Local Government

The Certificate in Local Government is a hugely popular programme that has, for many years, played a central role in educating staff from all parts of the Irish local government system. It is an explicitly introductory programme, one that provides students with a grounding in the main laws, policies, and practices that determine contemporary local government operations.  It addresses such key topics as how local government is financed, the role that elected members play in a local authority, and the responsibilities local authorities have in areas like housing and planning. Note: The application deadline for this programme is July 8.

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. 

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. 

Note: The application deadline for this programme is July 8.

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.

The BA (Hons) – Local Government is a four-year, part-time programme. It 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.