Healthcare Management

Accreditation: National University of Ireland
Place on NFQ: Level 9 (Major Award).
Award: Master of Arts
Interim Award: Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management

The MA – Healthcare Management is a two-year, part-time programme that focuses on the issues that affect the Irish health system.

On completing the first year of the programme, students receive the interim award of a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management. The second year of the course is divided into two semesters. In the first of these, students study four key subjects in healthcare management. In the second, students write a dissertation on a specific healthcare management issue. Students who do not wish to take all four subjects in any particular semester may choose to study one or two on a phased basis.

Is This Programme For You?
This programme is suitable for those who work in the health sector, particularly those looking to advance in their career or already in a management role. Students come from across both the public and private health sector and from service areas including primary and community care, acute care, social care, mental health and corporate services. By placing healthcare issues within the broader public management field, the programme gives students an understanding of how healthcare management relates to other economic, organisational and system questions. The programme is delivered through a blend of distance education and intensive weekend seminars and workshops at the IPA. Students can, therefore, pursue this programme no matter where they live and can remain in full-time employment.

Year One
Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management
Interim Award
The first year of the MA programme is divided into two semesters and each semester is devoted to the study of three key subjects in public management.

Semester One
- Economics
- Managing Human Resources
- Finance

Semester Two
- Organisation and Strategy
- Research Methods
- Managing Service Delivery/ Managing in Europe

Year Two
Semester One
Health Systems and Policy
This module explores what health systems are and what shapes them. It considers health policy formulation, the structure of the Irish health system, current Irish policies in key healthcare areas (including primary and acute care), and future challenges for the Irish health system.

Leadership and Management of Healthcare Organisations
In exploring leadership and management in healthcare, this course addresses organisational theory, organisational behaviour, and managing organisational performance. It also attends to theories of leadership and management and to how best to lead change in the healthcare setting.

Quality in Healthcare / Health Economics and Finance
This module consists of two subjects. The first is Quality in Healthcare, which examines the structures and processes that should be in place to ensure quality in healthcare. It considers patient safety, quality assessments, clinical and organisational governance, clinical audit and evidence-based medicine. The second subject is Health Economics and Finance. Healthcare management requires a solid understanding of the economic and financial implications of decisions and policies. This part of the module covers the healthcare market, efficiency, effectiveness and equity in healthcare, supplier-induced demand, and costs and outcomes in healthcare.

Semester Two
In the second semester of year two, students write a dissertation on a specific healthcare management issue. Students must successfully complete the taught courses before moving to the dissertation phase.

Admission Requirements
Applicants must have a primary degree or equivalent qualification.

Go to www.ipa.ie.

Download the programme application form and complete it in full.

Email that form, along with all the items below, to postgrad@ipa.ie, with the subject heading: Application for: Name of Programme. The items below must be scanned and included as attachments in the email:

A passport-type photograph.
A scan of your degree or relevant qualification.
The semester fee OR a letter from your 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.

Students are assessed by means of assignments, examinations and a minor dissertation.

Two academic years.

Delivery Method
In the first year of the programme, students attend seminars/webinars on three weekends in each semester. In the second year, they attend three seminars/webinars in the first semester and then, in the second, prepare, under expert supervision, a minor dissertation. They are supported in their studies by a range of resources, including bespoke course material and module 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 2024

Progression
Students may enter the first year of the MA (Postgraduate Diploma) in September or January. Those who enter in September can, on successful completion of the academic year, proceed to the second year. Those who enter in January can finish within the calendar year and proceed to the second year the following September.