Program Overview

---

Managing Public Money

The Managing Public Money short course is taught by the Institute of Local Government Studies (INLOGOV), the UK's leading academic centre for research and teaching on local governance and strategic public management. This 8-week short course places emphasis on the importance of effective financial management within the public sector.

Duration and Time Commitment

• Duration: 8 weeks
• Time commitment: 12-15 hours per week
• Mode: Online

Cost and Level

• Cost: £1,456
• Level: Postgraduate microcredential

Overview

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.

Course Objectives

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.

What You Will Receive

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.

Why Study This Course?

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

Fees

The cost to study this online course is £1,456*. This must be paid in full by card before enrolling.

• 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.

How to Apply

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.

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.
• 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.

Career Opportunities

A qualification in public administration opens up a number of career choices, including local council manager, senior policy officer, social services manager, and member of parliament.

Why Choose a Postgraduate Micro-Credential Short Course?

• Boost your CV in just eight weeks
• Develop the specialist skills you need for your career goals
• Gain an introduction to our Online MPA
• Get a taster of online learning before committing to a full MPA degree
• Earn a postgraduate micro-credential certificate worth 10 masters credits
• Study around your existing commitments with 100% online learning
• Expand your expertise at a top-100 University
• Join a community of like-minded learners from over 50 different countries

Learner Benefits

Learners will be fully registered University of Birmingham students and will be entitled to normal University services (including library and IT resources).