Healthcare 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
This course 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.

Health Economics and Finance
Healthcare management requires a solid understanding of the economic and financial implications of decisions and policies. This course covers the healthcare market, pricing health services, supply-side efficiency, programme budgeting, casemix, and management accounting control and accountability.

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 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, 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 2020.

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.