Key facts
Qualification
*THIS PROGRAMME WILL NOT TAKE PLACE IN AUTUMN 2025. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN FUTURE INTAKES PLEASE REGISTER YOUR INTEREST*
Level 9 UCD Microcredential (5 ECTS).
Delivery
Online
Duration
5 weeks, part-time.
Class Times:
- Thursday 18 Sept, 3-6pm
- Thursday 25 Sept, 3-6pm
- Thursday 2 Oct, 3-6pm
- Thursday 9 Oct, 3-6pm
- Thursday 16 Oct, 3-6pm
Participants are expected to engage in directed self-led learning throughout the duration of the course.
Fees and Funding
€900 (EU and Non-EU)
This programme is funded through the Human Capital Initiative Pillar III Microcredentials Project with 50% funding available to eligible applicants.
Deadlines to Apply
Midday Friday September 12th.
Information Events & FAQs
Register your Interest Here to receive updates about upcoming information sessions and relevant emails.
Book a call with one of our recruitment advisors and we’d be happy to help. You can also contact us at innovation.academy@ucd.ie
Overview
This module introduces participants to the mindsets, skills and practical tools necessary to develop a creative leadership practice, one that cultivates a workplace culture where creativity and innovation flourish.
This module explores a new kind of leadership which unlocks creativity and innovation in the workplace. Learners will explore their personal strengths, weaknesses, mindsets and values as a creative, innovative leader.
Participants will learn how to lead self and teams in experimentation, creative problem solving and idea generation. They will be introduced to the skills of holding the tension of ambiguity as part of leading an organisational innovation process. They will acquire the skills to strengthen self awareness, self reflection and resilience. They will practice team collaboration in experiential problem solving challenges.
Our funders



Who is it for?
Emerging and experienced leaders who work in a learning and education role, whether that be in schools, colleges, companies, non-profit organisations, the public sector and more.
You might be:
- A primary or secondary school teacher
- A third level educator
- An L&D professional
- Anyone working in an education and learning capacity
Course structure
The course is divided between class contact time (online) and directed self-led learning throughout the duration of the programme. Full participation is required.
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Exploring creative thinking, entrepreneurial mindset, AI in Education and values-based leadership
- Tools for Reflective Practice
- Creative Thinking: Exploring creativity through tasks, techniques and discussion
- Tools for Reflective Practice
TIMETABLE
Five Weeks
- Thursday 18 Sept, 3-6pm
- Thursday 25 Sept, 3-6pm
- Thursday 2 Oct, 3-6pm
- Thursday 9 Oct, 3-6pm
- Thursday 16 Oct, 3-6pm
- Why choose us?
- Learning outcomes
- How to apply
- Assessment
- Who leads this course?
- Career opportunities
UCD Innovation Academy sits at the cutting-edge of education in Ireland, and the world.
We’ve been challenging students to see the world differently since 2010, when we became one of the first universities to offer experiential learning experiences.
Our team has been innovating ever since, shaping and refining our courses with input from some of the world’s best. Thousands of students have passed through the Academy, and each one has played their part in making our courses better and better. We have countless examples of our alumni accelerating their careers and changing the world from within organisations or as entrepreneurs and social entrepreneurs.
By the end of this Microcredential you will develop:
- Creative Leadership mindset, skills and practices
- Innovation skills and practices that can be applied in a variety of contexts
- Creative collaboration practices and methodology including how to foster psychological safety
- Reflection practices and methodology
Applicants must have a level 8 qualification and provide a relevant transcript when applying.
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.
As the course involves continuous assessment, students must attend all class sessions.
The course is assessed through a combination of individual and team assignments, project reports and presentations.
All courses at the Innovation Academy are developed and facilitated by our exceptional team of educators.
The team boasts a wealth of experience from a wide variety of backgrounds. They are international entrepreneurs, academics, robotics experts, storytellers, conservationists, campaigners, and creatives.
What they all have in common is their love of the innovative, learning-by-doing approach to learning and their devotion to delivering a world-class student experience.
Learn more about the Course Director.
Demand for creative and innovative thinkers is growing. You’ll leave this programme with the mindset, skills and tools to apply change in your own context, now and into the future.
