The DGov is a four year professional doctoral programme. It provides public policy-makers and public sector managers with the advanced knowledge and high-level critical skills that their professional lives demand. Students explore how public policy-making has evolved, and is continuing to evolve, as a result of changes in the structure and practices of the modern state. The programme will enable policy-makers to gain a comprehensive understanding of issues and patterns of governance in Ireland and abroad. It involves the study of seven modules and the preparation of a research project on an agreed subject of the participant’s choosing.

Participant Profile

The DGov programme attracts participants from the civil service, local government service, health services, security services, other state services and the voluntary sector in Ireland, Great Britain and the rest of Europe. Applicants should normally possess a primary degree, or equivalent qualification, of at least upper second class honours (2.1) standard and have at least five years’ full-time work experience at an appropriate level in a relevant public service profession. Interviews may be held to assess the suitability of applicants.

Programme Delivery and Evaluation

The DGov is delivered by means of directed study and a research project on a subject relevant to the participant’s work experience and professional formation. Participants can pursue the programme no matter where they live or work but must attend a number of intensive weekend, residential study sessions. Evaluation is based on the standard of assignment papers prepared by participants under the direction of the tutors responsible for the different programme modules and the final research project.

Residential Study Sessions

These sessions comprise lectures, seminars and workshops, and are scheduled over three days for each module. The sessions provide participants with the opportunity to compare and exchange best-practice experience and construct inter-jurisdiction networks.