Key facts
Overview & Qualification
Our electives offer students the opportunity to learn highly sought after skills and knowledge in areas outside their core discipline. Last year over 1,000 UCD undergraduates from all 37 schools in UCD took our electives in subjects such as creativity and innovation, design thinking, sustainability, Makerspace technology and Virtual Reality. Students work on real world challenges, often with enterprise partners, and learn new skills and knowledge in a highly applied and interactive format.
Qualification
5 ECTS per module elective
Delivery & Assessment
Delivery
Online and in-person electives
Assessment
All our elective modules are assessed as pass or fail, they are GPA Neutral. This means that you can enjoy participating in class and take risks, without the pressure of an end of trimester exam or essay. As the elective modules involve continuous assessment, students must attend all class sessions.
Our Structured Elective
UCD Innovation for Change – What is it all about?
UCD Innovation Academy’s Structured Elective – Innovation for Change is focused on creativity, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and problem-solving.
During this fully immersive Structured Elective, you’ll focus on learning by doing, through a combination of live workshops, as well as activities, tasks, and individual or team project work.
How can I complete this Structured Elective?
Combine any three Innovation Academy elective modules during your time at UCD to earn UCD’s Structured Elective: Innovation for Change. This will appear on your academic transcript for future employers to see.
Explore all available module choices you can take to complete UCD’s Structured Elective: Innovation for Change further below.
Why take this Structured Elective?
Fun, Creative, Practical Modules
Explore unique topics, develop real-world skills, and enjoy learning beyond your major.
Pass/Fail – No GPA Pressure
Take academic risks and try something new without worrying about your GPA.
Flexible Format
Block weeks, online options, and more – designed to fit around your course schedule.
Boost Your CV
Stand out to employers with distinctive experiences and practical knowledge.
Registration
Registration for our 2025/26 electives will open on a phased basis for undergraduate students on Thursday, 14 August 2025. UCD’s registration office’s full list of 2025/26 elective registration dates is now available here.
To access Online Registration, log in to SISWeb using the Log in with UCD Connect button. Then click on My Registration.
Check out the Registration How-To Guides and Videos for help with what to do.
PLEASE NOTE
You are unable to register for our electives directly. You must register online. UCD’s full list of 2025/26 elective registration dates is now available here.
Further helpful details can be found on the ‘How To Register’ section below.
Undergrad Electives at the IA
Information Sessions and Events
Be the first to know—sign up here to receive updates about our undergraduate electives, upcoming information sessions and events.
Explore our Elective Modules
There are three ways to take a UCD Innovation Academy Undergraduate Elective module during the 2025/26 academic year, with both in-person and online options available:
Autumn Trimester Block Week 1 (Student Orientation Week)
Dates: 1st – 5th September, 2025
IA20010 Creative Thinking & Innovation (In-Person)
Develop creative confidence and learn how to generate innovative ideas and concepts, individually and in a team environment. During this elective you will
increase your creative thinking skills, problem solving skills, team-working skills, design thinking and lateral thinking abilities through hands-on exercises, tasks and challenges. Learn more.
IA20020 Essentials of Entrepreneurship: Action and Mindset (In-Person)
Learn how to develop new businesses and ventures. Entrepreneurship is about much more than starting a business – and employers think so too. It’s about thinking creatively, opportunity recognition, collaboration and more. Learn more.
IA20060 Entrepreneurship for Social Good (In-Person)
Want to make a difference in creating a better tomorrow? Develop innovative ideas to change the world for the better. Learn more.
IA20080 Design Thinking for Innovation (In-Person)
A human-centred approach to design new products, services, and more. The learner will be introduced to the key theories and concepts of Design Thinking and then work in a team to address a real-world challenge. Learn more.
IA20090 Design Your Purposeful Life (In-Person)
What’s next? A plan and toolkit for important life decisions. Spend a week with experts considering your priorities, your purpose and mapping a way ahead. Learn more.
IA20100 Innovation for Sustainability (In-Person)
Demand for green skills is outstripping supply and nearly all jobs now require knowledge of sustainability. Keen to add sustainability to your CV? Develop a mindset & skillset to design a more sustainable tomorrow. Learn more.
IA20220 Virtual Reality for Future Skills (In-Person)
Ireland’s first virtual reality programme to develop decision making, communications, business acumen and other in-demand skills. Learn more.
(IA20150) Design a Digital Future (In-Person)
In this module, you will explore cutting-edge technologies, such as Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), blockchain, NFT and metaverse. Through hands-on experiences, real-life examples, group activities, and individual reflections, you will gain a beginning level of practical experience with these emerging technologies. Learn more.
IA20160 Creative Thinking & Innovation (Online)
Develop creative confidence and learn how to generate innovative ideas and concepts, individually and in a team environment. Learn more.
IA20170 Essentials of Entrepreneurship (Online)
Learn how to develop new businesses and ventures. Entrepreneurship is about much more than starting a business – and employers think so too. It’s about thinking creatively, opportunity recognition, collaboration and more. Learn more.
IA20200 Design Your Life (Online)
The aim of this module is to enable students to plan and reflect upon their learning, career and life goals using a Design Thinking approach. Learn more.
Autumn Trimester Block Week 2 (2nd week in January 2026)
Dates: 5th – 9th January, 2026
IA20160 Creative Thinking & Innovation (Online)
Develop creative confidence and learn how to generate innovative ideas and concepts, individually and in a team environment. Learn more.
IA20170 Essentials of Entrepreneurship (Online)
Learn how to develop new businesses and ventures. Entrepreneurship is about much more than starting a business – and employers think so too. It’s about thinking creatively, opportunity recognition, collaboration and more. Learn more.
IA20180 Social Entrepreneurship (Online)
Want to make a difference in creating a better tomorrow? Develop innovative ideas to change the world for the better. Learn more.
IA20200 Design Your Life (Online)
The aim of this module is to enable students to plan and reflect upon their learning, career and life goals using a Design Thinking approach. Learn more.
IA20210 Innovation for Sustainability (Online)
Demand for green skills is outstripping supply and nearly all jobs now require knowledge of sustainability. Keen to add sustainability to your CV? Develop a mindset & skillset to design a more sustainable tomorrow. Learn more.
Autumn Trimester: Weekly Studio Class Options
These weekly studio classes are 3 hour classes and run for 10 weeks.
IA20110 Global Innovation Challenges (Online)
In this module, students from University College Dublin (UCD), Vietnam National University in Hanoi (VNU), and National University of Laos in Vientiane (NUOL) will collaborate in multinational teams to design innovative solutions to a chosen global challenge. Guided by international facilitators, they will hone their intercultural competencies and entrepreneurial skills. Learn more.
Class dates: Weekly for 10 weeks, from 9am-12pm (Sep: 23rd, 30th | October: 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th | Nov: 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th)
IA20220 Virtual Reality for Future Skills (In-Person)
Ireland’s first virtual reality programme to develop decision making, communications, business acumen and other in-demand skills. Learn more.
Class dates: Weekly for 10 weeks, from 11am-1pm (Sep: 25th | Oct 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th | Nov 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th)
IA20140 Design a Sustainable Future (In-Person)
The module empowers students to create sustainable business models that address real-world sustainability challenges through the lens of a Circular Economy. Learn more.
Class dates: Weekly on Fridays for 10 weeks, from 2-5pm. Class dates: Sep 26th, Oct 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st, Nov 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th
IA20160 Creative Thinking & Innovation (Online)
Develop creative confidence and learn how to generate innovative ideas and concepts, individually and in a team environment. Learn more.
Class dates: Weekly on Fridays for 10 weeks, from 12-2pm. Class dates: Sep 26th, Oct 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st, Nov 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th
Spring Trimester Block Week 1 (Fieldwork/Study Period)
Dates: 9th – 13th March, 2026
IA20010 Creative Thinking & Innovation (In-Person)
Develop creative confidence and learn how to generate innovative ideas and concepts, individually and in a team environment. During this elective you will increase your creative thinking skills, problem solving skills, team-working skills, design thinking and lateral thinking abilities through hands-on exercises, tasks and challenges. Learn more.
IA20020 Essentials of Entrepreneurship: Action and Mindset (In-Person)
Learn how to develop new businesses and ventures. Entrepreneurship is about much more than starting a business – and employers think so too. It’s about thinking creatively, opportunity recognition, collaboration and more. Learn more.
IA20060 Entrepreneurship for Social Good (In-Person)
Want to make a difference in creating a better tomorrow? Develop innovative ideas to change the world for the better. Learn more.
IA20080 Design Thinking for Innovation (In-Person)
A human-centred approach to design new products, services, and more. The learner will be introduced to the key theories and concepts of Design Thinking and then work in a team to address a real-world challenge. Learn more.
IA20090 Design Your Purposeful Life (In-Person)
What’s next? A plan and toolkit for important life decisions. Spend a week with experts considering your priorities, your purpose and mapping a way ahead. Learn more.
IA20220 Virtual Reality for Future Skills (In-Person)
Ireland’s first virtual reality programme to develop decision making, communications, business acumen and other in-demand skills. Learn more.
IA20100 Innovation for Sustainability (In-Person)
Demand for green skills is outstripping supply and nearly all jobs now require knowledge of sustainability. Keen to add sustainability to your CV? Develop a mindset & skillset to design a more sustainable tomorrow. Learn more.
IA20220 Virtual Reality for Future Skills (In-Person)
Ireland’s first virtual reality programme to develop decision making, communications, business acumen and other in-demand skills. Learn more.
(IA20150) Design a Digital Future (In-Person)
In this module, you will explore cutting-edge technologies, such as Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), blockchain, NFT and metaverse. Through hands-on experiences, real-life examples, group activities, and individual reflections, you will gain a beginning level of practical experience with these emerging technologies. Learn more.
IA20160 Creative Thinking & Innovation (Online)
Develop creative confidence and learn how to generate innovative ideas and concepts, individually and in a team environment. Learn more.
IA20170 Essentials of Entrepreneurship (Online)
Learn how to develop new businesses and ventures. Entrepreneurship is about much more than starting a business – and employers think so too. It’s about thinking creatively, opportunity recognition, collaboration and more. Learn more.
IA20180 Social Entrepreneurship (Online)
This module will introduce students to the concept of Social Entrepreneurship, a rapidly growing sector that is focused on the development and implementation of solutions that address social and environmental issues. Learn more.
Spring Trimester: Weekly Studio Class Options
These weekly studio classes are 3 hour classes and run for 10 weeks.
IA20140 Design a Sustainable Future (In-Person)
The module empowers students to create sustainable business models that address real-world sustainability challenges through the lens of a Circular Economy. Learn more.
Class dates: Weekly on Fridays for 10 weeks, from 2-5pm. Class dates: Jan 30th, Feb 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th, Mar 6th, 27th, Apr 2nd, 10th, 17th, 24th.
IA20160 Creative Thinking & Innovation (Online)
Develop creative confidence and learn how to generate innovative ideas and concepts, individually and in a team environment. Learn more.
Class dates: Weekly on Fridays for 10 weeks, from 12-2pm. Class dates: Jan 30th, Feb 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th, Mar 6th, 27th, Apr 2nd, 10th, 17th, 24th.
*No classes will run during Spring Trimester Fieldwork/Study weeks)
IA20110 Global Innovation Challenges (Online)
In this module, students from University College Dublin (UCD), Vietnam National University in Hanoi (VNU), and National University of Laos in Vientiane (NUOL) will collaborate in multinational teams to design innovative solutions to a chosen global challenge. Guided by international facilitators, they will hone their intercultural competencies and entrepreneurial skills. Learn more.
Class dates: Weekly on Tuesdays for 10 weeks, from 9am-12pm (Jan 27th | Feb 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th | Mar 3rd, 24th, 30th | Apr 7th, 14th)
*No classes will run during Spring Trimester Fieldwork/Study weeks)
IA20220 Virtual Reality for Future Skills (In-Person)
Ireland’s first virtual reality programme to develop decision making, communications, business acumen and other in-demand skills. Learn more.
Class dates: Weekly on Fridays for 10 weeks, from 11am-1pm (Jan30th | Feb 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th\ Mar 6th, 27th | Apr 10th, 17th, 24th)
*No classes will run during Spring Trimester Fieldwork/Study weeks)
Undergraduate Student Feedback
These modules are open to all eligible UCD Undergraduate students who can take a module as part of their course.
You’ll join fellow students from across all disciplines at UCD, to collaborate on real-world problems. With these modules you will leave UCD a more rounded graduate, armed with the skills you’ll need in the world of work.
So what are you waiting for?
“I would not trade the experience of this Virtual Reality and Future Skills for any other elective. This module has instilled the need for technological experiences such as VR not only in education but in professional work life too.”
Student 2022/23, Virtual Reality for Future Skills
“The learning environment was a really safe space and I felt I gained a lot more than just more knowledge about sustainability over the week. There was a real focus on what we can do with the knowledge we have to enact change.”
Student 2022/23, Innovation for Sustainability
“I will use the skills I have learnt in this module to make more sustainable choices in my day-to-day life and use this module a catalyst for designing a more sustainable world.”
Student 2022/23, Innovation for Sustainability
“Being introduced to Tinkercad software was a major highlight of the module for me – it brought to life all the preparation and discussing we have been having around 3D printing. We are now able to design objects and actually print them!”
Student 2022/23, Designing the Future
“I was able to practice and demonstrate a variety of skills such as creativity and innovation, interpersonal skills, and media and information literacy – these are skills that I will be well aware of and strive to use as strengths in any job that I land in the near future.”
Student 2022/23, Virtual Reality for Future Skills
During the academic year of 2024/25 over 1,000 undergraduate students took an IA elective, students from across stages and from each of the 37 schools across the university. We offered modules across sustainability, design thinking, creativity, entrepreneurship, virtual reality, and more.
“It is so important to have a variety of students/makers from different backgrounds as the types of creativity and ideas generated will come in great variety instead of versions of the same things.”
Student 2022/23, Design the Future
Elective Modules FAQ
What is an Elective Module?
An Elective gives you the chance to study modules from outside your programme area. Always read the information about a module to see if you will be interested in it and if you meet the module requirements.
Can I take an Elective Module?
Most undergraduate degree students can take one of our Elective modules. We recommend that you contact your School Office to clarify this prior to elective registration to avoid any confusion or disappointment.
How many credits is a UCD Innovation Academy Elective Module worth?
All UCD Innovation Academy undergraduate module electives are worth 5 credits.
What is a Structured Elective?
A Structured Elective is a group of related modules (3 modules = 15 credits) that appear as a special achievement on your UCD transcript.
Does UCD Innovation Academy offer a Structured Elective?
Yes, take any three of UCD Innovation Academy’s module electives and gain a Structured Elective in Innovation for Change. Note: Our elective modules can be taken in any order and at any stage of your programme. It is recommended that IA20010 Introduction to Creative Thinking is taken first.
- Why choose us
- Modules
- When & how to register
- Assessment
- Who leads our electives?
- 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.
When you choose a module with the Academy, you’re opening your mind to new ways of thinking. You’ll collaborate with students from right across the university, giving you the chance to explore different ways of looking at the world.
Taking a module with the Innovation Academy will differentiate you from other graduates and give you the skills to hit the ground running in the world of work. We have countless examples of our alumni accelerating their careers and changing the world from within organisations or as entrepreneurs and social entrepreneurs.
Students at the Academy have access to the latest technology to support their creativity. The IA MakerSpace is the place where our innovators go to bring their ideas to life.
Students also have access to UCD Innovation Academy’s – Greenacre, a new experiential sustainability hub on UCD’s woodland campus that offers hands-on sustainability experiences open to undergraduate students, the wider UCD community, and partners committed to creating a more sustainable planet.
Here at the Innovation Academy we have everything you need for a learning experience you’ll never forget.
ONLINE INFORMATION SESSIONS
These sessions are designed for those interested or thinking about registering for our Autumn 2025 and Spring 2026 term electives.There will also be an opportunity to answer any questions you may have during each session.
Info session details – coming soon
Be the first to know— sign up here to receive updates about our undergraduate electives, upcoming information sessions and events.
Each of these modules is designed to arm undergraduates with a more innovative mindset.
You’ll join a growing community of students around the world who are discovering their true potential, and developing the skills employers need.
Each of our modules explores a different dimension, so combine two or more to give yourself a more rounded learning experience.
If you take any 3 or more modules, you’ll earn a Structured Elective. ‘Innovation for Change’ will appear on your academic transcript for future employers to see. Starting in the 2024/2025 academic year, if you take one of our classes as an Option or Elective module, both can count towards a structured elective.
Creative Thinking & Innovation
Learn how to develop innovative ideas and concepts.
Over the course of the module, you will actively engage in developing creative solutions to problems and learn methods to critically evaluate these solutions. You will practice the art of storytelling through pitching ideas, making videos and creating and delivering presentations.
Essentials of Entrepreneurship
Learn how to develop new businesses and ventures.
In a rapidly changing world, people in all sectors need to think more creatively, innovatively and entrepreneurially in order to develop new ventures, create sustainable solutions to real problems, make effective decisions and improve existing organisations, . In this module, the learner will be introduced to key theories, models and concepts of entrepreneurship which can be applied in real-world settings.
Social Entrepreneurship
Develop innovative ideas to change the world for the better.
This module will introduce students to the concept of Social Entrepreneurship, a rapidly growing sector that is focused on the development and implementation of solutions that address social and environmental issues.
Design Thinking
A human-centred approach to design new products, services, and more.
This module introduces the learner to the essentials of Design Thinking. Over the course of the module, the learner will be introduced to the key theories and concepts of Design Thinking and then work in a team to address a real-world challenge.
Design Your Life
What’s next? A plan and toolkit for important life decisions.
Over the course of the module, participants will reflect on their life so far, their values and their sense of purpose. Using a combination of creative and analytical tools they will work to develop insights into themselves and to map out their way ahead, acquiring a toolkit that can be used at any point in life to identify, evaluate and make informed career and life choices.
Innovation for Sustainability
Gain a mindset & skillset to design a more sustainable tomorrow.
You will learn about the key challenges in sustainability and explore the potential of human centric design approaches and the circular economy, while developing your innovation and sustainability mindsets.
Designing the Future
Learn design, prototyping and manufacturing skills.
Over the course of the module, you will be introduced to a variety of technology and visualisation tools. You will build skills in ideation, testing, and prototyping while improving your communication skills between business and engineering following sustainability best practices. Using these skills you will make physical prototypes using 3D printing, wood, acrylic and other materials culminating in a creative and professional portfolio.
Virtual Reality for Future Skills
Ireland’s first virtual reality programme to develop decision making, communications, business acumen and other in-demand skills.
Design a Sustainable Future
The module empowers students to create sustainable business models that address real-world sustainability challenges through the lens of a Circular Economy.
Design a Digital Future
In this module, you will explore cutting-edge technologies, such as Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), blockchain, NFT and metaverse. Through hands-on experiences, real-life examples, group activities, and individual reflections, you will gain a beginning level of practical experience with these emerging technologies.
A full list of registration dates are available here, published by UCD’s registration office.
How do I registration for a UCD Innovation Academy Elective?
When registration has opened for your chosen module, login to SisWeb and click MyRegistrations.
(All students will be notified by your course programme office when registration is open.)
- Select the option to register for a module.
- On the next screen, type in Innovation Academy in the Subject Search box.
- Select the module you would like and when you would like to take it.
- Please note that because the modules run from 9.30am-4.30pm Monday to Friday, the module will display a little strange in your SisWeb schedule. This is ok and will not clash with your other modules.
If you have ANY issues registering for an Innovation Academy module please contact your individual school programme office to check that you are eligible to register for a general module at this time.
Looking for help with online registration?
- Check out the Registration Guides and Videos
- If you are looking for advice on whether you can take one of our elective modules, your local College/School Office will be able to assist.
- The Student Desk can also help. They offer direct assistance to students who are having difficulties with the online registration process.
- For all other queries, email innovation.academy@ucd.ie with ‘Undergraduate Elective Registration 2024′ in the subject line.
ONLINE INFORMATION SESSIONS – Coming Soon
Be the first to know—sign up here to receive updates about our undergraduate electives, upcoming information sessions and events.
Full participation and engagement throughout the module is essential, so attendance accounts for 40% of your assessment.
You’ll be continually assessed throughout the module, as well as delivering team presentations and reflecting on what you have learned.
All of these modules are assessed as pass or fail, and they are GPA Neutral. This means that you can enjoy participating in class and take risks, without the pressure of an exam at the end.
As the module involves continuous assessment, participants must attend all class sessions.
Typical assessment:
- 40% Attendance and participation
- 20% Team presentations (In Class)
- 20% Continuous assessment
- 20% Personal reflections
All modules 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.
Read more about some of the people behind these modules.
Employers in all sectors are looking for graduates who are creative, entrepreneurial, collaborative, and innovative. These modules add a further dimension to your learning at university, helping you to gain skills like teamwork, communication and creative problem solving that are transferable to the workplace. These skills can set you apart from other candidates as you enter the world of work.
The innovative, collaborative approach fostered on these modules will help you to become a more rounded graduate and prepare you for the world of work.