Masters Degrees (Public Finance)

Visit our website for more information on fees, scholarships, postgraduate loans and other funding options to study Public Policy (Extended) at Swansea University - 'Welsh University of the Year 2017' (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2017).

The MA in Public Policy is designed to provide a high level training in the study of public policy and policy making at international, national and sub-state levels.

Key Features of MA in Public Policy

The MA in Public Policy provides a solid grounding in the key theoretical approaches to the study of public policy, and seeks to develop the knowledge and skills of those wishing to engage in further academic study. At the same time, the Public Policy MA focuses on the necessary skills involved in working in a public policy landscape now increasingly characterised by change and interdependence. Consequently, it will also develop the knowledge and skills of those wishing to, or already, pursuing a career in public policy research, policy advice, lobbying, public sector management or journalism.

The full-time Public Policy course structure is split across the year with three modules taken in each academic semester (a total of six modules) and then a dissertation over the summer. Students study four compulsory modules and two optional modules. The dissertation is written on a specialist research topic of the student's choosing.

Part-time study is available.

The Swansea programme in Public Policy is uniquely placed to offer students a comprehensive knowledge of public policy in multi-level and comparative settings, with staff well-versed in the theoretical, empirical and methodological understanding of public policy, with specialisms including European Union policy, multi-level governance, political economy, development studies and British and regional politics.

The Extended MA (EMA) in Public Policy is a 240-credit postgraduate qualification that is equivalent to 120 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) and is thus a recognised Masters qualification throughout the European Union. The EMA is a standard UK MA plus an additional 60 credits (30 ECTS) and this additional coursework is undertaken in one semester at a partner institution overseas. The EMA is therefore not only an EU recognised postgraduate qualification it also adds a study abroad experience thus enhancing the qualification’s employability credentials.

The partner institution for EMA Public Policy is The Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University. Founded in 1997, the Bush School is ranked in the top 12 percent of the

266 graduate public affairs schools in the USA, according to rankings published in U.S. News & World Report. Located in College Station, Texas, the School’s programmes are housed in the Robert H. and Judy Ley Allen Building, which is part of the George Bush Presidential Library Center on the West Campus of Texas A&M. This location affords students access to the archival holdings of the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, invitation to numerous events hosted by the George Bush Foundation at the Annenberg Presidential Conference Center, and inclusion in the many activities of the Texas A&M community. Texas A&M is the sixth-largest university in the USA with 50,000 students. It holds membership in the prestigious Association of American Universities, one of only 61 institutions with this distinction.

Modules

Modules on the MA in Public Policy typically include:

• Governance,Globalization and Neoliberal Political Economy

• Comparative Politics in the New World Order

• The Policy Making Process

• Politics and Public Policy in the New Wales

• Approaching Political Theory: the challenge of democracy

• Politics in Contemporary Britain

• Violence, Conflict and Development

• Critical Security Studies

• Civil Society and International Development

• War, Technology and Culture

• State of Africa

• Human Rights and Humanitarian Intervention

MA Public Policy Programme Aims

- To develop and advance practical and academic knowledge and understanding of public policy

- To develop critical, theoretical and analytical skills, and to improve written and oral communication skills.

- To acquire research and practical skills in public policy relevant to academic, public- and private sector careers in policy-related areas.

Who should Apply for the Public Policy MA?

Students interested in politics, international relations, development studies, law, humanities, social science, International business or a related background. Professionals interested in public policy and administration. Students interested in preparation for postgraduate research, MPhil or PhD, or who wish to develop skills and knowledge related to Public Policy.

Careers

Career expectations are excellent for public policy graduates, who are well-placed for careers in a variety of sectors in the UK, Europe or internationally. MA degree holders may move on to doctoral study or enter employment sectors such as government and politics; the public sector; journalism; the diplomatic corps; the armed forces; intelligence and risk analysis; relief and humanitarian organisations; law and finance and international business.

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You will be provided with rigorous training in the analysis of issues in finance and corporate policy while improving your analytical and technical expertise. The programme is ideal for those whose career objectives lie broadly with the financial services and banking sectors. You will have the opportunity to gain an in depth grounding with core courses such as Foundations in Finance, Corporate Finance and Quantitative Methods in Finance, and subsequently tailor your programme to match your end goals through the range of optional courses on offer. These include Fixed Income Securities and Derivatives, Investment and Portfolio Management and Decision Theory and Behaviour amongst others.

You will be taught by a top-ranking Department of Economics with expertise in a broad range of areas, including people who have worked and are still working in the finance industry in the broad areas of asset allocation and risk, as well as algorithmic trading.

With a relatively small intake each year you will benefit from a strong sense of group identity and will enjoy close contact with the academic staff of the department. The course director and course coordinators serve as your personal advisors up until the spring, when you will then be assigned a personal dissertation supervisor.

The MSc Finance is an excellent preparation both for a career in the financial services, banking and business sectors and policy making, as well further academic study.

See the website https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk/economics/coursefinder/mscfinance.aspx

Why choose this course?

- The course offers an excellent opportunity to get a strong grounding in core areas of Finance and to specialise your knowledge further through the optional courses on offer.

-You will be taught by academics who produce world leading research some of whom are also currently working in the Finance and Banking sectors. In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise we were ranked among the top 10 Economics Departments in the UK

- Students attend a two week pre-sessional quantitative methods course to ensure they are in a good position to start this challenging Masters courses

- The Department of Economics at Royal Holloway is unique in being a young department, created in 1995, in an established and prestigious college of the University of London.

- Our courses are small and select, thus ensuring that you will receive individual attention from the academic staff.

Department research and industry highlights

Economics is among the top departments in the UK for Research Excellence. In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE), 80% of the Department's research submitted was ranked as world-leading or internationally excellent (rated 3* and 4*).

A recent analysis of the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) shows that the Economics Department at Royal Holloway is ranked 8th best department in the UK for publications. The study by Jim Taylor and Ian Walker provides further insight into the research standing of UK economics departments. Previous rankings from the data already showed the Department in the top 10 in the UK.

We run a weekly Internal Seminar which provides a lively forum for work at an early stage of development. Our External Seminar Series runs weekly during term and during the last academic year, welcomed over 20 external speakers from prominent places. Invitees are the usual mixture of established names and newer entrants to the profession thought to be doing exciting work. Our Discussion Paper Series provides a forum for journal-ready work.

Course content and structure

You will study five core course units and, in addition, a mathematics refresher course and a dissertation, as well as choosing two elective course units.

Core course units:
- Pre-sessional mathematics refresher course
All students attend the compulsory pre-sessional mathematics refresher course, which runs for 2 weeks in September, before the start of term. There are no additional fees for this course however students will need to pay for accommodation for the period of this course.

- Corporate Finance
You will be introduced to the techniques of financial analysis and their applications to corporate finance. The concepts developed form the foundation of most elective finance course units. You will learn about the time value of money and the net present value rule, how to value financial assets, capital budgeting decisions, uncertainty and the risk-return trade-off and corporate governance.

- Quantitative Methods in Finance
This course unit will introduce you to mathematical statistics and theories that are applied in financial econometrics. The second half of the unit concerns the analysis of time series data including ARMA models, the analysis of non-stationary time series data, cointegration analysis, vector autoregressive models, modelling volatility in asset returns, forecasting and bootstrapping.

- Foundations of Finance
The course unit in finance will expose you to the structure of the financial markets, the instruments traded and the participants. You will be provided with the necessary tools with which to analyse how the financial markets function and how problems arise from their operations.

- Research Methods
While conducting research sounds like an easy task, it can present difficulties. This unit aims to help you avoid such traps and to assist you in developing strong research skills so that you can conduct an efficient piece of research at the end of your degree.

- Dissertation
The dissertation gives you the opportunity to analyse an economics issue in depth. You will be assigned a dissertation supervisor and, by the end of March, will submit a preliminary dissertation report that contains a clear statement of the problem under consideration, the structure of the project and the research methods that are going to be applied. The dissertation is then written over the summer.

Elective course units:
- Fixed Income Securities and Derivatives
You will gain an introduction to the alternative forms of financial assets that are traded in addition to stocks. Fixed income securities are bonds, bills and notes that offer a certain stream of income to holders. Derivatives are contingent and non-contingent claims on financial assets and are widely used for hedging risk. You will learn how to price these assets, and how to use them effectively in managing portfolios and hedging risk.

- Empirical Finance
The broad aims of this unit are to give you advanced-level training in evaluation of empirical models in finance. It will enable you to apply both quantitative techniques and qualitative methods, learnt elsewhere, to test theories and get acquainted with the existing literature in the field of finance.

- Investment and Portfolio Management
Underlying theory and empirical evidence in portfolio management will familiarise you with its practice in the finance sector. You will acquire an understanding of how funds are allocated when constructing a portfolio.

- Decision Theory and Behaviour
This course unit will deepen your knowledge of rational decision making through the exploration of behavioural models, their formalization and their scope, including applications to finance. You will also become familiarized with both theoretical and experimental methods for research in decision theory and behavioural economics.

- Public Economics
Public Economics is concerned with the study of the effects of government policy and the design of optimal policies. You will assess the implications of basic welfare economics in public policy. A number of recent research areas in public economics are then discussed including income taxation, tax evasion, externalities and social security.

- Political Economy
This course will provide an advanced treatment of the tools used in political economy to tackle some major questions faced by public sector economists. It will in particular focus on the modelling of voters and politicians’ behaviours to address the role played by incentives and constraints faced by politicians when choosing public policies. The effect of different forms of institutional arrangements on public decision making and electoral accountability will be analysed from both a theoretical and empirical perspective.

Assessment

Assessment is carried out by a variety of methods including coursework, examinations and a dissertation.

Employability & career opportunities

Our graduates are highly employable and, in recent years, have entered many different economics-related areas, including careers as economists, financial analysts, accountants, bankers, journalists and business analysts. Our graduates are currently working for firms such as Accenture, TNS, RBS, Deloitte, and Baker and McKenzie. At the same time, this course also equips you with a solid foundation for continued PhD studies. Your careers ambitions are supported by our College Careers Service, located right next door to the economics department. They offer application and interview coaching, career strategy discussions, and the opportunity to network with major finance employers on campus. Our careers service is provided by the Careers Group, the main provider of graduate recruitment services in London. Thus, you will have additional access to a wealth of presentations and networking opportunities which make the most of London’s financial centre.

How to apply

Applications for entry to all our full-time postgraduate degrees can be made online.

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Visit our website for more information on fees, scholarships, postgraduate loans and other funding options to study Public Policy at Swansea University - 'Welsh University of the Year 2017' (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2017).

The MA in Public Policy is designed to provide a high level training in the study of public policy and policy making at international, national and sub-state levels.

Key Features of MA in Public Policy

The MA in Public Policy provides a solid grounding in the key theoretical approaches to the study of public policy, and seeks to develop the knowledge and skills of those wishing to engage in further academic study. At the same time, the Public Policy MA focuses on the necessary skills involved in working in a public policy landscape now increasingly characterised by change and interdependence. Consequently, it will also develop the knowledge and skills of those wishing to, or already, pursuing a career in public policy research, policy advice, lobbying, public sector management or journalism.

The full-time Public Policy course structure is split across the year with three modules taken in each academic semester (a total of six modules) and then a dissertation over the summer. Students study four compulsory modules and two optional modules. The dissertation is written on a specialist research topic of the student's choosing.

Part-time study is available.

The Swansea programme in Public Policy is uniquely placed to offer students a comprehensive knowledge of public policy in multi-level and comparative settings, with staff well-versed in the theoretical, empirical and methodological understanding of public policy, with specialisms including European Union policy, multi-level governance, political economy, development studies and British and regional politics.

Modules

Modules on the MA in Public Policy typically include:

• Governance,Globalization and Neoliberal Political Economy

• Comparative Politics in the New World Order

• The Policy Making Process

• Politics and Public Policy in the New Wales

• Approaching Political Theory: the challenge of democracy

• Politics in Contemporary Britain

• Violence, Conflict and Development

• Critical Security Studies

• Civil Society and International Development

• War, Technology and Culture

• State of Africa

• Human Rights and Humanitarian Intervention

MA Public Policy Programme Aims

- To develop and advance practical and academic knowledge and understanding of public policy

- To develop critical, theoretical and analytical skills, and to improve written and oral communication skills.

- To acquire research and practical skills in public policy relevant to academic, public- and private sector careers in policy-related areas.

Who should Apply for the Public Policy MA?

Students interested in politics, international relations, development studies, law, humanities, social science, International business or a related background. Professionals interested in public policy and administration. Students interested in preparation for postgraduate research, MPhil or PhD, or who wish to develop skills and knowledge related to Public Policy.

Careers

Career expectations are excellent for public policy graduates, who are well-placed for careers in a variety of sectors in the UK, Europe or internationally. MA degree holders may move on to doctoral study or enter employment sectors such as government and politics; the public sector; journalism; the diplomatic corps; the armed forces; intelligence and risk analysis; relief and humanitarian organisations; law and finance and international business.

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Africa is ripe for growth – but there is a shortage of good people who have the right financial skills to to help the market grow and improve the overall investment climate. The Master of Commerce Degree (MCom) in Development Finance will give you the expertise to turn ideas into financially sound, long-term development solutions that improve lives, uplift communities and place Africa on the global stage. This is your opportunity to build an exciting career in the cutting-edge discipline of development finance.

Overview

The Masters of Commerce Degree in Development Finance is designed to develop people and institutions that can help provide optimum financial outcomes that enhance the design and implementation of reforms and capacity-building programmes adopted by development finance institutions, governments, the private sector, NGOs and the wider emerging markets. 

While Development Finance is typically known for its use by people working in development finance and other related institutions, it is also widely used by people in other banking and financial services institutions. It provides the expertise to start initial investments that act as the right catalyst, and demonstrate that enterprises can thrive in economically challenging markets. It is also used to ensure that funds channelled through development projects provide sustainable outcomes that can sustain the development agendas of developing countries.  

Why this Degree?

As a professional discipline, Development Finance is widely practised today by all central governments; major development finance institutions including the World Bank, the IMF, the UN; as well as public and private sector organisations, international foundations and NGOs.

However there is a shortage of Development Finance experts in Africa, where the expertise is needed most. It's for this reason the University of Cape Town’s Graduate School of Business (GSB), has partnered with Africagrowth Institute (AGI), to create the Master of Commerce Degree in Development Finance.

The MCom (Development Finance) programme aims to ensure that Africa produces enough development finance experts to meet the growing needs of the growing continent.

Who Should Apply?

• Development Finance Practitioners
• Civil Servants
• Staff of Development Finance Institutions
• Staff of Other Financial Institutions
• Entrepreneurs
• Staff of NGOs
• Staff in the Private Sector
• Duration of Degree

MCom Benefits

Development finance is for people and institutions that can influence development trends in an emerging context and make large-scale changes that can impact positively on the quality of life of people around the world. The GSB MCom in Development Finance brings with it a wide range of benefits including the following: 

• Chartered Membership of the Chartered Institute of Development Finance;
• Membership of a professional network of development finance practitioners in Africa and beyond;
• A ready-made reputation for excellence from one of South Africa's most respected academic institution;
• The ability to work for development finance institutions, governments, the private sector and other sectors of an economy;
• The ability to conduct high level development finance research and provides students with skills to engage in high policy decision making process;
• The programme equips students with a solid understanding of finance as applied in international development context;
• The programme provides the expertise to start initial investments that act as the right catalyst, and demonstrate that enterprises can thrive in economically challenging markets. 

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Today's public practitioners must demonstrate clear understanding in the management of public services and contemporary public policy. They must also be able to offer confident leadership in formulating and implementing appropriate strategies to address them. For more than 40 years the Institute of Local Government Studies has been providing a range of programmes to meet these needs.

Participants choose either the core Public Management Programme or specialist streams in Public Management (Local Policy and Leadership) or Public Management (Health and Social Care).

The programme provides an opportunity for you to develop your understanding of democratic governance and the challenges of improving performance and co-ordinating public services and governmental processes. You will reflect on the changing demands affecting public organisations locally, regionally, nationally and internationally, building your knowledge base, leadership skills and self-confidence.

Who is the programme for?

Our Public Management programme is aimed at both experienced practitioners from the public and voluntary sectors and those wishing to embark on a career in public service.

This programme, builds knowledge, skills and confidence for careers in the public service, government and associated sectors. It is aimed at both experienced practitioners from the public and voluntary sectors and those wishing to embark on a career in public service. We also attract international students seeking to learn about modern public service delivery and recent graduates seeking a further career to underpin a future career in the public sector.

The programme can be studied part-time over two / three years or full-time in one year.

Pay-as-you-go

Participants may opt for a pay-as-you-go approach rather than apply for a whole programme. Providing you complete the requisite number of core modules, you can develop your programme as you progress through your study – adding flexibility of study with your ability to pay. All requisite modules must be completed within six years.

You can build up a programme by taking the appropriate number of credits for each type of programme: Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits); Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits) or Masters Degree (180 credits).

If you have already completed individual modules as an 'occasional student', these can be counted towards further study.

Are you an employer?

If you are an employer seeking to send a group of participants or seeking to develop a version of this programme to be delivered at your own premises, please contact Philip Whiteman on special rates and specifications: p.whiteman@bham.ac.uk.

Specialist pathways

Specialist pathways are also available for individuals seeking a more focussed programme in Public Management:

Public Management (Local Policy and Leadership)
Public Management (Health and Social Care)

About the School of Government and Society

The School of Government and Society is one of the leading UK and International centres for governance, politics, international development, sociology, public management, Russian and European studies.
Established in 2008, the School comprises three Departments: Politics and International Studies (POLSIS); International Development (IDD) and Local Government Studies (INLOGOV).

POLSIS: The Department of Political Science and International Studies (POLSIS), one of the largest and most academically vibrant departments of Political Science and International Studies in the UK. In the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF) Politics and International Studies at Birmingham was ranked the 6th best in the power rankings highlighting the large number of staff in POLSIS producing world-leading and internationally excellent research.

IDD: Be part of global effort to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Contribute to conflict resolution and post-conflict reconstruction. Help build capacity of nations and communities to adapt to climate change. Study with us to gain the skills and knowledge essential for working in international development in the 21st Century.

INLOGOV: The Institute of Local Government Studies (INLOGOV) is the leading academic centre for research and teaching on local governance and strategic public management. We enrich the world of local public service with research evidence and innovative ideas, making a positive difference.

Funding and Scholarships

There are many ways to finance your postgraduate study at the University of Birmingham. To see what funding and scholarships are available, please visit: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/funding

Open Days

Explore postgraduate study at Birmingham at our on-campus open days.
Register to attend at: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/visit

Virtual Open Days

If you can’t make it to one of our on-campus open days, our virtual open days run regularly throughout the year. For more information, please visit: http://www.pg.bham.ac.uk

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This programme provides students with the analytical tools needed to understand the principles and methods of modern public policy and management, and enable them to make financial decisions and policy choices in the financing and management of infrastructure and services in the public sector. Students take courses in Public Policy and Strategy, Public Policy and Management, Managing Organisational Change. Perspectives and Issues, and Research Methods. In addition, students have the possibility to take courses on Public Financial Management: Planning and Performance, Public Financial Management: Revenues, Public Financial Management: Financial Reporting, Public Financial Management (Audit and Compliance), Macroeconomic Policy and Financial Markets, and Managerial Accounting. The programme aims to provide students with a conceptual understanding of the core principles of public policy and public management, and with a development of capabilities and skills to apply theoretical and domain knowledge to problems encountered in public sector organisations.

Visit the website http://www.soas.ac.uk/finance-and-management/programmes/msc-in-public-policy-and-management/

Structure

The MSc Public Policy and Management has three components:

1. Four core courses to the value of 2.0 units
2. Elective course(s) to the value of 1.0 unit
3. Dissertation of 10,000 words on an approved topic (1 unit)

The 10,000-word dissertation is worth 25% of your final mark. During term 2 you will submit your dissertation proposal and select an academic supervisor. Over the ensuing months you should meet with your supervisor at least three times before the end of term 3 for guidance. The bulk of your dissertation will be written over the summer to meet the mid-September deadline.

Not all elective courses are offered every year; please check your preferences with the Programme Convenor. Also note that if half units are selected, one term 1 course and one term 2 course needs to be chosen.

- Part-time Study

Part-time students are required to complete three of the core courses during their first year, then one core and two elective courses plus the dissertation during the second year.

Those enrolled on the three-year programme are required to complete three of the core courses during their first year, one core and two elective courses in the second year, and the dissertation in the third year.

Employment

Building on the distance learning version of the programme, the Department of Financial and Management Studies (DeFiMS) maintains close links with employers in both the United Kingdom and abroad. We expect that many of our graduates will be employed as civil servants in central government administrations, governmental agencies, local governments, NGOs, super-national organisations, and consulting firms.

Faculty of Law and Social Sciences (L&SS)

Welcome to the Faculty of Law and Social Sciences at SOAS. The faculty is the largest in the School in terms of student and staff numbers and consists of the departments of Development Studies, Economics, Financial and Management Studies, Politics and International Studies and the School of Law, as well as the Asia-Pacific Centre for Social Sciences, the Centre for Gender Studies, the Centre for International Studies and Diplomacy, the Centre of Taiwan Studies and a number of department-specific centres. All five departments offer undergraduate programmes, and all but Finance and International Management offer joint undergraduate degrees which can be combined with other disciplines from across the School. Each department also offers a range of masters-level programmes with a regional or disciplinary specialism, as well as a postgraduate research programme. The range of course options and combinations is one of the most distinctive characteristics of studying at SOAS and all students are given the option of studying an Asian or African language, either as part of or on top of their degree.

Staff in the faculty come from all over the world and combine regional knowledge with disciplinary specialisms. Teaching draws heavily on academic staff’s individual research which allows the faculty to maintain a large portfolio of courses, often exploring cutting-edge issues. Many faculty members have played a significant part in public debates and policy-making in relation to Asia and Africa. Academics in the faculty are regularly consulted by governments, public bodies and multilateral organisations including the United Nations and the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, European Commission, DFID and other country-specific organisations and NGOs.

-Excellent student satisfaction for Faculty of Law and Social Sciences
The Faculty of Law and Social Sciences (LSS) at SOAS, University of London has performed extremely well according to the 2014 National Student Survey (NSS).

School of Finance and Management (FAM)

We are a leading centre for research in finance and management that aims to enhance theoretical and empirical understanding of finance and management in a global context. Our research combines specialist knowledge of financial and management systems in Asia, Africa and the Middle East with more conventional international analysis of Europe and the Americas. We draw on a long tradition of management research that dates from Edith Penrose’s pioneering work in the 1950’s on the theory of the growth of the firm, large international corporations, oil economies, patents, innovation and economic development, to our present day focus on key topics in international finance and management.

View Degree Programmes - http://www.soas.ac.uk/finance-and-management/programmes/

Find out how to apply here - http://www.soas.ac.uk/admissions/pg/howtoapply/

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Why this course?

In today’s unpredictable financial markets, strategic financial decisions and policies frequently need to be considered in relation to various legal requirements and constraints.

Business people increasingly need to have an understanding of the financial and accounting principles which underpin and inform legal regulation of financial institutions, financial instruments and financial markets.

Consequently, finance graduates who also have a strong legal knowledge, will be very attractive to a range of financial institutions and other organisations, both in the UK and overseas.

This joint masters programme between the Department of Accounting & Finance and the Law School addresses this skills gap in the global market by introducing students to both the legal aspects of regulation of international finance as well as to principles of accounting and finance.

You’ll study

The programme comprises both core and optional classes in finance and law.

It aims to provide students with a number of key learning outcomes:

1. To understand the core elements of financial theory and corporate financial theory.*
2. To understand key elements in financial law and regulation including the private law in respect of the structuring of individual transactions and the public law relevant to regulation of financial markets and institutions from the perspective of UK, EU and international law.*

* Students will have the option of developing skills in various specialist areas in finance or business and commercial law.

The programme also facilitates the development of various cognitive skills and non-subject specific skills.

You'll learn the ability to:
-reason systematically
-critically analyse and evaluate arguments
-utilise quantitative techniques
-work on an independent and group basis
-structure and resolve problems
-take decisions in complex situations
-exercise judgement in taking decisions in the absence of complete information and understanding
-use software packages; and, communicate and present ideas effectively

Major projects

Students are required to complete two academic research projects – one in finance and one in law.

Facilities

Strathclyde Business School has undergone a £23.2 million transformation to locate departments in a single business quarter and provide state-of-the-art teaching facilities for our staff and students. The major refurbishment includes two new 100-seat lecture theatres, tutorial rooms for up to 40 people and smaller break-out rooms.

All postgraduate finance students will gain substantial exposure to appropriate databases including Datastream, SDC Platinum, and Bloomberg, as part of their studies.

Course awards

This newly offered programme shares several common elements with our world-class programme MSc in Finance, currently ranked 28th in the world by Financial Times. About two-thirds of the syllabus are in common with MSc in Finance programme and students will be studying several classes together with the students of MSc in Finance programme.

Guest lectures

To enhance the learning experience and allow students exposure and engagement with industry, an ongoing series of guest lecturers from relevant professions and organisations will be on offer.

Course content

Semester 1
Principles of Finance
Accounting for Financial Analysis
International Banking Law

Semester 2
Advanced Corporate Finance & Applications
Financial Regulation & Compliance

Students on the programme will be required to take electives from:
-Behavioural Finance
-Security Analysis
-Risk Management for Banks
-Financial Management for Banks
-Portfolio Theory Management
-Derivatives
-Contemporary Employment Relations
-Labour Law in the Global Economy
-Comparative Company Law
-World Trade Law
-UK & EU Environmental Law
-International Environment Law
-Law of International Business
-International Investment Law
-E-Commerce
-Arbitration Law
-Intellectual Property Law

Semester 3
Students on the MSc will complete a project in Finance and a project in Law.
-Finance Project
-Law Project

Learning & teaching

The course is delivered through a series of lectures, workshops, case studies and problem solving activities.

Assessment

The course is assessed through written assignments, group and individual projects, examinations and presentations. Students will be assesses by a range of methods including written assignments, examinations, and individual & group projects.

How can I fund my course?

There are scholarship opportunities available for students applying for the MSc Finance. Opportunities include:
-Accounting & Finance Scholarships: https://www.strath.ac.uk/studywithus/scholarships/strathclydebusinessschoolscholarships/accountingfinancescholarships/accountingandfinancescholarships/

Check our Scholarship Search for more help with fees and funding: https://www.strath.ac.uk/studywithus/scholarships/

Scottish students:
Students living in Scotland can find out more about funding from the Student Awards Agency Scotland.

English/EU students:
Students ordinarily resident in England may be eligible to apply for a loan of up to £10,000 to cover their tuition fees and living costs. Students resident in the EU may also apply.

Careers

The international market for graduates in finance continues to expand, but the opportunities for employment with the better known financial institutions remains competitive.

The employability of those finance graduates who can also demonstrate a good knowledge of law will be enhanced, and prove to be very attractive to those organisations, financial institutions and law firms, involved in financial decision taking and the resolution of financial issues.

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Are you seeking to acquire advance expertise in quantitative and qualitative finance? The Master of Applied Finance is designed for finance professionals who are seeking additional specialist knowledge for career progression.

The course allows you to align your learning to your career aspirations with advanced studies in global financial markets, funds management, financial planning, money market dealing and business forecasting.

The course covers specialist areas of finance instruction, and is a CFA Program Partner of the CFA Institute, which awards the international CFA Financial Analyst Designation qualification.

Visit the website http://www.study.monash/courses/find-a-course/2016/applied-finance-b6003?domestic=true

Course Structure

The course is structured in two parts. Part A. Mastery knowledge and Part B. Application studies. All students complete Part A. Depending upon prior qualifications, you may receive credit for part A or part B or a combination of the two.

PART A. Mastery knowledge
These units will develop your understanding of the finance discipline and will enable you to provide discipline-based solutions within a business, professional or public context.

PART B. Application studies
The focus of these studies is professional or scholarly work that can contribute to a portfolio of professional development. You will develop a sound knowledge base and acquire a thorough understanding across specific areas of finance.

For more information visit the faculty website - http://www.study.monash/media/links/faculty-websites/business-and-economics

About us

The Department of Banking and Finance is a leader in the advancement of knowledge in banking and finance across the world.

We undertake high quality research, teaching and learning. We also acknowledge our role and apply serious endeavour to the preparation of future business leaders, banking and finance professionals and academics.

The Department of Banking and Finance has its roots in the David Syme Business School of Banking and Finance, which was established in 1974.

Advanced research

The Department has a vibrant research culture and an outstanding record of quality publications in quality international journals.

Research areas in the Department of Banking and Finance include:

- asset pricing
- banking
- corporate finance
- behavioural finance
- superannuation and funds management.

Our research is supported by a robust infrastructure.

We subscribe to all major international and national financial databases (including WRDS). The Department is a full member of SIRCA, a leading provider of financial data and research support to over 200 universities world-wide. Empirical research is strongly supported with a database manager and a full range of statistical analysis software.

Our resources include a simulated teaching and research laboratory (STARLab) and behavioral research laboratory.

Comprehensive teaching program

The Department of Banking and Finance has 45 full-time academic staff who contribute to:
undergraduate and postgraduate degree course offerings
our highly regarded honours and higher research degree programs.

A new PhD program has been developed, where the first year is spent undertaking coursework which focuses on core PhD level units as well as advanced training in econometrics and economics. This program is unique amongst PhD courses in Australia and is designed for prospective PhD students wanting rigorous training in empirical finance.

Strategic collaborations

The Department of Banking and Finance enjoys a rich set of professional and research-based collaborations with key individuals, networks and organisations across the world.

We organise and sponsor major global finances conferences and workshops.

We have strong links with the Financial Services Institute of Australasia (FINSIA) and CFA Institute, with professional accreditation options available to our students.

Find out how to apply here - http://www.study.monash/courses/find-a-course/2016/applied-finance-b6003?domestic=true#making-the-application

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About the Course

In the fast-changing field of finance, the understanding of investment theories and portfolio performance appraisal are critically important. This MSc Finance and Investment course is designed to provide you with a solid foundation in the understanding of financial theory, investment techniques and the financial regulatory environment.

The course has been designed to provide you with an in-depth grounding in key areas such as corporate finance, investment and portfolio analysis, financial services regulation and compliance. You will study with a stimulating and intellectually-challenging learning experience, through academic reading and the use of simulation software and powerful financial databases, such as TraderEx and Thomson Reuters Eikon.

You will also have the opportunity to choose an optional module in a specialist area, such as corporate financial reporting, quantitative methods for financial markets, and multinational operations in finance and banking (the offer of optional modules are subject to timetabling and availability).

The course is delivered in Atlantic House, Cardiff – a fully-equipped learning resource centre, offering a state-of-the-art trading room powered by leading industry software and interactive teaching spaces. Located in the heart of Cardiff’s Business Enterprise Zone, it provides accounting and finance students with the facilities and supportive environment to flourish.

The MSc Finance and Investment aims to develop the knowledge and skills needed for an understanding of the theories, techniques and regulatory environment of financial market investment.

You will study a range of finance and investment modules from both a theoretical and practical point of view, through academic reading and use of simulation software and powerful financial databases. A study of research methods in a finance and investment context will prepare you to undertake your own chosen research project in an area of finance and investment with supervision from expert academic staff. You will also have the opportunity to choose an optional module in an area of specialism such as Multinational operations in finance and banking or Quantitative methods for financial markets.

Wales accounts for 49,000 employees in the financial and professional services sector, and is predicted to see further growth in the next 10 years, as the sector grows, there will be an increase in demand for a skilled workforce.

You could be part of this workforce, you will be studying in Atlantic House, which is right in the heart of Cardiff’s Business Enterprise Zone and is very close to the University’s Cardiff Campus.

See the website http://courses.southwales.ac.uk/courses/1019-msc-finance-and-investment

What you will study

The MSc Finance and Investment establishes a firm foundation in the theory and practice of financial decision making. You will gain the management and analytical skills needed to take you to the forefront of the financial world.

Students will take the following modules:
- Investment and portfolio analysis
- Financial services regulation, law and compliance
- Corporate finance
- Corporate governance
- Research methods
- Dissertation

Option from:
- Multinational operations in finance and banking
- Quantitative methods for financial markets
- Corporate financial reporting

Learning and teaching methods

The MSc Finance and Investment is delivered full time or part-time through a combination of lectures, tutorials, computer workshops, case-study analysis and discussion groups. A hands-on, student led approach is employed; whereby students are exposed to real-world situations and given the skills and opportunities to find practical solutions.

Work Experience and Employment Prospects

This MSc Finance and Investment will enhance your critical, analytical and appraisal skills when handling business data from a financial and investment perspective. These skills, coupled with your previous qualifications in business studies, accounting or audit, will make you a highly desirable candidate.

Assessment methods

Assessment is by a range of methods, predominantly coursework based assignments.

Facilities

This course is delivered in Atlantic House, Cardiff and offers facilities and a supportive environment in which Accounting and Finance students can flourish. From a fully equipped learning resource centre and a state-of-the-art trading room powered by leading industry software from Thomson Reuters to interactive teaching spaces.

The Accounting and Finance Clinic will also soon be based in Atlantic House, utilising specialist expertise within the University to provide free financial advice to the public and small businesses. The Clinic provides opportunities for Accounting and Finance students to gain experience in an applied setting, enabling them to gain and enhance the transferable skills they’ll need when entering the workforce.

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Given the increasing integration of national capital markets, it is becoming more and more important to possess a high-quality postgraduate qualification in finance for those wishing to work for corporations and government bodies involved with stock markets, project investment and the finance industry.

The MSc in Finance is a one-year, full-time programme. It is both academically challenging, with input from world-leading academics, and practically focused, giving you the opportunity to develop the confidence, knowledge and skills needed for a successful career in finance.

This programme provides excellent training for those who wish to pursue doctoral level research with a view to an academic or research-orientated career.

Distinctive features:

• You will be part of a community which is committed to delivering social improvement alongside economic development in the world’s first Public Value Business School.
• You will study at a Business School ranked 1st in the UK for research environment and 6th for research excellence (REF 2014).
• You will be a student of the only business school in Wales accredited by AACSB international (and one of only 5% worldwide).
• Our facilities include a fully functioning trading room giving you access to the latest market data.

Structure

The first semester provides you with a sound theoretical foundation in finance as well as the quantitative and research skills required for a successful career in finance.

The second semester builds heavily on the knowledge and skills acquired during the first semester. In particular, the second semester enables you to either acquire advanced knowledge of both corporate finance and financial derivatives or to specialise in another area of finance. The second semester is organised in such a way to combine flexibility (via the optional modules) with rigour (via the core modules).

In the first semester you will take four core modules.

In semester two, you will take two further core modules along with two optional modules. The optional modules provide progression from those delivered in the first semester and demonstrate the increasing demands placed on you.

Upon successful completion of the taught stage you will progress to the dissertation.

The dissertation is designed to enable you to apply the knowledge, understanding and skills learnt in the taught modules to individual independent research under academic supervision.

Core modules:

Finance and Investment
Quantitative Methods
Research Topics in Finance
Empirical Finance
Market Structure and Trading Systems
Research Methods in Finance
Dissertation

Optional modules:

Financial Derivatives
Asset Pricing
International Banking
International Finance
Mathematical Finance
Marketing of Financial Services
Investment and Electronic Trading
Corporate Finance

Methods of teaching

Most modules involve a mixture of lectures and small group teaching (called classes, seminars, workshops or tutorials).

In a lecture, the lecturer will mainly be giving an overview of a particular aspect of the module content (as well as opportunities for you to ask questions and be reflective), while in classes and workshops you will have an opportunity to practice techniques, discuss ideas, apply concepts and consolidate your understanding in the topic

Support

You will be allocated a personal tutor at the beginning of your studies. Normally, your personal tutor will teach on your own degree course and you will keep the same personal tutor throughout your course.

Your personal tutor will be able to give you advice on academic issues, including module choice and assessment. If you encounter any problems which affect your studies, your personal tutor should always be your first point of contact; she/he will be able to put you in touch with the wide range of expert student support services provided by the University and the Students' Union as appropriate. You are required to meet with your personal tutor at three points during each academic year but you are also encouraged to get in touch with them at any other point if you need help or advice.

For day-to-day information, the staff of our Postgraduate Student Hub are available, in person, by telephone or by email, from 8am to 6pm each weekday during term time to answer your questions.

Feedback

We’ll provide you with regular feedback on your work. This comes in a variety of formats including oral feedback, personalised feedback on written work, and generic written feedback.

You will be given general feedback in relation to examinations following all examination periods and you will be able to discuss your overall performance with your personal tutor.

When undertaking the dissertation/project you are expected to meet regularly with your supervisor to review progress and discuss any questions. Your supervisor will be able to provide feedback on your research plan and drafts of your work as you progress.

Assessment

Assessment methods vary from module to module but, across your degree scheme as a whole, you can expect a mixture of exams, coursework, essays, practical work, presentations, and individual and group projects.

Career prospects

Graduates from the MSc in Finance attract job offers from a range of financial institutions including investment banks, hedge funds and stock exchanges. Some of our graduates will also find roles within organisations and corporations with a strong interest in finance. These include consultancies, national and international regulators, and the finance divisions of multinational companies.

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This course provides an opportunity to combine an understanding of sophisticated economic theory with advanced finance concepts.

You’ll look at micro and macroeconomics and the methodology of econometric research, whilst acquiring a solid grounding in corporate finance and the financial economics tools commonly used in financial services, quantitative investment analysis and research.

This course is developed and delivered by highly qualified staff with research and consultancy expertise. You’ll take an open-minded approach to economic problems, studying current mainstream theoretical and applied techniques alongside a range of alternative critical perspectives, equipping you to meet the growing demand for economics that can address and resolve real-world problems.

Academic excellence

Our Economics department stands for a distinctive type of economics, which is realistic, interdisciplinary and policy relevant. We take an open-minded approach to economic problems, and draw on expertise from one of the major hubs of heterodox economics research in the UK.

Commentary and coverage in the media has highlighted the need for more philosophical discussion about how best to approach economics. Leeds University Business School has been recognised in The Economist as one of the few universities in the UK offering a 'model' for this approach. The University also hosts the Applied Institute of Research in Economics (AIRE).

In addition, you will learn advanced finance concepts from leading academics and practitioners in the Business School’s Accounting and Finance department. You will be able to access the knowledge of our advanced specialist research units, including the Centre for Advanced Study in Finance (CASIF), the Institute of Banking and Investment (IBI) and the Credit Management Research Centre (CMRC).

Course content

Throughout the year you’ll study a set of core modules that develop your understanding of economics and finance. As well as microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics and how it is applied to real-life problems, you’ll build your knowledge of international banking and finance and corporate finance as a whole.

This knowledge base will support your specialist learning when you choose from a range of optional modules. You could explore different areas of economics such as the economics of globalisation, or concentrate on financial topics such as international business finance or financial derivatives.

These different elements of your learning will give you in-depth knowledge of specific topics alongside your broader grounding in economics and finance. You’ll also sharpen your research skills and gain an awareness of different methodologies. All of these aspects will come together in your dissertation – an independent research project on a topic of your choice. You’ll undertake this over a period of three months with the support of an academic supervisor.

Course structure

Compulsory modules

You’ll take seven compulsory modules including your dissertation.

• Corporate Finance 15 credits
• International Banking and Finance 15 credits
• Macroeconomics 15 credits
• Microeconomics 15 credits
• Applied Econometrics 15 credits
• Econometrics 15 credits
• Economics Dissertation 45 credits

Optional modules

You'll also choose three optional modules.

• International Business Finance 15 credits
• Financial Derivatives 15 credits
• Corporate Governance 15 credits
• Economics of Globalisation and the International Economy 15 credits
• Distributional Analysis in Economic Development 15 credits
• Understanding the Global Economy 15 credits

For more information on typical modules, read Economics and Finance MSc in the course catalogue

Learning and teaching

We use a variety of teaching and learning methods to help you make the most of your studies. These will include lectures, seminars, workshops, online learning and tutorials.

Independent study is also vital for this course allowing you to prepare for taught classes and sharpen your own research and critical skills.

Assessment

We use assessment methods such as exams, research reports, written assignments, essays and project work, depending on the modules you choose.

Career opportunities

This course will provide you with the essential knowledge and skills to pursue a career in finance and economics, and certifies your abilities for prospective employers. It also provides a sound basis for you to study at PhD level.

Graduates of our MSc Economics and Finance have careers worldwide as advisers, researchers and quantitative analysts in economic and financial institutions, consultancy and public service.

Careers support

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

You will be able to access careers and professional development support, which will help you develop key skills including networking and negotiating, and put you in touch with potential employers.

The Careers Centre provides a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

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This programme provides students with a conceptual understanding of the core principles of public financial management, and with the development of capabilities and skills to apply theoretical and domain knowledge to problems encountered in the financial management of public sector organisations. It is aimed at students who wish to pursue a rigorous, scientifically based course of study in the theories underpinning how public finances are managed; how public managers make sound financial decisions; what kind of techniques and tools are used in the financial management of public sector organisations; and how the financial management of public sector organisations is reported to the public.

Graduates will have a solid understanding of public financial management that should place them in a good position to pursue a career, or advance their career, in the civil service, local government, NGOs, and super-national organisations.

Visit the website http://www.soas.ac.uk/finance-and-management/programmes/msc-public-financial-management/

Structure

The MSc Public Financial Management has three components:

1. Five core courses to the value of 2.5 units
2. An elective course to the value of 0.5 unit
3. Dissertation of 10,000 words on an approved topic (1 unit)

The 10,000-word dissertation is worth 25% of your final mark. During term 2 you will submit your dissertation proposal and select an academic supervisor. Over the ensuing months you should meet with your supervisor at least three times before the end of term 3 for guidance. The bulk of your dissertation will be written over the summer to meet the mid-September deadline.

Not all elective courses are offered every year; please check your preferences with the Programme Convenor.

- Part-time Study

Part-time students are required to complete three of the core courses during their first year, then two core and one elective courses plus the dissertation during the second year.

Employment

Building on the distance learning version of the programme, the Department of Financial and Management Studies (DeFiMS) maintains close links with employers in both the United Kingdom and abroad. We expect that many of our graduates will be employed as civil servants in central government administrations, governmental agencies, local governments, NGOs, super-national organisations, and consulting firms.

Faculty of Law and Social Sciences (L&SS)

Welcome to the Faculty of Law and Social Sciences at SOAS. The faculty is the largest in the School in terms of student and staff numbers and consists of the departments of Development Studies, Economics, Financial and Management Studies, Politics and International Studies and the School of Law, as well as the Asia-Pacific Centre for Social Sciences, the Centre for Gender Studies, the Centre for International Studies and Diplomacy, the Centre of Taiwan Studies and a number of department-specific centres. All five departments offer undergraduate programmes, and all but Finance and International Management offer joint undergraduate degrees which can be combined with other disciplines from across the School. Each department also offers a range of masters-level programmes with a regional or disciplinary specialism, as well as a postgraduate research programme. The range of course options and combinations is one of the most distinctive characteristics of studying at SOAS and all students are given the option of studying an Asian or African language, either as part of or on top of their degree.

Staff in the faculty come from all over the world and combine regional knowledge with disciplinary specialisms. Teaching draws heavily on academic staff’s individual research which allows the faculty to maintain a large portfolio of courses, often exploring cutting-edge issues. Many faculty members have played a significant part in public debates and policy-making in relation to Asia and Africa. Academics in the faculty are regularly consulted by governments, public bodies and multilateral organisations including the United Nations and the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, European Commission, DFID and other country-specific organisations and NGOs.

-Excellent student satisfaction for Faculty of Law and Social Sciences
The Faculty of Law and Social Sciences (LSS) at SOAS, University of London has performed extremely well according to the 2014 National Student Survey (NSS).

School of Finance and Management (FAM)

We are a leading centre for research in finance and management that aims to enhance theoretical and empirical understanding of finance and management in a global context. Our research combines specialist knowledge of financial and management systems in Asia, Africa and the Middle East with more conventional international analysis of Europe and the Americas. We draw on a long tradition of management research that dates from Edith Penrose’s pioneering work in the 1950’s on the theory of the growth of the firm, large international corporations, oil economies, patents, innovation and economic development, to our present day focus on key topics in international finance and management.

View Degree Programmes - http://www.soas.ac.uk/finance-and-management/programmes/

Find out how to apply here - http://www.soas.ac.uk/admissions/pg/howtoapply/

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This full-time course is designed to provide successful students with the necessary theoretical knowledge and skills which, when combined with appropriate further experience, will enable them to make a professional contribution to public health. Approximately two-thirds of the curriculum is shared with the MPhil in Epidemiology. The course draws on local strengths in quantitative methods and their application to the solution of public health problems. It covers most of the curriculum for the UK Faculty of Health Part A examination. Throughout the course students are able to draw on the research expertise within the Institute of Public Health and wider expertise in the University. The course is open to medical and non-medical graduates and is aimed at:

- Graduate students who wish to gain an advanced understanding in public health research
- Graduate students with practical experience in a health field, who wish have a career in public health
- Trainee public health physicians and public health specialists working in the NHS
- Public health professionals who wish to gain a fuller understanding of aetiologic and applied epidemiology and other disciplines at
the foundation of public health practice, and their application to the solution of public health problems

A variety of teaching and learning methods are used during the course including lectures, practical exercises, one-to-one supervisions and self-directed learning. The level moves from basic to advanced within the three terms.

See the website http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/cvphmppbh

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course participants should:

- Have an sound understanding of basic epidemiological theory and be able to apply it in a practical setting
- Be able to identify, synthesis and criticise relevant published research literature
- Have the necessary skills to be able to analyse public health problems including: –
----selection of appropriate measures to describe the health status of populations and groups
----selection of appropriate measures by which to compare and rank public health problems
----the quantitative attribution of public health problems to their modifiable (putative) causes
----assessment of the potential benefit from the modification of causal exposures
----quantifying the uncertainty of quantities of public health interest
- Have developed a critical approach to the evaluation of their own and others research and analytic work
- Understand the sociological perspective on the experience of health and illness and of the evolution and functioning of medical institutions
- Understand the methods needed to control environmental and communicable hazards
- Understand the principles involved in the design and conduct of health promotion programmes
- Understand the principles involved in the management of health service organizations and in planning the future development of health services
- Understand the principles invovled in the economic assessment of health and of services for its protection and restoration
- Understand the main legal and ethical principles relevant to public health work

Format

A variety of teaching and learning methods are used during the course including lectures, practical exercises, one-to-one supervisions and self-directed learning. The level moves from basic to advanced within the three terms.

Detailed information on all aspects of the MPhil course in Public Health is shown on our website http://www.phpc.cam.ac.uk/graduate-studies/

Continuing

Students currently studying for the MPhil in Public Health in the Department, who wish to continue to a PhD, are required to achieve a minimum mark of 70%.

How to apply: http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/applying

Funding Opportunities

There are no specific funding opportunities advertised for this course. For information on more general funding opportunities, please follow the link below.

General Funding Opportunities http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/finance/funding

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The Public Economic Management and Finance (PEMF) specialism works from the macro down to sectoral and firm level in order to build the confidence of students as economists. The approach is practical and introduces theories as appropriate to solve practical problems. Students analyse practical cases, using real data as far as possible to provide excellent experience and develop required skills in public economic and finance management.

The programme includes development of understanding of the role of the state in managing the economy and public finances; managing monetary, exchange rate, fiscal, trade and environmental policy; budgeting, fiscal decentralisation and working with the private sector; and, designing, planning, financing and evaluating projects.

Who is the programme for?

This specialist pathway enables public sector economists, planners and administrators to update their skills in a rapidly changing field. It also enables non-economists to acquire skills in the analysis of public economic and finance management to enable them to pursue careers within these areas in international development.

About the School of Government and Society

The School of Government and Society is one of the leading UK and International centres for governance, politics, international development, sociology, public management, Russian and European studies.

Established in 2008, the School comprises three Departments: Politics and International Studies (POLSIS); International Development (IDD) and Local Government Studies (INLOGOV).

POLSIS: The Department of Political Science and International Studies (POLSIS), one of the largest and most academically vibrant departments of Political Science and International Studies in the UK. In the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF) Politics and International Studies at Birmingham was ranked the 6th best in the power rankings highlighting the large number of staff in POLSIS producing world-leading and internationally excellent research.

IDD: Be part of global effort to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Contribute to conflict resolution and post-conflict reconstruction. Help build capacity of nations and communities to adapt to climate change. Study with us to gain the skills and knowledge essential for working in international development in the 21st Century.

INLOGOV: The Institute of Local Government Studies (INLOGOV) is the leading academic centre for research and teaching on local governance and strategic public management. We enrich the world of local public service with research evidence and innovative ideas, making a positive difference.

Funding and Scholarships

There are many ways to finance your postgraduate study at the University of Birmingham. To see what funding and scholarships are available, please visit: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/funding

Open Days

Explore postgraduate study at Birmingham at our on-campus open days.
Register to attend at: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/visit

Virtual Open Days

If you can’t make it to one of our on-campus open days, our virtual open days run regularly throughout the year. For more information, please visit: http://www.pg.bham.ac.uk

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Why take this course?

If you want to enter or enhance a career in central, regional or local government, or in organisations in partnerships with governments, this course has been designed to meet your needs. It brings together people from a wide range of organisations to create an inter-cultural, inter-professional and inter-organisational educational environment.

While we prefer applicants to have experience of a public sector managerial role, exceptions may be made for a good relevant degree.

What will I experience?

On this course you can:

Examine the ways in which public policies are made and implemented and acquire specialist subject knowledge in fields relevant to your career choices
Compare policy processes and outputs within specific policy fields including health, education, welfare, economic development, defence, policing and European integration
Obtain a wider international perspective of public policies, management systems and administrative systems

What opportunities might ti lead to?

The course delivers transferable lifelong skills that you will be able to apply to complex issues, both systematically and creatively. This will improve your capabilities and enable you to work with self-direction and originality, as well as help you contribute to public administration and society at large.

Module Details

We will introduce you to different ways of delivering public services and how to access their efficiency and effectiveness. As a result, you will gain knowledge and develop an understanding of the following areas:

The impact of contextual forces on public organisations including:

The legal system
Ethical, economic, environmental, social and technological change issues
International developments
Corporate governance
The role of public sector organisations in economic development and regeneration
The marketisation of service delivery
Citizenship issues in public organisations
The concepts, processes and institutions in the management of resources and operations
Financing the public sector (sources, financial management, accountability and financial reporting)
Management and development of people within organisations, human resource management, human resource development and change management
The uses and limitations of quantitative and qualitative research methods for providing information and evaluating options in an uncertain organisational environment
The development, management and exploitation of information systems and their impact on organisations
The use of relevant communication and information technologies and applications in public sector management within a global knowledge-based economy

You will study:

Dissertation/Major Project
Comparative Public Policy and Administration
Public Management
Public Sector Strategic Management and Leading Effective Change

One option from:

Practice Based Knowledge in British Public Administration
Work Related Learning/Independent Learning
Europe and the World
Contemporary Security In International Relations: Providers and Challenges
Policies and Networks; the Governance Of The EU
Nation and Identity in Europe
Management of Resources, Finance And Information Systems

Please note that units may be subject to change.

For part-time students a number of distance learning management units are available in addition to a work-based learning unit, which allows you to achieve credit for study or a project undertaken in the workplace.

Credit for prior learning may be awarded, provided that the course studied relates to the Portsmouth MPA curriculum.

Programme Assessment

You will be taught using a variety of lectures, seminars, tutorials, student presentations, visiting speakers and structured visits to public sector organisations. International students will have a full portfolio of activities that will include English language classes, visits to public organisations and structured advice on how to develop their academic performance.

All students receive an induction to our library and how to use our electronic sources of information. Each student will have a personal tutor, as well as the support of an extensive system of student services.

These include work-related assignments, extended essays, examinations, assessed presentations, reports, completion of logs and a dissertation or extended piece of work-related research culminating in a management report.

Student Destinations

The course delivers transferable lifelong skills that you will be able to apply to complex issues, both systematically and creatively. This will improve your capabilities and enable you to work with self-direction and originality, as well as help you contribute to public administration and society at large.

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