Institute of Public Administration - IPA

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 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.

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.

Residential Study Sessions
These sessions comprise lectures, seminars and workshops and are scheduled over three days for each module. The sessions provide participants with the opportunity to compare and exchange best-practice experience.