Business & Management

The Programme
The Postgraduate Diploma in Business and Management is a one-year programme that provides graduate-level instruction in core business disciplines. Students take six subjects over two semesters that cover both quantitative and general management topics. They will learn about, among other things, human resource planning, the management of change, leadership and strategic direction, financial policy, and the principles of business research.

The programme, which runs from September to April, can be taken from anywhere in the country and is delivered through a blend of weekend seminars/webinars, online resources, and course texts.

Is This Programme For You?
This programme is ideally suited to those who want, in the space of one academic year, to study subjects that are of huge relevance to contemporary business life. Whatever a student's professional background or areas of responsibility, this course will give them a solid grounding in ideas and practices integral to organisational success, whether the organisation is an SME, a large corporation or a public sector body.

This diploma is divided into two semesters. Students take three subjects in each semester.

Semester One
Economics
This course focuses on the economic principles especially applicable to business strategies and objectives. It addresses such topics as pricing, taxation, growth, regulation, and managing in competitive markets.

Human Resource Management
Among the topics addressed on this course are motivation theory, group dynamics, politics and conflict in organisations, human resource planning, performance appraisal, training and development, corporate culture, and organisational change.

Finance
This course covers, among other topics, annual financial statements, investment appraisal, cost and management accounting, standard costing, ratio analysis, the management of cash, stocks and debtors, business planning and budgeting, and company valuations.

Semester Two
Organisation and Strategy
This course addresses several key issues in the literature on organisation and strategy, including decision-making in organisations, contingency theory, the nature of bureaucracy, markets, strategic management, and networks.

Leadership and Strategy Implementation
The topics addressed in this course include leadership theories, the differences between private- and public-sector leadership, leadership and vision creation, leadership and strategy formulation, policy formulation and implementation, the management of change, and ethics and social responsibility.

Research Methods
This course provides a comprehensive explication and analysis of sophisticated quantitative and qualitative research. It considers, among other things, research strategy and design, sampling, depth interviews, random variables, hypothesis testing, and appropriate mathematical techniques.

Admission Requirements
Applicants for Postgraduate Diplomas, Postgraduate Certificates, MA, MEconSc and MSc programmes must have a primary degree or equivalent qualification.

How to Apply
By Email (preferred method)
Please download and complete the application form on
www.ipa.ie and email it, along with the items listed below, to postgrad@ipa.ie

By Post
Alternatively, you can complete the application form at the end of this prospectus and, including the items listed below, return it by post.

What to Include (email or post)
Students must include the following with their application:
• Their full name (this is the name that will appear on any
• future award parchments).
• A copy of their degree or relevant qualification
• One passport-type photograph
• The semester fee

or
• A letter from their employer confirming that fees will be paid directly to the IPA

Places on the programmes are limited and demand for places is likely to exceed the number available. Consequently, you are strongly advised to apply as early as possible.

Doctorate In Governance Applications
In addition to the application form, applicants should
also provide:
• A copy of their CV
• Copies of degree certificates
• A covering letter detailing their reasons for applying
• Two references (one academic, one professional), which
• must be sent in sealed envelopes, signed on the back by
• the referee
• A letter confirming that the course fees will be paid by the
• student or a third party, e.g. the applicant's employer.

Students are assessed by means of assignments and examinations.

One academic year.

Delivery Method
The programme is delivered through a blended learning model. Students attend seminars/webinars on three weekends in each term and are supported in their studies by a range of resources, including essential textbooks.

The cost of the programme is €5,000 per annum (includes all matriculation and examination fees, all seminars, textbooks and course material), payable in two instalments.

Commences: September 2020.