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Technology Commercialisation (PDip)

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Course Overview

The Diploma in Technology Commercialisation seeks to improve Ireland's expertise in Technology Commercialisation and to up-skill the next generation of entrepreneurs focused on new and emerging technologies. It provides information and guidance to potential entrepreneurs in business planning, securing project finance and the knowledge needed to commercialise new technologies, products and services. The course is delivered in association with the University of Limerick (UL) and University College Cork (UCC) under the auspices of the Atlantic University Alliance (AUA).

This course will assist students to:

  • develop an understanding of the technology commercialisation process;
  • identify technology based business opportunities, with particular focus on how to assess their market potential and how to judge their appeal to the venture capital community;
  • establish the importance of innovation in the exploitation of new technological developments and the transfer process for this technology to enable commercialisation;
  • gain an understanding of the importance of intellectual property and patenting as a key element of commercialisation.

Applications and Selections

Apply online for the 2018/2019 academic year. An application fee of €30 applies, payable by debit or credit card.

Course quotas will be reviewed during the application period, at the dates indicated below. As courses may fill before the final deadline you are advised to apply as early as possible.

Application review dates:  Sunday 13 May 2018  |  Sunday 24 June 2018  |  Sunday 29 July 2018

IMPORTANT: You must upload supporting documentation as listed below with your application. Incomplete applications will NOT be reviewed.

  • Official qualifications and exam results (transcripts) of your highest qualification to date and any other relevant awards. Applicants who are yet to graduate must upload transcripts on receipt
  • Curriculum vitae
  • A copy of your passport or birth certificate
  • Evidence of English language competency for non-native speakers. See English language competency requirements for details

 

Who Teaches this Course

Requirements and Assessment

The Diploma course runs over one academic year (two semesters). Modules are assessed by a combination of written assignments during the semester and a formal examination at the end of each semester. A selection of assignments will be group orientated. The project module will be assessed completely by continuous assessment and is ideally based upon a project carried out within the student’s own organisation.

The course is delivered using a blended learning approach. This means that students can study at their own pace using a combination of distance/online materials, as well as attending face-to-face tutorials, seminars and study groups where they meet up with fellow students.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

An undergraduate Degree 1st or 2nd Class Honours in any discipline along with three years of relevant industrial experience; or Ordinary or 3rd Class Honours Undergraduate Degree along with five years of relevant industrial experience; or a recognised professional qualification along with five years of relevant industrial experience.

Alternative Entry Route: Candidates who do not meet the minimum entry criteria for the Diploma may be interviewed by the Programme Board to ascertain their suitability for entry.

Students who successfully complete their Postgraduate Diploma with an average grade 2.1 honours may apply for entry to the MSc Technology Management with credit for related modules.


Additional Requirements

None
Duration

1 year, part-time

Next start date

August

A Level Grades ()

Average intake

Unlimited

Closing Date

Next start date

August

NFQ level

9

Mode of study

Blended Learning

ECTS weighting

30

Award

CAO

PAC code

Course Outline

Through the course students will participate in project activities that will assist their understanding of the commercialisation options available to an identified venture. It will also develop the students’ understanding of venture capital financing, business management, marketing and technology development. In addition, this course will provide invaluable networking opportunities with individuals, companies and agencies involved in technology commercialisation.  

Modules titles are varied and include the following subject areas:

  1. Innovation and Technology Transfer
  2. Marketing Technology Products
  3. Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship
  4. Technology Finance and Capital
  5. Company Project
  6. Industry Seminars

Curriculum Information

Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).
Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Glossary of Terms

Credits
You must earn a defined number of credits (aka ECTS) to complete each year of your course. You do this by taking all of its required modules as well as the correct number of optional modules to obtain that year's total number of credits.
Module
An examinable portion of a subject or course, for which you attend lectures and/or tutorials and carry out assignments. E.g. Algebra and Calculus could be modules within the subject Mathematics. Each module has a unique module code eg. MA140.
Optional
A module you may choose to study.
Required
A module that you must study if you choose this course (or subject).
Semester
Most courses have 2 semesters (aka terms) per year.

Year 1 (30 Credits)

Required MG680: In Company Project


Semester 1 | Credits: 10

The student completes a research/practical project in the area of Technology Commercialisation or Innovation Management. This module gives a student the opportunity to further develop novel technologies that are near-commercialization or start at the very beginning of identifying what needs to be done to get to commercialisation stage. This project may allow you to support research/development in all areas of technology including medical devices, electronics, software, communications, engineering, etc. This project module can give an opportunity to look at innovation projects that are integrated into the business at both strategic and operational levels.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Identify a suitable project relevant to the area of Innovation, Technology Commercialisation or to a new business/entrepreneurial idea or concept
  2. Specify the scope of the proposed project or study in terms of a project definition, objectives and outcomes
  3. Apply the appropriate tools, methods, techniques and technologies in the development and management of the project related to the course
  4. Make comprehensive recommendations on further work necessary on the project or which would improve the outcome
  5. Publish a project report on the research, methodology, conduct and findings of the project
Assessments
  • Department-based Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module MG680: "In Company Project" and is valid from 2014 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required MK620: Marketing Technology Products


Semester 1 | Credits: 5

This module introduces you to the world of marketing. What is marketing all about? To put it in a nutshell, marketing is two things. First, it is a business philosophy whose main premise is that the customer is king and that if a company can provide enough people with exactly what they want, they will make a profit. This implies that marketing is a particular way of looking at the world of business. This in itself is rather intangible and explains why there is a lot of uncertainty regarding marketing’s domain. Second, marketing is a business function, which is much more tangible. The dominant view holds that marketing is the business function responsible for finding out what the customer wants (marketing research), providing the customer with that product or service (product development), in a convenient outlet at the right time and in the right quantities (distribution), and information the customer about the product or service (marketing communications). It is about planning the future of the company and staying ahead of the competition. Increasingly, this also necessitates relationship building as organisations pursue customer loyalty. Consequently, marketing is a critical activity in the business enterprise. While there are many obvious opportunities provided by increasingly complex, dynamic and competitive markets, companies lacking marketing skills face huge risks.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Understand the nature of Marketing
  2. Identify and explore the key components of market orientation
  3. Understand customer groups and customer buyer behaviour
  4. Explore and interrogate competitive advantage
  5. Understand the key factors influencing marketing activities and practices
Assessments
  • Department-based Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module MK620: "Marketing Technology Products" and is valid from 2015 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required MG620: Innovation & Technology Transfer


Semester 1 | Credits: 5


(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. TBC
Assessments
  • Department-based Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module MG620: "Innovation & Technology Transfer" and is valid from 2015 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required AY620: Technology, Finance & Capital


Semester 2 | Credits: 5

The module content is designed to apply the theories and concepts of Financial Accounting, Management Accounting and Business Finance to the decision making process within small, medium and global organisations. The financial strategies associated with the achievement of predetermined key performance indicators are fully explored within the module. The function of strategic management accounting is a focal point as a creator of vital information for enhancing operational excellence and formulation and implementation of new strategies. The relationship between Investment and return and the management of capital are given a high priority. Case studies are included in the module content as a valuable learning resource in topic areas such as Activity Based Costing, the Balanced Scorecard and Investment Appraisal Analysis
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Understand the content of the main financial statements (Profit & Loss Account, Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Statement)
  2. Identify the main methods of securing long-term finance for a company
  3. Critically examine and evaluate the financial performance of an organisation through the use of Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s)
  4. Evaluate the likely benefits to be derived from the use of Activity Based Costing (ABC) to assist strategic decision making
  5. Explain and demonstrate understanding as to why organisations budget and the process by which budgets are developed
  6. Evaluate the key factors in choosing a cost structure using Cost –Volume-Profit Analysis (CVP)
  7. Explain the relationship between the Cost of Capital and the Return on Capital Employed (ROCE)
  8. Apply methods of investment appraisal to evaluate real lean projects
  9. Explain the underlying theory and concept of the Balanced Scorecard
Assessments
  • Department-based Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module AY620: "Technology, Finance & Capital" and is valid from 2015 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required MG670: Technology, Innovation & Entrepreneurship


Semester 2 | Credits: 5

The module reviews a broad range of topics that critically affect technology-based start-up companies. It is designed to help the learner develop strong conceptual foundations for understanding and exploiting technological innovation and entrepreneurship. More specifically, it aims to equip the learner with an understanding of the technology innovation lifecycle and the key issues involved in entrepreneurship and new venture creation. The module reviews concepts and frameworks to create, commercialise and capture value from technology-based products and services. It aims to provide the learner with a comprehensive toolbox to enable the learner to identify opportunities, and develop feasibility studies and business plans in order to develop and manage innovation throughout the product lifecycle, and exploit a new technological venture. In summary, the module aims to: Present a curriculum in the area of technology innovation and entrepreneurship. Provide easy-to-access, state-of-the-art reference material in the area of technology innovation and entrepreneurship to help learners to understand the essential fundamental concepts involved in the discipline. Equip learners with the values, best practices, skills and supporting tools necessary to effectively design, develop and deploy technical projects in their organisations and to empower users to autonomously apply these concepts and tools
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Develop transferable skills such as creative thinking, problem specification, team working, and the ability to synthesise and apply acquired knowledge to solve real-world problems
  2. Explain the critical influencing factors for successful technology development and execution processes
  3. As an entrepreneur, write an effective feasibility study and business plan to negotiate and secure funding for technology related projects
  4. Present a curriculum in the area of technology innovation and entrepreneurship
  5. Provide easy-to-access, state-of-the-art reference material in the area of technology innovation and entrepreneurship to help learners to understand the essential fundamental concepts involved in the discipline
  6. Equip learners with the values, best practices, skills and supporting tools necessary to effectively design, develop and deploy technical projects in their organisations and to empower users to autonomously apply these concepts and tools
Assessments
  • Department-based Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module MG670: "Technology, Innovation & Entrepreneurship" and is valid from 2015 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the course are working in both private and public sector organisations in the area of research and development of new technologies, with a specific focus on commercialisation and marketing activities. The course is also suitable for students who have a business idea and wish to avail of an opportunity to further explore its potential through a structured course which provides a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical opportunities to test their product/service idea.

Who’s Suited to This Course

The Diploma is delivered via blended learning in association with UL and UCC and is designed to assist managers, scientists and engineers who support technology commercialisation activities, to realise the potential of innovation and gain a greater understanding of the commercialisation process.

Learning Outcomes

 

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Course Fees

Fees: EU

€3,950 p.a.

Fees: Tuition

€

Fees: Student levy

€

Fees: Non EU

€4,450 p.a.

 
A fees scholarship of up to 30% may be available for students who wish to upskill for the purposes of re-employment. Students must be registered as unemployed and in receipt of one of the following: 

  • Job-seekers Benefit
  • Job-seekers Allowance
  • One-parent family allowance
  • Disability allowance
  • Community Employment Scheme
  • Carer’s Allowance
  • Signing for social insurance contribution credits

Please download the 2018_19 Fees Scholarship Form for more information.

Find out More

Niamh Nolan

Centre for Adult Learning and Professional Development
Nuns' Island, NUI Galway, Galway
Tel: 091 493746
Email: niamh.nolan@nuigalway.ie

Aisling Monahan
Centre for Adult Learning and Professional Development
Nuns' Island, NUI Galway, Galway
Tel: 091 495698
Email: aisling.monahan@nuigalway.ie

www.aua.ie

What Our Students Say

Caitriona

Caitriona Conneely |   Current Student

...There is an excellent combination of observing, reading, discussion forums, assignments and studying. This combination along with the method of delivery allows the student flexibility in maintaining a good balance between work, study and personal life ... and having instant access to the course via the internet; you never feel distant from your classmates or lecturers. The Diploma in Commercialisation Technology has been a real accelerator to my post-graduate education and has been an excellent stepping stone to the Masters programme [MSc Tech. Mgt] which I am now pursuing...
John

John Murphy |   GE Capital Aviation Services Ltd.

I took on the challenge of the Diploma in Technology Commercialisation programme to put some “current theory behind 25+ years of practice” and the results have been both of personal development and an extremely rewarding journey. I would strongly recommend this programme to anyone that is interested in becoming a more valuable “business resource” within your organisation or significantly enhancing your CV for career advancement.

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