Delivery format
Online
Course overview
Broaden your horizons and elevate your leadership in public services with the 8-week short course. You'll gain global insights from experts, master key theories, and develop practical skills to confidently take the next step in your career.
Completing this postgraduate micro-credential course will allow you to develop new skills in leadership, governance and performance management to advance your career or pivot into more advance and new public sector roles.
Why study this course?
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Evaluate and interpret the theories and concepts distinguishing political, professional, and managerial leadership in public services
- Analyse and apply the skills needed to operate successfully in various interface environments
- Appreciate the nature of professional competence and integrity in managing relationships with politicians and the value of trust
- Design governance structures that enable elected officials to hold managers and public sector organisations accountable
- Recognise and evaluate the role of political parties in supporting elected politicians
- Formulate appropriate policy design and decision-making processes that engage elected politicians
Course delivery
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.
This course equips you with the practical skills to navigate global challenges, drive policy innovation, and lead transformative public service initiatives—advancing your career in the dynamic world of public management and governance.
- This course requires an average time commitment of 12 to 15 hours per week and comprises a total study time of 100 to 150 hours.
- Assessments include group discussions, blogs, case studies and essays.
Teaching staff
Programme Director
Emeritus Professor John Raine
Professor of Management in Criminal Justice
John has been an academic member of staff at the Institute of Local Government Studies since 1979, during which time he has served two terms as Director (from 1995-2001 and from 2009-2011).
Entry requirements
- 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 contact a Recruitment Coordinator if you would like to discuss your eligibility.
Fees and scholarships
The fee must be paid in full by card before enrolling.
- £1,405
Prices are subject to change each academic year.
The programme fee, which is for the full course, 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, and the cost of any short courses you’ve taken will be deducted from the full programme fee.
Application process
- 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.