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UCD Professional Academy

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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.[citation needed]

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]Template:Fv 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

  1. ↑ 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. 
  2. ↑ "UCD Professional Academy Credentials" (in en). https://certifications.ucdpa.ie/issuer/10003482/credentials. 
  3. ↑ 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. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Part-Time Evening Courses for Professionals". https://www.ucd.ie/professionalacademy/findyourcourse/. 
  5. ↑ 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. ↑ 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. ↑ 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/. 
  8. ↑ "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. ↑ 9.0 9.1 "NFQ Qualification" (in en). https://knowledge.ucdpa.ie/knowledge/qualification. 
  10. ↑ "UCD Professional Academy Diplomas" (in en-GB). 2024-05-16. https://www.lhpskillnet.ie/courses/ucd-professional-academy. 
  11. ↑ 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. ↑ 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/. Template:Fv
  13. ↑ 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. 
  14. ↑ "UCD Professional Academy: Momentum Unleashed" (in en). https://www.100archive.com/projects/ucd-professional-academy-momentum-unleashed. 
  15. ↑ 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/. 
  16. ↑ "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/. 
  17. ↑ 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. 
  18. ↑ 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/. 
  19. ↑ "UCD Professional Academy Awards & Governance" (in en). https://knowledge.ucdpa.ie/knowledge/ucd-professional-academy. 
  20. ↑ "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/. 
  21. ↑ "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. ↑ 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. 
  23. ↑ "Online Courses in Ireland" (in en). https://www.ucd.ie/professionalacademy/findyourcourse/top-courses/. 
  24. ↑ "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/. 
  25. ↑ "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. ↑ 26.0 26.1 "UCD Professional Academy: How Upskilling Can Help Your Organisation Retain Staff" (in en-GB). 2021-04-27. https://www.eolasmagazine.ie/ucd-professional-academy-how-upskilling-can-help-your-organisation-retain-staff/. 
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 "Irish workforce interested in upskilling" (in en-US). 2023-11-29. https://www.thinkbusiness.ie/articles/upskilling-irish-workforce-ucd/. 
  28. ↑ "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/. 
  29. ↑ 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. ↑ 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. 
  31. ↑ "Creating Psychological Safety for Employee Upskilling" (in en). https://www.ucd.ie/professionalacademy/resources/creating-psychological-safety-for-employee-upskilling/. 
  32. ↑ 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/. 
  33. ↑ Morahan, George (2022-10-27). "Upskilling Doubled Right Courses" (in en-GB). https://businessplus.ie/news/upskilling-doubled-right-courses/. 
  34. ↑ "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/. 
  35. ↑ 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/. 
  36. ↑ "UCD Professional Academy Awards & Governance" (in en). https://knowledge.ucdpa.ie/knowledge/ucd-professional-academy. 
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