Human Resource Management

This two-year, part-time programme combines the study of subjects central to public management broadly with those especially relevant to HRM. It combines taught modules with some research into a HRM issue especially relevant to a student’s working life in the public service.



An informed appreciation of the theories, practices and legislation that dominate HRM practice is a huge advantage to any manager or administrator. The effective management of people is central to all organisations, from a large government department to a small state agency. HRM in the Irish public sector has undergone significant reforms, but still faces complex challenges, including diverse HR policies, performance management, and cultural changes to working life.



This programme, which places HRM in wider economic, financial and organizational contexts, seeks to raise the level of analysis in public sector HRM and to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary in the effective management of people. A level nine programme, it covers strategic HRM, the effective management of people, and the laws and regulations that govern employment.



In the first year, students take six common modules in public management, three in each semester. Students of all IPA MA specialisms take this common year.



In the second year, students take three HRM modules between September and December and then, between January and April, prepare a minor dissertation. This dissertation, conducted under expert guidance, enables them to apply what they have learned to an HRM issue they are particularly interested in or are encountering in their working life.



On completion of the first year, students receive the interim award of a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management.



This programme usually only commences in September of each year.



Delivery



This part-time programme takes two years to complete and can be taken from anywhere in the country. It is designed to be suitable for those with busy professional and personal lives.



Students attend seminars on selected weekends over the academic year. Some of these are in-person sessions at the IPA campus in Dublin 4. Others are delivered online.



Between seminars/webinars, they access a range of resources, including textbooks, bespoke materials, and online supports.



The final semester of the second year is devoted to the preparation, under supervision, of a minor dissertation.



Key Benefits for You and Your Career



Obtain Advanced HRM Knowledge: Understand the main theories and principles in HRM and situate them in the broader field of public management.



Study a Range of Modules: You will study nine modules in total, ranging from HR strategy to employment law and economics. This means that you will be able to place HRM topics into the wider economic, financial, and managerial contexts that are relevant to all sector of the public service.



Career Advancement: Present to your organisation and others as someone with a Masters-level qualification in public management with a focus on HRM



Practical Application: Apply what you have learned to a HRM issue in your organsiation through some minor research work.



Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow public servants interested in HRM in the Irish public sector, expanding your professional network.

Year One



Economics

This module focuses on public sector economics. The State plays a very important role in all our economic lives and in the economic health of the nation. Among the topics that are addressed are taxation, the economics of regulation, efficiency and effectiveness in the public sector, monopolies, project appraisal, sources of funds and portfolio theory.



Managing Human Resources

On completing this module, which attends to both human resource management and organisational behaviour, students will be able to evaluate the human resource management system in their organisation. It considers, among other topics, strategic HR planning, performance and rewards management, theories of leadership, group dynamics, communication in organisations, politics and conflict, organisational change, and job design.



Finance

Public sector managers, like their private sector counterparts, should have a solid understanding of the main principles and tools of contemporary financial management. This course explores financial reporting, financial statement analysis, budgeting and working capital, cost and management accounting, and investment. It also attends to the ideas and practices of modern financial governance, auditing and risk.



Organisation and Strategy

This module gives students a solid understanding of the evolving role of the State, of different approaches to policy-making and strategy, and of organisational design. Focusing on the public sector, it will provide them with ideas and arguments that they can use to evaluate their organisation, its working environment, and its success. Among the specific topics addressed are the role and evolution of the State, decision-making in organisations, and public management in the 21st century.



Research Methods

This course explores both research theory and design and quantitative techniques. With regard to the former, it considers how knowledge is best obtained, different research strategies, sampling, interviews, and focus groups. Its treatment of quantitative techniques examines how to present data, the application of probability distributions, the estimation of population parameters, and the forms that relationships between quantitative variables can take. This module also helps students prepare for their dissertation work in the second year of the MA programme.



Managing in Europe

This module explores the history of European integration, how the EU functions and the debates about its direction and future. Students will learn about, among other things, how the EU institutions relate to each other, how the EU makes laws, and some of the most notable areas where the EU decides public policy.



Year Two



Human Resource Strategy

This module will appeal to anyone interested in the theory and practice of human resource management from a strategic perspective. It explores a wide range of issues around the strategic development of human resources, including recruitment and selection, training and development, performance and competencies appraisal, industrial and employee relations, reward management, evolving organisational environment, and contemporary employment trends in the Irish context.



Managing People

The effective management of people – ensuring that they both enjoy their work and contribute to organisational success — is a central concern for all managers. This course considers, among other things, individual diversity, attitudes and behaviour, perceptions, values and ethics, managing motivation and rewards, leadership and group dynamics, inter-group effectiveness, politics and authority influence, stress and conflict management, and work-life balance.



Employment Law

There is a very significant body of legislation and case law governing employment. Managers should have a solid understanding of the central legal requirements that employers and employees must meet, including the contract of employment, individual protection, discrimination and harassment, health and safety, unfair and wrongful dismissal, redundancies, trade union legislation, arbitration and tribunals.



Dissertation

In the second semester of year two, students write a dissertation on a specific leadership and strategy topic. Students must successfully complete the taught modules before moving to the dissertation phase.

Applicants must have a primary degree or equivalent qualification. Transcripts of undergraduate qualifications are required at the application stage.

Application deadline: 21/08/2026

Students submit assignments, sit examinations and complete a minor dissertation.

2 years.



Delivery

Blended Learning



Seminars/webinars take place on three weekends over the academic year. This calendar refers to the first year only.



Seminar 1 September 5-6, 2026

Seminar 2 (Online) October 3-4, 2026

Seminar 3 October 31-November 1, 2026

Examinations Week of December 7, 2026

Seminar 4 January 9-10, 2027

Seminar 5 (Online) February 6-7. 2027

Seminar 6 March 6-7, 2027

Examinations Week of April 12, 2027

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 05/09/2026

Students can study other IPA Masters programmes, including a Professional Certificate in Governance and Postgraduate Certificate in Climate Action and Sustainability Reporting, bringing their knowledge of HRM to bear.