Practical Frameworks for Innovation

This course qualifies for a 50% subsidy from the EU Fee under the HCI Fees Subsidy. The amount of fee subsidy for eligible Non-EU learners may vary.

For eligibility details, please refer to the Eligibility Criteria.

Overview

Who is this Micro-credential for?   

For enterprise leaders - this 5 ECTS course will provide you with a diverse toolkit of frameworks to help you strengthen your organisation’s approach to everyday problem-solving and innovation, setting the stage for your team to collaborate and innovate in effective and transformative ways.

For individuals - this course is an invaluable introductory step on your learning pathway in the discipline of creativity and innovation, helping to establish confidence in your ability to effect positive change in your organisation or community. 

Why should I take this Micro-credential?   

Disruptive innovation is everywhere, and change is constant. In today's highly competitive business landscape, originality, ingenuity, and creativity are essential to staying current and relevant. Individuals and companies must find effective ways to upskill. But which innovation frameworks are right for you, your organization, or your context?  

This course introduces three essential innovation frameworks: creative problem-solving, design thinking, and systems thinking. It offers a comprehensive introduction to each framework, highlighting key concepts and tools. The course maintains a persistent focus on solving real-world problems, guiding participants through the practical, hands-on application of approaches to address challenges for individuals, their teams, and organisations.  

No prior knowledge is assumed. Over six weeks, you will gain a fundamental understanding of three core innovation frameworks and their practical application to real-world challenges. This will empower you to implement change or choose your next steps to further your innovation journey using the methodology that is right for you. 

When can I start this Micro-credential?

There is one intake per year, teaching starts in September 2025. If you represent an organisation and would like several of your employees to undertake the course, please reach out and we may be able to arrange a second iteration with adequate notice.  

What do I need to be accepted onto this Micro-credential?

Prerequisite documents:

1. Curriculum Vitae (2 page max)
2. Statement of Interest (300 words max)
3. Level 8 Degree (clear photo of parchment or copy of transcripts)

Applicants must have a level 8 Honours degree (or equivalent) in any discipline. Those with a demonstrated interest in systems thinking, design thinking, creative problem solving and/or innovation and entrepreneurship will be prioritised.    

Applicants who do not meet the entry requirements, but who can demonstrate three or more years of work experience in a relevant professional or managerial context, are welcome to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning.     

All applicants must provide their CV and a statement of interest which will be used to select the most suitable candidates. Telephone interviews may be conducted to clarify applicants’ motivation and interest in the programme.    

Applicants whose first language is not English and who have not been educated through the medium of English must meet the English language requirements as set out in Trinity’s Post Graduate Admissions requirement policy.  

What will I learn?

Throughout this programme, you will learn the fundamentals of three essential frameworks for innovation, with the scope to explore each framework more deeply on your own time. You will be supported to apply your learning, or the framework most relevant for you, as part of an innovation sprint challenge, where you will apply your problem-solving ability learnt during the course to a real-world challenge. Following the course, you will be able to direct your learning towards your preferred framework or identify the best approach for your organisation, empowering you to take the next step on your innovation pathway to success. 

What will I do? 

On successful completion of this micro-credential, learners will:   

• Develop an understanding of key frameworks, including design thinking, creative problem solving, and systems thinking for innovation.  
• Employ a range of tools and techniques to tackle challenges and work towards a solution, both individually and as part of a team.  
• Demonstrate critical awareness of and/or new insights into problems or challenges.  
• Communicate potential approaches and solutions effectively to a variety of audiences.  
• Engage in reflection to self-evaluate, learn from experience, challenge assumptions, and generate innovative ideas. 

How will this Micro-credential be delivered? 

The course begins in September 2025 and runs for six weeks, comprising at least 20 contact hours overall. 

The course will employ a blended delivery model- the integration of digital tools, techniques, and materials with the physical classroom. The course will start with an in-person orientation, and most sessions (Weeks 2-5) will be delivered online. The course will finish in Week Six with an in-person finale and innovation sprint. A draft timetable is available by request to portalcourses@tcd.ie.

In between classes, students will be provided with relevant reading and self-study activities for each week, which they can undertake in their own time.  

How is this Micro-credential assessed? 

• Innovation sprint (group presentation) (50%)  
• Reflective essay including video submission (individual assessment) (50%)