This course is available through the following application route(s)
This course page is for applicants applying to the October IN PERSON intake of the Professional Diploma in Creativity, Innovation and Leadership. If you are applying directly to the programme, contact UCD Innovation academy first at innovation.academy@ucd.ie so we can advise you on the application process.
For further course details and upcoming information sessions, see here.
The most successful leaders are those who adapt and respond well to change. In an era of polycrises, alongside advancing technology, AI, automation and continued disruption, organisations are looking for agile and creative leaders to drive innovation.
This course will help you master the mindset, skills, and tools to become an intrapreneur and to cultivate an innovative environment within your organisation. You’ll develop the skills to influence others and harness the energy of a team to solve challenges together. And you’ll apply these skills to a real innovation project – for your organisation or a community project of your own – for an outstanding upgrade to your CV.
Wherever you are in your career, this professional diploma course will reignite your spark and give you the confidence to present your ideas and lead from the front. It is expected that all participants will make progress in their career.
This exceptional learning experience will open your mind to a more creative and innovative way of thinking. By the end, you’ll be ready to take the lead for intrapreneurship within your organisation, in your current role or the next.
Springboard+ is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union.
By the end of the Professional Diploma in Creativity, Innovation and Leadership, you will
Gain an innovator’s mindset.
Build creative confidence via practical challenges.
Build your CV with a substantial innovation project module.
Develop your leadership skills to engage others.
Build a peer network of friends, contacts and collaborators.
Leave ready to apply your new skills to progress your career.
Have a Level 9 qualification from UCD.
In an IBM study of 1,500 CEOs, creativity came out as the most important leadership quality.
This course will teach you the skills you need to become your organisation’s champion for creativity and innovation.
Employers are looking for people who can think their way around these problems. If you’re looking for your next job, having this Diploma on your CV will be sure to make you stand out from the crowd.
If you’re already in work, you’ll be primed to take on new responsibilities and step into more senior roles. Expect your employer to get you working more closely with senior management, running business-critical projects, and to put you top of the list for promotion.
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 |
“The diploma course gave me the courage to be a leader. It helped me climb over the huge barriers I had created against myself.” – Lisa Finlay, Senior Learning & Development and Innovation Specialist, William Fry, Programme Alumna.
“I love design thinking. It’s that simple. And for this, I am so pleased I was able to persuade my senior leadership to make it part of what I do. That was the leadership influencing I learned on this Prof. Dip. coming into play – to be able to sell my vision of what bringing design thinking and innovation frameworks into the organization could be.” – Tracy Mooney, Senior Manger LinkedIn, Programme Alumna.
“The programme provided me with the mindset shift I needed at just the right moment in my career.” Vinny Lanigan, Irish Defence Forces and Former Public Sector Innovation Network, Programme Alumni.
€3,000 (EU) or €3,000 (Non-EU)
100% or 90% funded for eligible applicants through the HEA Springboard+ Initiative. See https://springboardcourses.ie/eligibility for eligibility criteria.
FREE for eligible jobseekers: those who have received eligible DEASP Payments.
FREE for returners to work and carers.
90% subsidised (student pays €300) eligible individuals in employment or self-employment, and formerly self-employed.
See ‘How to Apply’ section on our website for eligibility criteria.
This course is open for initial applications through the HEA's Springboard+ website. If you are seeking Springboard funding, please apply on Springboard first - you will be instructed when you should apply to the course on this UCD page to finalise your enrollment on the programme. If you require more information, please register your interest on our website or book a call with our team and we will be in contact with you shortly. Applications will be reviewed and places offered on a rolling basis until the course is full. Please read on for further information regarding the application procedures and funding eligibility for this course. These are subject to change.
How To Apply
This programme is funded through the Higher Education Authority Springboard+ Initiative, with 90 – 100% funding available to eligible applicants, for full-time residents in the Republic of Ireland. See the Springboard eligibility criteria here.
If you are an international student or ineligible for Springboard funding, please contact a member of our recruitment team at innovation.academy@ucd.ie for assistance before proceeding with direct application to the course. There is no alternative funding available for applicants who are ineligible for Springboard funding and are applying directly for this programme.
You must submit the following initial supporting documents on your Springboard application:
A) Current CV
B) Letter of Motivation (one page), addressing the following:
C) A copy of your academic transcript to show that you have a minimum of an Undergraduate Honours Bachelor’s Degree (NFQ Level 8, 3-4 years of study). This is required for admission to a UCD Level 9 programme. If you previously studied at UCD, please provide your UCD student number on a Word document/PDF. Please note a degree certificate/parchment unaccompanied by a transcript will not suffice. You need to upload your academic transcript or diploma supplement.
D) Applicants who do not have a level 8 qualification can apply through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Full details of minimum requirements and the RPL policy are available here. You are strongly advised to get in touch with UCD Innovation Academy for further guidance. before commencing an RPL application.
E) If English is not your first language, an English language qualification is required. Click here for full English Language Requirements for UCD.
If you are successful following review of these initial documents, you will be offered a provisional offer on Springboard. You should then make your application here on UCD to formally enroll on the programme.
Following provisional offers, UCD Innovation Academy will request evidence of eligibility in respect of holding a valid PPSN; Nationality; Current Residency in Ireland; 3 of 5 Years EU/EEA residency; and current Employment Status between six weeks and two weeks from the stated course start date.
It is only at this point that eligibility for funding through the HEA Springboard initiative can be ascertained.
Visit our FAQs here.
Part Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: No
This course is perfect for anyone looking for their next step in their career. You’ll learn the skills and confidence to become an innovation champion and take your career to the next level.
You might be:
A career changer
A public sector leader or aspiring leader
Working in a large corporate or an SME
Making the leap into leadership
Part Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. No
General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Creativity, Innovation & Leadership:
| ROWCLASS | Apply to |
|---|---|
| showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt | F170 Creativity, Innovation & Leadership Professional Diploma Part-Time Commencing September 2025 Graduate Taught Not available to International applicantsApply |