Transforming Public Sector Leadership: Inspire. Innovate Deliver.
atu.ie/msc-lips
This unique joint master’s programme contributes to the development of both the participant and their sponsoring organisation, and contributes to the wider public service reform agenda.
Patricia Doherty Head of Department of Business Studies
The demand for strong leadership in transformational change is being stimulated by the impact of challenging public sector reform agendas and digital transformation on almost every activity. The Master of Science in Leadership and Innovation in the Public Sector develops the leadership talent of public sector managers in order to deliver significant organisational improvement in participating organisations. It draws on the real-life experience of its participants and is the only North-South programme of its kind.
This programme was originally developed by Atlantic Technological University and Ulster University in collaboration with the Office of An Taoiseach and the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister who were integral to deciding on the content, structure and philosophy of the programme.
Key Features
• Focused on developing responses to key public reform agenda issues
• Leading national and international best practice speakers
• Discussion based mode of Blended Delivery (6 x two-day residential blocks based in Ireland and Northern Ireland, plus online) over two years
• Action learning communities of practice - reflective learning approach using Action Learning Sets (6 days)
• Action Learning Set locations to be determined by participants’ location
• Assessment is assignment based and centred on work issues
• Research Project based on major in-house organisational project
An integral part of the programme is action learning situated within the candidate’s own workplace. This approach enhances the use of specialist knowledge in practice and recognises the reciprocal relationship between management theory and professional practice.
The programme creates an environment in which participants can engage in knowledge development based on their work context. Relevant project work in participating organisations and sharing of real-life experiences form a richness of learning. It is essentially a practical programme with rigorous theoretical underpinnings.
Graduates of this programme will not only have developed significant critical thinking abilities but additionally will have developed significant reflective learning, using the ‘experience’ knowledge base of the executive network.
A key strategic justification is that the programme aims to substantially develop the capability of managers in the public sector as innovating leaders and to develop significant organisational improvement in participating organisations. This Masters programme focuses on managing innovation through encouraging innovating communities of practice with shared interests, joint activities and discussions. The structure is designed to maximise the scope for work based learning and to develop executive networks for sharing insights from the collective Public Service experience.
The programme runs over two years and is designed to facilitate senior managers in the workplace. It comprises six taught modules (each module is block delivered over 2 days, with additional delivery online), 6 x Action Learning Sets and a Research Project.
The MSc in Leadership and Innovation in the Public Sector has 6 knowledge disciplines central to underpinning the programme vision of developing innovating leaders.
The sequence of the modules has been methodically arranged to follow strategic process of Analysis, Formulation, Implementation, Evaluation.
Analysis
Module 1: Context of Leadership, Innovation and Transformation
Formulation
Module 2: Transformational Leadership
Module 3: Citizen Centric Policy and Service Design Implementation
Module 4: Change and Cultural Management
Module 5: Digital Strategy and Innovation Evaluation
Module 6: Performance Management
The overall aim of the module is to provide participants with a clear underpinning in the principles of leadership, innovation and transformation required in the complex issues involved in the radical reform of public service delivery including those promised by digitally- enabled initiatives in a strategic context, its changing relationship with the citizen and how to audit an organisation’s current innovation capability.
The aim of this module is to provide participants with a deep understanding of the need to build strategic capabilities in the human resources of the organisation’s leadership and senior management. Providing them with the tools and skills to perform as agents of change as they commit to building equitable and inclusive organisations.
This module provides participants with a deep understanding of the citizen as the focus of public service design and delivery. A citizen centric approach necessitates greater devolution of responsibility to enable wider innovation and collaboration at the local level in the assessment of policy, need, co-creation of design and implementation of services. During this module participants will learn how to assess the relationship between the citizen and channels of service delivery, will be challenged to consider the debate on privacy and confidentiality and will be introduced to innovative techniques to improve and expand service delivery and to build citizen confidence and increase uptake of public services.
The aim of this module is to assist participants in acquiring a deep understanding of change management within public service organisations. It aims to highlight the interdependence of many aspects of work life, including strategic, structural, behavioural, and cultural issues that need to be considered in a complex web that influences individual and organisational performance in the process of change. It is intended that participants will develop skills that will enable them to become more effective agents for change within their organisations.
The aim of this module is to provide participants with the knowledge and skills to assess the potential for improving customer service, reducing costs through implementing innovative integrated digital services. The module will evaluate digital transformation strategies that will aid in the consideration of: how to ensure that citizen demands are a driver of digital service transformation; how the use of technology and data can be improved; how to deploy and develop the relevant people capabilities; and break down the barriers associated with achieving the goals of digital transformation.
The aim of this module is to provide participants with the knowledge and skills to develop appropriate models of performance management that will allow organisations to achieve key performance indicators, focus attention on outcomes and impact, motivate internal and external stakeholder collaboration, manage risk and maximise impact of transformational change programmes.
Research Project
This is a core element of the programme as it supports the participant in tackling their organisational problems/challenges. ALS are established in the first weeks of the programme and comprise of 4 to 8 participants engaging in friendly and critical questioning in an environment of trust. They provide a means for participants to learn in relation to each other and through a process of questioning to decide on actions to take in solving their organisational problems or challenges.
The Research Project aims to give participants an opportunity to apply the concepts, methods and techniques that have been studied in the taught elements and the Action Learning Sets of the course to their own organisations. In addition, a successful research project - either action research or action learning, aims to improve the leadership and management skills needed for strategic transformational change in public service delivery at a more senior level.
Dr Vicky O’Rourke
Vicky is a Senior Lecturer for Research Development at the School of Business, ATU, Donegal. Vicky received her Doctorate in Education from Queen’s University, Belfast and she also holds a Masters by Research from the Higher Education and Training Awards Council of Ireland. Vicky is a qualified Action Learning Set Facilitator, learning by doing and critical reflection underpin her approaches to education. She has been successfully involved in securing research fundings to support scholarly activity and collaborates with government bodies and industry on an ad hoc basis. She supervises PhD students across areas including influencer marketing, sustainability, and innovation. Vicky is joint Course Director on the MSc in Leadership and Innovation in the Public Sector programme.
Dr Anne Burke
Dr Anne Burke is Joint Programme Director for the DBA programme and a Senior Lecturer in Strategic Development at ATU. A Fellow of ACCA, Anne brings 11 years’ public sector experience as an accountant and auditor prior to joining ATU in 2001. She holds a PhD in Management from Trinity College Dublin and an MSc in IT Management from DCU. Her teaching and research focus on governance, innovation capability and organisational transformation. Anne is also active in community service through her voluntary and board roles.
Paul McGuckin
As a lecturer at ATU, Donegal, Paul brings a wide range of skills, with extensive experience in leadership, sales, marketing, and consulting. With a proven track record of success, Paul has the necessary expertise to deliver an exciting and challenging learning experience to his students. A background in sales with leading brands such as Nike, coupled with experience in software consulting, allows Paul to offer a truly unique perspective on business, management and leadership that is invaluable in today’s rapidly changing world. Paul leads the Leadership module.
Patrice is a Lecturer in Management at ATU, Donegal. She holds a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) from Liverpool John Moores University and a Master of Philosophy from Ulster University. Dr. Duffy has significant international academic experience, including four years as a lecturer at the International Hotel and Tourism Management Institute in Switzerland. She has also held lecturing positions at the Institute of Technology Sligo and the National College of Ireland. In addition to her academic career, she has gained extensive industry experience through a variety of management and operational roles within the hospitality sector, both nationally and internationally. Her teaching and research interests focus on strategic human resource practices, employee engagement and performance, talent management, and organisational development within the service industry.
Dr Emer Gallagher is a Lecturer in Finance in the Department of Global Business and Enterprise at UU Business School. She is the Joint Programme Director for the MSc Leadership and Innovation in the Public Sector (MSc LIPS) and leads Module 3: Citizen-Centric Policy and Service Design. She also serves as an Action Learning Set Facilitator and is a strong advocate of experiential learning approaches that emphasise learning by doing. Her research interests broadly include finance, particularly entrepreneurial finance, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Emer is currently a Co-Investigator on the €5.9 million PEACEPLUSfunded TRACE project, which aims to modernise the agrifood supply chain across the island of Ireland through digital innovation.
Dr Patrick Ibbotson is a Senior Lecturer in E-Commerce at UU. He has a BSc in Chemical Engineering, a PhD in Biochemical Engineering, and an MBA. His research interests include E-learning, digital transformation, research design, entrepreneurship, and internationalisation. He has published over 50 papers in academic journals and conferences, receiving several awards for teaching and research. Dr Ibbotson is a passionate advocate for E-learning and digital transformation. He believes that these technologies have the potential to revolutionise education and business and are essential skills for students who wish to succeed in today’s global economy.
Professor Sandra Moffett holds a chair in Business Analytics. She has held a number of management positions within Ulster University to include Interim PVC/Executive Dean for UU Business School and Head of the Department of Global Business and Enterprise. Professor Moffett has computational and management expertise in the areas of business intelligence and knowledge management, being the first UK PhD researcher in this area. She worked in the School of Computing, Engineering and Intelligent Systems for 18 years (Computer Science) before moving to the Business School in 2018. She is a research active member of staff with over 125 referred publications, substantial research income (+£16m) and many successful consultancy projects (7 Knowledge Transfer Projects and 12 Innovation Boost/FUSION projects). She has designed, built and implemented a number of IT systems for Irish organisations. She regularly hosts conferences and events at local, national and international levels.
Dr Mary Crossan is a Lecturer in Business Enterprise in the Department of Global Business and Enterprise at UU Business School. Mary has over 20 years academic experience in Higher Education having held a variety of academic and management roles within UK Business Schools. She is the department lead for UG placements and employability. She has a research interest in supporting student wellbeing and belonging as well as student employability.
The programme has successfully graduated 250 participants from over 60 departments and agencies across both jurisdictions, supporting civil and public servants to address shared challenges, while building cross-border relationships.
Ireland
Dept of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Dept of Arts, Heritage & the Gaeltacht
Dept of Children & Youth Affairs
Dept of Communications, Energy & Natural Resources
Dept of Education & Skills
Dept of Environment, Community & Local Government
Dept of Health
Dept of Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation
Dept of Enterprise, Trade & Investment
Dept of Inland Fisheries
Dept of Justice & Equality
Dept of Social Protection
Dept of an Taoiseach
Dept of Transport, Tourism & Sport
County Councils
An Garda Siochana
Health Service Executive
Institutes of Technology
Irish Water Safety
Office of Revenue Commissioners
Dept of Public Health
Údarás na Gaeltachta
Northern Ireland
Dept of Agriculture & Rural Development
Dept for Communities
Dept of Culture, Arts & Leisure
Dept of Education
Dept of Employment & Learning
Dept of Enterprise, Trade & Investment
Dept of the Environment
Dept of Finance & Personnel
Dept of Health, Social Services & Public Safety
Dept of Justice
Dept for Regional Development
Dept for Social Development
City Councils
Driver and Vehicle Licensing Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service
Northern Ireland Legal Services Commission
Northern Ireland Office
Office of the Civil Service & Local Appointments
Office of the First Minister & Deputy First Minister
Public Prosecution Service
Feedback from employers and industry groups is consistently positive, highlighting the impact the MSc has in building leadership capacity in the public sector.
“The highlight for me was gaining a deeper insight into the true meaning of leadership—understanding what makes a good leader and how to apply those principles in practice. While completing this Masters, I was leading a new team in an innovation centre, so this programme was very relevant to me both professional and personally.”
Aileen Deasy, Climate Action Manager at Failte Ireland
“This Masters programme has really transformed my thinking around public service and has been of enormous benefit to me in my career. I have been promoted twice since I finished the course, firstly to Head of Division in Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and more recently to Director level also within DAFM. Feedback from the last interview particularly highlighted the learning from the Masters Programme. So to all the team in ATU, I wish to say a sincere thanks for running a really effective programme that has genuine application in the real world. It was tough going at the time but well worth it..”
Rob Doyle, Assistant Secretary General, Head of DAFM Laboratories
“The key skills I developed from doing this Masters include strategic thinking, innovation leadership, and reflective practice. I also strengthened my ability to lead cross-functional teams, communicate change effectively, and evaluate the impact of digital initiatives through both qualitative and quantitative lenses. Perhaps most importantly, the programme enhanced my capacity to view challenges holistically — combining technical expertise with leadership insight and empathy.”
Paul Russell, IT Operations Manager at Atlantic Technological University
“What distinguishes this course is how you learn. In my view, the fact that is crossborder is what makes it truly unique and the learning invaluable. We benefited from a collective curiosity and a shared learning inspiring and challenging each other through different perspectives, attitudes and approaches. The collaboration between ATU and UU is also key to to its success. As an Ulster University student, I experienced excellent committed academics investing in our learning and also understanding, if not always forgiving, of the demands of balancing family, work and study.”
Joanne Timoney, Deputy Head of Government Legal Services, Northern Ireland
The MSc in Innovation and Leadership in the Public Sector accepts applications throughout the year. The programme commences in January, and we advise those interested to apply early.
Visit atu.ie/msc-lips for the link to the online application form, where you will submit your academic qualifications and professional experience.
Once your application form is submitted, our academic team will assess your submission and follow-up to inform you if you will be offered a place on the course. Applicants should allow 3 – 4 weeks for review and assessment of submitted application forms.
Applicants should hold a second-class honours degree or equivalent; and be in relevant employment within the Public Sector. Participants are identified as those charged with delivering strategic, transformational change through clear mission and innovative leadership.
The course is directed at Managers at Grade 7/Assistant Principal Officer grade or equivalent. We recognise that life and work experience counts, managers without an honours degree but with senior management experience are also eligible to apply.
At ATU, we recognise that life and work experience counts. Those working in senior management roles, but may not have attained the standard entry requirements, may be eligible for entry to the programme under the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) scheme. Further details on how to assess eligibility using RPL are available at www.atu.ie/rpl
20% Masters fees reduction for ATU Alumni
The ATU Alumni Office is dedicated to supporting the professional and academic growth of its network through lifelong learning opportunities, and is pleased to offer members of ATU Alumni Network a 20% reduction in academic fees for alumni who choose to pursue a Masters programme at ATU. To be eligible, applicants must be a registered member of the ATU Alumni Network, and must have graduated from ATU (including all legacy Institutes of Technology –GMIT, LYIT, IT Sligo and St Angela’s College). Full details available at atu.ie/alumni
Fees
The total programme fee is €11,700 payable in three sums of €3,900 across 3 calendar years.