About the Programmes
The Future of Work is Changing. Stay Ahead with UCD Innovation Academy.
UCD Innovation Academy offers funded, flexible, part-time programmes designed for ambitious professionals who want to lead change, drive innovation, and create impact in their organisations and communities. Programmes are fully accredited by UCD and programme graduates received a UCD accredited qualification.
Professional Diploma in Creativity, Innovation, and Leadership
Develop the mindset, tools, and leadership capabilities needed to navigate uncertainty, inspire teams, and drive innovation in today’s workplace.
Professional Diploma in Innovation for Sustainability
Learn how to create sustainable solutions, identify opportunities for impact, and lead innovation that addresses environmental and societal challenges.
Graduate Certificate in Creativity, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship
Build entrepreneurial thinking, creative problem-solving skills, and innovation capabilities that can help you launch new ideas, lead transformation, and unlock growth opportunities.
Complete the form below and a member of our team will be in touch with programme information, entry requirements, and upcoming start dates.
About UCD Innovation Academy
About UCD Innovation Academy
UCD Innovation Academy is Ireland’s leading centre for innovation and entrepreneurship education, empowering thousands of learners every year to think differently, act boldly, and drive meaningful change.
Part of University College Dublin, one of Europe’s top research-intensive universities, the Innovation Academy brings together professionals, public servants, entrepreneurs, and students in a uniquely dynamic learning environment. Our programmes are designed for the realities of working life: practical, immersive, and grounded in the most current thinking in design, leadership, and systems change.
We work with organisations and learners across the private, public, and nonprofit sectors, delivering accredited qualifications that equip people with the mindset, knowledge and skills to take on the challenges of the 21st century. Our approach draws on challenge-based learning, design thinking, and experiential methods that put participants at the centre of their own development.
Our commitment to academic rigour and real-world relevance is reflected in our faculty, and our partnerships. Professor Christine Ortiz, MIT, is our external examiner.
Whether you’re navigating complexity, leading transformation, or simply ready to think in new ways, UCD Innovation Academy is where that journey begins.
Programme Testimonials
“It gave me an increase in confidence in trying new things and not to have a fear of failure.” – Fiona, 2025 Creativity, Innovation, and Leadership programme graduate
“It was the best educational experience I ever had.” – Marc, 2025 Creativity, Innovation, and Leadership programme graduate
“The Professional Diploma gave me an opportunity to be a part of both a national and international community of innovators, reignited my passion and prepared me to guide my organisation into a future filled with transformation opportunity.” – Helen, Creativity, Innovation, and Leadership programme graduate
“The programme strengthened my ability to approach complex sustainability challenges with greater curiosity, empathy, and openness to iteration. It also reinforced the importance of balancing practical implementation with human motivation, something that continues to influence how I approach projects in my professional work today.” – Fernanda, 2026 Innovation for Sustainability graduate
“The course helped give me the processes that I need to develop an idea and bring it to life. I found this really good for taking an idea through an iterative process to validate and pivot where I needed to. I can now do this in my own business and the course helped me to recognise this.” – Shane, Creativity, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship programme graduate