The MA – Financial Management is a two-year, parttime programme that explores key subjects in financial management. It seeks to raise the level of financial analysis in the public service and equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective financial management. On completing the first year of the programme students receive the interim award of a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management. The second year of the course is divided into two semesters. In the first of these, students study three key topics in financial management. In the second, students write a dissertation on a specific financial management issue. Year two will normally only commence in autumn of each year. Students that do not wish to take all three subjects in any particular semester may choose to study one or two on a phased basis.
Master of Arts – Financial Management
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Delivery Method
This programme is delivered through blended learning and can be taken from anywhere in the country. Students receive comprehensive course manuals and all the essential textbooks. They study this material at a time and place of their own choosing.
Students also attend the IPA on six weekends over the course of the academic year for lectures and seminars. These weekend events also allow them to meet with their classmates and obtain advice from lecturers and subject coordinators.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must have a primary degree or equivalent qualification.
Duration
Two academic years.
Interim Awards
Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management.
Accreditation
Place on NFQ
Level 9 (Masters Degree)
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Commences
September 2017
Application Deadline
September 2017
Fees
The cost of the programme is €5,000 per annum (includes all matriculation and examination fees, all seminars, textbooks and course material), payable in two instalments.
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- The Programme
The MA – Financial Management is a two-year, parttime programme that explores key subjects in financial management. It seeks to raise the level of financial analysis in the public service and equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective financial management. On completing the first year of the programme students receive the interim award of a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management. The second year of the course is divided into two semesters. In the first of these, students study three key topics in financial management. In the second, students write a dissertation on a specific financial management issue. Year two will normally only commence in autumn of each year. Students that do not wish to take all three subjects in any particular semester may choose to study one or two on a phased basis.
- Is This Programme for you?
With relevance to those who work in both the public and the private sector, this programme will obviously be of particular interest to anyone who wants to gain some expertise in financial management. The programme is delivered through a blend of distance education and intensive weekend seminars and workshops at the IPA. Students can, therefore, pursue this programme no matter where they live and can remain in full-time employment.
- Subjects
Year One
Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management (Interim Award)
The first year of the MA programme is divided into two semesters and each semester is devoted to the study of three key subjects in public management.
Semester One
- Economics
- Managing Human Resources
- Finance
Semester Two
- Organisation and Strategy
- Research Methods
- Managing Service Delivery/Managing in Europe
Year Two
Semester One
Financial Strategy
On completing this course, students will understand the theory and practice of financial strategy and by able to apply the theories of corporate finance to the Irish and international financial environment. The course focuses on capital investment decisions and risk, capital structure, financial planning, the management of working capital, derivatives and corporate governance.
Public Sector Finance
The size and role of government activity in an economy effect citizen in the State. This course explores the level, trend and economic consequences of such activity. Among the specifics topics addressed are public/private partnerships, costing and pricing, expenditure reviews, the economics of tax and debt, and international developments in public sector finance.
Governance and Audit
This course is concerned with governance and audit and the related issue of risk management. With reference to modern governance scandals, it explores reform in the Irish public service around governance and accountability, regulatory frameworks, financial reporting requirements in the public and private sectors, accountability, internal audit, internal control systems and risk management.
Semester Two
In the second semester of year two, students write a dissertation on a specific financial management issue.
- Assessment
Students submit assignments, sit final examinations and complete a minor dissertation.
- Seminar Dates
Autumn Semester 2017
- Orientation Seminar: Friday, September 1 – Sunday, September 3
- Review Seminar: Saturday, September 30 – Sunday, October 1
- Final Seminar: Saturday, November 4 – Sunday, November 5
- Examinations: Week of December 11, 2017
Spring Semester 2018
- Orientation Seminar: Friday, January 5 – Sunday, January 7
- Review Seminar: Saturday, February 3 – Sunday, February 4
- Final Seminar: Saturday, March 3 – Sunday, March 4
- Examinations: Week of April 16, 2018
- Prospectus
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Full details on all IPA postgraduate programmes are available in the prospectus, which you can view or download here.
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