Key facts
Overview
Our electives offer students the opportunity to learn highly sought after skills and knowledge in areas outside their core discipline. Last year 1,200 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.
Qualitication & Assessment
Qualification
5 ECTS per module elective
UCD Structured Elective in Innovation for Change: Take any three of our module electives to gain a UCD Structured Elective in Innovation for Change which will appear on your transcript for employers to see. N.B. Modules taken as options are not counted towards this.
Explore all available module choices with UCD Innovation Academy below.
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.
Typical assessment:
- 40% Attendance and participation
- 20% Team presentations (In Class)
- 20% Continuous assessment
- 20% Personal reflections
Registration
Online registration for our Spring Trimester 2024 elective modules opens in January 2024. Undergraduate Spring Trimester 2024 registration dates have been announced by the university here and can also be found below.
Friday, 5 January 2024
Elective module registration begins for new Stage 1 Undergraduates.
All Stage 1 students can amend their Spring modules chosen in September.
Wednesday, 10 January 2024
Online module registration closes at 9am for Stage 1 UG Elective allocation.
Thursday, 11 January 2024
Online module registration reopens on a phased basis for Stage 1 UGs.
Monday, 15 January 2024 (from 10am)
Online module registration opens for Undergraduate students in Stage 2 onwards.
Tuesday, 06 February 2024
Online module registration closes for all students.
Looking for help with online registration?
- Check out the Registration Guides and Videos
- The Student Desk can also help. They offer direct assistance to students who are having difficulties with the online registration process.
- If you’re looking for advice on whether you can take one of our modules, your local College/School Office will be able to assist.
- If you are looking for further information regarding our modules please contact innovation.academy@ucd.ie
Elective Modules
- Most undergraduate degree students can take Elective modules – check if you can take an elective as part of your degree.
- Electives give 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.
- You can also choose to take Structured Electives. This means taking your Elective credits in a structured manner over the course of your programme to form a recognised block of learning in a subject area amounting to a minimum of 15 credits – typically three 5-credit modules. Take any three of Innovation Academy module electives to gain a UCD Structured Elective in Innovation for Change.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Student Desk. They are happy to help.
Spring Electives – Information Sessions
Register below for an opportunity to discover all available Undergraduate Spring Term 2024 Module choices with UCD Innovation Academy. There will also be an opportunity to ask any questions you may have during each session.
Online Information Sessions:
- Monday 15th January 2024, from 1-1.30pm – Register Here
UCD Innovation Academy’s Spring 2024 Electives
UCD Innovation Academy’s Electives give you the chance to engage in areas outside your programme area. Listed below is a selection of UCD Academy’s module choices that have Spring 2024 places available. Please click on the module titles to find out more or email innovation.academy@ucd.ie.
Spring Trimester 2024: Weekly Studio Sessions
IA20220 Virtual Reality Skills (In person)
This module runs weekly on Tuesdays from 3-5pm. January 23rd – April 16th 2024 (No classes will take place on 12th & 19th March).
Ireland’s first virtual reality programme to develop decision making, communications, business acumen and other in-demand skills.
IA20130 Designing the Future (In person)
This module runs weekly on Mondays from 3-6pm. January 22nd – 29th, February 12th – April 22nd & Tuesday February 6th 2024. (No classes will take place on 11th & 18th March).
The class teaches you authentic design, prototyping and manufacturing skills through hands-on exercises. You will be given various tasks and challenges using advanced makerspace tools through the “Design Thinking” Process.
IA20140 Design a Sustainable Future (In person)
This module runs weekly on Fridays from 2-5pm. January 26th – 8th March 2024.
The module empowers students to create sustainable business models that address real-world sustainability challenges through the lens of a Circular Economy.
IA20150 Design a Digital Future (In person)
This module runs weekly on Wednesdays from 3-5pm. January 24rh – 17th April 2024. (No class will take place on 1st February).
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.
Spring Trimester 2024: 11th – 15th March 2024
IA20010 Creative Thinking & Innovation (In person, hosted at Deloitte HQ)
Develop creative confidence and learn how to generate innovative ideas and concepts, individually and in a team environment. An opportunity to work on real-life organisational challenges with one of our industry partners at Deloitte. Read about the 2023 class here.
IA 20020 Essentials of Entrepreneurship (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.
IA 20060 Social Entrepreneurship (In person)
Want to make a difference in creating a better tomorrow? Develop innovative ideas to change the world for the better.
IA 20090 Design Your 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.
IA 20100 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.
Spring Trimester 2024: 19th – 22nd March 2024
IA20160 Creative Thinking & Innovation (Online)
Develop creative confidence and learn how to generate innovative ideas and concepts, individually and in a team environment.
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.
IA20180 Social Entrepreneurship (Online)
Want to make a difference in creating a better tomorrow? Develop innovative ideas to change the world for the better.
IA20200 Design Your Life (Online)
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.
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.
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
Module structure
During this fully immersive learning experience, you’ll focus on learning by doing, through a combination of live workshops, as well as activities, tasks, and individual or team project work.
Combine any 3 elective modules during your time at UCD to earn a UCD Structured Elective in Innovation for Change. Modules taken as options cannot be counted toward this. This will appear on your academic transcript for future employers to see.
- Why choose us
- Modules
- 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 also 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.
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 Spring 2024 term electives.There will also be an opportunity to answer any questions you may have during each session.
Date: January, 9th November, from 1-2pm, Online via Zoom
Register for this online session Here
Date: January, 10th November, from 1-2pm, Online via Zoom
Register for this online session Here
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.
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 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.
Online registrations for our Spring 2024 Elective Modules open on January 5th 2024.
Registration dates have been announced by the university and are now available here.
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.
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.
For all other queries, email innovation.academy@ucd.ie with ‘Undergraduate Elective Registration 2024′ in the subject line.
Looking for help with online registration?
- Check out the Registration Guides and Videos
- The Student Desk can also help. They offer direct assistance to students who are having difficulties with the online registration process.
- If you’re looking for advice on whether you can take one of our modules, your local College/School Office will be able to assist.
- If you are looking for further information regarding our modules please contact innovation.academy@ucd.ie.
ONLINE INFORMATION SESSIONS
Register below for an opportunity to discover all available Undergraduate Spring Term 2024 Module choices with UCD Innovation Academy. There will also be an opportunity to ask any questions you may have during each session.
Online Information Sessions:
- Monday 15th January 2024, from 1-1.30pm – Register Here
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.
- Maurice Knightly Module Coordinator and Entrepreneurial Specialist
- Jacinta Owens Module Coordinator and Facilitation Specialist
- William Davis Technology Integration Manager (MakerSpace)
- Jiaqi Zhang Technology Integration Manager
- Avadhoot Potdar Sustainability Solutions Manager
- Dr. Eileen Diskin Entrepreneurial Specialist
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.