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UCD Professional Diploma in Creativity, Innovation and Leadership

ProfDip (NFQ Level 9)

This course is available through the following application route(s)

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NOTICE: Due to demand we have limited additional places for the online intake of this course. Limited places available for the in-person intake, same dates apply see more here. Completed applications are reviewed, and places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Apply today to secure your spot in the programme.

29 January: Online Information Session, 1PM 

Join us on Wednesday, January 29th from 1pm – 1:30pm and learn how this program can help you master the mindset, skills, and tools to cultivate an innovative environment within your organisation. Discover the course structure, learning outcomes, funding options and whether this course best suits your career goals.

Register 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 online 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.

About This Course

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.

Module Dates:

Module 1 IA40310 Creative Thinking & Innovation

Monday 24 - Friday 28 February 2025

 

Module 2 IA40340 Leadership for Innovation and Creativity

Monday 31 March - Friday 4 April 2025

 

Module 3 IA40210 Professional Practice (Action Learning Project – Innovation in the Workplace or Your Community)

Thursdays: May 1, May 29, June 26; Wednesdays: July 23; Thursdays: July 24.


     

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.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Core Modules
IA40210 Professional Practice 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr)  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
IA40310 Creative Thinking & Innovation Autumn&Spring&Summer(separate)  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
IA40340 Leadership for Innovation and Creativity (OL) 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.

UCD Professional Diploma in Creativity, Innovation and Leadership (F216) Part Time
EU/NONEU    fee per year - € 3000

***Fees are subject to change

€2,600 (EU) or €2,600 (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 €260) eligible individuals in employment or self-employment, and formerly self-employed.
 

See ‘How to Apply’ section on our website for eligibility criteria.
 

The deadline for applications is 12th February 2025. 

Please note that applications are reviewed and places offered on a rolling basis so we encourage you to apply early to secure a place on the programme.

Applying for Springboard+ funding for this programme:

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. If you wish to apply for funding, please do so on the Springboard+ website here. If you require more information, please register your interest on our website and we will be in contact with you shortly.


Applying to UCD for this course you will need:

A) Current CV

B) Letter of Motivation (one page), addressing the following:

  • Why you want to do the course at this time
  • What you hope to achieve from doing this course
  • What you can contribute to this course

C) A copy of your academic transcript to show that you have a minimum of an Undergraduate Honours Bachelor’s Degree (NFQ Level 8). If you previously studied at UCD, please provide your UCD student number on a Word document/PDF.

D) Applicants who do not have a level 8 qualification can apply through Recognition of Prior Learning.

Under UCD's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy, consideration will be given on a case by case basis to applicants who do not hold a Level 8 primary degree (Honours Bachelor's Degree) but who fulfil either of the following criteria:

Holding a Level 7 primary degree (Pass/Ordinary Bachelor's Degree): upload your academic transcript of your Level 7 and demonstrate min. 2 years work experience on your CV. Professional references may be required.

No Level 7/8 degree: min. 5 years work experience and 2 recently dated professional/employment references required. These should be on headed paper or from an official email address and including the referees name, role and email address. 

Please review your CV to ensure that it clearly demonstrates the following: 

a. Any experience of leadership and self-direction; 

b. Any experience of management or entrepreneurship; 

c. A description of any responsibilities that demonstrate accountability, resource management, or client engagement (if applicable).

E) If English is not your first language, an English language qualification is required. Click HERE for full English Language Requirements for UCD.

Visit our FAQs here.

You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: Yes


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


General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to UCD Professional Diploma in Creativity, Innovation and Leadership:

ROWCLASS Apply to

Currently, there are no forthcoming intakes for this course that are open for application

* you can change options at the top of the page