This course is available through the following application route(s)
Update as of 2 June: This summer intake is now full. Only applicants who have applied on Springboard+ and have been accepted can apply on this page. For other applicants, we recommend that you consider our Autumn intakes (online options) if you're interested in this programme.
Invest in yourself this summer at UCD and begin a Professional Diploma in Creativity, Innovation and Leadership in the beautiful surroundings of UCD’s Belfield campus.
This learner experience, beginning in summer, will reignite your professional passion, help you upskill in an innovative setting, find inspiration for a new career direction, and expand your network in a fun and supportive context.
Students who start our popular Professional Diploma in Creativity, Innovation and Leadership in the summer will also enjoy a suite of optional curated activities to complement your learning experience.
This Professional Diploma is for you if you are:
By the end of this programme, you will have more than a new set of skills. You will have a different way of thinking.
You will leave with a Level 9 qualification from University College Dublin — a fully accredited credential that carries real weight in any career conversation. Alongside that, you will have completed a substantial innovation project that demonstrates your capability in practice, not just in theory. This is the kind of evidence that makes a CV genuinely compelling.
You will have developed an innovator’s mindset — the ability to approach uncertainty with curiosity rather than anxiety, to reframe problems as opportunities, and to generate and test ideas with creative confidence.
You will have grown as a leader — more capable of bringing others with you, communicating with clarity and conviction, and driving change in the environments you work in.
And you will have built something that will pay dividends for years to come: a peer network of driven, curious professionals from across sectors — people who will challenge your thinking during the programme and become collaborators, connectors, and colleagues long after it ends.
You will leave ready to lead, and ready for whatever comes next.
Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.
Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.
| Trimester | Credits | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Stage 1 Core Modules |
IA40890 | Professional Practice | 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr) | 10 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
IA40880 | Leadership Development and Creativity | Autumn&Spring&Summer(separate) | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
IA40900 | Creativity & Innov CIL | Autumn&Spring&Summer(separate) | 5 |
Level 9 NFQ
"You learn things about yourself that you never knew and you learn how to be yourself.” – Liz, 2025 programme graduate
“It gave me an increase in confidence in trying new things and not to have a fear of failure.” – Fiona, 2025 programme graduate
“It was the best educational experience I ever had.” – Marc, 2025 programme graduate
“The Professional Diploma gave me an opportunity to be a part of both a national and international community of innovators, reignited my passion and prepared me to guide my organisation into a future filled with transformation opportunity.” – Helen, programme graduate.
My journey into design thinking has reshaped my approach to quality improvement, teaching me to embrace the perpetual space of iteration and uncertainty that comes with innovation” – Máire, programme graduate.
€3,000 (EU and Non-EU)
This programme is funded through the Higher Education Authority Springboard+ Initiative, with 90 – 100% funding available to eligible applicants.
See the Springboard eligibility criteria.
Applicants are required to apply with the following documentation -
1. Your up-to-date CV.
2. Your Letter of Motivation. For this, you should consider why you want to do this course at this time, what you would like to achieve from the course and how the course fits with your future career aspirations.
3. Your transcripts for a minimum of an Honours Bachelors Degree (NFQ Level 8 or equivalent). If you previously studied at UCD, please provide your UCD student number in lieu of transcripts.
If you do not have an honours degree, we will look for 5+ years of relevant work experience on your CV and employer references as per RPL guidelines above.
NB - your degree parchment/certificate does not satisfy UCD's requirement for transcripts.
Part Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: Yes
This Professional Diploma is for you if you are:
General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Creativity, Innovation & Leadership:
| ROWCLASS | Apply to |
|---|---|
Currently, there are no forthcoming intakes for this course that are open for application |
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