Institute of Local Government Studies (INLOGOV) at University of Birmingham

The Institute of Local Government Studies (INLOGOV) is the leading UK centre for the study of local public service management, policy and governance. With over 40 years of experience working within local government and the public sector, the Institute of Local Government Studies creates the latest thinking for public servants.

Our staff come from various disciplinary backgrounds and are dedicated to increasing the democratic governance of local communities, working with politicians, managers, communities and partner organisations to enhance practice through academic insight.

We are engaged in policy and management research, continuing professional and management development and consultancy work for central government and other national and local agencies. Our contribution to post experience education is particularly significant.

We draw great strength from our close links with the world of practice in local government, the voluntary sector and other public service agencies, for example those of criminal justice.

Our recent research work includes: the publication of Strong and Prosperous Communities: A Contribution to the Debate, written as a contribution both to the Local Government White Paper and Bill proposals and also to the longer-term debate about the future of local government; working with local strategic partnerships; studies of the impact of new political management structures in local government; an evaluation of local government procurement; leadership in local government and research on the experiences of ‘failing’ local authorities.

The department is a major centre for research and for postgraduate degrees, offering a range of postgraduate degrees, at Masters, diploma and certificate levels. As well as a range of taught degrees, we also offer study opportunities for research degrees.

We offer two types of research degree: the MPhil (two years full-time or four years part-time) and PhD degrees (three years full-time or six years part-time). Both degrees are awarded on the basis of a submitted thesis, although modules in research methods and in relevant policy subjects are also normally taken during the period of registration. We welcome applications for part-time study as well as full-time.

Our applied research activity feeds directly into our programmes, so our participants are among the first to hear the latest research findings and to reflect on how new thinking might impact on future policy and practice.

As well as access to the University’s main library and the increasingly large variety of learning materials and library research services (e.g. e-journals) via the internet. The Programme Handbook, issued at the outset, provides details and advice on the Programme, and copies of learning materials and presentations are provided in a handbook for each module.