Construction Innovation

The Postgraduate Diploma in Construction Innovation was developed in response to critical and proven skills needs in the construction/built environment sector by Construct Innovate, Ireland’s National Research Centre for Construction Technology and Innovation. It is a one-year part-time course, funded through HCI Pillar 1, that aims to equip students with key knowledge and skills needed to develop sustainable technological solutions to the challenges facing the construction and built environment sector in Ireland and elsewhere.



The course will develop the newest breed of global entrepreneurs, construction experts and sustainable construction leaders, who can develop innovative concepts, identify market opportunities and tackle challenges related to getting new building products and services to market. This course will support the development of a modernised and sustainable construction sector underpinned by circular economy and climate action.



Why choose this course

The Postgraduate Diploma in Construction Innovation is a one-year part-time course that aims to equip students with key knowledge and skills needed to develop sustainable technological solutions to the challenges facing the construction and built environment sector in Ireland and elsewhere. The course will develop the newest breed of global entrepreneurs, construction experts and sustainable construction leaders, who can develop innovative concepts, identify market opportunities and tackle challenges related to getting new building products and services to market. This course will support the development of a modernised and sustainable construction sector underpinned by circular economy and climate action.



The Postgraduate Diploma consists of four taught modules and a project. It will be delivered by blended learning, consisting of live online lectures (three hours/week), self-directed learning materials, online activities and extensive resources, and on campus sessions (full-day every 8 weeks). Timing of student contact hours will ensure that those in employment can fully benefit.



Each module will consist of:

(i) online materials and guided reading;

(ii) weekly lectures with associated activities; and

(iii) one full-day workshop with discussions.



The Postgraduate Diploma in Construction Innovation will enable prospective students to:

• Develop skills in digital adoption, sustainability and modern methods of construction,

• Develop critical thinking, curiosity and problem solving to manage the innovation process,

• Identify opportunities (and challenges) for innovation in the construction sector,

• Create novel construction technology solutions to previously unmet, under-met and unrecognised problems,

• Continue their professional development for meet the future needs of the construction sector.

Module 1: Sustainability Planning in Construction (10 ECTS)

Module 2: Digital Construction Technologies (10 ECTS)

Module 3: Modern Methods of Construction (10 ECTS)

Module 4: Innovation and Entrepreneurship (10 ECTS)

Module 5: Innovation Project (20 ECTS)

Applicants should hold:

• an undergraduate bachelor degree 1st or 2nd class honours in any discipline (level 8), along with three years of relevant industrial experience;

• or an ordinary bachelor degree or 3rd class honours undergraduate degree (level 7), along with five years of relevant industrial experience;

• or a recognised professional qualification and five years of relevant industrial experience.



Candidates who do not meet the minimum entry criteria are encouraged to contact the programme's administrators to discuss eligibility through Recognition through Prior Learning (RPL) and may be interviewed to ascertain their suitability for the programme.

Closing Date: No set closing date. Offers made on a continuous basis.



Springboard course: apply via Springboard: https://springboardcourses.ie/details/13448.



Candidates are advised to apply early as high demand is anticipated and places are limited. Applications will NOT be assessed until all supporting documentation has been received. Preferably supporting documents should be combined into one zip file and uploaded.



Check Supporting Documents website for details of any supporting documents that may be required.

1 year, part-time.

Next start date: September 2025

Career Opportunities

The course is designed to provide upskilling opportunities for graduates in industrial and commercial construction, construction technology and in sustainable development sectors. It is also envisaged that graduates will take up leadership positions in the construction industry to lead change in the modernisation of the sector.



Whilst graduates of this course will be immediately employable or upskilled while in employment, we aim to develop academic progression opportunities (i.e. MSc in Construction Innovation). Through RPL, graduates are required to complete an additional 30 ECTS to achieve the award of MSc in Construction Innovation.