The Certificate in Civil Service and State Agency Studies is designed to provide students with a practical and comprehensive understanding of government in Ireland. In this new era of integrating and transforming public services, students will receive an important ‘system-wide induction’ to the roles and functions of the various sectors of government and the key processes such as legislation, budgeting, modernisation and government decision making. Students will consequently better appreciate the role and interactions of their organisations within this complex system, and be better equipped to deal with the myriad of tasks and responsibilities in their public service careers.

Audience

This Certificate is relevant to all staff working within the civil service or state agency sectors, but will be particularly useful to staff at junior and middle level grades. The content is appropriate to those in administrative, technical, professional, and managerial roles.

It will also be relevant to staff in other organisations that have significant interactions with government and the system of public administration.

Delivery and Duration 

This programme is delivered over one academic year.  It will commence in September/October and ends with examinations in April.  It is delivered in a distance learning format. Students will receive a learning pack comprising a specially developed distance learning text and recommended readings. Tutorials are designed to support students and to deepen their knowledge and understanding of the course material. Tutorials are delivered by IPA Specialists and experienced practitioners. Attendance is required at five x one day intensive tutorials. Tutorials typically run from 9:30am to 5:00pm.

Dates
Module 1: 4 October 2012
Module 2: 8 November 2012
Module 3: 6 December 2012
Module 4: 17 January 2013
Module 5: 21 February 2013
Exam: to be confirmed

*Dates may be subject to change.

Content

This Certificate covers the following key topics over five modules:

• Introduction and Central Political Agencies
• Government Departments and Civil Service
• State Agencies
• Non-Elected Oversight Agencies
• Sub National Government, the Health Sector and Legal Agencies

Accreditation

The IPA is a recognised college of University College Dublin (UCD).  The Certificate in Civil Service and State Agency Studies is awarded by UCD and is at Level 6 (Special Purpose Award) on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).

Assessment

Assessment is continuous throughout the programme and consists of five project assignments and review through examination.

Fee, Enrolment Procedures and Admissions

The fee is €950 per person. Fee includes course materials, matriculation, tuition and tutorial attendance, project assessment and examinations. Lunch will be served at the full day tutorials.

A number of payment options are available.  Please call 01 240 3666 for details.

Applications should be completed and returned to the address below.

Progression

Students can progress on to the Diploma in Civil Service and State Agency Studies.

What Former Students Say

"I began the course with a personal objective of understanding the legislative process in Ireland. Not only did the course meet this target but by the time it had finished I had gained an excellent appreciation of how the State is organised and run. I'd recommend it without hesitation to anyone with an interest in learning how the public sector operates in Ireland."
- Dr Stephen Fennell, Senior Scientific Officer, Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland

"I would say the course gives anyone who has began a career in the civil service a better understanding of the working's of the civil service structure, and what the expectations of civil servants are while providing the grounding needed to progress your career in the civil service"
- Jonathon Sweeney, Clerical Officer, Department of Education & Science

"The Civil Service has changed a lot over the years. As a longer-serving Civil Servant, I found that this course brought me up to date with current structures and developments, and provided me with a much broader knowledge base of government in Ireland from which I have benefited in my current work environment."
- Anne Boyle, Junior Clerk, Houses of the Oireachtas