Master of Economic Science in Policy Analysis (Postgraduate Diploma in Policy Analysis)

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The Programme

This two-year, part-time programme addresses the tangible need for the development of policy analysis skills across the wider public service. It explores subjects that are crucial to the expert assessment of contemporary public policy, including project management, economic and financial analysis, social policy analysis and cost-benefit analysis. On completion of the first year of the programme, students receive the Postgraduate Diploma in Policy Analysis. In the second year, they complete a supervised dissertation on a policy analysis issue that they are particularly interested in. The subjects taken in the first year, including a module on research methods, will help prepare students to choose and complete an appropriate dissertation. Graduates of this programme are very well-equipped to play a role in the formulation and implementation of public policies in a very wide range of areas.

Is This Programme for you?

Yes, if you appreciate the vital role that policy analysis plays in promoting economic and social progress and want to understand the tools and methodologies that should be applied in such analysis. You may well work in the wider public service and wish to play a professional role in the formulation and analysis of policy. 

Subjects

YEAR ONE

Postgraduate Diploma in Policy Analysis
Students take four subjects in each of the two semesters:

Semester One (September – December):

• Elements of Economic Analysis
• Financial Analysis
• Public Sector Economics
• Policy Evaluation

Semester Two (January – April):

• Economic Evaluation and Cost-Benefit Analysis
• Project and Risk Management
• Research Methods
• Social Policy Analysis

YEAR TWO

Master of Economic Science in Policy Analysis
In the second and final year of the programme, students complete a dissertation on a policy analysis issue, building on the knowledge and skills that they have obtained in the Diploma year. Students will also meet with their classmates on several occasions to discuss their research and their ideas. 

Assessment

The first year is assessed on the basis of exams at the end of each semester. The second year is assessed on the basis of the student dissertation. 

How To Apply

To apply, please:

1. Download this Application Form and complete it (if your fees are being paid by your employer, be sure to include the relevant details on the form).
2. Obtain a copy of your degree or other relevant qualification.
3. Send the completed application form and copy of your prior qualification to postgrad@ipa.ie.

You may also apply by post.

If you are paying the programme fee yourself, you can do so by cheque, bank draft or by debit/credit card (contact the Postgraduate Office for further details).

Delivery

In the first year - the Postgraduate Diploma in Policy Analysis - students attend lectures at the IPA on one day each week. In the second year, they prepare, under expert supervision, a dissertation.

Prospectus

Programme Delivery and Application Form

IPA postgraduate prorgammes are part time and delivered through a blended learning model. To apply,  see the How to Apply section on the relevant programme and complete the application form below. 

Application Form

Postgraduate Application Form