IPA Master of Economic Science in Policy Analysis – Level 9

Education Partner

The Programme

This two-year part-time programme addresses the tangible need for the development of policy analysis skills across the wider public service. Including the interim award of a Postgraduate Diploma in Policy Analysis, 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. Students will appreciate the role that such policy analysis plays in promoting economic and social progress and understand the tools and methodologies that should be applied in such analysis.

On Completion of the first year of the programme, students receive the postgraduate Diploma in Policy Analysis. In the second year, students complete a supervised dissertation on a policy analysis issue that they are particularly interested in.

YEAR ONE

Postgraduate Diploma in Policy Analysis

Students take five subjects in each of the two semesters:

Semester 1 (September – December)

Elements of Economic Analysis

Financial Analysis

Statistical Reasoning and Analysis

Policy Evaluation

Strategy & Modernisation

Semester 2 (January – April)

Economic Evaluation & Cost-Benefit Analysis

Project and Risk Management

Public Sector Economics

Research Methods & Applied Statistics

Social Policy Analysis

YEAR TWO

Master of Economic Science in Policy Analysis

In the second and final year of the programme, students, under supervision, 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 attend seminars at the IPA, where they will discuss their research and their ideas.

Learning Methods

The first year of the programme- the Postgraduate Diploma in Policy Analysis- is delivered through lectures in Laois Third Level Centre, Bracklone Street, Portarlington, Co Laois and weekend seminars at the IPA in Dublin. The lectures will take place on one evening each week and on one full day per week over the course of the academic year. The second year- during which students attend scheduled seminars- is devoted to the preparation of a dissertation. Timetable to be confirmed.

Audience

The Postgraduate Diploma in Policy Analysis and the Master of Economic Science are designed to appeal to those working across the wider public service and who have an interest in the analysis and formulation of policy. These programmes have very wide application and will prove of great benefit to the working lives and careers of public servants at various grades and in all sectors.

Accreditation

Both the Diploma and the Master of Economic Science awards are accredited by the National University of Ireland (NUI).

Progression

On successfully completing the first year, students receive the Postgraduate Diploma in Policy Analysis. Students who attain honours’ level in the Postgraduate Diploma can enter the second year and complete a dissertation for the award of a Mater of Economic Science in Policy Analysis.

Assessment

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

Admission Requirements

Applicants should have a degree or equivalent qualification. They should also have at least three years’ work experience.

Enrolment: www.laoisthirdlevel.ie

Fees: €7,900