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Institute of Public Administration - IPA

Local Government Management

The Programme
Postgraduate Certificates are one-year programmes in which students take the second year of IPA MA programmes. This is a stand-alone qualification specifically designed for students who do not wish to take a Master's programme in the respective area.

Postgraduate Certificate in Local Government Management

Students take three or four subjects and complete a minor dissertation. Students must successfully complete the taught courses before moving to the dissertation phase.

Is This Programme For You?
Many graduate students are interested in a number of the fields in which the IPA offers qualifications. Students who wish to focus exclusively on HRM, Financial Management or any other of the specialisms listed above may do so by studying the second year of the MA programme. On completion, they will receive a Postgraduate Certificate in the specialism of their choice. New responsibilities at work or changes in career very often mean that instruction in a new field and an extra qualification are necessary. These one-year certificates are designed to meet such needs.

Entry requirements

Admission Requirements
Applicants for Postgraduate Diplomas, Postgraduate Certificates, MA, MEconSc and MSc programmes must have a primary degree or equivalent qualification.

Duration

One academic year
Distance education supported by weekend seminars.

Delivery Method
Other than the Postgraduate Certificate in Public Management (which requires a major dissertation), all Postgraduate Certificates consists of three subjects and a minor dissertation. They are all delivered through distance education, so students can live and work anywhere in Ireland and can remain in full-time employment. Students attend some weekend seminars at the IPA in Dublin.

Further enquiries

Tel: +353 1 240 3600
Email: postgrad@ipa.ie

Subjects taught

Semester One

Local Government Policy Formulation, Implementation and Evaluation
This course explores theories on the role of local government in the policy process. It focuses on five key themes: policy making and strategic planning, community and networks, service delivery, the regulatory environment, and organisation and change. A case study on housing is also included.

Local Government Financial Management and Accountability
This course considers the particular financial management considerations that apply to local government in Ireland. Among the topics addressed are the sources of funds available to local government, budget management and financial governance.

Leadership and Management
In this module, students will explore how theories and practices current in both public and private sectors can apply to local government management. It examines strategy and strategic thinking, leadership and learning in a strategic context, changing organisational culture, and performance management.

Semester Two
In the second semester of year two, students write a dissertation on a specific local government management issue. Students must successfully complete the taught courses before moving to the dissertation phase.

Comment

Accreditation: National University of Ireland
Place on NFQ: Level 9 (Special Purpose Award).
Award: Postgraduate Certificate.

Accreditation
Students who commence an IPA programme in the academic year 2018-2019 will graduate with a qualification accredited by the National University of Ireland (NUI). IPA postgraduate programmes sit between levels eight and ten on the ten-point National Framework of Qualifications.

Assessment method

Students are generally assessed by means of assignments, final exams and a minor dissertation.

Application date

Apply Online from August 2020, students can apply online at www.ipa.ie.

Apply by Post
Please complete the application form and return it to the IPA, together with:

• One copy of your degree or relevant qualification
• One passport-type photograph
• The semester fee
or
• A letter from your employer confirming that fees will be paid directly to the IPA.

Places on the programmes are limited and demand for places is likely to exceed the number available. Consequently, you are strongly advised to apply as early as possible.

Course fee

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.

Enrolment and start dates

Commences: September 2020.

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