Philip McGrath

Master of Science in Leadership & Innovation in the Public Sector

Donegal – Letterkenny

Name: Philip McGrath

Job Title: Senior Governance Specialist, World Bank (Governance Global Practice)

Course Studied: MSc Leadership and Innovation in the Public Sector

Year Completed: 2021

Can you share your career path to date?

My career began in the Department of Justice, where I spent over a decade working across a wide range of policy and operational areas. I later moved into public sector innovation, leading initiatives focused on modernising service delivery and embedding new technologies across government. I subsequently served as Head of Public Sector Reform, overseeing Ireland’s national public sector transformation programme. I am currently a Senior Governance Specialist with the World Bank’s Governance Global Practice in Washington, D.C., where I support governments around the world in driving digital and AI-enabled public sector reform.

What does your current role involve?

My work focuses on helping governments use technology responsibly and effectively to improve public administration, justice systems and citizen services. This involves supporting policy design, digital transformation strategies and institutional reform programmes, often in complex environments where governance, data and technology intersect.

What motivated you to start studying?

I wanted to deepen my understanding of leadership and innovation within the public sector and to strengthen my ability to translate reform ideas into sustainable practice. The MSc provided both the theoretical foundations and the applied tools to do exactly that.

Why did you choose this course from ATU?

ATU’s MSc Leadership and Innovation in the Public Sector stood out because of its practical focus, its flexibility for working professionals, and its collaborative cross-border structure. The mix of online and in-person learning provided an ideal balance for those balancing demanding roles with postgraduate study.

How did you find the process of studying online?

The hybrid model worked extremely well. The online elements offered flexibility and convenience, while the in-person sessions helped build strong peer connections. The digital learning environment was intuitive, and the course structure encouraged direct application of learning to real-world projects.

How did you balance work and study?

Balancing both was demanding but manageable thanks to the programme’s design. Assignments were closely aligned to my professional work, allowing me to integrate academic insights into the projects I was already leading in government.

In terms of your employer, were they supportive of your decision to study?

Yes, absolutely. My employer recognised the relevance of the programme to ongoing reform efforts. Many of the modules—particularly those focused on innovation, transformation and technology adoption—had direct application to the challenges we were addressing at the time.

What advice would you have for anyone considering studying online?

Be clear about your goals and approach the course with the same discipline you bring to your professional work. The flexibility is invaluable, but success depends on engaging fully with both the content and your peers—the discussions and shared experiences are among the programme’s greatest strengths.

In what way has studying online with ATU benefitted your career?

The MSc has been instrumental in shaping both my approach to leadership and my ability to design and deliver large-scale reform initiatives. It has enhanced my strategic perspective and strengthened my credibility in international work on governance and innovation.

Did this course provide any unexpected benefits to your career?

Yes—the network has proved remarkably enduring and valuable. The connections made through the programme, particularly the collaboration between colleagues from across Ireland and Northern Ireland, have continued to support knowledge-sharing and professional partnerships years later.

Did you find that the elements you were studying had practical relevance in your day-to-day role?

Very much so. Each module connected directly to issues I was facing at work—from managing innovation portfolios to embedding digital tools in service delivery. The assignments were designed to translate learning into action.

What were the key skills you took away from your time studying at ATU?

Strategic leadership, innovation management, and practical tools for embedding technology and transformation within complex public institutions. The programme also strengthened my ability to lead change collaboratively and to apply evidence-based approaches to reform.