The MA – Local Government Management is a two-year, part-time programme that explores the key issues in local government.
The programme seeks to raise the level of analysis in Irish local government management and to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective management in the local government field. 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 subjects essential to local government. In the second, students write a dissertation on a specific local government management issue.
Master of Arts – Local Government Management
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Delivery Method
For the academic year 2021-2022, the programme is delivered through a blended learning model. Students access a range of online resources, receive module textbooks, and attend webinars on scheduled weekends. For multi-year programmes, any seminar arrangements will be made in line with public health restrictions. Further details will be provided on registration.
Via the IPA’s online learning portal, students will access comprehensive course material (including bespoke manuals), video lectures, and live webinars where lecturers will engage with student questions and enable discussion. Students will also receive hardcopy textbooks for all modules and access to the resources of the IPA Library.
Accessing and using the online content will be a straightforward affair; students will not anything beyond standard ICT skills. The IPA will provide comprehensive guidance and support.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must have a primary degree or equivalent qualification.
Duration
Two academic years
Interim Awards
Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management.
Accreditation
Place on NFQ
Level 9 (Masters Degree)
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Commences
September 2021
Application Deadline
September 2021
Fees
The cost of the programme is €5,000 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 – Local Government Management is a two-year, part-time programme that explores the key issues in local government.
The programme seeks to raise the level of analysis in Irish local government management and to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective management in the local government field. 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 subjects essential to local government. In the second, students write a dissertation on a specific local government management issue.
- Is This Programme for you?
This programme will be of great interest to local authority officials working across a variety of sectors. It combines core public management subjects and those that are specific to local government in Ireland. Students can pursue this qualification 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
Local Government Policy Formulation, Implementation and Evaluation
This course explores theories relevant to the role of local government in the policy process. It focuses on five key themes: policy making and strategic planning, community and networks, service delivery, the regulatory environment, and organisation and change. A case study on housing is used to draw out a range of questions about the operation of local government in Ireland.
Local Government Financial Management and Accountability
This course considers the particular financial management considerations that apply to local government in Ireland. Among the topics addressed are the sources of funds available to local government, budget management, financial governance, accrual accounting in local government, analysing capital projects, and corporate governance.
Leadership and Management
In this module, students will explore how theories and practices current in both and public and private sector can apply to local government management. It examines strategy and strategic thinking, leadership and learning in a strategic context, changing organisational culture, and performance management.
Semester Two
In the second semester, students complete a minor dissertation on a specific local government management topic. Students must successfully complete the taught modules before moving to the dissertation phase.
- Assessment
The programme is assessed by means of assignments, examinations and a minor dissertation.
- Prospectus
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Programme Delivery and Application Form
For the academic year 2021-2022, programmes will generally be delivered through a blended learning model. Students access a range of online resources, receive module textbooks, and attend webinars on scheduled dates (mainly weekends). For multi-year programmes, any seminar arrangements will be made in line with public health restrictions. Further details will be provided on registration.
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