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Creativity & Innovation for Education

ProfCert (NFQ Level 9)

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

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NB: If you are applying for a bursary, please state this in your letter of motivation. Limited bursaries are reserved for applicants without access to institutional or other funding.

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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.

*NB This course is delivered online, full-time over 3 weeks:

Module 1: 29 October – 1 November 2024

Module 2: Jan 2nd, Jan 3rd, Feb 20th, Feb 21st, Sat 22nd 2025

Module 3: 12 April (Saturday), 14 -17 April 2025

 

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
IA40930 Creativity & Innov Ed (OL) Autumn&Spring&Summer(separate)  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
IA40940 Entrepreneurial Mind Ed (OL) Autumn&Spring&Summer(separate)  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
IA40950 Leadership Development Ed (OL) Autumn&Spring&Summer(separate)  5

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

I was keen to push myself, to get out of my comfort zone and to be more future looking in how I approached my work as an educator.” Sean Gallagher, Referee Development Manager

ProfCert Creativity & Innovation for Education (F221) Part Time
EU          fee per year - € 1750
nonEU    fee per year - € 3500

***Fees are subject to change

There are a limited number of other bursary places available for the Professional Certificate. Please see the bursaries’ T&Cs below.

50% Bursary Deadline: 11 October 2024

*Full bursaries are available for UCD Academic and Teaching Staff. Please apply to the UCD Staff Programme here

Bursaries T&Cs

  • Please note that any bursary can only  be applied towards the Professional Certificate fee (€1,500).
  • Bursaries are reserved for applicants without access to institutional or other funding.
  • A limit of x2 bursaries per institution can be allocated.
  • Applicants must indicate in their motivation letter if they wish to apply for a bursary.

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


We welcome educators from all backgrounds, 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.

  • Teachers, 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

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

* you can change options at the top of the page