Managing Public Money (Online) 20 credits

Designed for professionals who are keen to enhance their career prospects in the ever-changing world of public administration, this course focuses on how the economy works alongside the role of the government, before introducing key skills in budgeting, finance, cost-benefit analysis and more. It’s through the influence of INLOGOV that you’ll develop a deeper understanding of today’s public service practices and strategies, preparing you to lead change anywhere in the world.

By examining the key issues in public budgeting – along with the challenges faced by public investment – you will be able to analyse and explain how effective financial management can help to generate the best possible outcomes by the market in an optimal way.

After completing the 8-week course, you will receive an official University of Birmingham postgraduate micro-credential certificate (worth 10 academic credits) and a transcript. You will be able to use these academic credits to apply for advanced entry to the University of Birmingham’s full Online Masters of Public Administration (MPA) qualification

By the end of this course you will be able to:

• Recognise the broad process whereby scarce resources are allocated by the market
• Distinguish between positive and normative statements
• Describe and discuss the issue of government failure – and market failure arguments for government intervention
• Identify the main reasons why the market may be considered to fail, and correctly categorise different examples of market failure
• Describe the concept of externality; identify and distinguish examples of externalities
• Discuss how the public sector can act to improve outcomes in the face of externalities
• Explain the problem of public goods and identify possible solutions
• Describe the key principles of obtaining public finance through taxation, efficiency and equity dimensions

Delivered entirely online, our eight-week short course offers flexible, world-class learning through immersive modules led by expert faculty. You can choose to complete a single micro-credential or combine all nine to pursue the full Online Master of Public Administration (MPA). Each module features interactive activities, lively discussions, and real-world applications, allowing you to study at your own pace and convenience.

To be eligible to apply for a short course, you will need to have obtained (or be predicted to obtain) an upper second-class degree or postgraduate diploma from a UK university, OR an equivalent qualification from a recognised institution. Professional applications may also be considered. Please speak to a Recruitment Co-ordinator to discuss your eligibility.

The programme fee includes access to the online learning platform, course materials and digital reading materials. The fee does not include any personal expenses for new technical equipment or office supplies.

If, after completing the course, you wish to transfer to the full Online MPA programme, please speak to your Student Services Co-ordinator. You will need to re-submit an application.

Application checklist:

• Complete an application form online.
• Supply an up-to-date CV and any other supporting documents demonstrating your academic and work experience, plus any other skills that may support your application. These will help us to ensure you have the right experience for the course.
• Submit your most recent degree certificate from your previous institution, so we can verify your education.
• Supply an up-to-date English language certificate if English is not your first language. We accept up-to-date IELTS certificates with a score of 6.5, and no less than 6.0 in any of the elements.