Policy Analysis

The Programme

This two-year, part-time programme addresses the tangible need for the development of policy analysis skills across the wider public service. It explores subjects that are crucial to the expert assessment of contemporary public policy, including project management, economic and financial analysis, social policy analysis and cost-benefit analysis. On completion of the first year of the programme, students receive the Postgraduate Diploma in Policy Analysis. In the second year, they complete a supervised dissertation on a policy analysis issue that they are particularly interested in.



The subjects taken in the first year, including a module on research methods, will help prepare students to choose and complete an appropriate dissertation. Graduates of this programme are very well-equipped to play a role in the formulation and implementation of public policies in a very wide range of areas.



Is This Programme For You?

Yes, if you appreciate the vital role that policy analysis plays in promoting economic and social progress and want to understand the tools and methodologies that should be applied in such analysis. You may well work in the wider public service and wish to play a professional role in the formulation and analysis of policy.

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

• Policy Evaluation



Semester Two (January – April)

• Economic Evaluation and Cost-Benefit Analysis

• Project and Risk Management

• Research Methods

• Social Policy Analysis



Year Two

Master of Economic Science in Policy Analysis:

In the second and final year of the programme, students complete a dissertation on a policy analysis issue, building on the knowledge and skills that they have obtained in the Diploma year. Students participate in dissertation workshops to discuss their research and their ideas.

Applicants must have a primary degree or equivalent qualification. A copy of the qualification should be included with the application form.

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 first year is assessed on the basis of exams at the end of each semester. The second year is assessed on the basis of the student dissertation.

One/Two academic years.



Delivery Method

In the first year, the Postgraduate Diploma in Policy Analysis students attend lectures at the IPA on one day each week. The second year is devoted, under expert supervision, to the preparation of a dissertation.

The cost of the first year of the programme (Postgraduate Diploma in Policy Analysis) is €7,900 per annum. The fee for the second year (Master of Economic Science in Policy Analysis) is €5,000 per annum. Fees include all matriculation and examination fees, all seminars, textbooks and course material, payable in two instalments.

Commences: September 2025.