The Graduate Diploma in Public Policy at University College Dublin is your pathway to understanding and shaping the complex forces that drive policy-making worldwide. This programme is designed for individuals who, holding an undergraduate degree in a non-cognate discipline, aspire to develop critical expertise in areas such as public administration, evidence-based policy, and comparative healthcare systems. You will delve into the socio-economic and political dynamics influencing policy decisions, honing the analytical acumen essential for addressing contemporary public service and regulatory challenges. This intensive, full-time, on-campus Graduate Diploma provides a foundational understanding of public policy.
Studied full-time on campus over one year, your learning experience will be shaped by core modules in Data & Methods for Policy Analysis and Public Administration & Policy, complemented by a rich selection of optional streams. You will choose between Citizenship, Community/Drugs/Health, or Economics Policy streams, allowing you to tailor your studies to your specific interests and career aspirations. Through this focused approach, you will engage with specialist topics and develop practical skills, preparing you for potential progression to a Master of Public Policy or for impactful roles in policy analysis and implementation.