Apex Institute Of Business and Safety (AIBS)
A diverse group of professionals engaged in a meeting around a conference table, discussing public administration principles with laptops and a presentation sc…

OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Public Administration

This postgraduate diploma develops advanced knowledge and practical skills in public service administration, covering policy, leadership, reform, finance, projects and research for strategic roles ...

Awarding Body: OTHM|Course Level: Level 7
Inquire / Apply

Course features

This OTHM Level 7 diploma is a postgraduate public administration qualification designed for professionals who need advanced knowledge, practical management capability, and progression opportunities in public and non-profit settings.

  • Awarded by OTHM at Level 7 on the Regulated Qualifications Framework

  • 6 mandatory units worth a total of 120 credits

  • 1200 Total Qualification Time and 600 Guided Learning Hours

  • 1-year qualification duration

  • Assessment by essay and coursework

  • Pass / Fail grading structure

About course

The OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Public Administration is a postgraduate level qualification suitable for learners seeking skills in public service administration.

  • Develop advanced capability in public service administration

  • Study policy, organisations, leadership, and the wider operating environment

  • Analyse complex public management problems

  • Strengthen change leadership and partnership working skills

  • Build strategic capability for future public service delivery

  • Prepare for more demanding professional roles

What you will learn

This qualification develops advanced knowledge and applied skills across leadership, reform, policy, finance, projects, and research within public administration and public service settings.

  • Understand key issues, challenges, governance demands, and leadership practice in public service organisations

  • Examine public service reform, innovation, e-government, and New Public Management in public sector contexts

  • Evaluate public policy theories, policy cycles, policy analysis, ethics, and decision making

  • Understand public expenditure, taxation, fiscal sustainability, accountability, and public financial management

  • Apply project management principles, planning, risk control, review, and software tools in public sector projects

  • Design research approaches, review literature, select methodologies, and develop a coherent research proposal

Course content

Who should attend

This course is intended for learners and professionals who work in, support, or plan to progress within public service, government, non-profit, and related service delivery environments.

  • Public sector managers seeking advanced leadership and administration knowledge

  • Professionals in public and non-profit organisations providing strategic or operational support

  • Learners aiming to move into more strategic public administration roles

  • Staff working in local or national government settings

  • Professionals in non-governmental or inter-governmental organisations

  • Individuals in voluntary, charitable, or private sector roles that support or deliver public services

Course requirements

Entry is intended for suitably qualified and experienced learners who can study at postgraduate level and meet OTHM admission expectations for age and English language competence.

  • An honours degree in a related subject, a UK Level 6 diploma, an equivalent overseas qualification, or an alternative professional qualification with at least three years’ relevant public service work experience; learners must be aged 21 or over at the start of the course

  • Learners from non-majority English-speaking countries must provide evidence of English language competency

Assessments

Assessment is internally carried out by the centre and externally verified by OTHM. The qualification is criterion referenced, and learners must meet all learning outcomes and assessment criteria to achieve a pass.

  • Assessment methods include essay and coursework

  • Units are assessed through reports, a presentation with speaker notes, and a research proposal

  • Typical assessment lengths include 4000-word reports, a 500-word presentation with speaker notes, and a 4000-word research proposal

  • Learners must provide evidence for all specified learning outcomes and assessment criteria in each unit

Progression

Successful completion enables learners to progress into or within employment and continue further study.

  • Progress into or within public administration and related employment

  • Progress to a relevant master top-up programme with advanced standing

  • Continue towards the dissertation stage to achieve a full masters programme with a university

  • Advance toward more strategic leadership and management roles across public and non-profit organisations

Apply for this course

Fill in your details and we'll get back to you.