Public Management

The Programme

The MA Public Management is a two-year, part-time programme that combines instruction in key subjects in public management with an opportunity for students to research and write about a specific topic in the public management field. It aims to raise the level of analysis of Irish public management and to develop more efficient and resourceful public sector managers.



On completing the first year of the programme, students receive the interim award of a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management. Six modules are covered in the first year, three before Christmas and three after. Students study course material and attend intensive weekend seminars at the IPA campus. The second year of the course is devoted to the preparation of a dissertation on a topic of particular relevance to a student’s professional life. Working under the guidance of an IPA supervisor, students apply the ideas and principles they encountered in their first year to an agreed public management issue. In so doing, they obtain significant, transferable competencies and skills in research and critical analysis.



The research methods module that students take in their first year helps prepare them for the dissertation phase.



Is this programme for you?

This programme is suitable for students working in all parts of the public sector, from large central government departments and local authorities to small public agencies. The programme is delivered through a blend of distance education and intensive weekend seminars and workshops at the IPA. Students can, therefore, pursue this programme no matter where they live and can remain in full-time employment.

Year One

Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management (Interim Award):

The first year of the MA programme is divided into two semesters and each semester is devoted to the study of three key subjects in public management.



Semester One

• Economics

• Managing Human Resources

• Finance



Semester Two

• Organisation and Strategy

• Research Methods

• Managing Service Delivery/Managing in Europe



Year Two

Dissertation

In the second year of the programme, students write a dissertation. The topic they address will be relevant to their professional formation and interests and determined on foot of advice and support from their IPA supervisor. Dissertation seminars/webinars are held at the start of the year to prepare students for their research.

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

Students are assessed by means of assignments, examinations and a dissertation.

Two academic years.



Delivery Method

In the first year of the programme, students attend seminars/webinars on three weekends in each term and are supported in their studies by a range of resources, including online course material and essential textbooks. In the second year, under expert supervision and with seminar/webinar support, they prepare a dissertation.

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 2025.

Progression Pathways

Students may enter the first year of the MA (Postgraduate Diploma) in September or January. Those who enter in September can, on successful completion of the academic year, proceed to the second year. Those who enter in January can finish within the calendar year and proceed to the second year the following September. Graduates may wish to consider the IPA’s Doctorate in Governance programme.