Public Administration

Overview

The Public Administration programme from University of Birmingham consists of three compulsory modules, three optional modules and a dissertation. The dissertation is on a topic of your choosing, within the overall subject area of Public Administration.

There is a one-week field trip at the end of the second term, which aims to study, through a series of meetings with public officials and country experts, the system of public administration in the country visited and the degree to which it meets the strategic challenges faced by that country. 

Why study this programme?

This programme will provide:

• A rigorous and culturally-sensitive understanding of the key concepts and issues underpinning the practice of public administration internationally.
• A thorough understanding of the processes of public policy and management and the factors that may influence the success or failure of public policies.
• An understanding of the relationship between leadership and management in government.
• A critical understanding of public finance at international, national and sub-national levels.

The normal admission requirement for our taught postgraduate programmes is a good first degree or an equivalent professional qualification. Work experience in the public sector is desirable, but not essential. Candidates without a first degree who have substantial work experience in public administration may be considered for admission (subject to interview and/or written statement).