ATLANTIC Technological University (ATU) has seen a twenty per cent increase in student numbers across their portfolio of part-time, online, flexible, and professional development programmes.
Dr Billy Bennett, VP for Academic Affairs and Registrar said the ATU has also seen a 15 per cent increase in applications to study at the university.
“ATU is now one of the largest providers of flexible and online learning programmes in Ireland. As a university, we are acutely aware of the need to provide access to higher education, not just to those who seek full-time options, but also to those who seek to upskill, retrain or progress in their career. The models offered need to work for those in employment, using part-time and flexible learning delivery, be that online or blended online and on-campus. Our close links with industry ensures we offer a portfolio matched to industry’s needs, supporting employers in our region and beyond to attract and retain talent.” said Dr Bennett.
Professor Jacqueline McCormack, VP for EDI, and Online Development said: “At ATU we are leaning into our combined strengths. Across the western seaboard, we have expertise in Biopharma, MedTech, Fintech, Quality, Digital Manufacturing, Computing, to name but a few. We have supported global, national and regional employers as they seek to develop staff in this tight labour market. Initiatives such as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) have enabled 20 staff in the Fintech sector to learn together as a group, with ATU recognising their prior experiential learning to gain advanced entry to a Degree in Computing. Our My Career Path support, has helped over 500 employees from 32 companies, navigate the vast number of courses available, matching them to the career stage of potential learners within their company. We’re seeing increased interest in the Work-Based-Learning (WBL) model, where students combine practical experience with online learning. Building on our foundations as the leaders in online learning, we are driven to continuously improve, making higher education accessible to all”
Through the HEA’s ‘Springboard+ and HCI’ initiative, access and funding is being supported at a national level, giving students free and partially funded places on approved courses, where there are identified skills shortages. In September 2023, ATU enrolled over 1500 students on Springboard+ funded programmes.
“Flexible learning is available to students at all levels. We support many students who are taking their first step into higher education. For some, it’s a long time since they have participated in formal education and we are here to help, every step of the way. At ATU, we have built our community of online and flexible learners around that concept – all learners need support, whether it is their first or fifth qualification.” said Joanne Harmon, Head of Online Learning Student Experience.
Recently, a dedicated on-boarding programme for online learners, crafted a series of virtual talks that helped students build confidence in areas of academic writing, study skills and time management.
“The online student advisors have been really helpful. Navigating new systems can be challenging when trying to carve out time to study. Their guidance is invaluable. Everyone experiences bumps along the way, so it’s just nice to know you have someone to reach out to” commented Tracy Sheridan, recently commenced her online learning journey on the Masters in Professional Leadership.
ATU is now accepting applications for a further 100 Online, Flexible & Professional Development programmes commencing in January 2024. For more information, visit www.atu.ie/january-start
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