Public Management

The MA – Healthcare Management is a two-year, part-time programme that combines study of subjects central to public management broadly with study of the issues that affect the management of health and hospital services in Ireland. It seeks to raise the level of analysis in healthcare management in Ireland and to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage effectively.

On completing the first year of the programme, students receive the interim award of a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management. The second year of the course is divided into two semesters. In the first of these, students study three key subjects in healthcare management. In the second, students write a dissertation on a specific healthcare management issue. If you do not wish to take all three subjects in any particular semester, you may choose to study one or two on a phased basis.

Master of Arts – Healthcare Management

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Key Facts

Delivery Method

This programme is delivered through a student-friendly blended learning model. In the first year of the programme, students attend six weekend seminars/webinars between September and March. In the second, they attend three weekend seminars at the IPA and prepare a minor dissertation. In both years, they are supported in their studies by a range of resources, including bespoke course material and module textbooks.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must have a primary degree or equivalent qualification. A copy of the qualification should be included along with the application form. 

Duration

Two academic years

Interim Awards

Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management.

Accreditation

NUI

Place on NFQ

Level 9 (Masters Degree) what is this?

Commences

September 2024

Application Deadline

September 2024

Fees

The cost of the programme is €5,700 per annum (includes all matriculation and examination fees, all seminars, textbooks and course material), payable in two instalments. 

Note: Fees may increase slightly from year to year. Where this occurs, continuing students will be charged the increased fee.

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The Programme

The MA – Healthcare Management is a two-year, part-time programme that combines study of subjects central to public management broadly with study of the issues that affect the management of health and hospital services in Ireland. It seeks to raise the level of analysis in healthcare management in Ireland and to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage effectively.

On completing the first year of the programme, students receive the interim award of a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management. The second year of the course is divided into two semesters. In the first of these, students study three key subjects in healthcare management. In the second, students write a dissertation on a specific healthcare management issue. If you do not wish to take all three subjects in any particular semester, you may choose to study one or two on a phased basis.

Is This Programme for you?

This programme is suitable for those who work in the health sector, particularly those looking to advance their career or already in a management role. Students come from across both the public and private healthcare sectors and from services areas, including primary and community care, acute care, social care, mental health and corporate services. 

By placing healthcare issues within the broader public management field, it gives students an understanding of how healthcare management relates to other economic and organisational questions.

Subjects

Year One

Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management (Interim Award)

The first year of the MA programme is divided into two semesters and each semester is devoted to the study of three key subjects in public management.

Semester One
  • Economics
  • Managing Human Resources
  • Finance
Semester Two
  • Organisation and Strategy
  • Research Methods
  • Managing Service Delivery/Managing in Europe

Year Two

Semester One
Health Systems and Policy

This module explores what health systems are and what shapes them. It considers health policy formulation, the structure of the Irish health system, current Irish policies in key healthcare areas (including primary and acute care), and future challenges for the Irish health system.  

Leadership and Management of Healthcare Organisations  

In exploring leadership and management in healthcare, this course addresses organisational theory, organisational behaviour, and managing organisational performance. It also attends to theories of leadership and management and to how best to lead change in the healthcare setting. 

Quality in Healthcare/Health Economics and Finance

This course consists of two subjects. The first examines the structures and processes that should be in place to ensure quality in healthcare. It considers patient safety, quality assessments, clinical and organisational governance, clinical audit and evidence-based medicine. The second explores the economic and financial implications of healthcare decisions and policies. It covers such matters as the healthcare market, efficiency and equity in healthcare, and supplier-induced demand.

Semester Two

In the second semester of year two students write a dissertation on a specific healthcare management issue. Students must successfully complete the taught modules before moving to the dissertation phase.

Assessment

Students are assessed by means of assignments, examinations and a dissertation. 

How To Apply

To apply, please:

  1. Download this Application Form and complete it (if your fees are being paid by your employer, be sure to include the relevant details on the form).
  2. Obtain a copy of your degree or other relevant qualification.
  3. Send the completed application form and copy of your prior qualification to postgrad@ipa.ie.

You may also apply by post.

If you are paying the programme fee yourself, you can do so by cheque, bank draft or by debit/credit card (contact the Postgraduate Office for further details).

Prospectus

Programme Delivery and Application Form

IPA postgraduate prorgammes are part time and delivered through a blended learning model. To apply,  see the How to Apply section on the relevant programme and complete the application form below. 

Application Form

 

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