UCD Undergraduate Modules

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.

Registration for Spring 2025 will open on:

January 6th – Stage 1

January 13th – Stage 2 Onwards

When registration is available to you:

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.)

1. Select the option to register for a module.
2. On the next screen, type in Innovation Academy in the Subject Search box.
3. Select the module you would like and when you would like to take it.
4. 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

Online Information Sessions:

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.