Professional Certificate in Governance

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The Programme

The Professional Certificate in Governance is a one-year part-time programme that addresses a key area of concern to professionals in the public and private sectors. Governance is a subject used in several contexts and is a subject of much debate in Ireland and elsewhere. This programme examines governance as a set of structures and processes used in arriving at and implementing decisions. 

Addressing such topics as the role and responsibilities of governing bodies and boards, the performance and accountability of directors, assurance arrangements, fiduciary responsibilities, executive and non-executive functions and reserved functions of boards, the Certificate explains the principles of governance and the constituent elements of ‘good’ governance. In short, graduates will have obtained signiifcant knowledge of the principles and practice associated with decision-making and control in organisations, knowledge that they can practically apply in their own organsiations and working lives. 

The lecturing team includes experienced governance specialists and practitioners. Study groups and peer interaction are facilitated and encouraged.

Is This Programme for you?

Yes, if you wish to obtain a professional qualification in a field of contemporary and enduring relevance and to advance your own understanding of the principles and practice under which commercial, non-commercial, State and public benefit organisations operate. The well-publicised governance, ethical and audit problems that defined the global financial crisis have clearly shown that there is a palpable need for board members, senior managers, administrators and policy-makers to critically assess the governance arrangements in place for particular sectors or organisations.

This part-time programme, which can be taken from anywhere in Ireland, will enable graduates to assess and enhance the governance mechanisms that operate in organisations and to clearly articulate and put in practice the ideas that lie behind the rhetoric of governance. 

Subjects

• Principles of Governance
• Governance in the Public and Private Sectors
• Governance of Agencies
• Governance Roles and Responsibilities
• Best Practice and Professional Models
• Ethics
• Performance and Accountability
• Audit and Assurance
• Control and Risk Management
• Assessing Good Governance

Assessment

Students are assessed on the basis of an assignment, a project and an examination. 

How To Apply

To apply, please:

1. Download this Application Form and complete it (if your fees are being paid by your employer, be sure to include the relevant details on the form).
2. Obtain a copy of your degree or other relevant qualification.
3. Send the completed application form and copy of your prior qualification to postgrad@ipa.ie.

You may also apply by post.

If you are paying the programme fee yourself, you can do so by cheque, bank draft or by debit/credit card (contact the Postgraduate Office for further details).

Delivery

This part-time programme is delivered through a blended learning model. Students attend seminars/webinars in each term and are supported in their studies by a range of resources, including online course material and a core textbook.

Prospectus

Programme Delivery and Application Form

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

Application Form

Postgraduate Application Form