Courses
Master of Science (MSc) in Leadership and Innovation in the Public Sector
Transforming Public Leadership: Inspire. Innovate. Deliver.
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.
Now accepting applications for a January 2026 start.
Part-time | Blended | Level 9
Hear from our MSc graduates
Gearóid McHugh
Assistant Principal Officer, Climate Action & Capital Planning Unit, Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS)
Joanne Timoney
Deputy Head of Government Legal Services
Philip McGrath
Senior Governance Specialist, World Bank (Governance Global Practice)
Why Choose the Master of Science (MSc) in Leadership and Innovation in the Public Sector?
With a strong reputation for developing effective and forward-thinking public sector leaders, the Master of Science (MSc) in Leadership and Innovation in the Public Sector is designed for ambitious professionals who want to lead with purpose, drive innovation, and create meaningful impact across public service organisations.
This MSc empowers professionals to become transformational leaders — those capable of shaping policy, inspiring teams, and driving the innovation necessary to meet the complex challenges of today’s public sector. Grounded in the principles of reflective practice and action learning, this programme equips participants with the frameworks, insights, and tools needed to lead change and deliver public value effectively.
In choosing this Master’s programme, you will:
- Develop strategic thinking and evidence-informed decision-making skills.
- Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within your organisation.
- Lead and manage transformational change across public service contexts.
- Deliver measurable outcomes that enhance public value and community impact.
- Apply action learning to real-world challenges in your professional environment.
- Join a dynamic network of leaders committed to excellence, innovation, and public service transformation.
Testimonial
This Master’s degree really challenged my thinking about how we approach the problems that we seek to solve when designing and delivering public services. The action learning approach, in particular, brings course participants out of their comfort zone and, consequently, enables self-reflection, growth and learning. Making connections with public service colleagues, North and South, was a genuinely rewarding aspect of the course – the sharing of valuable expertise and different perspectives was enriching. I would recommend this course to anyone who is looking to drive change and transformation in their role, whilst looking to move up to the next level professionally.
Philip McGrath , Senior Governance Specialist, the World Bank, Washington
Contact Details
For further information, or to arrange a meeting with our Course Directors, please contact:
Wendy McGarvey, Executive & Professional Education Coordinator
T: +353(0)749186098