Local Government Management

Accreditation: National University of Ireland
Place on NFQ: Level 9 (Special Purpose Award).
Award: Postgraduate Certificate.

The Programme
Postgraduate Certificates are one-year programmes in which students take the second year of IPA MA programmes. They are stand-alone qualifications that focus on subjects relevant to a particular sector or function in public management. There is no progression from these programmes to the Master of Arts programme.

Postgraduate Certificate in Local Government Management

Students take three or four subjects and complete a minor dissertation. Students must successfully complete the taught courses before moving to the dissertation phase.

Is This Programme For You?
Many graduate students are interested in a number of the fields in which the IPA offers qualifications. Students who wish to focus exclusively on HRM, Financial Management or any other of the specialisms listed above may do so by studying the second year of the MA programme. On completion, they will receive a Postgraduate Certificate in the specialism of their choice. New responsibilities at work or changes in career very often mean that instruction in a new field and an extra qualification are necessary. These one-year certificates are designed to meet such needs.

Semester One
Local Government Policy Formulation, Implementation and Evaluation
This course 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 included.

Local Government Financial Management and Accountability
This course considers the particular financial management considerations that apply to local government in Ireland. Among the topics addressed are the sources of funds available to local government, budget management and financial governance.

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 in a strategic context, changing organisational culture, and performance 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.

Admission Requirements
Applicants must have a primary degree or equivalent qualification.

Go to www.ipa.ie.

Download the programme application form and complete it in full.

Email that form, along with all the items below, to postgrad@ipa.ie, with the subject heading: Application for: Name of Programme. The items below must be scanned and included as attachments in the email:

A passport-type photograph.
A scan of your degree or relevant qualification.
The semester fee OR a letter from your 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.

Students are generally assessed by means of assignments, final exams and a minor dissertation.

One academic year.

Delivery Method
Students attend weekend seminars/webinars in relevant modules and prepare a minor dissertation. They are supported in their studies by a range of resources, including online course material and essential 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 2024