisation.  

• Flexible online study so you combine your studies with work and other commitments.
• Interdisciplinary course combining organisational leadership, professional development and theological reflection.  
• Focus on continuing professional development: apply your learning in your leadership context from day one.  
• Learn from other leaders from a variety of different faiths, enabling you to find solutions to common problems together.

Crossing faith boundaries

The MPA is a rare opportunity for professionals from different faith organisations to learn in an environment that crosses faith boundaries. We encourage you to learn from other faith leaders on the course as well as our academic experts. You'll share best practice and broaden your knowledge to consider leadership in a variety of faith settings.

The course is designed for continuing professional development with the needs of faith leaders in mind. Discover what management and inclusive leadership means in the context of your faith organisation and apply the skills you gain from the course to your day-to-day role.  

At Birmingham, research and teaching go hand-in-hand. Lecturers and professors continue to research in their field, offering valuable expertise in Faith Based Leadership.

• Taught modules - each module represents a total of 200 hours of study time, including preparatory reading, homework and assignment preparation.
• Weekly online live discussion activities and individual and group tutorial meetings.
• Dissertation – you’ll undertake a dissertation.

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.

2026/27 Session

The following must be taken:

You’ll usually take all four of these modules, as there are currently no plans to add new ones from the Department of Philosophy, Theology and Religion (PTR) for this programme. However, to allow for some flexibility, up to two of them may be swapped, if approved by the Programme Director, for equivalent modules from other Senior Leadership programmes within the University, subject to the host School’s approval.

All students are normally expected to complete a placement-based dissertation. However, if a major change in circumstances, such as a new job or health issues, makes this impossible, a traditional dissertation may be approved as an alternative.

You should ordinarily have a 2:1 Honours degree, plus three years’ experience in a leadership role (this doesn’t have to be a senior role). However, we are able to take your professional experience into account and it is not absolutely essential for you to have a first degree. Please contact us to discuss your personal circumstances. You’ll also need to be employed or currently volunteering extensively in some sort of leadership capacity.

Please be aware you’ll need to dedicate approximately 8 hours a week on average to your studies throughout the two-year course.

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 iBT taken before January 2026: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
• TOEFL iBT taken from January 2026: 4.5 Overall with no less than 4.5 in any 2 skills and 4 in the other two skills
• 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 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.

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

From application through to graduation, we will support you throughout your exciting online learning 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.