This programme is aimed at providing students with an understanding of the key skills required to manage successfully in the public sector.

Course Structure

The Diploma in Public Sector Management - Part 1

1. Public Services Management
2. Public Sector Economics
3. Human Resources Management in the Public Sector
4. Customer Service for Managers and Supervisors (Customer Service)
5. International Business Communications

(The ICM Diploma in Public Sector Management is awarded on completion of all Part 1 subjects)

The Advanced Diploma in Public Sector Management - Part 2

6. Public Service Ethics
7. Public Sector Strategy
8. Leadership Studies
9. Analysing and Improving Organisational Behaviour (Organisational Behaviour)
10. The International Business Environment

(The ICM Advanced Diploma in Public Sector Management is awarded on completion of all Part 1 & 2 subjects)

Programme Objectives
This programme brings together an understanding of strategic development within the public sector with an appreciation of the key issues in the day to day management of public sector organisations.

The Advanced Diploma level brings in an international perspective through International Business Environment, which covers political, business and public service issues, and recognises the interplay between politics and business in the modern world economy. Aimed at aspiring junior and middle managers as well as those wishing to begin a career in the public sector, it draws out the distinguishing characteristics of managing and working in the public sector.

Successful completion of the Diploma and Advanced Diploma will help students to lay the foundations for career progression with the public sector.

Recommended Course Duration
It is recommended that these courses are delivered over a suitable period of time to give learners the best opportunity for success. A standard delivery structure would involve six units per academic year, although 5-8 units per year are acceptable depending on the weekly timetable used. Thus, the full Diploma and Advanced Diploma programme would normally take one and a half to two years full-time to complete.

Examination Grades

Status of Qualification
Professional Vocational Diploma. A Higher Technician/post A-level qualification. Students who complete the ICM Certificate and Diploma examinations will have reached a level equivalent to the first year of a Hospitality Management degree.

Examinations
Externally set and marked by the Institute. Examinations are held in March, June, September and December each year. Candidates must be registered and paid-up Student Members of the Institute at the time they undertake the examinations.

Examination Closing Dates
Candidates entering for examinations must ensure that their completed examination entry forms and fees reach the Institute at least eight weeks before the date of the examinations. Examination timetables indicate the closing date for receipt of entries for each sitting.

Examination Results
These are normally distributed twelve weeks after each examination date.

Subject Exemptions
Students holding relevant recognised qualifications from other professional bodies may apply for exemptions on a subject-for-subject basis.

Entry Requirements
The Institute operates an ‘Open Entry’ policy in respect of many of its vocational programmes but prospective students should note that the following entrance qualifications are recommended for those wishing to undertake this programme:

1. Five GCSEs at grades A, B or C (or equivalents)
2. A suitable BTEC National Award
3. Any qualification equivalent to one of the above

Applicants over the age of 19 who do not hold one of the recommended entrance qualifications may also register for the programme providing they have been in full-time employment for a minimum of two years.

Certification
On successful completion of all the examinations in Part 1 students are awarded the ICM Certificate in Accounting & Finance.

On successful completion of all the examinations in Parts 1 & 2 students are awarded the ICM Diploma in Accounting & Finance.

On successful completion of all the examinations in Part 3 students are awarded the ICM Advanced Diploma in Accounting & Finance and may apply for Associate Membership of the Institute.

Study Methods
Your Teaching Centre has been provided with a detailed syllabus and reading list for each subject area. Each subject syllabus clearly defines the areas that you will be required to cover for each subject and your examination questions will be based on the areas and topics detailed for each subject. It is important to ensure that you obtain a copy of each subject syllabus from your Teaching Centre.

Each subject syllabus is linked to one main textbook and the examiners base their questions on the contents of the nominated text. The subject syllabuses also give details of ‘Alternative Texts’ and texts recommended for further reading. Where possible you should read one or more of the ‘Alternative Texts’ in order to broaden your knowledge of the subject area.