PgCert Public Services Governance

This course has been specifically designed to support managers who are currently charged with delivering public services from within the public sector or from private and third sector organisations.

Our courses in public services management have always delivered excellence in the facilitation of academic qualifications and knowledge in a practice-focused setting. Following a recent review and revalidation this course has been significantly realigned to reflect the changing public service landscape. The Christie Commission on the Future
Delivery of Public Services and the HM Government Open Public Services White Paper are taken into account along with international trends in public management. As such, this course remains context-driven and problem-focused.

Part of ongoing developments within the course has been the shift from a comprehensive Executive Masters degree to a more flexible and adaptive Postgraduate Certificate. A previous graduate from our Executive Masters course stated that:

" We're in interesting times in public services. With public expenditure declining and less people to do the same amount of work, we need to work in smarter ways. The Executive Masters can give you the tools to work more effectively: it's up to you whether you use them and deploy those new skills in the correct manner. Rather brutally, there's also an element of Darwinism going on survival of the fittest the Executive Masters is in some ways a treadmill: it's your choice whether you 'get on' the treadmill and get yourself fit; or you can choose not to and hope you're fit enough to survive."

Our newly formed Postgraduate Certificate continues to operate on these terms, but within a refreshed structure. This includes the use of intensive campus-based sessions and online tutorials.

EXIT AWARDS: PgCert (60 credits)
Delivery: At QMU plus online learning
Single Modules: Register as an associate student to study single modules in areas of interest. Modules are also available as separate CPD courses - CPD fees available on request.

Duration: Full-time: 1 - 2 years; Part-time: 2 - 4 years
Start date: September, January and at set pointsthroughout the year (CPD)
throughout the year (CPD)

Application deadline: The deadline for all overseas applicants who require a visa to study in the UK should apply no later than the 30th June 2013.
Teaching, learning and assessment: Delivery is predominately by web-based learning along with two day blocks of campus-based learning in each module. This will include lectures from senior public service professionals. A range of practice-relevant assessment methods are used including management reports, essays and presentations.
Teaching hours and attendance: You will only be required to attend the QMU campus for two days per module. The rest of your teaching and support will be delivered online.
Links with industry/professional bodies: This course has been developed in collaboration with public service representatives. A number of highly experienced public service professionals support delivery of the course by contributing to campus-based sessions.