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, this programme is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union and 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. 

1. The course begins by exploring Entrepreneurship for Creative Professionals, developing the skills to lead your business with confidence, vision, and innovation.  
2. 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. 
3. 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.  
4. 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) 4 intensive in-person sessions (Saturdays), and some field trips to allow you to continue your usual projects and activities whilst also developing your business strategy and future aims.

Start date: 29th October 2025

A full schedule of dates and times will be posted here soon.

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

 You may be called for interview. 

IADT may ask for the contact details of a referee in some instances.

Fees 

Fees for 2025/2026 are €1,700.

Details of fee subsidies for 2025/2026 will be announced here soon.