Postgraduate Certificate in Innovation & Enterprise Development

During this course, you will learn to approach problem-solving innovatively by using tools and techniques to brainstorm new ideas and apply lateral thinking. By engaging with entrepreneurs, business leaders and industry mentors in an informal learning environment while engaging in valuable peer-to-peer learning, you will experience the process of bringing an idea through from development to implementation.

Programme Learning Outcomes

By the end of this programme, you will be able to:

• Investigate a diverse range of innovation topics, innovators, and innovation contexts.

• Analyse theoretical concepts associated with innovation and entrepreneurship.

• Develop, assess and act on opportunities in a variety of contexts and organisations.

• Communicate and interact with multiple stakeholders and work effectively in a multidisciplinary context.

• Critique the commercial, social, and cultural value associated with innovation.

• Evaluate the process involved in bringing an idea through to implementation.

Module 1: Innovation & Creativity (10 ECTS)

This module explores principles and practices associated with creativity and innovation. It exposes students to frameworks and methodologies for idea generation, problem-solving and creative collaboration. 

Module 2: Opportunity Generation, Recognition & Communication (10 ECTS)

This module provides students with the tools to generate and recognise entrepreneurial opportunities. There is also a focus on the communication and articulation of such opportunities in an effective manner. 

Module 3: Enterprise Development (10 ECTS)

This module introduces students to the process involved in creating, leading and scaling an entrepreneurial start-up venture.

Programme Entry Requirements & Application Checklist

Submit these in your online application:

• 📄 CV 
• 🎓 Academic Qualification A Level 8 honours transcript (or equivalent) in any discipline from a recognised third-level institution → If obtained outside Ireland: Upload NARIC comparison document with your degree certificate.
• ✉️ References (two required - details below)
• 📝 Statement of Interest (~300 words - guidance below)

References: Key Rules

You need two references.

Standard: 1 professional + 1 academic

If you graduated >8 years ago: Two professional references are acceptable

Each reference must:

1. State the capacity in which the referee knows you
2. Clearly recommend you as suitable for this programme

References must be:

• On headed paper (official letterhead)
• Include referee’s full professional contact details (phone + professional email, no Gmail etc.)
• Dated within the last 3 months before submission

Struggling to obtain one? Contact the team, they can supply a reference template.

Statement of Interest (~300 words)

Write a concise piece addressing:

1. Which specific aspects of the course and its opportunities appeal to you most
2. How your life experience, work background, and qualifications make you a strong fit
3. How you plan to use the knowledge and skills in your future career or endeavours
4. Any additional personal/professional motivations for applying.

We do not accept applications or documents via email (or any other method outside the official portal). Email submissions cannot be processed.

How to apply:

1. Visit springboardcourses.ie and create an account (or log in).
2. Find your course and click Apply Now.
3. Complete the self-declaration and application form.
4. Upload all required documents directly in the portal.
5. Review and submit, you can save drafts and track progress.
6. You can go back and add more documents to the already submitted application.
   Simply navigate to the 'Welcome, [Your Name]' section, click the downward-pointing triangle, and choose 'Applications'.

If you experience technical difficulties with the Springboard+ portal, please contact technical support by emailing: support@vidatum.com.

Technical Requirements (Essential for Online Participation)

All students must have reliable access to:

• 💻 Laptop or desktop computer (mobile phones not suitable)
• 📹 Webcam
• 🌐 Stable internet connection

These are required for all online components.

Questions or Need Guidance?

Contact the recruitment team: springboard@tcd.ie or (086) 032 0487.
We welcome applications from diverse backgrounds and are happy to discuss individual circumstances.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Pathway

🔍 If you do not meet the standard academic entry requirements, you may still be considered via Trinity’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process. This assesses relevant academic/professional experience or other qualifications as equivalent. Evaluated in line with Trinity’s official RPL policy and procedures.

What to Submit in Your Online Application (RPL Route)

• 📄 CV 
• 📜 Copies of all accredited qualifications. Ideally, from the last 3–5 years (include certificates, transcripts, etc.)
• ✉️ References (two required - details below)
• 📝 Statement of Interest (~300 words - guidance below)

References: Key Rules

You need two references.

Standard: 1 professional + 1 academic

If you graduated >8 years ago: Two professional references are acceptable

Each reference must:

1. State the capacity in which the referee knows you
2. Clearly recommend you as suitable for this course

References must be:

• On headed paper (official letterhead)
• Include referee’s full professional contact details (phone + professional email - no Gmail etc.)
• Dated within the last 3 months before submission

Struggling to obtain one? Contact the team, they can provide a reference template.

Statement of Interest (~300 words)

Write a concise statement addressing:

1. Which specific aspects of the course and its opportunities appeal to you most
2. How your life experience, work background, and qualifications make you a strong fit
3. How you plan to use the knowledge and skills in your future career or endeavours
4. Any additional personal/professional motivations for applying

We do not accept applications or documents via email (or any other method outside the official portal). Email submissions cannot be processed.

How to apply:

1. Visit springboardcourses.ie and create an account (or log in).
2. Find your course and click Apply Now.
3. Complete the self-declaration and application form.
4. Upload all required documents directly in the portal.
5. Review and submit, you can save drafts and track progress.
6. You can go back and add more documents to the already submitted application.

If you experience technical difficulties with the Springboard+ portal, please contact technical support by emailing: support@vidatum.com.

Technical Requirements (Essential for Online Participation)

All students must have reliable access to:

• 💻 Laptop or desktop computer (mobile phones not suitable)
• 📹 Webcam
• 🌐 Stable internet connection

These are required for all online components.

Questions or Need Guidance?

Contact the recruitment team: springboard@tcd.ie or (086) 032 0487.
We welcome applications from diverse backgrounds and are happy to discuss individual circumstances.

All applicants whose first language is not English must provide official evidence of English language proficiency. This course requires Trinity Band B (Standard entry).

The accepted tests and minimum required scores are:

Important notes:

1. Test results must be no more than 2 years old at the start of the course.
2. If you have completed a primary degree (Level 7 at a minimum) entirely through English, you may request an exemption. You must provide official documentation from the awarding institution confirming that the degree was delivered wholly in English.
3. For Duolingo, scores refer to Integrated Scores. 

For the most up-to-date information on English language requirements, please visit: https://www.tcd.ie/study/english-language-requirements/

For specific enquiries about the tests, contact the relevant organisation:

• TOEFL: www.ets.org/toefl
• IELTS: www.ielts.org
• Cambridge: www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams-and-tests/

First Student Card (TCard)

✅ Once you have completed your registration in my.tcd.ie, you are eligible for your TCard (student ID card). Next steps → Visit this page for full instructions on how to collect or activate your card: 🔗 https://www.tcd.ie/academicregistry/service-desk/id-cards/

TCD Library Access

📚 Entry to the Library is strictly by a valid Library ID card.
For more details about library admissions and using your card: 🔗 https://www.tcd.ie/library/using-library/admissions/

Student Leap Card

Our postgraduate certificate programmes are offered part-time only.
Important note on Student Leap Cards: Student Leap Cards are available only to third-level students who are:

• Enrolled in full-time education, and
• Aged 16–18 or 26 and over.

Because our postgraduate certificate programmes are part-time, students in these programmes are not eligible for a Student Leap Card.

Attendance & Participation Requirements

📅 Attendance is compulsory. All scheduled classes (in-person and online) must be attended live and in real time. Classes are not recorded.

✅ Minimum requirement: Students must achieve at least 80% attendance across all live lectures and workshops to remain in the course.

🤝 Full engagement is essential. Active participation in classes, whether on campus or online, is a core part of the programme’s experiential learning approach.

Assessment & Progression

📊 No traditional exams. The course uses continuous assessment only.

Your progress is evaluated through:

• 👥 Group projects
• 📝 Individual assignments
• 🎤 Presentations

To progress in the programme, you must maintain at least 80% attendance throughout the entire course.

These requirements support the hands-on, interactive nature of the programme. Consistent attendance and engagement are essential for success and progression.

Graduation ceremonies for postgraduate certificate programmes are arranged by the Trinity Graduation Office.

All eligible final year taught postgraduate students will receive details of their upcoming commencement ceremony and confirm their attendance at their ceremony through their my.tcd.ie intray messages.

If you cannot attend your graduation, you may choose to graduate in absentia. This can be selected on receipt of your formal invitation. Candidates who have not responded to their invitation will not have their degree conferred and will be expected to apply to have their degree awarded in a future ceremony.

Please note, Trinity Graduation Office cannot provide you with your degree parchment until your degree has been formally conferred by the University during a formal graduation ceremony.

For more information, please go to https://www.tcd.ie/academicregistry/graduation/

Course Fee Coverage

Springboard+ provides significant financial support for eligible applicants who are successful in their application:

• Unemployed applicants: 100% of course fees covered.
• Employed applicants: 90% of course fees covered, with the remaining 10% payable directly by the applicant to Trinity College Dublin during the registration process.
  
  

Eligibility Responsibility

It is the applicant’s responsibility to review the eligibility criteria and confirm their category (employed or unemployed) on the official Springboard+ website before applying.

We're here to answer your questions and guide you forward.

📧 Email: springboard@tcd.ie
📞 Phone: (086) 032 0487

We'd be delighted to assist you!