Course Summary
This one-year part-time programme provides a comprehensive examination of public sector governance as a set of systems and structures that enable healthy decision-making.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must have a primary degree or equivalent qualification. Transcripts of undergraduate qualifications are required at the application stage.
Application Details
Fees
€3,200 pa
The programme fee can be paid in one or two instalments. The first instalment must be paid before the programme begins.
Employers and Fees
Where employers are paying fees directly to the IPA, students must provide a PO number and employer authorization (name, address and email of authorizing officer) during the online application process.
If students cannot provide a PO number, they can submit a letter from their authorizing officer confirming that the fees will be paid directly. Note: A letter stating that fees will be refunded to the student at the end of the year will not suffice.
Tax Relief on Fees
Where programmes are longer than one year in length, students paying their own fees are eligible for tax relief at the standard rate.
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Career Progression
Duration
Delivery
Blended Learning
In-person seminars take place on four Saturdays.
Seminar 1 Saturday, September 12, 2026
Seminar 2 Saturday, November 7, 2026
Seminar 3 Saturday, January 16, 2027
Seminar 4 Saturday, March 13, 2027
Exam April 2027 (TBC)