The Professional Diploma in Official Statistics for Policy Evaluation has been developed in conjunction with the Central Statistics Office (CSO) and is targeted at decision-makers throughout the public service. It introduces students to important Irish and international official statistics that will help them better understand the structure and trends in Ireland’s economy and society. A unique feature of the programme is that course material is prepared and taught by professional statisticians from CSO. This is a practical “hands-on” course, and emphasis is placed on the visualisation and presentation of statistics so that useful policy relevant information or knowledge can be derived. Students are also introduced to data management and metadata best practice and to the broader principles of evidence-informed policy formulation and evaluation.
Professional Diploma in Official Statistics for Policy Evaluation
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Delivery Method
This part-time programme is delivered through a blended learning model. Students attend classroom-based seminars and are supported in their studies by various 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 8 (Special Purpose award)
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Commences
October 2024
Application Deadline
September 2024
Fees
The cost of the programme is €2,500 (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.
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- The Programme
The Professional Diploma in Official Statistics for Policy Evaluation has been developed in conjunction with the Central Statistics Office (CSO) and is targeted at decision-makers throughout the public service. It introduces students to important Irish and international official statistics that will help them better understand the structure and trends in Ireland’s economy and society. A unique feature of the programme is that course material is prepared and taught by professional statisticians from CSO. This is a practical “hands-on” course, and emphasis is placed on the visualisation and presentation of statistics so that useful policy relevant information or knowledge can be derived. Students are also introduced to data management and metadata best practice and to the broader principles of evidence-informed policy formulation and evaluation.
- Is This Programme for you?
This programme will appeal to anyone in the wider public service who would like to obtain a specialised knowledge of official statistics and their role in decision-making. It is of great benefit to those who need to present analyses or business cases to peers and to those charged with research and analyses.
- Subjects
The programme is divided into four main areas. The topics covered include the following:
Framework for Official Statistics
- Principles of policy evaluation
- Accessing information
- Statistical infrastructure and data management
- Legal and institutional frameworks
- Standard and confidence in statistics
Macro-Economy Statistics
- National and international accounts
- Banking and finance
- External trade and balance of payments
- Prices
- Globalisation
Business Economy Statistics
- Short- and long-term business statistics
- Science and technology
- Environment and energy
- Transport and travel
- Agriculture, forestry and fisheries
People, Demography and Labour Force Statistics
- Demography and migration
- Income and social conditions
- Employment, unemployment and earnings
- Health and education
- Well-being, equality and crime
- Assessment
Assessment will consist of written assignments, a class presentation, and final examinations.
- How To Apply
- Download this Application Form and complete it (if your fees are being paid by your employer, be sure to include all the relevant details on the form).
- That 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.
- Delivery
This part-time programme is delivered through a student-friendly blended learning model. Students attend classroom-based seminars and are supported in their studies by various online resources and bespoke course material.
- 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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