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Creativity & Innovation for Education

ProfDip (NFQ Level 9)

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

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As educators, we must keep pace with our rapidly changing world, and adapt to what we now understand about the neuroscience of learning. By developing our own creative and entrepreneurial mindsets we can help our students to fully realise their capacity for innovation, for the good of society. 

Through this course, you’ll experience new approaches to education – all underpinned by academic rigour – from the perspective of a student. By stepping outside your comfort zone you can update your knowledge, build empathy with your students, and reignite your passion for teaching.

The course is highly flexible, allowing your cohort to co-create the learning experience based on the needs and experiences of each group. You’ll learn a more practical, action-based approach to learning, including the chance to lead some parts of the course yourself.

By the end, you’ll be part of a pioneering community of educators who are promoting these experiential learning approaches. You’ll be ready to influence and inspire your colleagues, your institution, and the broader educational community. 

The diploma module gives you a further chance to develop your professional practice as an Entrepreneurial Educator.

About This Course

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
IA40320 Creativity & Innovation for Entrepreneurial Educators Autumn&Spring&Summer(separate)  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
IA40330 Entrepreneurial Mindset for Educators Autumn&Spring&Summer(separate)  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
IA40440 Leadership Development for Educators Autumn&Spring&Summer(separate)  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
IA40480 Professional Practice for Educators: Action Learning Project Implementation Autumn&Spring&Summer(separate)  10

This is a level 9 Professional Certificate (15 ECTS)



Students have the option to complete an additional module (10 ECTS) to elevate their qualification to a Level 9 Professional Diploma (25 ECTS in total)


The three weeks I spent doing the Professional Certificate in Creativity and Innovation for Education were among the best three weeks in my 25-year career.” Dr Linda Dowling Hetherington, Lecturer

“I think there can be a misconception that what’s interesting can’t be useful and vice versa. This programme is both.” Ailish O’Halloran, Deputy Provost

ProfDip Creativity & Innovation for Education (F220) Part Time
EU          fee per year - € 1500
nonEU    fee per year - € 3000

***Fees are subject to change

Bursaries T&Cs

  • Please note that any bursary can only be applied towards the Professional Certificate fee (€1,500).

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: No


We welcome educators from all disciplines and levels of experience here at the Innovation Academy. Anyone who designs and delivers learning experiences can benefit from this postgraduate diploma or certificate in Education course.



This course is for:




  • Passionate educators wanting to enhance your teaching practice. 

  • Educators ready to take a step up in your career.

  • Anyone feeling stuck as an educator, keen to reignite your passion.

  • Anyone new in their post – or new to Ireland – looking for a supportive network and new approaches.

  • Teaching assistants, Lecturers, Program Managers, Education Technologists, Teaching and Learning professionals… to name a few.



So what are you waiting for?  


General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Creativity & Innovation for Education:

ROWCLASS Apply to
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F220
Creativity & Innovation for Education
Professional Diploma

Part-Time
Commencing May 2025
Graduate Taught
Not available to International applicantsApply
* you can change options at the top of the page