The Institute of Public Administration is the specialist body which is uniquely dedicated to the education, learning and development for the Irish Public Service. The Institute has multiple specialist services that support and advise on different approaches to capacity building within the Public Service.
The Institute was founded in 1957 by a group of dedicated public servants in recognition of the need to promote the study of, and to improve standards of, public administration. These far-sighted individuals set about engaging public sector managers in a dialogue aimed at developing a vision of a modern Irish public service. Over the years the staff of the Institute built on these foundations and the Institute established its reputation as Ireland’s public sector management development agency. The IPA is a recognised college of the National University of Ireland.
| Acronym | IPA |
| Nickname | IPA |
| Motto / Slogan | Ireland's Public Service Development Agency |
| Founded | 1957 |
| Undergraduate Programmes | |
| Postgraduate Programmes | 7 |
| Location | Dublin, Leinster, Ireland |
| Address | Institute of Public Administration, 57-61 Lansdowne Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin D04 TC62, Ireland. |
Our mission is to advance the understanding, standard and practice of public administration and public policy, supporting our public service to deliver on the complex challenges it faces. Under the aegis originally of the Department of Finance and now the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, the IPA has been supporting the development of public servants and the public sector in Ireland and abroad for almost sixty-eight years.
The IPA is Ireland's leading institution dedicated to public administration, governance, and public management. Its programmes are designed specifically for professionals and aspiring leaders in the public, civil, and non-profit sectors, combining academic knowledge with practical workplace applications.
Courses are developed in collaboration with government departments, public sector organisations, and industry experts. Students gain practical skills, real-world insights, and evidence-based knowledge that can be immediately applied in their professional roles.
The IPA offers flexible learning pathways, including part-time, online, blended, and evening programmes. These options enable students to balance their studies with work, family, and other commitments while advancing their education and careers.
IPA provides academic advising, library resources, online learning support, career guidance, and administrative services to help students succeed throughout their studies and achieve their academic and professional goals.
Entry requirements vary by course and program. View the course page for course-specific requirements.
Entry requirements vary by course and program. View the course page for course-specific requirements.
Click on the Apply now button to start your application.
Email: [email protected],[email protected]
Phone : +353 1 240 3600
NUI
He is currently undertaking a Doctorate in Governance, having already successfully gained an MSc in Healthcare Management from the RCSI and an honours degree in Business from UCD. He also holds a Diploma in Health Economics and a Diploma in Management and Employee Relations.
In the 10 years prior to joining the IPA, she held the role of Director of UCD Smurfit Executive Development, Ireland’s leading Financial Times-ranked provider of executive education.
In addition to her significant senior leadership experience, Helen is an experienced coach, mentor and a specialist in the design and delivery of executive leadership and change management programmes. Her qualifications include: a BA from DCU, an MBS from UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School, an Executive Masters in Consulting and Coaching for Change from INSEAD Business School, France, and further qualifications in coaching, psychometrics and leadership development.
The Institute was founded in 1957 by a group of dedicated public servants in recognition of the need to promote the study of, and to improve standards of, public administration. These far-sighted individuals set about engaging public sector managers in a dialogue aimed at developing a vision of a modern Irish public service. Over the years the staff of the Institute built on these foundations and the Institute established its reputation as Ireland’s public sector management development agency. The IPA is a recognised college of the National University of Ireland.
A voluntary body, the Institute became a company limited by guarantee in 1963.
