The Diploma in Business Innovation is designed as an active learning experience requiring students to be active participants in their learning, engaging in industry relevant authentic learning and assessment activities. The special purpose of this diploma is to provide an accessible route to a level 7 qualification that equips graduates with the tools and techniques to identify, develop, and implement innovative solutions to real-world business challenges or apply innovation in the of light opportunity, to support career advancement. The Diploma is specialised and targeted, focusing specifically on innovation, developing technical skills and knowledge and the development of the business discipline with the soft skills essential for fostering innovation, and providing leadership.
The programme emphasises the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and creative skills. It is geared towards individuals who are interested in pursuing leadership roles, across a broad range of industries or government organisations, or those who aspire to work in innovative start-ups. Modules include The Business Environment, Introduction to Business Innovation, Technology and Innovation, Risk Management, Data Analytics for Innovation, Innovation Strategy, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Leadership Culture and Change, and Project Management.
This Diploma in Business Innovation is aimed at those employed in a business support role with experience of the wider business environment. It is expected that applicants would normally have not less than 2 years business experience and may be in junior leadership roles. Those who wish to take the programme on a full-time basis will experience a nichefocused undergraduate qualification in the business discipline to equip them for employment or prepare them for further study. The programme is also suitable for those who may already possess higher education qualifications but will be looking to secure more specialist knowledge, skill and competence in the area of business innovation. Aspiring entrepreneurs will also be suited to this programme.
The Diploma in Innovation programme is available full-time on-campus and part-time via blended learning mode of delivery. Contact hours for the programme are a combination of traditional face-to-face classroom learning and virtual classroom also incorporating face to face and virtual lab sessions / workshops. Full time learners are required to attend 15 hours per week. Part time learners attend 8 hours per week, spread over 2 evenings and some weekend attendance would be required for campus based / virtual practical labs/workshops.
This Diploma in Business Innovation course leads to a 60 ECTS credit Special Purpose award by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI)) at Level 7 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). Upon successful completion of the programme, graduates will be qualified to progress to other level 7 and level 8 programmes at CCT College Dublin and other Higher Education Providers (subject to the provider entry requirements).
On completion of this programme the learner will be able to:
Contact hours for the programme are a combination of traditional face-to-face classroom learning and virtual classroom also incorporating face to face and virtual lab sessions / workshops. Full time learners are typically required to attend three days per week. Part time learners typically attend two evenings per week plus some weekend attendance for campus based / virtual practical labs/workshops. Students will also be required to undertake independent study to complete some out of class activities and assessment tasks each week.
The aim of the module is to develop students’ appreciation of the implications of cultural, political legal and economic forces in the business environment and provide students with a solid foundation in understanding how those factors influence, inform or impact business operations and decision-making. The module will equip learners with the knowledge to appreciate and respond to the dynamic and complex business landscape, providing a foundation to foster their ability to identify opportunities to drive innovation, and make informed decisions and to develop their business decision-making skills.
This module aims to provide learners with an overview of business innovation and its importance for organisations. The module will introduce learners to the principles of design thinking, creativity, and idea generation, and will explore different types of innovation such as incremental and disruptive innovation. The module also aims to introduce learners to ethics as a key consideration when generating and evaluating new ideas, and in understanding the impact of innovation on society and the environment.
The aim of this module is to introduce learners to the role of technology in driving innovation, with a focus on digital technologies. The module will explore emerging technologies and their potential applications in business innovation. The module will also develop learners’ awareness of the ethical implications of emerging technologies including issues related to privacy, bias, sustainability and the potential for harm.
The aim of this module is to introduce learners to risk management principles and practices in the innovation context. The module will explore risk identification, risk assessment, risk mitigation, and risk monitoring. Learners will develop skills in designing risk management plans for innovation projects, and in communicating risk management strategies to stakeholders.
This module aims to develop learners’ knowledge and understanding of the role of data analytics in identifying and supporting business innovation. The module will explore the process of data collection, cleaning and analysis and the use of data visualisation tools. Learners will also develop their awareness of ethical considerations related to data privacy, security, and consent.
The aim of this module is to explore and appreciate the relationship between innovation strategy and the overall business strategy. Learners will be introduced to business strategy and in that context will explore the different types of innovation strategies, such as open innovation, platform innovation, and ecosystem innovation, and how to identify the most appropriate strategy for an organisation. The module will cover topics such as strategic planning, innovation road-mapping, and the measurement of innovation performance. Learners will also explore the challenges of integrating innovation into the broader organisational strategy and will develop skills in communicating the value of innovation to stakeholders.
The aim of this module is to provide learners with an understanding of the links between innovation and entrepreneurship, and the challenges and opportunities faced by entrepreneurs in developing innovative products and services. The module will explore a range of topics including the development of a business model and the concept of intrapreneurship. A key element of this module is to grow the entrepreneurial mind set and entrepreneurial thinking of students in order for them to see entrepreneurship as a managerial discipline that can be learned and developed.
The aim of this module is to explore the role of leadership in fostering a culture of innovation within an organisation, the role of ethical leadership, including the importance of transparency, accountability, and responsible innovation practices. It will also address intrapreneurship / idea generation and employee engagement in fostering innovation culture within an organisation. Learners will examine the qualities of effective innovation leaders and the strategies they use to promote in driving innovation will also be explored.
The aim of this module is to introduce learners to project management principles and practices that can support innovation initiatives within organisations. Topics covered will include project planning, scheduling, budgeting, risk management, and stakeholder management. Learners will also explore the skills in project evaluation and monitoring that ensure innovation projects are successfully executed.
As this is a blended learning programme students will be required to engage in a combination of on campus and online activities. All students will be introduced to the CCT online learning environment as part of the induction to the programme and will have access to further support as required.
Online activities can include live or pre-recorded lectures, independent learning and assessment activities such as research tasks, discussion forums, simulations, quizzes and e-portfolio work along with online group activities such as live classes, group project work, virtual labs and tutorials. Completing the online elements of the programme each week is essential to successfully complete the programme. On campus activities can include small group tutorials, labs, project supervision, problem solving case studies, library research and seminars.
A combination of both formative and summative assessment is employed within the programme. Summative assessments are completed during the taught modules and through end of module assessments. The programme engages an authentic assessment approach to provide learners with an insight into real work tasks, scenarios and challenges. Opportunities for integrated assessment are maximised to better reflect the authentic work-based problems and scenarios. The programme uses a combination of continuous assessment, examination, and research project assessment methodologies.
CCT College Dublin has identified entry criteria and processes that will enable it to determine an applicant’s potential to succeed on the proposed programme.
The following are accepted as appropriate evidence for admission:
1. Possession of an NFQ level 6 award. Applicants with an NFQ level 5 award, including Leaving Certificate, FET award, or equivalent will also be considered + two years work experience
OR
2. Applications on the basis of prior learning, including experiential learning.
Applications are also welcome from individuals who do not meet the standard academic entry requirements but wish to apply for entry based on prior learning (RPL) or prior experiential learning (RPEL). The College will thoroughly assess applications received through RPL and RPEL to ensure that candidates are able to evidence learning to an appropriate standard – normally the framework level equivalent to the direct entry qualifications requirement and demonstrate potential to succeed and benefit from the programme. Applications submitted on this basis will be assessed in line with the College RPL policy.
Applications on the basis of experiential learning or informal / non-formal learning must evidence an applicant’s potential to succeed through demonstration of ability to pursue the programme at the applicable NFQ level, in the discipline area concerned, and benefit from the programme of study in question. The ability to produce written summaries, discussions and projects on academic and applied matters will be important.
Evidence may be provided through:
For applicants whose first language is not English, English language competency required for entry must be equal to or greater than B2+ in the CEFRL. English language credentials endorsed by other systems (viz. IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Cambridge, Duolingo etc.) will be assessed to ensure they meet this minimum standard.
All applicants are required to evidence employment experience in an appropriate business support role for a minimum of 2 years. Such roles include those which require the applicant to possess business administration skills. These may be from diverse contexts including, for example, human resources, customer services, business analysis, sales support, marketing, office administration, product development, technology support services, team leadership etc.
Admission to the programme requires the learners to have access to a laptop or PC with Microsoft Office and internet access and evidence familiarity with the use of Microsoft word and navigating the internet.
The Diploma in Business Innovation has been designed to produce graduates with the attributes required of business and innovation today, and the ability to continue to develop knowledge, skill and competence to remain competitive and employable in the ever evolving business world.
The Diploma is specialised and targeted, focusing specifically on innovation, developing technical skills and knowledge and the development of the business discipline with the soft skills essential for fostering innovation, and providing leadership. Graduates of the programme should be able to pursue leadership roles, across a broad range of industries or government organisations orwork in innovative start-ups. Aspiring entrepreneurs will also be suited to this programme.
Upon successful completion of the programme, graduates will be qualified to progress to other level 7 and level 8 programmes at CCT College Dublin and other Higher Education Institutions (subject to provider entry requirements)
We are hosting a number of events in the lead up to the next academic year to give prospective students the opportunity to find out more about their course and the College. At the moment these events are virtual and you can pre-register here.
You can also book a one to one appointment with an Admissions Advisor in person or online via Zoom by email.
All QQI accredited programmes of education and training of 3 months or longer duration are covered by arrangements under section 65 (4) of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 whereby, in the event of the provider ceasing to provide the programme for any reason, enrolled learners may transfer to a similar programme at another provider, or, in the event that this is not practicable, the fees most recently paid will be refunded.
