UCD Professional Academy: Difference between revisions
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Revision as of 19:52, 27 July 2026
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UCD Professional Academy is a professional education provider wholly owned by University College Dublin in Ireland, and based at the university’s main (Belfield) campus in Dublin 4.[1][2] The academy offers short courses, professional certificates, and diploma programmes in continuing professional education and workforce training.[3] It provides part-time programmes for working professionals and organisations.[4]
Overview
UCD Professional Academy operates within University College Dublin and delivers continuing education programmes; it does not offer undergraduate or postgraduate degrees. The academy provides part-time courses for professional development and skills training.[5][6]
Programmes are delivered in-person at the Belfield campus in Dublin, and also online and blended formats.[5][7] Courses include short programmes and professional diplomas taught by industry practitioners and subject matter experts.[3]
More than 40,000 learners have enrolled in its programmes, and over 2,000 organisations have used its training services.[8] The qualifications awarded are generally not part of Ireland’s National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) and are issued as professional certifications rather than academic degrees.[7][9]
History
University College Dublin established the academy in 2019 to expand its provision of professional and executive education; it began operations in 2020.
The academy operates as a commercial subsidiary of University College Dublin and is separate from the university’s academic schools.[10] During the COVID-19 pandemic, it shifted most programme delivery online.[11] It later expanded course offerings in areas including data analytics, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital transformation.[3][12]
By 2023, more than 25,000 learners were enrolled across its programmes.[5][13] In 2022, the academy introduced a revised brand identity framework across its communications.[14]
In 2024, John Delves was appointed chief executive officer of UCD Professional Academy and UCD English Language Academy.[15][16][17][18]
Academic
UCD Professional Academy offers career development through a range of Professional Academy Diplomas.[3][4][19][20] Subject areas include:[12][21][22][23]
- Data analytics and data science
- Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies
- Business and project management
- Human resources management
- Finance and accounting
- Software development and cybersecurity
- Leadership and organisational development
Programmes are designed for part-time study and are delivered over periods ranging from several weeks to a few months. Some courses are structured as professional diplomas requiring completion of multiple modules.[22][24][25]
Most diploma programmes average approximately 36 hours in duration and are designed to provide practical workplace skills. The academy structures its programmes to allow participants to combine study with full-time employment.[7]
Assessment methods vary by course and may include assignments, projects, and practical assessments, with an emphasis on applied skills and workplace relevance.
Corporate and executive education
UCD Professional Academy provides training services to corporate and public sector organisations. It develops customised training programmes in areas such as management, technology, and digital transformation.[26][27]
Organisations that have used its training programmes include Aer Lingus, An Post, SAP, Amazon, the Health Service Executive, and Engineers Ireland.[13][26] It has also delivered training programmes on the gender pay gap for human resources and compliance professionals.[28]
It has also hosted forums on workforce development and professional education.[29]
Publications
UCD Professional Academy publishes reports on workforce development, skills gaps, and continuing education in Ireland.[30][27]
Its publications include materials on workplace learning and organisational development, including guidance on psychological safety in learning environments.[31]
Annual reports examine participation in professional education, barriers to training, and employer engagement in workforce development.[30][32][6][33]
In 2024, the academy published Tackling Digital Transformation in Healthcare, which examines digital skills development in Ireland’s healthcare sector.[34][35]
Accreditation
UCD Professional Academy operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of University College Dublin. Its programmes are designed for professional upskilling and do not lead to bachelor’s or master’s degrees.[36]
Programmes are generally not included within the National Framework of Qualifications in Ireland. They are awarded as professional certificates or diplomas issued by the UCD Professional Academy.[7][9] These qualifications are intended for continuing professional development rather than academic progression within formal degree pathways.[7]
References
- ↑ Gruenewald, Hazel; Mueller, Maren (2025-07-12) (in en). Reskilling and Upskilling in a Globalized Economy: Essential Strategies for Workforce Transformation. Springer Nature. ISBN 978-3-658-48384-5. https://www.google.com.pk/books/edition/Reskilling_and_Upskilling_in_a_Globalize/559wEQAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=UCD+Professional+Academy&pg=PA201&printsec=frontcover.
- ↑ "UCD Professional Academy Credentials" (in en). https://certifications.ucdpa.ie/issuer/10003482/credentials.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Antunes, Juracy (2024-12-02) (in en). Navigating Ireland – Building Your Dream Career. Mário Brito Publicaçoes. ISBN 978-989-586-023-4. https://www.google.com.pk/books/edition/Navigating_Ireland_Building_Your_Dream_C/10Y9EQAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=UCD+Professional+Academy&pg=PT88&printsec=frontcover.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Part-Time Evening Courses for Professionals". https://www.ucd.ie/professionalacademy/findyourcourse/.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Slattery, Laura. "Demand for upskilling courses high but costs remain biggest barrier, says report" (in en). https://www.irishtimes.com/business/work/2022/10/27/demand-for-upskilling-courses-high-but-costs-remain-biggest-barrier-says-report/.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Kitson, Niall (2023-11-23). "UCD report finds many employers still do not provide upskilling opportunities" (in en-IE). https://www.techcentral.ie/ucd-report-finds-many-employers-still-do-not-provide-upskilling-opportunities-for-employees/.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 "UCD Professional Certificate/Diploma in Creativity & Innovation for Education" (in en-US). 2021-07-09. https://www.innovationacademy.ie/courses/ucd-professional-certificate-diploma-in-creativity-innovation-for-education/.
- ↑ "UCD Professional Academy: Corporate Programmes for Professional Development 2021". University College Dublin. https://a.storyblok.com/f/96206/x/35f11b19a2/ucd-professional-academy-corporate-04212.pdf.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 "NFQ Qualification" (in en). https://knowledge.ucdpa.ie/knowledge/qualification.
- ↑ "UCD Professional Academy Diplomas" (in en-GB). 2024-05-16. https://www.lhpskillnet.ie/courses/ucd-professional-academy.
- ↑ Kennedy, John (2023-04-13). "My Business Life: Aaron McKenna UCD Professional Academy" (in en-US). https://www.thinkbusiness.ie/articles/my-business-life-aaron-mckenna-ucd-professional-academy/.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 "Upskill to upscale: Meeting the need to create an AI-ready workforce" (in en). https://www.irishtimes.com/special-reports/2026/02/19/upskill-to-upscale-meeting-the-need-to-create-an-ai-ready-workforce/.
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 O’Dea, Blathnaid (14 September 2023). "UCD Professional Academy is shaping Ireland’s workforce". https://www.siliconrepublic.com/careers/ucd-professional-academy-shaping-ireland-workforce.
- ↑ "UCD Professional Academy: Momentum Unleashed" (in en). https://www.100archive.com/projects/ucd-professional-academy-momentum-unleashed.
- ↑ Haugh, Ben (January 31, 2024). "Former Digicel boss John Delves appointed chief executive of UCD academies" (in en-GB). https://www.businesspost.ie/news/former-digicel-boss-john-delves-appointed-chief-executive-of-ucd-academies/.
- ↑ "New and notable appointments at UCD Professional Academy". https://businessandfinance.com/news/new-and-notable-appointments-at-ucd-professional-academy-rdj-grant-thornton-and-mccann-fitzgerald-llp/.
- ↑ Mc Gowran, Leigh (2024-01-31). "John Delves becomes UCD Professional Academy CEO". https://www.siliconrepublic.com/business/john-delves-become-ucd-professional-academy-ceo.
- ↑ Kennedy, John (2025-10-16). "John Delves: Upskilling in the AI age" (in en-US). https://www.thinkbusiness.ie/articles/john-delves-ucd-professional-academy-podcast-upskilling-career-survival-ai-age/.
- ↑ "UCD Professional Academy Awards & Governance" (in en). https://knowledge.ucdpa.ie/knowledge/ucd-professional-academy.
- ↑ "Paul O’Connell delivers keynote as UCD Professional Academy launches new 'Skill Sprints'" (in en). https://www.live95fm.ie/news/live95-news/paul-oconnell-delivers-keynote-as-ucd-professional-academy-launches-new-skill-sprints/.
- ↑ "UCD Professional Academy Diploma in Artificial Intelligence for Business" (in en-GB). https://www.thecplinstitute.ie/staff-development/ucd-professional-academy-diploma-in-artificial-intelligence-for-business/.
- ↑ 22.0 22.1 "UCD Talent Connection event highlights critical role of AI skills in Ireland’s economic future" (in en-GB). https://www.sas.com/en_gb/news/press-releases/2025/december/ucd-talent-connection-event-highlights-ai-skills.html.
- ↑ "Online Courses in Ireland" (in en). https://www.ucd.ie/professionalacademy/findyourcourse/top-courses/.
- ↑ "Paul O'Connell helps launch Skill Sprints: short, focused, high-impact learning" (in en-GB). 2025-10-09. https://businessplus.ie/media-plus/paul-oconnell-skill-sprints/.
- ↑ "UCD Professional Academy, SAS launch job seekers programme" (in en-GB). 2021-04-21. https://www.techcentral.ie/ucd-professional-academy-sas-launch-job-seekers-programme/.
- ↑ 26.0 26.1 eolas (2021-04-27). "UCD Professional Academy: How Upskilling Can Help Your Organisation Retain Staff" (in en-GB). https://www.eolasmagazine.ie/ucd-professional-academy-how-upskilling-can-help-your-organisation-retain-staff/.
- ↑ 27.0 27.1 "Irish workforce interested in upskilling" (in en-US). 2023-11-29. https://www.thinkbusiness.ie/articles/upskilling-irish-workforce-ucd/.
- ↑ "UCD Professional Academy Tackles New Gender Pay Gap Reporting with New Masterclass" (in en-US). 2025-07-15. https://irishtechnews.ie/ucd-new-gender-pay-gap-masterclass/.
- ↑ Cahill, Cormac (2024-09-26). "UCD Professional Academy launches new LEAD Forum" (in en-GB). https://businessplus.ie/news/lead-forum-ucd-professional-academy/.
- ↑ 30.0 30.1 White, Jack (2023-11-23). "Cost a barrier to interest in upskilling among Irish workforce, survey finds" (in en). https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41275681.html.
- ↑ "Creating Psychological Safety for Employee Upskilling" (in en). https://www.ucd.ie/professionalacademy/resources/creating-psychological-safety-for-employee-upskilling/.
- ↑ Goodbody, Will (2023-11-23). "42% of employers still don't offer upskilling to staff" (in en). RTÉ. https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2023/1123/1418020-42-of-employers-still-dont-offer-upskilling-to-staff/.
- ↑ Morahan, George (2022-10-27). "Upskilling Doubled Right Courses" (in en-GB). https://businessplus.ie/news/upskilling-doubled-right-courses/.
- ↑ "New UCD Professional Academy report demonstrates the need for digital transformation in Irish healthcare sector - Irish Tech News" (in en-US). 2024-10-25. https://irishtechnews.ie/ucd-report-digital-transformation-irish-health/.
- ↑ Maginnis, Robyn (2025-02-06). "UCD Professional Academy report demonstrates the need for upskilling" (in en-GB). https://irishpharmacynews.ie/ucd-professional-academy-report-demonstrates-the-need-for-upskilling-in-irish-healthcare-sector/.
- ↑ "UCD Professional Academy Awards & Governance" (in en). https://knowledge.ucdpa.ie/knowledge/ucd-professional-academy.