Financial Management

The MA – Financial Management is a two-year, part-time programme that combines study of subjects central to public management broadly with subjects that are specific to financial management in the Irish public sector.  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, which covers subjects such as economics and human resource management, 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, attending the IPA for weekend seminars. 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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Key Facts

Delivery Method

In the first year of the programme, students attend seminars/webinars on six weekends between September and April. In the second, they attend three weekend seminars and prepare a minor dissertation. They are supported in their studies by a range of resources, including bespoke course material and module textbooks.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must have a primary degree or equivalent qualification.  A copy of the qualification should be included along with the application form.  

Duration

Two academic years.

Interim Awards

Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management.

Accreditation

NUI

Place on NFQ

Level 9 (Masters Degree) what is this?

Commences

September 2024

Application Deadline

September 2024

Fees

The cost of the programme is €5,700 per annum, payable in two instalments.

Note: Fees may increase slightly from year to year. Where this occurs, continuing students will be charged the increased fee.

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The Programme

The MA – Financial Management is a two-year, part-time programme that combines study of subjects central to public management broadly with subjects that are specific to financial management in the Irish public sector.  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, which covers subjects such as economics and human resource management, 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, attending the IPA for weekend seminars. 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 issues in the Irish public sector. As it is delivered through blended learning and on a part-time basis, the programme is very suitable for those with work and family commitments. Students can take this programme no matter where they live. 

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. Students must successfully complete the taught modules before moving to the dissertation phase.

Assessment

Students submit assignments, sit final examinations and complete a minor dissertation.

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).

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

 

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