Masters in Public Administration (Human Resources)

Program Overview

The University of Birmingham's MPA Masters in Public Administration (Human Resources) equips professionals for careers in public administration and human resource management. With a focus on leadership, management, and human resource development, it emphasizes a diagnostic case study approach and offers flexibility with a wide range of optional modules. Graduates are prepared for roles in international, national, and local government agencies, as well as non-governmental organizations.

Program Outline

Masters in Public Administration (Human Resources) - University of Birmingham

Degree Overview:

This MPA Masters in Public Administration (Human Resources) is designed for individuals seeking careers in public administration, public sector management, or public services, with a specific interest in human resource development and management. The program focuses on the impact of a changing global environment on work organization and management, exploring leadership and management approaches to address various challenges. The Human Resources MPA pathway is tailored for those interested in human resource management and development within the public, state, or NGO sectors, particularly in developing, transitional, or newly-industrialized countries. While primarily a public sector management program, it covers themes relevant to both public and private sectors. The program emphasizes a diagnostic case study approach in its core modules, promoting practical, theoretically-informed discussions and strategy development. Students can choose any relevant subject for their dissertation, with the final topic agreed upon with their assigned supervisor.

Outline:

The program is structured for flexibility, allowing students to choose half of the MPA taught content from a wide range of optional modules.

Core Modules:

• Human Resource Development Policy (20 credits): This module explores the policies and practices related to human resource development in the public sector.
• Human Resource Management and Development (20 credits): This module examines the principles and practices of human resource management and development in the public sector, focusing on the relationship between hard and soft approaches.
• Research for Public Policy and Management (20 credits): This module equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to conduct research for public policy and management.

Optional Modules:

• Public Management and Leadership (20 credits): This module explores the theories and practices of public management and leadership.
• Public Sector Reform (20 credits): This module examines the challenges and opportunities of public sector reform.

Dissertation:

Students complete a 60-credit dissertation on a relevant topic of their choice, supervised by a faculty member.

Assessment:

The program utilizes a range of assessment methods, including:

• Policy Briefs: Concise and focused documents that analyze a specific policy issue and propose recommendations.
• Presentations: Oral presentations that allow students to share their research and findings with their peers.
• Dissertation: A substantial research project that culminates in a written dissertation of no more than 12,000 words.

Teaching:

Teaching takes place over two ten-week terms, employing a variety of methods, including:

• Short lectures: Concise presentations of key concepts and theories.
• Problem solving: Group activities that challenge students to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios.
• Role play: Simulated exercises that allow students to practice their communication and negotiation skills.
• Group work: Collaborative projects that encourage students to work together and learn from each other.

Careers:

The knowledge and skills gained in the program prepare graduates for careers in:

• International, national, and local government: Positions in policy development, program management, and human resource management.
• Non-governmental organizations: Roles in program implementation, advocacy, and human resource development.

Other:

The program includes a study visit to learn about public administration and strategy in a specific context, with meetings with public sector and associated bodies. Destinations in recent years have included St Petersburg, Guangzhou, Vienna, and Berlin. The program does not require or assume prior knowledge or experience of public sector management or human resource management.