The Institute of Public Administration (IPA) is Ireland’s only public service development agency dedicated exclusively to strengthening and supporting the public sector. With a long-standing commitment to excellence, the IPA provides high-quality education, training, consultancy, and development programmes that help individuals and organisations perform at their best.
As the leading authority on public sector development in Ireland, the IPA is a trusted partner for professionals seeking to advance their careers, enhance their skills, and contribute meaningfully to public service delivery.
The IPA offers an extensive suite of programmes designed to meet the needs of public servants working at all levels. Whether you are beginning your career, preparing for promotion, or seeking advanced expertise, the Institute provides clear pathways for growth.
These targeted programmes focus on immediate, practical upskilling and cover areas such as:
Public administration
Project management
Governance and compliance
HR and leadership
Communications, finance, and digital skills
For learners seeking structured professional and academic development, the IPA delivers accredited programmes including:
Certificate
Diploma
Bachelor’s Degrees
Master’s Degrees
Many programmes are specifically tailored to the needs of public sector roles, ensuring relevance and applicability to real-world responsibilities.
The IPA is a recognised college of University College Dublin (UCD), one of Ireland’s leading universities. This affiliation ensures that the Institute’s academic programmes meet rigorous standards and that qualifications carry significant academic and professional value.
In addition to UCD-accredited programmes, the IPA also offers industry-respected professional qualifications from awarding bodies such as:
CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development)
CIPFA (Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy)
Mediators' Institute of Ireland
PRINCE2
CompTIA
Microsoft
EC-Council
(ISC)²
These professional certifications support public servants seeking specialised skills in HR, finance, mediation, cybersecurity, IT, governance, and project management.
The Institute of Public Administration plays a crucial role in strengthening the capability of Ireland’s public sector. In addition to education and training, the IPA provides:
Organisational development support
Consultancy services
Research and policy insights
Customised training for public bodies
This comprehensive approach ensures that both individuals and organisations have the tools they need to meet the evolving demands of public service.
For public servants looking to develop their skills, earn recognised qualifications, or progress into leadership roles, the Institute of Public Administration offers unmatched expertise and support. Its combination of academic excellence, practical relevance, and sector-focused insight makes it the leading destination for public service education in Ireland.
