This programme has been designed as a development of and a follow-up to the Certificate in Health Services. Students must have successfully completed the Certificate programme before gaining entry onto this Diploma. The Diploma is designed to amplify and build on the foundation coverage of health services and policy provided in the Certificate programme. The course is intended to constitute an important step in the career development path of healthcare staff who are working in the context of the current reform process in the Irish health services.
The programme commences in January 2026.
Diploma in Health Services Policy
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Delivery Method
The programme is delivered through a blended learning model. Students attend in-person seminars at the IPA, study bespoke course material, and access a range of online resources. Seminars will be delivered by IPA specialists and associate lecturers.
Entry Requirements
Students should possess the IPA's Certificate in Health Services.
Duration
One academic year
Accreditation
Place on NFQ
Level 6 (Special Purpose award)
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Commences
January 2026
Application Deadline
November 2025
Fees
€2,100 (includes all matriculation and examination fees), payable in two instalments.
Employers and Fees
Where employers are paying fees, students, when enrolling, must provide a PO number and employer authorisation on the applicaiton form OR submit a letter from their employer confirming that fees will be paid directly.
Students Paying their own Fees
Fees can be paid by:
Electronic transfer (contact the Undergraduate Office).
Debit/credit card (contact the Undergraduate Office).
Cheque (payable to the Institute of Public Administration).
Bank draft.
Note: Fees may increase slightly from year to year. Where this occurs, students will be charged the increased fee.
Progression
Participants who successfully complete the Diploma programme may advance to Year 2 of the BA (Hons) (Healthcare Management) on completion of a bridging course.
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- The Programme
This programme has been designed as a development of and a follow-up to the Certificate in Health Services. Students must have successfully completed the Certificate programme before gaining entry onto this Diploma. The Diploma is designed to amplify and build on the foundation coverage of health services and policy provided in the Certificate programme. The course is intended to constitute an important step in the career development path of healthcare staff who are working in the context of the current reform process in the Irish health services.
The programme commences in January 2026.
- Is This Programme for you?
This Diploma is ideally suited to:
- Staff of all disciplines who have successfully completed the Institute’s Certificate in Health Services.
- Those who wish to develop their understanding of health care policy and of the links between policy and practice.
- Those who wish to pursue further an academic pathway in the study of healthcare management.
- Subjects
The Diploma is delivered through three core blocks that deepen students' understanding of Irish health policy.
Introduction to Health Policy
Students are introduced to frameworks for exploring and analysing health policy. Key health policy priorities within the Irish health system are explored.
Governance, Funding and Quality in the Irish Health System
This block examines broad system issues such as the increading focus on governance and accountability, trends in funding and spending, and drivers and policies relating to quality.
Case Studies
Students use case studies on current key topics to explore challenges with developing, implementing and evaluting health policy.
- Assessment
Assessment consists assignments and a final examination.
- Seminar Dates
Seminars are in-person at the IPA campus.
| Seminar 1 |
Thursday, January 8, 2026 |
| Seminar 2 |
Thursday, January 29, 2026 |
| Seminar 3 |
Thursday, February 19, 2026 |
| Seminar 4 |
Thursday, March 19, 2026 |
- How To Apply
Please complete the online form below. On submitting that, you will receive correspondence from the IPA on next steps/documentation.
Undergraduate Application
- Delivery
The programme is delivered through a blended learning model. Students attend four in-person seminars at the IPA, study bespoke course material, and access a range of online resources. Seminars will be delivered by IPA specialists and associate lecturers.
- Prospectus
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IPA undergraduate programmes are part time and generally delivered through a blended learning mode that combines in-person seminars, online webinars, and independent study. See the programme page for more information.
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