Leadership and Strategy

The MA – Leadership and Strategy is a two-year, part-time programme that combines study of subjects central to public management broadly, such as economics and human resource management, with study of subjects specific to effective leadership and strategy formulation.

Both public and private sector organisations need leaders with expertise in the HR, strategic and financial components of organisational life. and organisational change.  Leaders are found at all levels of organisations, and this programme attends to both the theories and practices they must understand to develop in their careers. Indeed, the minor disseration may well take an aspect of a student's professional life as a starting point. 

On completion of the first year, students receive the interim award of a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management. In the second year, they take three modules in leadership and strategy and complete a minor dissertation. This programme usually only commences in the September of each year. 

Master of Arts – Leadership & Strategy

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Key Facts

Delivery Method

This programme is delivered through a student-friendly blended learning model. In the first year of the programme, students attend six weekend seminars/webinars between September and March. In the second, they attend three weekend seminars at the IPA and prepare a minor dissertation. In both years, 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.

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 – Leadership and Strategy is a two-year, part-time programme that combines study of subjects central to public management broadly, such as economics and human resource management, with study of subjects specific to effective leadership and strategy formulation.

Both public and private sector organisations need leaders with expertise in the HR, strategic and financial components of organisational life. and organisational change.  Leaders are found at all levels of organisations, and this programme attends to both the theories and practices they must understand to develop in their careers. Indeed, the minor disseration may well take an aspect of a student's professional life as a starting point. 

On completion of the first year, students receive the interim award of a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management. In the second year, they take three modules in leadership and strategy and complete a minor dissertation. This programme usually only commences in the September of each year. 

Is This Programme for you?

Increasingly, leadership and strategy development are seen as central to public service success and reform. This programme therefore has very wide appeal, as it attends to both the theory and practice of effective leadership - at all levels - and strategy formulation. In addition to their study of core economic, financial and HR subjects in the first year, students will, in the second, undertake supervised research on a leadership or strategy issue. 

Subjects

Year One

The first year of the programme is divided into two semesters, and each semester is devoted to the study of three subjects:

Semester One
  • Economics
  • Managing Human Resources
  • Finance 
Semester Two
  • Organisation and Strategy
  • Research Methods
  • Managing Service Delivery/Managing in Europe

Year Two 

Semester One
Leadership in Context

Leadership does not occur in a vacuum; it is influenced by the dominant ideas and developments of the age. This module places leadership in several contexts: social, organisational, psychological, economic, political, and philosophical. It considers, among other things, transformational leadership, business ethics, and leadership in the public service. 

Strategic Management and Analysis

Formulating and implementing a strategy is a central management responsibility. This course explores the core theories, principles and practices that researchers and practitioners have developed to explain managerial behaviour and decisions and organisational performance.  Topics addressed include external environment analysis, stakeholders, and the management of innovation. 

Leadership & Strategy Implementation

Among the topics explored in this module are leadership and the decision process, public and private sector leadership, implementing strategy in a global context, social responsibility, and the effective management of organisational change. 

Semester Two

In the second semester of year two, students write a dissertation on a specific leadership and strategy topic. Students must successfully complete the taught modules before moving to the dissertation phase.

Assessment

Students are assessed on the basis of assignments, examinations and their 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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