Policy Analysis

This one-year programme provides Irish public servants with the skills and knowledge to analyze, develop, and implement policies that address Ireland’s economic and social challenges. It is both a stand-alone qualification in policy analysis and the first year of the two-year Master of Economic Science in Policy Analysis.



It is widely accepted (if not always practiced) that public policies need to be well-informed, based on substantial evidence, and capable of addressing the problems they are directed towards. The ability to effectively analyse public policy – to clearly understand its strengths and weaknesses – is crucial to economic and social progress and, therefore, crucial to a senior career in the public service. This programme explores policy analysis from various perspectives – including economic, social, and financial – and considers the best ways to assess the value of a policy and the likelihood of it being successfully implemented.



The programme is suitable for students working in various parts of the civil and public service. Potential students will appreciate the vital role that policy analysis plays in promoting economic and social progress and want to understand the various tools and methodologies that should be applied in such analysis. They may wish to develop their professional role in the formulation and analysis of policy.



Seven modules are taught over two semesters. At the end of the year, students can progress to the Master of Economic Science in Policy Analysis programme, which takes one more year to complete and involves the preparation of a dissertation, applying what has been learned to a policy analysis issue relevant to the student’s working life.



Delivery



This is a part-time programme.



Students attend the IPA campus each Friday through the academic year for a day of lectures and seminars.



Outside these Fridays, they are provided with a range of course material and readings, including textbooks for all modules.



IPA librarians advise on the required and supplemental reading and are on hand throughout the year to offer research support.



Key Benefits for You and Your Career



Specialized Expertise: Gain in-depth knowledge of policy analysis as it pertains to the Irish public sector, including economic and social policy, project management, and policy implementation.



Career Advancement: Present to your organisation as someone with a postgraduate qualification in policy analysis and commitment to education and professional development.



Leadership Development: Acquire analytical and critical skills to lead policy initiatives and changes and to advise on policy developments and decisions.



Networking Opportunities: Meet each week with fellow public servants, working across different areas, interested in how to analyse public policies, thereby expanding your professional network.



Practical Application: Apply your learning to policy challenges in your area of the public service and bring our own experience to bear on the theories and issues addressed over the course of the programmme.

Year One



Postgraduate Diploma in Policy Analysis

Students take four subjects in each of the two semesters:



Semester One (September – December):



Elements of Economic Analysis

Financial Analysis

Public Sector Economics 1

Policy Evaluation

Semester Two (January – April):



Economic Evaluation and Cost-Benefit Analysis

Applied Statistics for Policy Evaluation

Public Sector Economics 2

Social Policy Analysis

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

Application deadline: 28/09/2026

1 year.



Delivery

Blended Learning



Students attend the IPA campus each Friday through the academic year for a day of lectures and seminars.

Commences 11/09/2026

Many students, after learning so much about policy analysis in this year, choose to study for one more year and obtain a Master of Economic Science in Policy Analysis qualification. This involves the preparation of a dissertation, applying what has been learned to a policy issue relevant to the student’s working life.