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.

Our Applicants
Our applicants are professionals at different stages of their careers who feel ready for more. They work across tech, finance, engineering, education, media, the public sector and the creative industries. Some are leading teams in large organisations and want to bring fresh thinking into established systems. Others are founders, side-hustlers, or aspiring entrepreneurs who are building something of their own. What they have in common is experience, curiosity, and a strong desire to turn ideas into something real.

Why do they apply?
Most applicants tell us they already think creatively, but they want the tools and structure to do it better. They are looking for practical ways to spot opportunities, test ideas, and turn concepts into viable projects or businesses. For some, it is about progressing into more strategic or leadership roles. For others, it is about finally taking the leap with a venture they have been thinking about for years. Above all, they apply because they want the confidence and know-how to create meaningful, lasting impact.

Message from the course coordinators:

We especially encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including stay-at-home carers, those who have taken an extended career break, and returners eager to refresh and expand their skills.

This course provides a welcoming and supportive environment to:

• update and refresh your existing knowledge,
• rebuild your confidence,
• develop valuable new skills in innovation and enterprise, and
• confidently re-enter or progress further in today’s job market.

Programme Entry Requirements & Application Checklist

Submit these in your online application:
📄 CV 
📝 Statement of Interest (~300 words, guidance below)
🎓 Level 8 honours degree transcript (240 ECTS), (or equivalent GPA) in any discipline from a recognised third-level institution.
→ If obtained outside Ireland: Upload NARIC comparison document with your transcript.
✉️ References (two required, details below)
🗣️Proof of English language proficiency (if English is not your first language).

References: Key Rules

You need two references.
Standard: 1 professional + 1 academic
If you graduated >8 years ago: 2 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 no. + 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.

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.

Entry with a Level 7 (180 ECTS)

Submit these in your online application:
📄CV
📝 Statement of Interest (~300 words, see guidance below)
📜 Level 7 transcript (180 ECTS)
→ If obtained outside Ireland: Upload NARIC comparison document with your transcript.
✉️ Two references (see requirements below)
🗣️Proof of English language proficiency (if English is not your first language).

After you submit your online application and upload all required documents, we will contact you with the topic for a ✍️ 1,000-word essay. This helps us assess your readiness for Level 9 study.

If You Do Not Meet the Standard Academic Requirements

If you hold a Level 5, Level 6, or other accredited qualifications, you may still apply through Trinity’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) route.
The RPL process assesses relevant academic and professional experience, as well as other qualifications, in line with Trinity’s official policy and procedures.

What to submit (RPL route) in your online application:
📄 CV
📝 Statement of Interest (~300 words, see guidance below)
📜 All accredited qualifications (certificates, transcripts, etc.). Ideally from the last 3 to 5 years.
→ If obtained outside Ireland: Upload NARIC comparison document with your degree certificate.
✉️ Two references (see requirements below)
🗣️Proof of English language proficiency (if English is not your first language).

Once you have submitted your online application and uploaded all required documents, your application will be reviewed. Depending on the outcome of this review, you may be invited to attend an interview to assess your academic readiness for our Level 9 programme.

References: Key Rules

You need two references.
Standard: 1 professional + 1 academic
If you graduated >8 years ago: 2 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 no. + 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.

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/

🚀 Quick Guide: Apply to the Postgraduate Certificate in Healthcare Innovation

1. Go to the website & sign in: https://springboardcourses.ie
   • Create a new account (if you don't have one)
   • Or log in with your existing details
2.  Your course
   • Here you will find the direct link to the course once the application process is open
   • Tap Apply Now on the course page
3. Complete the forms
   • Fill in the self-declaration section first (required)
   • Then complete the full application form
   • Upload everything directly in the portal (i.e. CV, Statement of Interest, transcript, references, etc.)
4. Review & submit
   
   • Submit your application
   • Tip: You can save as draft anytime and come back later
   • Track your progress in the portal
5. Need to add more documents later?
   • Log in → Go to Welcome, [Your Name] (top right)
   • Tap the downward triangle (▼) next to your name
   • Select Applications
   • Find your submitted application and add/upload more files

Important Notes

• Access from outside Ireland The site is restricted to users inside the Republic of Ireland. If you're abroad, you must use a VPN set to an Irish server to access and apply. Without it (or if using a company VPN/server), you'll be blocked or redirected.
• Technical problems? Contact support only via: Email: support@vidatum.com 
• Key rule All applications and documents must go through the official portal only. No email, post, or other methods are accepted.
  

   

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.

Attendance & Participation Requirements

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

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

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

Assessment & Progression

📊 This Level 9 PG Cert is grounded in adult learning theory, focusing on experiential, real-world application of knowledge. Assessment is entirely continuous, with no traditional written exams.

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.

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.

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/

Springboard+ is a government-funded initiative in Ireland that provides free or heavily subsidised higher education courses for unemployed people, returners to work, and those looking to upskill.
It focuses on areas where there are skills shortages, helping learners gain qualifications that improve employability and career progression.
Courses are delivered through approved higher education institutions and range from short certificates to postgraduate programmes.

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

• Eligible unemployed applicants: 100% of course fees covered.
• Eligible employed applicants: 90% of course fees covered, with the remaining 10% payable directly by the applicant to Trinity College Dublin during the college 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!