+353 1 240 3600 | information@ipa.ie

Local Government

The Certificate in Local Government is a hugely popular programme that has, for many years, played a central role in educating staff from all parts of the Irish local government system. It is taught by national experts in Irish local government and by experienced managers who work within the local government sector. It is an explicitly introductory programme, one that seeks to provide students with a grounding in the main laws, policies, and practices that determine contemporary local government operations.  It addresses such key topics as how local government is financed, the role that elected members play in a local authority, and the responsibilities local authorities have in areas like housing and planning.

On completing this programme, students can progress to the Diploma in Local Government and explore the topics they have been introduced to in greater depth. From there, they can directly enter the third year of the the IPA’s BA (Hons) in Public Management, which has a local government stream.

Note: The application deadline for this programme is July 31.

Certificate in Local Government Studies

Enquire Now

Key Facts

Delivery Method

This part-time programme is delivered through blended learning and can be taken from anywhere in the country. Students attend scheduled online webinars and two classroom-based seminars at selected regional locations. They are supported in their studies by a range of course material.

Entry Requirements

Applicants require a Leaving Certificate with a minimum grade C in two higher level papers and grade D in four other subjects. The papers passed must include Irish, English and a third language.

OR

Mature students (students over 21 on January 1 of the calendar year of entry) may enter a programme without the above qualifications. 

Duration

One academic year

Accreditation

NUI

Place on NFQ

Level 6 (Special Purpose award) what is this?

Commences

September 2025

Application Deadline

July 2025 The application deadline is July 31

Fees

€1,150 (includes all matriculation and examination fees), payable in one or 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

Many of our graduates have successfully continued their studies with the Diploma in Local Government Studies. On completion of that programme, they can, after a bridging course, enter stage three of the IPA’s Bachelor of Arts (Hons) (Local Government).

Expand all

The Programme

The Certificate in Local Government is a hugely popular programme that has, for many years, played a central role in educating staff from all parts of the Irish local government system. It is taught by national experts in Irish local government and by experienced managers who work within the local government sector. It is an explicitly introductory programme, one that seeks to provide students with a grounding in the main laws, policies, and practices that determine contemporary local government operations.  It addresses such key topics as how local government is financed, the role that elected members play in a local authority, and the responsibilities local authorities have in areas like housing and planning.

On completing this programme, students can progress to the Diploma in Local Government and explore the topics they have been introduced to in greater depth. From there, they can directly enter the third year of the the IPA’s BA (Hons) in Public Management, which has a local government stream.

Note: The application deadline for this programme is July 31.

Is This Programme for you?

This Certificate is ideally suited to: 

  • Staff of all disciplines (technical, administrative, indoor and outdoor) working in the local government system. 
  • Those working for some time in local government who feel they need to broaden their understanding of an ever changing and dynamic local government system. 
  • Those working in agencies that have links with Irish local government.
Subjects

The Certificate covers the following key Local Government topics:

Module One 
  • Rationale, Purpose, Governance and Development of Irish Local Government
  • Local Government Reform
  • Local Government Finance
Module Two 
  • HRM
  • Role of the CEO
  • Role of the Elected Members
  • Planning and Development
Module Three 
  • Housing and Building
  • Roads and Transportation
Module Four 
  • Environmental Services
  • Library, Arts and Amenities 
  • Economic and Local Development
Assessment

Assessment is continuous throughout the programme and consists of four project assignments and examination. 

Other Information

The application deadline for this programme is July 31. 

How To Apply

Your training officer may be applying on your behalf. if not, please complete the online application form below.  On submitting that, you will receive correspondence from the IPA on next steps/documentation.

Note: The application deadline for this programme is July 31. 

Undergraduate Application
Delivery

This part-time programme is delivered through blended learning and can be taken from anywhere in the country. Students attend scheduled online webinars and two classroom-based seminars at regional locations. They are supported in their studies by a range of course material.

Prospectus

Apply Now - Undergraduate Programmes

Browse our Postgraduate Programmes

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. 

 

Enquiry Form

 

Required fields

 

 

Mailing List

Subscribe to our mailing list to receive regular emails about IPA courses, events, publications and news updates. You can unsubscribe at any time. For further information on how we use your data, please see our Privacy Statement.

Email