Policy Analysis

This two-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 includes, in the second year, an opportunity for students to research a public policy issue relevant to their working life.



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 a current or proposed 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.



The first year of the programme sees students take seven modules over two semesters. These include modules on the economic, financial, and social analysis of policies.



In the second year, students prepare a dissertation, applying what has been learned to a policy issue relevant to their professional life.



Delivery



This is a part-time programme.



In the first year, students attend the IPA campus each Friday through the academic year for a day of lectures and workshops. Outside these Fridays, they study a range of course material and readings. Textbooks are provided for all modules.



In the second year, under expert guidance, they research and prepare a dissertation on a particular policy problem.



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.



Practical Application: Apply what you have learned to a policy challenge in your working life, preparing a dissertation on that challenge.



Career Advancement: Present to your organisation as someone with a Masters-level qualification in policy analysis and a commitment to education and professional development in this area.



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



Research Skills: Develop your research and drafting skills through the preparation of a dissertation.



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

Year One (Postgraduate Diploma in Policy Analysis)

Elements of Economic Analysis

Financial Analysis

Public Sector Economics

Policy Evaluation

Economic Evaluation and Cost-Benefit Analysis

Social Policy Analysis

Applied Statistics for Policy Analysis



Year Two

Including a module on research methods and under expert guidance, students undertake research into a public policy issue. They apply what they have learned in the first year to prepare a dissertation.

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

Application deadline: 28/09/2026

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.

2 years.



Delivery

Blended Learning



Year 1: Students attend the IPA campus each Friday through the academic year for a day of lectures and seminars.

Year 2: Students attend three seminars across the course of the academic year along with regular meetings with their supervisor.

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 11/09/2026

Graduates can progress to other IPA postgraduate programmes, including the Doctorate in Governance, where their knowledge of policy analysis will be of great relevance and benefit.