Institute of Public Administration - IPA

The Programme

The DGov is a 4 - 5 year professional doctoral programme. It provides public policy-makers and public sector managers with the advanced knowledge and high-level critical skills that their professional lives demand. Students explore how public policy-making has evolved, and is continuing to evolve, as a result of changes in the structure and practices of the modern state. The programme will enable policy-makers to gain a comprehensive understanding of issues and patterns of governance in Ireland and abroad. It involves the study of various modules and the preparation of a research project.


Participant Profile

The DGov programme attracts participants from the civil service, local government service, health services, security services, other state services and the voluntary sector in Ireland, Great Britain and the rest of Europe. Applicants should normally possess a primary and postgraduate degree, or equivalent qualification, of at least upper second class honours (2.1) standard and have at least five years' full-time work experience at an appropriate level in a relevant public service profession. Interviews may be held to assess the suitability of applicants.


The DGov is the Whitaker School's highest award and produces graduates with great expertise in issues fundamental to a successful and rewarding career in the public service and related fields. Study groups and peer interaction are facilitated and encouraged.


Key Attributes


The DGov programme:


Provides a unique curriculum of doctoral level education


Is delivered under the direction of a team of expert academics and practitioners


Focuses on applying academic understandings and skills to professional practice


Facilitates research into, and debate on, key issues affecting policy-making and governance


Creates opportunities to develop inter-jurisdiction networks


Involves residential study sessions to facilitate learning and esprit de corps among participants and teaching staff


Includes a doctoral research project on a subject of the participant's choice


Provides extensive participant support, including an induction workshop, a personal tutor and guidance tutorials at each study session


Programme Delivery and Evaluation

This part-time programme is delivered by means of directed study and a research project on a subject relevant to the participant's work experience and professional formation. Participants can pursue the programme no matter where they live or work but must attend a number of intensive weekend residential study sessions. Evaluation is based on assignment papers prepared by participants under the direction of the tutors responsible for the different programme modules and the final research project.


Module Seminars

These seminars comprise lectures and workshops and are scheduled over two/three days for each module. They address key areas in the literature and provide guidance on module assessment.