Normally a UK second class honours degree, or better, in any discipline or the equivalent of this for international students. If you do not have an honours degree but have relevant experience, you may be eligible to apply.

This course is directed at personnel at Principal Officer (Grade 7) or equivalent from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The course is open to candidates from government departments and the wider public service.

Participants will be accepted from those identified by their organisation with a remit to implement a strategic change programme. Applicants would be particularly welcome from those working in areas such as:

- Major organisational reform; or
- Providing shared services across organisational boundaries; or
- Programme or project management

To apply for the programme please contact the Course Director Dr Emer Gallagher directly at: [email protected]

English Language Requirements
English language requirements for international applicants:
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes. Ulster University recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

Start Date: January 2026.

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.

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.

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.

Career options
All participants on the programme are in full-time employment as senior managers in public service organisations. The course supports their career progression in that, it is employers who advise on the emerging discipline areas and provide on-going input into course and curriculum design. The positioning of the MSc Leadership and Innovation in the Public Sector is to test, prepare and equip participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to progress to senior civil service levels.

The nature of this programme supports continuing professional development and those wishing to progress on an academic path with for example a PhD, will be prepared to do so.