DL154 - Certificate Strategic Development for Creative Professionals
A new part-time postgraduate course tailored for the creative industries. Developed collaboratively by Cultural and Creative Industries Skillnet, IADT and NCAD and supported by the European Social Fund+, this course addresses a recognised need within the creative sector.
What is this course about?
This part-time postgraduate course is designed for creative professionals from various disciplines (filmmakers, designers, photographers, actors, theatre and event professionals, game developers, animators, painters, sculptors, and more) who want to develop or formulate a strategy for their practice or business, and to take the next step in transforming their passion into a more commercial venture. This may involve expanding an existing business, launching a new venture, or better positioning yourself within the creative marketplace.
The course will give you the opportunity to:
- Learn tools to analyse yourself as an entrepreneur or business in a creative professional context
- Network with likeminded creatives across a range of discipline areas
- Develop essential accounting and finance skills to effectively manage budgets, forecast expenses, and make informed financial decisions for a sustainable and successful creative business
- Examine emergent legal aspects relevant to creative professionals, enabling you to safeguard your work and manage your business operations more effectively
- Build a strategic, sustainable, and inclusive plan tailored to your context for future growth
- Evaluate strategic development methodologies for creative businesses, looking at investment and financing options to drive growth and enhance competitive advantage
- Critique the latest trends in digital transformation and its impact on the creative industry.
What will I study?
In contrast to general business courses, our course is designed for forward-thinking creative professionals offering a unique mix of four key modules, worth 5 ECTS each, tailored to help you thrive in the ever-evolving creative industries.
- The course begins by exploring Entrepreneurship for Creative Professionals, developing the skills to lead your business with confidence, vision, and innovation.
- Next, you will learn how to gain essential business insights in Accounting and Finance for the Creative Industries, equipping you with the financial tools and understanding needed to manage resources effectively and support sustainable growth.
- The course then reviews principles of Ethics, Law, and Sustainability for Creative Professionals, enabling you to navigate the complexities of the creative business landscape with awareness and accountability.
- Finally, you will learn to drive innovation and adapt to change with Business Design for Strategic Transformation, where you will develop strategies for future-proofing your creative enterprise.
Together, these modules will empower you to unify your passion, potential, and practice into a successful, sustainable future.
Each module will have specific industry experiences. You will be paired with a business mentor to support you through your learning journey. Where possible/appropriate, the mentor will be from your own creative sector.
Field trips and networking events will form part of the overall experience.
Planned Industry Engagements include:
- Module 1: Pitching + Brand Workshop Specialist
- Module 2: Briefing from Accountancy Firm
- Module 3: Creative Sector + Entertainment Law Specialist
- Module 4: Briefings from funding bodies and a final pitching opportunity with a panel of industry experts
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed based on a final business plan/strategy for an existing or new business/venture and supported by your work across all the modules.
Dates + Times
Delivery is blended with online weekly lectures (Wednesday evenings) and intensive in-person sessions (Saturdays) to allow you to continue your usual projects and activities whilst also developing your business strategy and future aims.
The course will start with a Culture Crush Networking and Launch event on Thursday 28th November.
Module 1:
- Wednesday evenings | 6.30pm – 9pm: 4th + 11th December 2024; 8th, 15th, 22nd + 29th January 2025
- Weekend Workshop | 10am – 3pm: 11th January 2025
Module 2:
- Wednesday evenings | 6.30pm – 9pm: 5th, 12th, 19th + 26th February
- Weekend Workshops | 10am – 3pm: 8th + 22nd February
Module 3:
- Wednesday evenings | 6.30pm – 9pm: 5th, 12th + 26th March; 2nd April
- Weekend Workshops | 10am – 3pm: 8th March + 5th April
Module 4:
- Wednesday evenings | 6.30pm – 9pm: 30th April; 7th, 14th, 21st + 28th May; 4th June
- Weekend Workshop | 10am – 3pm: 17th May
Capstone Weekend:
28th June 2025 (TBC)
Are there any Equipment / Materials requirements?
Desktop/laptop, camera, microphone and reliable wi-fi connection for the online classes.
What are the Entry Requirements?
We welcome applications from people with an established or emergent creative career at least 3-5 years post-graduation.
This course is suitable for those who have an undergraduate qualification of 2nd Class Honours or higher at Honours Degree level.
Applicants without a Level 8 qualification may be considered provided they can demonstrate Honours Degree equivalence which can be verified through the RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) process.
You will be required to submit on the IADT application form:
- A letter of intent / personal statement
- A CV
- Details of one referee
You may be called for interview.
Fees
This course, supported by the European Social Fund +, is offered as a pilot programme for creative professionals at a special CCIS partnership rate of €950 (normally the fee for this course would be €2500) who meet the following criteria:
- Applicants are not in receipt of a:
a) bursary
b) grant aid
c) a scholarship - Applicants must be resident in the Republic of Ireland and not participating on a CE scheme or in receipt of Unemployment Benefit.
