Local Government Management

The MA in Local Government Management is a two-year, part-time programme that explores the key issues in local government. It seeks to raise the level of analysis in Irish local government management and to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective management in the local government field. On completing the first year of the programme, students receive the interim award of a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management.



Is This Programme For You?

This programme will be of great interest to local authority officials working across a variety of sectors. It combines core public management subjects and those that are specific to local government in Ireland. Delivered through a blend of distance education and intensive weekend seminars and workshops at the IPA, it can be taken from anywhere.

Year One

Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management

The first year of the MA programme is divided into two semesters and each semester is devoted to the study of three subjects:



Semester One

- Economics

- Managing Human Resources

- Finance



Semester Two

- Organisation and Strategy

- Research Methods

- Managing Service Delivery/ Managing in Europe



Year Two

Semester One

Local Government Policy Formulation, Implementation and Evaluation

Local Government Financial Management and Accountability

Leadership and Management



Semester Two

In the second semester of year two, students write a dissertation on a specific local government management 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.

The programme is 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 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.