News

These access routes will provide a unique opportunity for applicants to begin their studies within the Further Education and Training sector without the need to wait for the CAO (Central Applications Office) points. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview when they will be required to show evidence of their eligibility based on the information provided in the application process. 

Speaking at the launch, Minister Harris said:

“These tertiary degrees are a game changer, offering students an alternative route to the points system and ensuring that we have a system driven by the career choices and needs of the learners. I want to thank the National Tertiary Office, the Higher Education Authority and SOLAS for their leadership in driving this change forward.”

President of ATU, Dr Orla Flynn said the new access routes highlighted the progression opportunities available to applicants: 

“ATU has historically enjoyed a close working relationship with all three Education and Training Boards in our region. Therefore it is wonderful to see this relationship cemented via a Memorandum of Understanding signed recently by all four partners, highlighting the many pathways and progression opportunities from further into higher education, and vice versa. The development of the new tertiary awards is evidence of our collective commitment to serving the needs of our region, and we look forward to welcoming our first cohort of students in September.” 

This collaborative development between Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Donegal Education and Training Board (ETB), Mayo Sligo Leitrim ETB and Galway Roscommon ETB, follows a government request to develop a multi-campus award that integrates the delivery of higher education in the FET sector to widen participation to individuals and communities who would not traditionally consider third-level education as a viable or realistic option for them. This increases the number of locations regionally where students can begin their studies, enhances flexibility through providing several programme paths and widens access through more flexible entry requirements.      

The innovative access routes to these degrees are some of the first of their kind to give applicants the opportunity to start their degree in the Further Education and Training (FET) sector. Unlike other degree courses, applicants do not need to wait for CAO points as they can apply directly. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview when they will be required to show evidence of their eligibility based on the information provided in the application process.  

ATU’s Vice President for Academic Affairs and Registrar, Dr Billy Bennett added, the innovative suite of Tertiary Education Programmes will give new educational opportunities to learners across the region; “The faculties of Business, Engineering, Science and Nursing across ATU have worked closely with our partners in Donegal; Galway and Roscommon; and Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim ETBs to create an innovative suite of Tertiary Education Programmes that will give new educational opportunities to learners across the region. ATU’s Tertiary Education Programmes are unique in offering new entry routes and a common first year, with guaranteed progression routes onto one of nine specialist degree programme on our University campuses in Donegal, Galway, Mayo or Sligo.”