The Institute of Public Administration (IPA) is the latest institution to become a recognised college of the NUI. The IPA, which up till now has offered courses validated by the NCEA, was prompted to apply to the NUI for recognition because the NCEA is being subsumed into the new National Qualifications Authority.

"It presented the opportunity for the institute to look at its accreditation arrangements," says Pat Hall, the IPA's deputy director general. The IPA was founded in 1957 to promote the study of public administration in Ireland. It offers a wide range of courses including degree, certificate and diploma courses and postgraduate programmes. Course specialisms include public management, health management, local government and the administration of justice.

IPA courses are offered on a part-time basis at the institute's offices in Lansdowne Road, Dublin, or in institutes of technology throughout the State.

Recognised colleges of the NUI include St Angela's College, Sligo, the RCSI, the NCAD and the Shannon College of Hotel Management.