Governance

This doctoral-level programme is the IPA’s highest qualification and produces graduates with expertise in issues central to a career in the senior Public Service and related fields. A four-year, part-time programme, it explores how governance and policymaking are evolving as a results of changes in the structure and practice of the modern state. Attention is paid to issues and patterns of governance both in Ireland and internationally. Graduates can analyse the principles of good governance, engage with the contemporary themes in governance, and reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of governance practice in the Irish Public Service, including in their own sector and organisation.



The first two years are devoted to the study of ten modules. These explore governance from several perspectives, including those of economics, regulation, politics, social justice and public administration. When the taught phase is over, students can progress to the research and dissertation stage, where, under expert guidance, they prepare work on a governance issue relevant to their professional life.



The programme attracts participants from across the wider Public Service – including the civil service, local government and state agencies of all sizes – and from the voluntary sector. All are interested in obtaining advanced education in governance and in applying that to their own professional lives and career progression.



Delivery

The first stage of the programme consists of lectures and workshops in a range of modules. These are delivered in two-day blocks and combine in-person and online elements. The second stage sees students assigned to a supervisor and undertake original research into a specific governance issue. The programme can be taken from anywhere.



Key Benefits for You and Your Career



Obtain Expertise: Approach governance challenges facing the modern state and public administration from an informed and critical perspective.



Shape the Future of the Public Service: Obtain the skills and insight to influence governance and policy developments in your organisation and sector and in the wider Public Service.



Career Advancement and Leadership: Through understanding the complex governance and policy challenges facing Ireland and Europe, you can position yourself as a candidate for senior management and leadership roles.



Network with Peers: You will meet Public Service professionals working in various sectors across Ireland, sharing knowledge and experience. By the end of the programme, you will have a hugely valuable network of Public

Service colleagues interested in governance, policymaking and Public Service excellence.



Applied Learning: Through the dissertation phase, you have the opportunity to apply what you have learned about economics, law, regulation, politics and other areas to an area of public administration and governance you are interested in.

The first stage of the programme – years one and two – are devoted to the following modules:



Governance and the Modern State

Governance in Europe

Governance and Regulation

Economics and Governance

Corporate Governance

Public Administration and Governance

Governance, Policy and Implementation

Social Justice and Governance

Research Methods

Professional Practice Module



The second stage – years three and four – are devoted to research in a governance issue.

Applicants must have a primary degree or equivalent qualification. Transcripts of undergraduate qualifications are required at the application stage. Applicants must also provide a copy of their CV, two references and a covering letter detailing their reasons for applying.

Application Deadline: 21/08/2026

4-5 years



Delivery

Blended Learning



Seminars/webinars take place on six weekends.

The cost of the programme is €8,000 per annum.

Commences 11/09/2026

Progression Pathways

Students who successfully complete the taught modules progress to the research phase. Under expert supervision, they produce a thesis and obtain the Doctorate award. If students, over the course of the module stages, find they are unable to progress to the research stage, there is the possibility of leaving with an MSc in Applied Governance.