Public Planning Leadership & Strategy

The MSc in Public Planning Leadership and Strategy is designed to support the development of strategic leadership capability within Ireland’s planning system. Developed in collaboration with the local government sector, the programme explores the leadership, governance, and policy challenges shaping contemporary planning practice. It combines academic insight with practice-focused professional learning, enabling participants to deepen their understanding of planning leadership while applying programme learning to real organisational contexts. Participants engage with key themes, including planning governance, sustainable development, spatial strategy, and organistional leadership.



Structure and Delivery

A distinctive feature of the programme is its flexible, stackable structure. It is delivered through a series of postgraduate micro-credentials that can be accumulated over time, allowing participants to build their qualification progressively while balancing professional responsibilities. The programme offers multiple exit points, enabling participants to obtain the award that best reflects their learning journey:



Postgraduate Certificate in Public Planning Leadership and Strategy – after completion of three modules.

Postgraduate Diploma in Public Planning Leadership and Strategy – after completion of six modules.

MSc in Public Planning Leadership and Strategy – after completion of all modules and a dissertation.



This structure provides a flexible pathway for professionals seeking to develop their expertise in planning leadership and strategy.



The programme is delivered through a blended learning model that combines in-person and online teaching, including some weekend sessions. A range of materials, including case studies, are provided for independent study between teaching sessions. Group discussion and experiential learning and are facilitated and encouraged.



Key Benefits for You and Your Career

This programme is designed for professionals working in planning and related roles within the public service who wish to deepen their leadership capability and strategic understanding of the planning system. It will be particularly relevant for:



Planners working in local authorities or national planning bodies.



Professionals involved in spatial planning, development management, or planning policy.



Staff seeking to develop their leadership capability within the planning system.



Public servants working in related areas such as housing, climate policy, infrastructure, or regional development.

Stage One



Strategic Thinking and Visioning in Planning

This module enables learners align planning activities with broader objectives and to lead strategic initiatives.



Evidence-Based Decision Making in Planning

On completing this module, which attends to both human resource management and organisational behaviour, students will be able to evaluate the human resource management system in their organisation. It considers, among other topics, strategic HR planning, performance and rewards management, theories of leadership, group dynamics, communication in organisations, politics and conflict, organisational change, and job design.



Collaborative Planning and Networking

Planning professionals must be able to manage stakeholder engagement, build consensus, and issue effective communication. This module attends to

these and related areas.



Leading Planning Teams

This module examines leadership models, team performance, and workforce planning.



Innovation in the Delivery of Planning Services

Among the topics explored in this module are how digital transformation, design thinking and ethical considerations feature in modernising

planning services.



Sustainable Business Leadership for the Planning Sector

This module examines how to embed sustainability practices into planning practice.



Stage Two

In the second stage of the programme, participants complete a module in research methods before undertaking a dissertation on a topic related to leadership or strategy within the planning system. Working under academic supervision, participants apply the knowledge and skills developed during the programme to investigate a real-world challenge or opportunity within Irish planning practice.

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

Application deadline: 21/08/2026

2 years.



Delivery

Blended Learning

Commences 05/09/2026

As above, students can take the programme in stages, exiting with interim qualifications. They can also progress to other IPA postgraduate programmes, including a Doctorate in Governance.