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Local Government

The Diploma in Local Government Studies is designed to build on the knowledge that students have obtained in the IPA Certificate programme, providing a more in-depth and analytical treatment of the main local authority services in Ireland. Having studied the central facts around local government, students now take a more evaluative approach, exploring the problems and opportunities that face local government.  The programme also takes a broader approach to the issues, situating local government services within economic, political, and social contexts.

In addition to an analysis of such complicated local government responsibilities as planning and the environment, the Diploma considers the various ways in which the system has been reformed and the relative success or otherwise of reform efforts. The Diploma is delivered via a student-friendly blended learning model. 

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

Diploma 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 should hold the Certificate in Local Government Studies. 

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

€1,290 (including 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

Participants who successfully complete the Diploma programme may advance to year 3 of the Local Government stream of the IPA’s Bachelor of Arts (Hons) degree, on completion of a bridging course. 

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The Programme

The Diploma in Local Government Studies is designed to build on the knowledge that students have obtained in the IPA Certificate programme, providing a more in-depth and analytical treatment of the main local authority services in Ireland. Having studied the central facts around local government, students now take a more evaluative approach, exploring the problems and opportunities that face local government.  The programme also takes a broader approach to the issues, situating local government services within economic, political, and social contexts.

In addition to an analysis of such complicated local government responsibilities as planning and the environment, the Diploma considers the various ways in which the system has been reformed and the relative success or otherwise of reform efforts. The Diploma is delivered via a student-friendly blended learning model. 

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

Is This Programme for you?

The Diploma in Local Government Studies has long been an important step in the career development path of local authority staff, providing information and analysis that will enable staff to improve their current competencies and develop new ones. The Diploma can be taken by anyone who has successfully completed the Certificate programme.

Subjects
Module One 
  • Local Government Finance
  • Local Government Reform
Module Two 
  • Community Development/Governance
  • HRM
Module Three
  • The Roads Function 
  • The Road Function
Module Four
  • Environment
  • Planning and Development
Assessment

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

Other Information

Note: 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 form below.  On submitting that, you will receive correspondence from the IPA on next steps/documentation.

Undergraduate Application

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

Delivery

This part-time programme 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. 

 

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