Official Statistics for Policy Evaluation
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.
| Award Name | Special Purpose Diploma (Level 8 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Special Purpose |
| Awarding Body | National University of Ireland |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Special Purpose Diploma (Level 8 NFQ) | Special Purpose | National University of Ireland | Level 8 NFQ |
Duration
One academic year.
Delivery Method:
The 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:
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.
Further information
Commences: September/ October 2024.
The cost of the programme is €2,500 (includes all matriculation and examination fees), payable in 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.
DELIVERED IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE CENTRAL STATISTICS OFFICE.
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 will introduce 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 will be prepared and taught by professional statisticians from CSO. This will be a practical “hands-on” course, and emphasis will be placed on the visualisation and presentation of statistics so that useful policy relevant information or knowledge can be derived. Students will also be 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. A working knowledge of Excel would be useful.
Delivery
Students are provided with comprehensive course material that has been specially prepared by the IPA and the CSO. They will attend seminars/webinars over the course of the academic year, where, in addition to receiving lectures and demonstrations, emphasis will be placed on understanding key statistics in current employment and social developments.
Programme Content
The programme is divided into four main areas. The topics covered include the following:
1. Framework for Official Statistics:
• Principles of policy evaluation
• Accessing information
• Statistical infrastructure and data management
• Legal and institutional frameworks
• Standards and confidence in statistics
2. Macro-Economy Statistics:
• National and international accounts
• Banking and finance
• External trade and balance of payments
• Prices
• Globalisation
3. Business Economy Statistics:
• Short- and long-term business statistics
• Science and technology
• Environment and energy
• Transport and travel
• Agriculture, forestry and fisheries
4. 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 will consist of written assignments, data lab submissions, and final examinations.
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