Human Resource Management

The MA Human Resource Management is a two-year part-time programme that explores the key issues in human resource management. An informed appreciation of the theories, debates and legislation that dominate HR practice is a huge advantage to any manager. This programme seeks to raise the level of analysis in public sector human resource management and to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for the effective management of people.



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 three key topics in human resource management. In the second, students write a dissertation on a specific human resource management issue. Year two will normally only commence in the autumn of each year. Students that do not wish to take all three subjects in any particular semester may choose to study one or two on a phased basis.



Is This Programme For You?

This programme will be of particular interest to those who want to gain some expertise in the management of people and in the development of human resources. As with the other MA programmes, students study through a blend of distance education and intensive weekend seminars 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

Human Resource Strategy

Managing People

Employment Law



Semester Two

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

Applicants must have a primary degree or equivalent qualification.

Application Deadline: September 2025.



How To Apply

Complete the online Postgraduate application form on the home page. On submitting that, you will receive correspondence from the IPA on next steps/documentation.

Students submit assignments, sit examinations and complete 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 2025.

Progression Pathways

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.



Graduates may wish to consider the IPA’s Doctorate in Governance programme.