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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 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, it is taught by national experts in Irish local government and by experienced managers who work within the local government sector.

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.

Certificate in Local Government Studies

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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 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

October 2023

Application Deadline

July 2023

Fees

€1,000 (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).

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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 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, it is taught by national experts in Irish local government and by experienced managers who work within the local government sector.

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.

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
  • Water Services
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. 

How To Apply
  1. Download the application form that is on the IPA home page and complete it (if your fees are being paid by your employer, be sure to include all the relevant details on the application form).
  2. That application form MUST be accompanied by: (a) proof of ID (copy of passport, birth cert, or driving licence), (b) a passport photo, (c) the programme fee (see section on Fees).

Send the completed application form and the above items to undergrad@ipa.ie.

You may also apply by post.

Note: The application deadline for this programme is July 10. 

Prospectus

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 download the application form below.

Undergraduate Application Form 2023

 

Enquiry Form

 

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