Local Government Management

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



Local government in Ireland is an area of critical importance to the daily lives of Irish citizens. The sector faces many significant challenges, not least the financial and other resources necessary to meet the increased expectations of the public. While local government in Ireland has undergone some reform, it still operates within a very centralized system and has limited decision-making powers. The sector needs effective and informed managers who both understand how local authorities are managed and funded and can intelligently appraise the strengths and weaknesses of the Irish local government model.



This programme, which places local government management in wider economic, financial and organizational contexts, seeks to raise the level of analysis in local government and give those working in the area the knowledge and skills they can bring back to their working lives. A level nine programme, it covers local government strategy formulation, local government finance, and leadership and management in the local government context.



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 local government management 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 area of local government management 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 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 local government financial management and strategy formulation to HRM and economics. This means that you will be able to place local government topics into wider economic, financial, and managerial contexts relevant to all sectors of the pubic service.



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



Practical Application: Apply, through some minor research work, what you have learned about public and local government management to an issue in your area or organsiation.



Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow public servants working in the local government area, 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



Local Government Policy Formulation, Implementation and Evaluation

This module explores theories on the role of local government in the policy process. It focuses on five key themes: policy making and strategic planning, community and networks, service delivery, the regulatory environment, and organisation and change. A case study on housing is also explored..



Leadership and Management

In this module, students will explore how theories and practices current in both public and private sectors can apply to local government management. It examines strategy and strategic thinking, leadership and learning, changing organisational culture, and performance management in local government.



Local Government Financial Management and Accountability

This course considers the particular financial management arrangements that apply to local government in Ireland. Among the subjects addressed are the sources of funds available to local government, budget management, and financial governance.



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: 25/08/2026

The programme is assessed by means of assignments, examinations and a minor dissertation.

2 years.



Delivery

Blended Learning



Seminars/webinars take place on six weekends over the academic year. This calendar relates 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

Exams Week of December 7, 2026

Seminar 4 January 9-10, 2027

Seminar 5 (online) February 6-7, 2027

Seminar 6 March 6-7, 2027

Exams 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 a Doctorate in Governance.