UCD students celebrated their “Innovation for Change” Structured Elective  in our Shackleton Lounge this week, marking a high point in their learning journey with UCD Innovation Academy.

Key Skills Gained in the Programme

UCD Innovation Academy offers a broad range of undergraduate modules that help students build creative confidence and think entrepreneurially, with topics including creative thinking, entrepreneurship, design thinking and innovation. Students who take three or more of our electives are eligible for a Structured Elective called ‘Innovation for Change’. This structured elective features on students transcripts when they graduate. By taking these electives, UCD students are equipped with practical, in-demand abilities, including:

  • Practicing creative and innovative thinking

  • Applying human-centred design approaches

  • Adopting an entrepreneurial mindset

  • Collaborating effectively in team-based environments

  • Driving sustainable and positive change

During the event, one of the students, Magdeline, reminisced about one of her favourite modules called “Design Your Purposeful Life” which enable students to plan and reflect upon their learning, career and life goals using a Design Thinking approach.

“I’m currently majoring in medicine and this is a good addition for my future career,” she said.

 

 

A Milestone Achievement for Undergrads

This Spring term for 2025/26 alone saw more than 200 undergrads earn this prestigious recognition – among the most popular structured electives in UCD – demonstrating the growing demand for UCD Innovation Academy programmes among students eager to stand out. Our celebration highlighted the students’ hard work and offered our teaching team an opportunity to reconnect with students.

Hannah, a final year student, recognised the importance of the skills and mindset she developed in her Innovation Academy classes as she explores her career options.

“I gained a lot of skills in communication and teamwork, and I believe these are transferable to both my degree and beyond it,” Hannah said.

This was echoed by another final year student, Leo. “I got to meet people from all across the university, work hands-on, and learn a lot of practical skills,” he said.

 

 

How to Earn Your Innovation for Change Structured Elective

Ready to add this credential to your UCD transcript? It’s straightforward. All you have to do is earn 15 or more credits, which corresponds to 3 or more electives with the Innovation Academy.

This recognition appears on your transcript and signals to employers your commitment to innovation, sustainability, design, entrepreneurship, and beyond.

Interested in the UCD Structured Elective “Innovation for Change”? Explore how these can boost your CV and skillset today. If you’re a current UCD undergraduate student, visit our Undergraduate Electives page and register your interest.