Master of Arts – Financial Management

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The Programme

The MA – Financial Management is a two-year, part-time programme that combines study of subjects central to public management broadly with subjects that are specific to financial management in the Irish public sector.  It seeks to raise the level of financial analysis in the public service and equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective financial management. On completing the first year of the programme, which covers subjects such as economics and human resource management, 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 topics in financial management, attending the IPA for weekend seminars. In the second, students write a dissertation on a specific financial management issue.

Year two will normally only commence in autumn of each year. Students that do not wish to take all three subjects in any particular semester may choose to study one or two on a phased basis. 

Is This Programme for you?

With relevance to those who work in both the public and the private sector, this programme will obviously be of particular interest to anyone who wants to gain some expertise in financial management issues in the Irish public sector. As it is delivered through blended learning and on a part-time basis, the programme is very suitable for those with work and family commitments. Students can take this programme no matter where they live. 

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 

Financial Strategy

On completing this course, students will understand the theory and practice of financial strategy and by able to apply the theories of corporate finance to the Irish and international financial environment. The course focuses on capital investment decisions and risk, capital structure, financial planning, the management of working capital, derivatives and corporate governance. 

Public Sector Finance

The size and role of government activity in an economy effect citizen in the State.  This course explores the level, trend and economic consequences of such activity. Among the specifics topics addressed are public/private partnerships, costing and pricing, expenditure reviews, the economics of tax and debt, and international developments in public sector finance.

Governance and Audit

This course is concerned with governance and audit and the related issue of risk management. With reference to modern governance scandals, it explores reform in the Irish public service around governance and accountability, regulatory frameworks, financial reporting requirements in the public and private sectors, accountability, internal audit, internal control systems and risk management. 

Semester Two

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

Assessment

Students submit assignments, sit final examinations and complete a minor dissertation.

How To Apply

To apply, please:

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 the relevant details on the application 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, the see the How to Apply section on the relevant programme and complete the application form below. 

Application Form

Postgraduate Application Form