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Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly postgraduate students to get their thoughts on our courses, stunning campus and life in a vibrant and cultural city.
Course overview
Become an informed faith leader ready to take your leadership to the next level and make a positive impact on society. Enhance your management and organisational skills so you can lead more effectively in faith settings.
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 30 months part-time. Unlike other postgraduate taught degrees, you'll take one module at a time. You'll usually take three modules across each calendar year.
Please note that the apprenticeship option is no longer available for this course.
Module 1
Module 1
Year 1, 15 weeks from early September – mid-December
Each module contains:
- 7 weeks of online content (with weekly live interactive discussion activities and group and individual tutorial meetings)
- 6 weeks of assessment preparation (including continuing discussion groups, activities and tutorial meetings)
- A reading and catch-up week
- A 48-hour residential at Birmingham for your cohort to gather to discuss issues in person, visit key local case study sites and strengthen your peer networks
Module 2
Module 2
Year 1, 15 weeks from early January– mid April
Each module contains:
- 7 weeks of online content (with weekly live interactive discussion activities and group and individual tutorial meetings)
- 6 weeks of assessment preparation (including continuing discussion groups, activities and tutorial meetings)
- A reading and catch-up week
- A 48-hour residential at Birmingham for your cohort to gather to discuss issues in person, visit key local case study sites and strengthen your peer networks
Module 3
Module 3
Year 1, 15 weeks from early May– mid August
Each module contains:
- 7 weeks of online content (with weekly live interactive discussion activities and group and individual tutorial meetings)
- 6 weeks of assessment preparation (including continuing discussion groups, activities and tutorial meetings)
- A reading and catch-up week
- A 48-hour residential at Birmingham for your cohort to gather to discuss issues in person, visit key local case study sites and strengthen your peer networks
Module 4
Module 4
Year 2, 15 weeks from early September – mid December
Each module contains:
- 7 weeks of online content (with weekly live interactive discussion activities and group and individual tutorial meetings)
- 6 weeks of assessment preparation (including continuing discussion groups, activities and tutorial meetings)
- A reading and catch-up week
- A 48-hour residential at Birmingham for your cohort to gather to discuss issues in person, visit key local case study sites and strengthen your peer networks
Module 5
Module 5
Year 2, 15 weeks from early January– mid April
Each module contains:
- 7 weeks of online content (with weekly live interactive discussion activities and group and individual tutorial meetings)
- 6 weeks of assessment preparation (including continuing discussion groups, activities and tutorial meetings)
- A reading and catch-up week
- A 48-hour residential at Birmingham for your cohort to gather to discuss issues in person, visit key local case study sites and strengthen your peer networks
Module 6
Module 6
Year 2, 15 weeks from early May– mid August
Each module contains:
- 7 weeks of online content (with weekly live interactive discussion activities and group and individual tutorial meetings)
- 6 weeks of assessment preparation (including continuing discussion groups, activities and tutorial meetings)
- A reading and catch-up week
- A 48-hour residential at Birmingham for your cohort to gather to discuss issues in person, visit key local case study sites and strengthen your peer networks
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Course highlights
At Birmingham, we recognise faith leaders already have expert theological and pastoral skills, but often need to manage sophisticated organisations, projects and initiatives.
On this course you'll develop leadership and management skills, ready to maximise the social impact of your faith community or organisation.
- Hybrid teaching combining online learning with in-person residentials and weekly live interactive online seminars.
- 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.
- Top 50
in the world for Theology, Divinity and Religious Studies (QS World University Rankings 2026).
Focus on equality, diversity and inclusivity in leadership.
Insightful masterclasses with international experts in organisation and management.
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.
Course delivery
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.
The MPA programme doesn’t follow the traditional University teaching year cycle. This course begins in early September and continues for a total of 45 weeks of the year. Each of the six taught modules runs over 15 weeks, followed by your dissertation in months 24-30 of the programme.
- 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.
- 48 hour residential stays at Birmingham to network with your peers and visit local case study sites.
- Dissertation – you’ll undertake a dissertation.
Module information
The programme comprises 120 credits of taught modules and a 60-credit 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:
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Faith Leadership and Community Engagement | 20 |
| Theological Reflection on Professional Practice | 20 |
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.
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Dissertation | 60 |
| Placement-based Dissertation | 60 |
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.
Here is the standard offer for the course and additional requirements for students applying from India.
- 2:1 Honours degree
in a relevant subject
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: 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.
Fees and scholarships
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, supervision, assessment and includes membership to the Guild of Students.
- £9,000
Each year (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.
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 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.
Scholarships for international students
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.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
- 28 August 2026
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
- 2nd
We’re consistently one of the top UK universities targeted by leading graduate employers
High Fliers ‘Graduate Market in 2026’ report
Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique.
Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations.
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.
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.