Certificate and Diploma in Local Government Studies

Transcription

1 A RECOGNISED COLLEGE OF THE NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND Coláiste Aitheanta d Ollscoil na héireann Institute of Public Administration Certificate and Diploma in Local Government Studies

2 Certificate and Diploma in A core programme of study for those working in the Local Government Sector Against the backdrop of the local government modernisation agenda the Certificate and Diploma in Local Government Studies were developed to provide participants with a practical understanding of the Irish local government system and are aimed at technical, administrative, indoor and outdoor personnel. The Certificate in Local Government Studies provides participants with a grounding in the principal areas of legislation and practice in local government and with the core knowledge and understanding to enable them to work effectively within their role and operational area. Students can choose to complete only the Certificate programme however many of our graduates have successfully continued their studies with the Diploma in Local Government Studies. The Diploma in Local Government Studies provides a more in-depth and analytical treatment of the main local authority services. It is also designed to amplify and build on the foundation coverage of legislation provided by the Certificate. Both programmes are intended to be an important step in the career development path of local authority staff and to provide material of relevance to enhance the competence of individuals in their career path. The Certificate and Diploma in Local Government Studies are both accredited by the National University of Ireland (NUI). Who are these courses for? CERTIFICATE DIPLOMA L o c a l G o v e r n m e n t Staff of all disciplines, technical, administrative, indoor and outdoor, working in the local government system Those working for some time in local government who feel they need to broaden their understanding of an ever changing and dynamic local government system Those working for agencies which have links with Irish local government and who wish to familiarise themselves with the Irish local government system Staff of all disciplines who have successfully completed the Certificate in Local Government Studies (accredited by the NUI) Graduates of the IPA Certificate in Local Government Studies Graduates of the IPA Higher Certificate in Local Government Studies

3 Local Government Studies Course Content Each programme will be delivered in four modules covering the following topics: CERTIFICATE DIPLOMA Module 1 History and Development of Irish System Why Local Government? Programme Group 2: Roads Programme Group 5: Environmental Protection Module 11 Programme Group 3: Water Services Local Government Finance Reform of Local Government Programme Group 6: Recreation & Amenity Programme Group7:Agriculture, Education, Health & Welfare Programme Group 8: Miscellaneous Services Module 111 Local Elections and Proportional Representation Role of Manager Role of Elected Members Procedures of Council Meetings Programme Group 1: Housing Module 1V Programme Group 4: Planning and Development Human Resources Local Government and Social Exclusion Module 1 The Housing Function Local Government Reform Module 11 Water Services Environmental Services Module 111 The Roads Function Local Government Finance Module 1V Human Resources Planning and Development There will also be a compulsory oneday seminar which will be concerned with developing the themes of inter-functional and authority wide issues. It will provide an opportunity for participants to discuss new/ topical areas of direct interest to their jobs. Topics covered include Comparative Local Government; EU and Local Government; Local Government and economic, social and cultural development.

4 Course Methods and Requirements Both the Certificate and Diploma programmes will require participation by students through: Distance education using comprehensive course text and associated reading lists Attendance at regionally based tutorials (4 x 1 day) Continuous assessment through project assignments based on actual local authority practice Review through examination. In addition, students of the Diploma in Local Government Studies are required to attend a compulsory one-day seminar. Both programmes are one-year in duration. They will commence in September and will follow the NUI academic year with exams in April/May. Tutorials L o c a l G o v e r n m e n t The tutorials are designed to support students and to deepen their knowledge and understanding of the course text. The course material is updated annually and incorporates all key aspects of local government legislation and practice. Tutorials are delivered by experienced practitioners on a regional basis where demand warrants this. Regional venues around the country are selected to suit the range of participants. Regional venues and tutorial dates will not be available until after the closing date for receipt of applications. Entry Requirements Applicants for the Certificate in Local Government Studies should satisfy the following requirements: Standard NUI matriculation* requirements for the Faculty of Arts a National Certificate a Certificate or or National Diploma or or Diploma or awarded by HETAC awarded by DIT such other qualifications as may be approved from time to time Participants of mature years, that is participants who are 21 years of age on the 1st January of the calendar year of entry, may on the recommendation of the IPA Faculty Committee, be matriculated by the National University of Ireland for the purpose of entering the certificate programme. Students must have successfully completed the Certificate in Local Government Studies (NUI Accredited), the IPA Certificate in Local Government Studies or the IPA Higher Certificate in Local Government Studies to gain admission onto the Diploma in Local Government Studies. *For full details please consult the NUI Minimum Academic Entry and Registration (Matriculation) Requirements booklet available from: or National University of Ireland, 49 Merrion Square, Dublin 2. Telephone (01)

5 Progression and Transfer Those who have successfully completed the Certificate in Local Government Studies may advance to the Diploma in Local Government Studies. Holders of the IPA Certificate in Local Government Studies and/or IPA Higher Certificate in Local Government studies offered up to 2003 are also eligible for entry directly to the Diploma in Local Government Studies. Participants who successfully complete the Diploma programme may advance to year 3 of the Local Government stream of the IPA s BA degree, on condition that they complete a bridging course. The bridging course is delivered during the summer months via three two-day weekend seminars. The subjects that are assessed in the bridging course are: Irish Government and Politics; Micro and Macro Economics; and Organisation and Management. L o c a l G o v e r n m e n t BA graduates may continue their studies through the Institute s MA in Local Government Management. Further Information Please find enclosed an application form, which includes closing dates and fees for the current programme. If further clarification or additional information is required, please contact the following: Dr. Philip Byrne Programme Director pbyrne@ipa.ie Breeda Doyle Programme Administrator bdoyle@ipa.ie Institute of Public Administration Lansdowne Road, Dublin 4 Telephone: (01) Fax: (01) Web: The Certificate and Diploma in Local Government Studies are accredited by the National University of Ireland.

6 Institute of Public Administration Lansdowne Road Dublin 4 Tel: (01) Fax: (01) Web: The Whitaker School of Government and Management at the Institute of Public Administration provides education, research and development services to the Irish public sector. Executive and Professional Development services within the School incorporates a range of training and development programmes aimed at developing senior managers and professionals.