This one-year course introduces students to the political institutions and systems that determine how Ireland is governed. It has two main components. The first explains the powers of the Houses of the Oireachtas, the voting system in operation and the organisation of government. Throughout, comparisons are made with the structures and systems in other countries, including the UK and Germany. The second part of the course focuses on social administration in Ireland, outlining, among other things, how welfare, education and housing services are delivered.
Certificate in Irish Government and Politics
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Delivery Method
This part-time programme is delivered through blended learning. Students attend webinars on selected weeknight evenings and classroom seminars at the IPA on selected weekends. They are supported in their studies by extensive online resources and bespoke 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
Place on NFQ
Level 6 (Higher Certificate)
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Commences
September 2023
Application Deadline
September 2023
Fees
The cost of the programme is €1,250 per annum (includes all matriculation and examination fees), payable in 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
Students can enter the BA (Hons) programme with an exemption from the Politics, Government and Public Administration module.
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- The Programme
This one-year course introduces students to the political institutions and systems that determine how Ireland is governed. It has two main components. The first explains the powers of the Houses of the Oireachtas, the voting system in operation and the organisation of government. Throughout, comparisons are made with the structures and systems in other countries, including the UK and Germany. The second part of the course focuses on social administration in Ireland, outlining, among other things, how welfare, education and housing services are delivered.
- Is This Programme for you?
Are you interested in debates about the reform that the Irish political system requires? Are you are interested in the institutions, structures and systems through which Ireland is governed? If so, this course, which details the facts about political and social administration, may be ideal. Students come from various backgrounds and all are keen to reacquaint themselves with the particularities of the Irish political and social administration systems.
- Assessment
Students complete assignments and sit examinations.
- How To Apply
- 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).
- 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.
- 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 download the application form below.
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