Course Summary
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.
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 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 three years' full-time work experience at an appropriate level in the public service. Interviews may be held to assess suitability.
Application Details
Application Deadline: August 2025.
How To Apply
Complete the online Postgraduate application form on the home page. On submitting that, you will receive correspondence from the IPA on next steps/documentation required, which will include:
- A copy of the applicant’s CV.
- Copies of degree certificates.
- A covering letter detailing the applicant’s reasons for applying.
- Two references.
- A letter confirming that the course fees will be paid by the student or a third party, e.g. the applicant’s employer.
Commences: September/October 2025.
Fees
The cost of the programme is €8,700 per annum.
Note: Fees may increase slightly from year to year. Where this occurs, continuing students will be charged the increased fee.
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.
Enterprising
Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.
Career Progression
Duration
Delivery Method
The programme is delivered via seminars at the IPA campus, webinars, directed study, and (under expert supervision) a research project.