Course Details
Contact(s):
Read instructions on how to apply
for more information or to be notified when applications are open.
Brief Description
Are you interested in a career in the public sector or looking to advance your current role?
This online, part-time Graduate Certificate in Public Administration and Law is designed to help you build essential skills in governance, leadership, and evidence-based decision-making.
You’ll explore key topics such as public administration theory and practice, collaborative governance, equality and diversity in the workplace, and using evidence to improve societal outcomes.
The course is ideal for professionals working in or aspiring to work in public service, NGOs, or policy-related roles.
Delivered fully online over two 12-week academic semesters, this flexible programme supports learners balancing study with work or other commitments. It also offers a pathway to further study, including the MA in Public Administration (MPA) or School of Law programmes.
Whether you're new to the field or seeking to deepen your expertise, this course provides a strong foundation in public administration and law.
During this programme, you will:
- Acquire critical thinking, creative thinking, and analytical skills.
- Increase your knowledge in areas such as public administration and law.
- Apply your learning to both public and private sector contexts.
- Use this qualification as a stepping stone to further postgraduate study
Key information:
- Complete part-time over one year
- Delivered online
- Modules are taught during the autumn and spring semesters
Students take two core modules each semester
- Option to continue to the MA in Public Administration (MPA) or use 30 ECTS credits towards a Flexible Masters
You will learn through a blend of:
- Lectures, workshops, and hands-on activities
- Reflective practice and guided research
- Regular feedback from faculty and peers
Part-time considerations:
- Designed for working professionals
- Evening or recorded lectures
- Additional prep and group work time
- Timetable provided after registration
Year 1
Autumn Semester
- serves as an advanced introduction to Public Administration, exploring key ideas and theoretical perspectives.
- Introduces students to contemporary issues in workplace equality and diversity.
Spring Semester
- focuses on themes of collaborative governance and leadership.
- introduces students to debates about the nature of evidence, and invites critical reflection on the theoretical, conceptual and practical tools for developing evidence-informed strategies for change.
Books and journal articles needed for the course will be available online through the UL Glucksman Library.
For more information on each module, you can search the faculty, school and module code on UL’s
- Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree ( Level 8, undergraduate degree, BSc or BA), with at least a second class honours (2:2).
- The university may shortlist and invite you to an interview. 
Other Entry Considerations:
We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet the standard entry requirements, if you can show that you have the knowledge, skills, and experience needed for the programme.
At UL, we value all kinds of learning and support different ways to qualify through our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy.
International students:
- For details on country-specific qualifications visit postgraduate entry requirements for international students.
Checklist of Documents:
- *Academic transcripts and certificates
- UL graduates only need to provide their student ID number
- Copy of your birth certificate or passport
- English translation of your qualifications and transcripts
- Copy of your CV
English Language:
- English Language Competency certificate
- For details on accepted language qualifications visit English Language Requirements
Guidelines on Completing your Application 
- To make sure we can review your application quickly, please:
- Upload all documents. Your application can’t be reviewed until we have all the documents on the checklist. 
- Title the documents you are uploading. For example, "Personal Statement", "Undergraduate Transcript", "Postgraduate Transcript", "English Language Certificate" etc. 
- *If you are waiting to graduate, submit your application with the documents you have to date, you don’t need to have finished final exams before applying.
EU - €2,400
Non- EU - €4,200
Please note that international study visas are only available to students studying full-time in Ireland.
Annual fees are billed by semester. Once registered, students may be eligible to apply for a monthly payment plan.
Further information on fees and payment of fees is available from the website. All fee related queries should be directed to the Student Fees Office (Phone: +353 61 213 007 or email student.fees.office@ul.ie).
Funding
Find further information on funding and scholarships..
This course can lead to the following sectors and careers:
- Public Sector Careers
- Non-Governmental Organisations
- Policy, Governance & Administration
Still Curious?
The team regularly host and take part in webinars to support future students. If you would like to learn more or ask questions at an online information session, click below.
Graduate and Professional Studies
+353 (0)61 234377
¾ÅÉ«ÊÓÆµ, Limerick, Ireland