Doctorate in Governance (DGov)

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The Programme

The DGov is a 4 - 5 year part-time 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.

The DGov programme:

• Provides a unique curriculum of doctoral level education.
• Is delivered under the direction of a team of acknowledged 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 scheduled webianrs/seminars 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 progress tutorials at each study session.

Is This Programme for you?

The Doctorate in Governance is the Whitaker School’s highest award and produces graduates with great expertise in issues fundamental to a successful and rewarding career in the public service and related fields. It 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. Study groups and peer interaction are facilitated and encouraged.

Applicants should normally possess a primary 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 a relevant public service profession. Interviews may be held to assess the suitability of applicants.

Subjects

Years One and Two: 

The first two years of the programme are devoted to ten modules:

• Governance and the Modern State
• Governance in Europe
• Governance and Regulation
• Economics and Governance
• Corporate Governance
• Public Administration and Governance
• Governance, Policy and Implementation
• Social Justice and Governance
• Research Methods
• Professional Practice Module

On successfully completing the first two years, students can exit the programme with the award of MSc in Applied Governance.

Subsequent Years:

The remaining years of the programme are devoted to a research project of 50,000 words on an agreed subject of the participant’s choosing. During this dissertation phase, students work under the direction of a supervisor and attend periodic webinars/workshops. 

Assessment

Assessment is based on assignment papers prepared under the direction of the tutors in the vairous modules and on the final research project. 

Other Information

Programme Leader:

Dr Michael Mulreany
Course Director
Institute of Public Administration Lansdowne Road Dublin 4
Email: mmulreany@ipa.ie

How To Apply

To apply, download this Application Form. Complete and return it to postgrad.ie, along with:

• 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.

Prospectus

Programme Delivery and Application Form

IPA postgraduate prorgammes are part time and delivered through a blended learning model. To apply,  see the How to Apply section on the relevant programme and complete the application form below. 

Application Form

Postgraduate Application Form