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UCD Professional Academy

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UCD Professional Academy
TypeProfessional education provider
EstablishedDecember 2019 (2019-12)
Parent institution
University College Dublin
AccreditationUniversity College Dublin
Chief Executive OfficerJohn Delves (since 2024)
StudentsOver 40,000
Location
Dublin, Ireland
Campus
LanguageEnglish
Websiteucd.ie/professionalacademy

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

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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

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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

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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

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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][failed verification] 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

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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

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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

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  1. ↑ Gruenewald, Hazel; Mueller, Maren (12 July 2025). Reskilling and Upskilling in a Globalized Economy: Essential Strategies for Workforce Transformation. Springer Nature. ISBN 978-3-658-48384-5.
  2. ↑ "UCD Professional Academy Credentials". certifications.ucdpa.ie. Retrieved 17 June 2026.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Antunes, Juracy (2 December 2024). Navigating Ireland – Building Your Dream Career. Mário Brito Publicaçoes. ISBN 978-989-586-023-4.
  4. 1 2 "Part-Time Evening Courses for Professionals".
  5. 1 2 3 Slattery, Laura. "Demand for upskilling courses high but costs remain biggest barrier, says report". The Irish Times. Retrieved 17 June 2026.
  6. 1 2 Kitson, Niall (23 November 2023). "UCD report finds many employers still do not provide upskilling opportunities". TechCentral.ie. Retrieved 17 June 2026.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 "UCD Professional Certificate/Diploma in Creativity & Innovation for Education". UCD Innovation Academy. 9 July 2021. Retrieved 17 June 2026.
  8. ↑ "UCD Professional Academy: Corporate Programmes for Professional Development 2021" (PDF). UCD Professional Academy. University College Dublin. Retrieved 17 June 2026.
  9. 1 2 "NFQ Qualification". knowledge.ucdpa.ie. Retrieved 17 June 2026.
  10. ↑ "UCD Professional Academy Diplomas". LHP Skillnet. 16 May 2024. Retrieved 17 June 2026.
  11. ↑ Kennedy, John (13 April 2023). "My Business Life: Aaron McKenna UCD Professional Academy". ThinkBusiness. Retrieved 17 June 2026.
  12. 1 2 "Upskill to upscale: Meeting the need to create an AI-ready workforce". The Irish Times. Retrieved 17 June 2026.[failed verification]
  13. 1 2 O’Dea, Blathnaid (14 September 2023). "UCD Professional Academy is shaping Ireland's workforce". Siliconrepublic.com. Retrieved 17 June 2026.
  14. ↑ "UCD Professional Academy: Momentum Unleashed". 100 Archive. Retrieved 17 June 2026.
  15. ↑ Haugh, Ben (31 January 2024). "Former Digicel boss John Delves appointed chief executive of UCD academies". Business Post. Retrieved 17 June 2026.
  16. ↑ "New and notable appointments at UCD Professional Academy". Business & Finance. Retrieved 17 June 2026.
  17. ↑ Mc Gowran, Leigh (31 January 2024). "John Delves becomes UCD Professional Academy CEO". Siliconrepublic.com. Retrieved 17 June 2026.
  18. ↑ Kennedy, John (16 October 2025). "John Delves: Upskilling in the AI age". ThinkBusiness. Retrieved 17 June 2026.
  19. ↑ "UCD Professional Academy Awards & Governance". knowledge.ucdpa.ie. Retrieved 17 June 2026.
  20. ↑ "Paul O'Connell delivers keynote as UCD Professional Academy launches new 'Skill Sprints'". Limerick's Live 95. Retrieved 17 June 2026.
  21. ↑ "UCD Professional Academy Diploma in Artificial Intelligence for Business". CPL Institute. Retrieved 17 June 2026.
  22. 1 2 "UCD Talent Connection event highlights critical role of AI skills in Ireland's economic future". Sas.com. Retrieved 17 June 2026.
  23. ↑ "Online Courses in Ireland". UCD Professional Academy. Retrieved 17 June 2026.
  24. ↑ "Paul O'Connell helps launch Skill Sprints: short, focused, high-impact learning". Businessplus.ie. 9 October 2025. Retrieved 17 June 2026.
  25. ↑ "UCD Professional Academy, SAS launch job seekers programme". TechCentral.ie. 21 April 2021. Retrieved 17 June 2026.
  26. 1 2 "UCD Professional Academy: How Upskilling Can Help Your Organisation Retain Staff". Eolas Magazine. 27 April 2021. Retrieved 17 June 2026.
  27. 1 2 "Irish workforce interested in upskilling". Thinkbusiness.ie. 29 November 2023. Retrieved 17 June 2026.
  28. ↑ "UCD Professional Academy Tackles New Gender Pay Gap Reporting with New Masterclass". Irish Tech News. 15 July 2025. Retrieved 17 June 2026.
  29. ↑ Cahill, Cormac (26 September 2024). "UCD Professional Academy launches new LEAD Forum". Businessplus.ie. Retrieved 17 June 2026.
  30. 1 2 White, Jack (23 November 2023). "Cost a barrier to interest in upskilling among Irish workforce, survey finds". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 17 June 2026.
  31. ↑ "Creating Psychological Safety for Employee Upskilling". UCD Professional Academy. Retrieved 17 June 2026.
  32. ↑ Goodbody, Will (23 November 2023). "42% of employers still don't offer upskilling to staff". RTÉ.
  33. ↑ Morahan, George (27 October 2022). "Upskilling Doubled Right Courses". Businessplus.ie. Retrieved 17 June 2026.
  34. ↑ "New UCD Professional Academy report demonstrates the need for digital transformation in Irish healthcare sector - Irish Tech News". 25 October 2024. Retrieved 17 June 2026.
  35. ↑ Maginnis, Robyn (6 February 2025). "UCD Professional Academy report demonstrates the need for upskilling". Irish Pharmacy News. Retrieved 17 June 2026.
  36. ↑ "UCD Professional Academy Awards & Governance". knowledge.ucdpa.ie. Retrieved 17 June 2026.
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