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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: 3rd - 6th June 2025 (Tues - Fri)

Module 2: 9th - 13th June 2025 (Mon - Fri)

Module 3: 16th - 20th June 2025 (Mon - Fri)

About This Course

By the end of the postgraduate Professional Certificate or Diploma in Creativity & Innovation for Education course, students will:


  • Explore creativity, innovation, and approaches to lead change in education.

  • Discover new approaches in education from around the world.

  • Build a peer network of friends, contacts and collaborators.

  • Learned from a faculty of educators who have ‘walked the walk’.

  • Gain a UCD Professional Certificate (15 ECTS) or Diploma (25 ECTS).

  • Be ready to improve the learning outcomes for your students.

  • Be ready to accelerate your career

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

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 (F223) Part Time
EU          fee per year - € 1500
nonEU    fee per year - € 3000

***Fees are subject to change

90% Bursary Deadline: 29 April 2025

50% Bursary Deadline: 13 May 2025

Final Deadline to Apply: 27 May 2025

Full bursaries are available for UCD Academic and Teaching Staff.

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.

For UCD Academic and Teaching Staff:

  • Nomination from Head of School: This should be on headed paper or from an official email, including the nominee’s name, role, and email address.

OR

  • Letter of Motivation addressing:
    • Why do you want to pursue this course at this time?
    • What can you contribute to the course?
    • What do you hope to achieve from the course?

For External Applicants:

  1. CV outlining your experience as an educator.
  2. Letter of Motivation addressing:
    • Why do you want to pursue this course at this time?
    • What can you contribute to the course?
    • What do you hope to achieve from the course?
    • If applying for a 90% or 50% bursary, please state this in your letter. (Note: Limited bursaries are available for applicants without institutional or other funding sources.)
  3. Academic Transcript to demonstrate your Level 8 qualification.
    • UCD graduates: please upload a Word document or PDF with your name and UCD student number.

Alternatively, you may apply on the basis of RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning). Applicants without a Level 8 degree will be considered case by case if they meet one of the following criteria:

  • Level 7 Degree Holders: Please upload your Level 7 academic transcript and demonstrate at least 2 years of work experience on your CV. Professional references may be requested.
  • No Level 7/8 Degree: Minimum of 5 years work experience is required along with two recent professional/employment references. References should be on official headed paper or sent from an official email and include the referee’s name, role, and email address.
    • Ensure your CV clearly demonstrates:
      • Experience in leadership and self-direction.
      • Any experience in management or entrepreneurship.
      • Responsibilities demonstrating accountability, resource management, or client engagement (if applicable).

4. English Language Qualification: If English is not your first language, please provide an English language qualification. Click here for English Language Requirements for UCD.

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?  


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

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F223
Creativity & Innovation for Education
Professional Certificate

Part-Time
Commencing May 2025
Graduate Taught
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