Local Government Studies
The Diploma in Local Government Studies is designed to build on the knowledge that students have obtained in the Certificate programme, providing a more in-depth and analytical treatment of the main local authority services in Ireland.
| Award Name | Special Purpose Diploma (Level 6 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Special Purpose |
| Awarding Body | National University of Ireland |
| NFQ Level | Level 6 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Special Purpose Diploma (Level 6 NFQ) | Special Purpose | National University of Ireland | Level 6 NFQ |
Duration
One academic year.
Delivery Method:
The programme is delivered through a blended learning model. Students attend scheduled webinars and, on two occasions, classroom-based seminars. They are supported in their studies by bespoke course material.
Entry Requirements
Applicants Require:
1. Leaving Certificate (examination from 2017 onwards): Candidates must obtain a pass in at least six subjects accepted for NUI matriculation purposes, with at least Grade H5 in two subjects on the Higher Level and at least Grade H7 (Higher Level) or O6 (Ordinary Level) in four subjects. Papers passed must include Irish, English and a third language. Students applying for the BBS (Hons) must have passed the Mathematics paper.
OR
2. Students of mature years (students over 21 on January 1 of the calendar year of entry) may be matriculated by the IPA for the purpose of entering a course of study.
Special Case Applications
Prospective students who do not meet the requirements under paragraphs 1 and 2 above may qualify for admission by meeting other equivalent requirements. A Special Case Application Form can be requested from:
Dr Denis O’Brien
Registrar
Institute of Public Administration
57-61 Lansdowne Road
Dublin 4
Tel: +353 (01) 240 3600
Email: undergrad@ipa.ie
Subject Accumulation
In some programmes, students may enrol for one or more subjects each year until they complete the programme stage.
Exemptions
Graduates and those with other relevant awards, in particular university, QQI and Technological University awards, may apply for an exemption from a subject(s) or entire stages of certain IPA programmes. Only those who have studied relevant disciplines with be considered for exemptions. Exemptions cannot be awarded in a one-year programme or at the award stage of longer programmes.
Application forms for exemptions are available from the IPA. They must be completed and returned no later than early October 2024. Applications must be accompanied by transcripts of results for each year of previous third-level studies.
Careers / Further progression
Progression
Participants who successfully complete the Diploma programme may advance to stage 3 of the Local Government stream of the IPA’s Bachelor of Arts (Hons) degree on completion of a bridging course.
Further information
Commences: September/October 2024.
€1,250 (includes all matriculation and examination fees), payable in one or two instalments.
Application Deadline: September 2024.
How to Apply:
1. Go to www.ipa.ie.
2. Download the programme application form and complete it in full.
3. Email that form, along with all the items below, to undergrad@ipa.ie, with the subject heading: Application for: Name of Programme. The items below should be scanned and included as attachments in this email:
- A passport-type photograph.
- A scan of your passport, driver’s license, or birth certificate.
- The fee for the programme or confirmation, including a PO number, that fees will be pad by an employer.
- A scan of your Leaving Certificate or relevant qualification (only if you are under 21).
APPLICATIONS CANNOT BE PROCESSED UNLESS ALL RELEVANT DOCUMENTATION IS INCLUDED.
The Programme
The Diploma in Local Government Studies is designed to build on the knowledge that students have obtained in the Certificate programme, providing a more in-depth and analytical treatment of the main local authority services in Ireland. Having studied the central facts around local government, students now take a more evaluative approach, exploring the problems and opportunities that face local government. The programme also takes a broader approach to the issues, situating local government services within economic, political, and social contexts.
In addition to an analysis of such complicated local government responsibilities as planning and the environment, the Diploma considers the various ways in which the system has been reformed and the relative success or otherwise of reform efforts.
Is this Programme for You?
The Diploma in Local Government Studies has long been an important step in the career development path of local authority staff, providing information and analysis that will enable staff to improve their current competencies and develop new ones. The Diploma can be taken by anyone who has successfully completed the Certificate programme.
Delivery
The Diploma is delivered in the same way as the Certificate: through a combination of online resources, including a specially commissioned programme text and associated reading lists, and webinars/seminars. The course material attends to the relevant legislation and practice. Webinars/ seminars, which are delivered by IPA experts and experienced local government practitioners, expand on the written course material and support students in learning about and analysing the local government system.
Module One
• Local Government Reform
• Local Government Finance
Module Two
• Community Development/Governance
• HRM
Module Three
• The Housing Function
• The Roads Function
Module Four
• Planning and Development
• Environment
There will also be a compulsory webinar/seminar which will be concerned with developing the themes of inter-functional and authority-wide issues. It will provide an opportunity for participants to discuss topical areas of direct interest to their jobs. Topics covered include comparative local government, EU and local government, and local government social development.
Assessment is continuous throughout the programme and consists of assignments and an examination.
All Correspondence and enquiries should be address to:
Undergraduate Office,
Whitaker School of Government and Management,
Institute of Public Administration,
57-61 Lansdowne Road,
Dublin D04 TC62, Ireland
Telephone: +353 (01) 240 3600
Email: undergrad@ipa.ie
www.ipa.ie