Key facts
Qualification
Applications are now OPEN. Click HERE to apply.
Level 9 UCD Microcredential (5 ECTS)
Delivery
Blended. Programme is divided between online and in-person classes.
Duration
5 weeks, part-time, with self-led learning between classes.
31 October (online), 09.30am – 11.30am
19, 20. 21 November (in person UCD), 9.30am -16.30pm
27 & 28 November (in person UCD), 9.30am -16.30pm
5 December (online), 10am – 12pm
Fees and Funding
€1,000 (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, 24th October 2025
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
Join UCD Innovation Academy’s experienced facilitators to design innovative, workplace-relevant solutions in response to this timely challenge: Reimagining Risk: How Might We Better Prepare For, and Respond to, Ambiguity and Uncertainty.
Innovation by Design is a fast-paced, hands-on microcredential that guides participants through a design approach recently pioneered by the Stanford d.school, focused on developing three core design strengths of noticing, experimenting and sensemaking.
The module combines in-person cross-sectoral collaborative workshops, individual workplace observation, and real time experimentation to ensure solutions are both innovative and grounded in real-world needs.
By the end of the module, participants will have designed practical, context-specific solutions to implement within their organisations, along with the development of a practical design toolkit and an innovative mindset – equipping them to tackle a variety of challenges long after the programme ends.
- A practical design toolkit – including core design skills of ‘noticing’, ‘experimenting’ and ‘sensemaking’ – that can be applied in a variety of contexts
- Understanding context around risk, through engagement with international research, insights and / or guest speakers.
- Cross-industry collaboration methodologies and tools
- Reflection practices and methodology
Our funders
Who is it for?
This course is ideal for professionals across all sectors who are seeking a toolkit and approach to understanding real-world challenges, and how to design practical and applicable solutions. It also suits learners who seek to connect to likeminded professionals and to learn more from peers and relevant networks.
You might be:
- Working in a large corporate or an SME
- Self employed
- A career changer seeking to upskill
- Interested in problem solving
Course structure
Highlights of this module include two in-person blocks – one to build cross-sectoral collaboration and introduce design methods, and a final 2-day hackathon-style to design, prototype, and pitch practical solutions.
Weeks 1 & 2: Preliminary exercises in relation to the challenge, with a focus on one’s own context/workplace
Week 3: A 3-day in person block to learn and develop skills in ‘noticing’, ‘experimenting’ and ‘sensemaking’, including the opportunity to iterate and refine in real time in the workplace
Week 4: A 2-day in person hackathon-style workshop to further develop creative, implementable ideas – including pitches and peer feedback on proposed solutions
Week 5: Online session to sharing insights, consider next steps, and collaborate on the challenges and opportunities of implementing solutions
Throughout, the process is enriched by bespoke input from industry experts and academic researchers.
TIMETABLE
Five Weeks
31 October (online), 09.30am – 11.30am
19, 20. 21 November (in person UCD), 9.30am -16.30pm
27 & 28 November (in person UCD), 9.30am -16.30pm
5 December (online), 10am – 12pm
Students are expected to engage in directed self-led learning throughout the duration of the programme.
- 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.
UCD is ranked among the top 1% of higher education institutions in the world. We’re Ireland’s global university and ranked Ireland’s best for graduate employability.
Here at the Innovation Academy we have everything you need for a learning experience you’ll never forget.
By the end of this Microcredential you will:
- Gain a practical design toolkit – including core design skills of ‘noticing’, ‘experimenting’ and ‘sensemaking’ – that can be applied in a variety of contexts
- Understand context around risk, through engagement with international research, insights and / or guest speakers.
- Learn cross-industry collaboration methodologies and tools
- Learn 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, doctors (both medical and academic), 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. So too are the challenges and unpredictability organisations are facing.
By the end of this microcredential, participants will have designed practical, context-specific solutions to implement within their organisations, along with the development of a practical design toolkit and an innovative mindset – equipping them to tackle a variety of challenges long after the programme ends.
