Courses
The Institute offers a range of programmes from short training courses and organisational development interventions to accredited Certificate, Diploma and Degrees. Whether you are looking for a short skills development course or a longer term accredited programme, the IPA can meet your development needs.
Choose your level

Courses
Undergraduate Courses
Business Studies
Certificate in Business Studies
The Certificate in Business Studies is a one-year, part-time programme that provides a systematic introduction to modern business theory and practice. Students take four subjects and address such crucial topics as accounting techniques, research and quantitative methods, the HRM function in modern organisations and marketing strategies. The Certificate is both a stand-alone qualification and the first year of the four-year Bachelor of Business Studies (Hons) programme.
Commences:
Duration:
One academic year
Accreditation:
UCD

Diploma in Business Studies
This is a two-year, part-time programme that extends students’ understanding of the subjects addressed in the Certificate year and allows them to take a subject in an area of particular relevance to them. The Diploma is both a stand-alone qualification and the second year of the four-year Bachelor of Business Studies (Hons) programme. Students take three common subjects: cost accounting, business and company law and economics. They take a fourth subject from one of the following streams: Ÿ
Accounting
Marketing
Information Systems Management
Human Resource Management
Duration:
Two academic years
Accreditation:
UCD

Diploma in Financial Management
Understanding how organisations, business units and departments manage their finances is plainly of critical importance to a successful career. Many people know that they would benefit from instruction in the key accounting principles and processes at the heart of organisational life. The Diploma in Financial Management is a one-year, part-time programme that gives students a solid grounding in these principles and processes. It seeks to give students confidence in core accounting techniques and in financial management.
Duration:
One academic year
Accreditation:
UCD

Diploma in Marketing
The Diploma in Marketing explains and analyses the components of effective marketing. A one-year, part-time programme, it focuses on the principles and techniques that contemporary marketers are expected to understand and apply. It will explain both the position of the marketing function in modern organisations – and how it relates to other parts of the organisation – and the theories and practices that marketers are expected to understand. It is suitable for those with no prior experience of this subject.
Duration:
One academic year
Accreditation:
UCD

Bachelor of Business Studies (HONS) – Accounting
The BBS (Hons) (Accounting) is a four-year, part-time programme that provides a comprehensive examination and analysis of the subjects critical to contemporary business life, focusing on accounting principles and techniques. It includes two interim awards – at Certificate and Diploma level.
Duration:
Four years of part-time study
Accreditation:
UCD

Bachelor of Business Studies (HONS) – Human Resource Management
The BBS (Hons) (HRM) is a four-year, part-time programme that provides a comprehensive examination and analysis of the subjects critical to contemporary business life, focusing on Human Resource Management (HRM). It includes two interim awards – at Certificate and Diploma level.
Duration:
Four years of part-time study
Accreditation:
UCD

Bachelor of Business Studies (HONS) – Marketing
The BBS (Hons) (Marketing) is a four-year, part-time programme that provides a comprehensive examination and analysis of the subjects critical to contemporary business life, focusing on the marketing function. It includes two interim awards – at Certificate and Diploma level
Accreditation:
UCD

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Certificate in Health Services
This programme, which can be completed in one academic term, offers students a comprehensive overview of the Irish health service, health and related legislation and the current service issues affecting the key programmes and care groups. Students can expect to obtain up-to-date knowledge and a practical understanding of the health service, at national and local levels, which will contribute to their effectiveness and performance in the work environment.
Duration:
One academic term (September to December)
Accreditation:
UCD

Professional Diploma in Health Economics (CME/CPD Approved)
The Professional Diploma in Health Economics is a one-year, part-time programme that examines the economics of healthcare provision. There is a palpable need for those interested in healthcare in Ireland to understand the economic rationale behind the allocation of resources in this vital sector. To meet this need, the Diploma explores the fundamentals of economics, the distinctive features of healthcare economics and the different mechanisms for evaluating spending on healthcare.
Duration:
One academic year
Accreditation:
UCD

Diploma in Healthcare Management
The Diploma in Healthcare Management will equip students with the appropriate knowledge and personal skills to enable them to contribute effectively to the management of health services and the planning and attainment of goals and objectives.
Duration:
Two academic years
Accreditation:
UCD

Diploma in Health Services Policy
This programme has been designed as a development of and a follow-up to the Certificate in Health Services. Students must have successfully completed the Certificate programme before gaining entry onto this Diploma. The Diploma is designed to amplify and build on the foundation coverage of health services and policy provided in the Certificate programme. The course is intended to constitute an important step in the career development path of healthcare staff who are working in the context of the current reform process in the Irish health services.
Duration:
One academic year
Accreditation:
UCD

Bachelor of Arts (HONS) – Healthcare Management
This four-year, part-time programme combines study of subjects critical to contemporary public management in all sectors with subjects particular to healthcare management. In addition to learning about the economic, legal and HR issues that affect public administration broadly, students obtain specialised knowledge about health administration, health planning and healthcare in other countries. This highly regarded qualification includes two interim awards – at Certificate and Diploma level.
Duration:
Four years of part–time study
Accreditation:
UCD

Diploma in Human Resource Management
The Diploma in Human Resource Management (HRM) explains how organisations effectively manage people. It does this by analysing the aims of the HRM function and by detailing its key features. A one-year part-time programme, it is suitable for those who have no prior knowledge of HRM but are keen to understand the principles, laws and practices that determine the management of staff in the modern workplace.
Duration:
One academic year
Accreditation:
UCD

Bachelor of Arts (HONS) – Human Resource Management
This four-year, part-time programme combines study of subjects critical to contemporary public management in all sectors with subjects particular to HRM. In addition to learning about the economic, legal and HR issues that affect public administration broadly, students obtain specialised knowledge of, among other things, performance measurement, employee relations and leadership. This highly-regarded qualification includes two interim awards – at Certificate and Diploma level. As with the other degree programmes, students who do not wish to take all the subjects in one year can take the programme on a phased basis.
Duration:
Four years of part-time study
Accreditation:
UCD

Bachelor of Business Studies (HONS) – Human Resource Management
The BBS (Hons) (HRM) is a four-year, part-time programme that provides a comprehensive examination and analysis of the subjects critical to contemporary business life, focusing on Human Resource Management (HRM). It includes two interim awards – at Certificate and Diploma level.
Duration:
Four years of part-time study
Accreditation:
UCD

Diploma in Computer Studies
The Diploma in Computer Studies is a part-time programme of training and education leading to a professional qualification in Information Technology.
Duration:
18 Months
Accreditation:
UCD

Bachelor of Arts (HONS) – Information Technology Management
This programme allows graduates of the Whitaker School’s Diploma in Computer Studies or equivalent qualification to obtain an honours degree in IT management in two years. Students combine the study of economics and strategic and financial management with subjects specific to IT management.
Duration:
Two academic years
Accreditation:
UCD

Bachelor of Business Studies (HONS) – Information Systems Management
The BBS (Hons) – Information Systems Management is a four-year, part-time programme that provides a comprehensive examination and analysis of the subjects critical to contemporary business life, focusing on how information systems are managed. It includes two interim awards – at Certificate and Diploma level.
Duration:
Four years of part-time study
Accreditation:
UCD

Human Resource Management

Diploma in Human Resource Management
The Diploma in Human Resource Management (HRM) explains how organisations effectively manage people. It does this by analysing the aims of the HRM function and by detailing its key features. A one-year part-time programme, it is suitable for those who have no prior knowledge of HRM but are keen to understand the principles, laws and practices that determine the management of staff in the modern workplace.
Duration:
One academic year
Accreditation:
UCD

Bachelor of Arts (HONS) – Human Resource Management
This four-year, part-time programme combines study of subjects critical to contemporary public management in all sectors with subjects particular to HRM. In addition to learning about the economic, legal and HR issues that affect public administration broadly, students obtain specialised knowledge of, among other things, performance measurement, employee relations and leadership. This highly-regarded qualification includes two interim awards – at Certificate and Diploma level. As with the other degree programmes, students who do not wish to take all the subjects in one year can take the programme on a phased basis.
Duration:
Four years of part-time study
Accreditation:
UCD
Bachelor of Business Studies (HONS) – Human Resource Management
The BBS (Hons) (HRM) is a four-year, part-time programme that provides a comprehensive examination and analysis of the subjects critical to contemporary business life, focusing on Human Resource Management (HRM). It includes two interim awards – at Certificate and Diploma level.
Duration:
Four years of part-time study
Accreditation:
UCD

Certificate in Housing Studies
The Certificate in Housing Studies provides housing practitioners, students of public policy and anyone with an interest in housing with a comprehensive introduction to housing services and policy in Ireland. A part-time, accredited programme, it responds to a palpable need among staff working in local authorities and in voluntary and co-operative housing organisations for a greater understanding of the major issues in public/social housing.   
Duration:
One academic year
Accreditation:
UCD

Certificate in Local Government Studies
The Certificate in Local Government Studies provides participants with a grounding in the principal areas of legislation and practice in local government and with the core knowledge and understanding to enable them to work effectively within their role and operational area.
Duration:
One academic year
Accreditation:
UCD

Diploma in Local Government Studies
The Diploma in Local Government Studies provides a more in-depth and analytical treatment of the main local authority services. It is also designed to amplify and build on the foundation coverage of legislation provided by the Certificate. Both programmes are intended to be an important step in the career development path of local authority staff and to provide material of relevance to enhance the competence of individuals in their career path.
Duration:
One academic year
Accreditation:
UCD

Professional Diploma in Housing Studies
The Professional Diploma in Housing Studies—the first course of its kind in Ireland— has been developed to provide an in-depth and analytical treatment of social and supported housing. Housing studies is a field of immense importance in Ireland and elsewhere.  It is vitally important that those interested in housing studies have expertise in the prevailing theories, recurring issues and the contentious problems. This professional qualification  will furnish participants with that expertise.
Duration:
One academic year
Accreditation:
UCD

Bachelor of Arts (HONS) – Local Government
The BA (Hons) – Local Government is a four-year, part-time programme that combines study of subjects critical to contemporary public management with subjects particular to local government. In addition to learning about the economic, legal and HR issues that affect public administration broadly, students obtain specialised knowledge about such matters as the powers of local authorities, local government finance and local government systems outside Ireland. This degree programme includes two interim awards – at Certificate and Diploma level.
Duration:
Four years of part-time study
Accreditation:
UCD
 
Certificate in Project Management
This programme covers critical skills areas, including project initiation; schedule development, monitoring and control; team management. It also addresses methodologies, frameworks and technologies designed to support the project manager. Students will learn from experienced tutors, and from each other, how to manage their projects effectively and to meet the expectations of their stakeholders.
Duration:
One academic year
Accreditation:
UCD

Professional Diploma in Project Management
This programme builds on the Certificate in Project Management. It covers additional critical skills areas, including procurement, resource management, quality management, and managing multiple projects.  While employing the body of knowledge of the profession, the course is highly tailored to address the unique issues and challenges faced by public sector project managers and team members.
Duration:
One academic year
Accreditation:
UCD

Diploma in Management
The Diploma in Management is a one-year, part-time programme that explores key subjects in modern management theory and practice. It seeks to equip both those currently working in management and those who hope to obtain management positions with the requisite skills to make a valuable contribution to the strategic direction of their organisation and to advance their own career.
Duration:
One academic year
Accreditation:
UCD

Professional Diploma in Managing Change
This intensive programme provides change leaders with the skills, tools and techniques necessary to implement effective change in their organisations.  
Duration:
One academic year
Accreditation:
UCD

Professional Diploma in Management Development
This Professional Diploma programme has been designed for public servants keen to contribute to the effectiveness of their organisation. The overall aim is to improve students’ overall competency in effective management practice.
Duration:
One academic year
Accreditation:
UCD

Certificate in Project Management
This programme covers critical skills areas, including project initiation; schedule development, monitoring and control; team management. It also addresses methodologies, frameworks and technologies designed to support the project manager. Students will learn from experienced tutors, and from each other, how to manage their projects effectively and to meet the expectations of their stakeholders.
Duration:
One academic year
Accreditation:
UCD

Professional Diploma in Project Management
This programme builds on the Certificate in Project Management. It covers additional critical skills areas, including procurement, resource management, quality management, and managing multiple projects.  While employing the body of knowledge of the profession, the course is highly tailored to address the unique issues and challenges faced by public sector project managers and team members.
Duration:
One academic year
Accreditation:
UCD

Diploma in Management
The Diploma in Management is a one-year, part-time programme that explores key subjects in modern management theory and practice. It seeks to equip both those currently working in management and those who hope to obtain management positions with the requisite skills to make a valuable contribution to the strategic direction of their organisation and to advance their own career.
Duration:
One academic year
Accreditation:
UCD
Professional Diploma in Managing Change
This intensive programme provides change leaders with the skills, tools and techniques necessary to implement effective change in their organisations.  
Duration:
One academic year
Accreditation:
UCD

Certificate in Housing Studies
The Certificate in Housing Studies provides housing practitioners, students of public policy and anyone with an interest in housing with a comprehensive introduction to housing services and policy in Ireland. A part-time, accredited programme, it responds to a palpable need among staff working in local authorities and in voluntary and co-operative housing organisations for a greater understanding of the major issues in public/social housing.   
Duration:
One academic year
Accreditation:
UCD

Certificate in Civil Service and State Agency Studies
This programme is designed to provide students with a practical and comprehensive understanding of government in Ireland. Students will graduate with a holistic appreciation of the place of their organisation within what is a complex system and be better equipped to deal with the myriad of tasks and responsibilities in their public service careers.
Duration:
One academic year
Accreditation:
UCD

Certificate in Irish Government and Politics
This one-year course on introduces students to the political institutions and systems that determine how Ireland is governed. It focuses on the system of government and the system of social administration.
Duration:
One academic year
Accreditation:
UCD

Certificate in Project Management
This programme covers critical skills areas, including project initiation; schedule development, monitoring and control; team management. It also addresses methodologies, frameworks and technologies designed to support the project manager. Students will learn from experienced tutors, and from each other, how to manage their projects effectively and to meet the expectations of their stakeholders.
Duration:
One academic year
Accreditation:
UCD

Certificate in Public Management
This one-year, part-time programme provides a systematic introduction to the subjects at the heart of public management in Ireland. Students take four subjects and address such crucial topics as constitutional law, the principles of economics, the Irish system of government and the most influential theories of management. The Certificate is both a stand-alone qualification and the first year of the four-year BA (Hons) programme.
Duration:
One academic year
Accreditation:
UCD
Certificate in Public Procurement
The Certificate in Public Procurement is a comprehensive introduction to public procurement. It focuses on best practice procurement in the public sector and the achievement of value for money within the context of Irish and European Union legislation.
Duration:
One academic year
Accreditation:
UCD

Diploma in Civil Service And State Agency Studies
The Diploma in Civil Service and State Agency Studies is designed to complement the Certificate in Civil Service and State Agency Studies.  The Diploma provides a more in-depth explanation and analysis of the system of government, ‘governance’ and public administration in Ireland.
Duration:
One academic year
Accreditation:
UCD

Diploma in Law
The Diploma in Law is a one-year, part-time programme that addresses the basic laws and legal principles that determine and influence the work of the State and private enterprise. It focuses on four key subjects. Students will learn about, among other things, how the Irish courts operate, the rights protected by the Constitution, the legal powers of state bodies, the laws governing contracts and business relationships and the laws that protect employees.
Duration:
One academic year
Accreditation:
UCD

Diploma in Management
The Diploma in Management is a one-year, part-time programme that explores key subjects in modern management theory and practice. It seeks to equip both those currently working in management and those who hope to obtain management positions with the requisite skills to make a valuable contribution to the strategic direction of their organisation and to advance their own career.
Duration:
One academic year
Accreditation:
UCD

Diploma in Public Management
This is a two-year, part-time programme. The first year is the Certificate in Public Management. The second year allows students to take a subject in an area of particular relevance to them. Students take four subjects from a choice of six streams. The Diploma is both a stand-alone qualification and the second year of the four-year BA (Hons) programme.
Duration:
Two academic years
Accreditation:
UCD

Postgraduate Diploma in Business and Management
The Postgraduate Diploma in Business and Management is a one-year programme that provides graduate-level instruction in core business disciplines. Students take six subjects over two semesters that cover both quantitative and general management topics. They will learn about, among other things, human resource planning, the management of change, leadership and strategic direction, financial policy, and the principles of business research.
Accreditation:
UCD

Master of Science in Business and Management
The MSc in Business and Management is a two-stage programme that will provide students with advanced and significant expertise in the concepts, tools and skills essential to contemporary business strategies and functions. The first stage of the course provides a mixture of quantitative subjects and more general management subjects. On successful completion of this stage students will specialise in either HRM or Financial Management. In the second stage, they will take three subjects and prepare a minor dissertation.
Accreditation:
UCD

Master of Arts – Criminal Justice
The MA – Criminal Justice is a two-year part-time programme that explores the key issues in the management of the criminal justice system. It seeks to raise the level of analysis within the Irish criminal justice system and to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective management in this area. 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 involves study of modules in criminal justice and the preparation of minor dissertation
Duration:
Two academic years.
Accreditation:
UCD

Master of Arts – Financial Management
The MA – Financial Management is a two-year, part-time programme that explores key subjects in financial management. 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 students receive the interim award of a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management. In the second year, students take three modules in financial management and complete a minor dissertation.
Commences:
Duration:
Two academic years.
The Professional Certificate in Governance is a one-year part-time programme that addresses a key area of concern to professionals in the public and private sectors. Governance is a subject used in several contexts and is a subject of much debate in Ireland and elsewhere. This programme examines governance as a set of structures and processes used in arriving at and implementing decisions.
Students receive comprehensive course material and attend seminars at the AICPA campus in Dublin 4. The lecturing team includes experienced governance specialists and practitioners. Study groups and peer interaction are facilitated and encouraged.
Duration:
One academic year
Accreditation:
UCD

Doctorate in Governance (DGov)
The DGov is a 4 - 5 year professional doctoral programme. It provides public policy-makers and public sector managers with the advanced knowledge and high-level critical skills that their professional lives demand. Students explore how public policy-making has evolved, and is continuing to evolve, as a result of changes in the structure and practices of the modern state. The programme will enable policy-makers to gain a comprehensive understanding of issues and patterns of governance in Ireland and abroad. It involves the study of various modules and the preparation of a research project.
Duration:
4 - 5 years
Accreditation:
UCD

Master of Arts – Healthcare Management
The MA – Healthcare Management is a two-year, part-time programme that focuses on the issues that affect health and hospital services. 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. In the second year, students take three modules in healthcare management and complete a minor dissertation.
Duration:
Two academic years
Accreditation:
UCD

Master of Arts – Human Resource Management
The MA – Human Resource Management is a two-year part-time programme that explores the key issues in human resource management. An informed appreciation of the theories, debates and legislation that dominate HRM practice is a huge advantage to any manager. This programme seeks to raise the level of analysis in public sector human resource management and to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for the effective management of people. On completing the first year of the programme, students receive the interim award of a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management. In the second year, students take three HRM modules and complete a minor dissertation.
Duration:
Two academic years
Accreditation:
UCD

Master of Arts – Leadership & Strategy
The MA – Leadership and Strategy is a two-year, part-time programme that explores the theory and practice of effective leadership and strategy formulation. Both public and private sector organisations need leaders with expertise in the HR, strategic and financial components of organisational life. On completion of the first year, students receive the interim award of a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management. In the second year, they take three modules in leadership and strategy and complete a minor dissertation.
Duration:
Two academic years
Accreditation:
UCD
Consultancy