The Certificate in Housing Studies provides housing practitioners, students of public policy and anyone with an interest in housing with a comprehensive introduction to housing services and policy in Ireland. A part-time, accredited programme, it responds to a palpable need among staff working in local authorities and in voluntary and co-operative housing organisations for a greater understanding of the major issues in public/social housing.
Certificate in Housing Studies
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Delivery Method
The programme is delivered through a student-friendly blended learning model. Students attend in-person seminars at the IPA and online webinars. They are supported in their studies by bespoke course material and online resources. Seminars/webinars are delivered by a team of IPA and external housing specialists.
Entry Requirements
Applicants require a Leaving Certificate with a minimum of grade C in two higher level papers and grade D in four other subjects. However, applicants that are over 21 on the calendar year of entry may also enter the programme without that requirement.
Duration
One academic year
Accreditation
Place on NFQ
Level 6 (Special Purpose award)
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Commences
September 2025
Application Deadline
September 2025
Fees
The programme fee is €1,390. This includes all matricualtion and examination fees.
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
Students can progress their studies in housing with the IPA's Professional Diploma in Housing Studies.
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- The Programme
The Certificate in Housing Studies provides housing practitioners, students of public policy and anyone with an interest in housing with a comprehensive introduction to housing services and policy in Ireland. A part-time, accredited programme, it responds to a palpable need among staff working in local authorities and in voluntary and co-operative housing organisations for a greater understanding of the major issues in public/social housing.
- Is This Programme for you?
The Certificate in Housing Studies is of huge benefit to housing practitioners, in both generalist and technical positions, in local authorities and approved housing bodies. It provides a system-wide induction to public/social housing—an area of huge national importance—in a practical and applied manner. The programme will also appeal to anyone working in related areas who would like to understand the evolution of housing policy in Ireland and the work of those bodies responsible for the delivery of housing services.
- Subjects
The Certificate in Housing Studies includes seven modules:
- Housing Studies: Statutory Framwwork
- Access to Supported Housing
- Affordable Housing and Social Housing Investment
- Housing Management
- Sustainable Communities
- Regulation of Housing Sector: AHBs and Private Rental
- Housing Policy: Future Directions
- Assessment
Assessment is based on course work and a final examination.
- Other Information
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- Seminar Dates
Seminars take place on Thursdays and run from 10am-4pm.
| In-person seminar |
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| Online webinar |
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| Online webinar |
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| In-person seminar |
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| Online webinar |
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- How To Apply
Complete the online Undergraduate application form on the home page. On submitting that, you will receive correspondence from the IPA on next steps/documentation.
- Delivery
This part-time programme is delivered through a blended learning model. Students attend classroom-based seminars and online webinars. They are supported in their studies by a wide range of course material.
- Prospectus
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Programme Delivery and Applications
IPA programmes are part time and generally delivered through a blended learning model. To apply, see the How to Apply section on the relevant programme and apply via the online form below.
Applications Open Soon
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