Cén fáth ar chóir duit Ollscoil Teicneolaíochta an Atlantaigh a Roghnú?
Why study at Atlantic Technological University?
Collaborative Strength
Atlantic Technological University offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in business, science, computing, engineering, culinary arts, hospitality, tourism and heritage. Students at ATU will join a learner population of almost 30,400+ learners, spanning 840+ academic programmes from pre-degree to doctoral level. ATU’s strength lies in our collaborative ethos, realising our shared goals by elevating and championing success.
Academic Excellence
ATU offers a new higher educational experience. Building on the foundations of applied learning, our university grows through research informed teaching. We empower learners to realise their full potential, developing responsible citizens, critical thinkers, innovators, and problem solvers equipped for life-long learning.
Research, Engagement and Innovation
At ATU, we continue our proud tradition of industry engagement through collaborative research and providing micro-credentials that meet employer and employee skills requirements. As the leading higher educational institution in the region, our students, staff and communities are intrinsically linked to regional employers, building sustainable employment opportunities and driving growth in the west and north-west.
Global Opportunities
Learners worldwide study ATU’s microcredentials, reflecting our commitment to developing global citizens who contribute to sustainable economies. In studying a micro-credential at ATU, learners become part of this global community with a mindset that reaches far beyond our shores.
Cad is cúrsa micridhintiúr ann?
What are Micro-Credentials?
A micro-credential is a short course that allows learners to study flexibly and to choose modules to suit their own professional development or skills needs. They are also referred to as Special Purpose Awards, Minor Awards, and Supplementary Awards.
ATU aligns with the European Commission’s recommended definition of a micro-credential:
A micro-credential is the record of the learning outcomes that a learner has acquired following a small volume of learning. These learning outcomes have been assessed against transparent and clearly defined standards. Courses leading to micro-credential are designed to provide the learner with specific knowledge, skills and competences that respond to societal, personal, cultural or labour market needs. Micro-credentials are owned by the learner, can be shared and are portable.
They may be standalone or combined into larger credentials. They are underpinned by quality assurance following agreed standards in the relevant sector or area of activity.”
These short-duration courses, requiring a relatively low time commitment, typically range from 5 to 30 credits. They offer an ideal pathway for returning to education, gaining new skills, or enhancing existing ones, all in a flexible and accessible format.
Among the areas they cover are Business & Industry, Environmental Sustainability, Healthcare, Engineering & Construction, Computing, and Quality.
For more, check out atu.ie/microcredentials
Uasoiliúint le haghaidh Thodhchaí na hOibre Upskilling for the Future of Work
At ATU, we develop courses aligned to industry and societal demand. Our graduates are equipped with the skills and confidence to progress in their chosen career, with excellent opportunities both nationally and internationally.
Biopharma
With all of the top 10 global biopharmaceutical companies located in Ireland, industry demand for continuous professional development is evident to sustain growth and competitiveness. ATU is recognised as a leader in delivering industry-aligned qualifications in areas of advanced bioprocessing, regulatory science and quality systems, biomedical science, biopharmaceutical and pharmaceutical science.
Industry 4.0 & Smart Manufacturing
The manufacturing sector in Ireland is rapidly transitioning toward Industry 4.0, driven by automation, AI integration, real-time data exchange, and smart systems. Engineering for the future requires skills in automation, robotics, AI, sensor technology, cloud computing, data analytics and much more.
Project Management, Leadership & People Management
With rapid advancements in technology, industry is experiencing the greatest level of change since the Industrial Revolution. Developing leaders who are equipped to effectively manage complex change is essential to stay competitive in our global economy.
Environmental Sustainability & Climate Action
Ireland’s Climate Action Plan and national decarbonisation targets are accelerating demand for sustainability expertise across all sectors. Industry, local government and state agencies are investing in skills to support energy transition, circular economy models and environmental governance. Embedding sustainability into business and policy is now a strategic imperative rather than a standalone function.
Health, Nutrition & Food Innovation
Delivering effective public health strategies on health promotion, exercise and nutrition are all parts of the evolving remit of healthcare professionals. It is vital we continue to build skills in researching, analysing health data and develop leaders within our healthcare sector. Innovation and developing sustainable food systems are all part of the Climate Action plan to live as responsible global citizens.
Educating for the Future
With the rapidly changing world of work, our Educators are responding with new inclusive and technology-enabled learning models to improve access to education, developing supports to ensure students from early years to tertiary level achieve their potential. Flexible learning, micro-credentials, innovative delivery and industry-integrated learning are central to national skills strategies.
Digital Transformation & AI
Digital transformation in Ireland now extends beyond traditional IT into AI-driven decisionmaking, automation, fintech, cybersecurity, software development and data-led strategy across every sector. The global economy offers opportunities to graduates, regardless of location, to thrive in a globally connected digital economy.
Roghanna Staidéir Solúbtha Flexible Study Options
We understand that many of our part-time, flexible students are juggling work and family commitments in between learning.
Our focus has always been to deliver a flexible learning experience designed to suit you and your life.
Making time for study
To help balance work, life, and flexible learning, it is important to understand the time that you will have to dedicate to your studies. This will help you to stay focused, reduce stress, and achieve your goals while also working full-time.
For part-time online or blended learning, it is recommended that you should try to allow for 5-6 hours per week per 5 credit module to your studies.
Online
Learn online with ATU by attending live lectures through our online learning environment. Simply log on from work, home, or anywhere and be part of weekly lectures. Engage in discussions, live chat, and interact with fellow students and lecturers. Unable to attend? Recorded lectures are available within hours, so students can watch back at a time that suits them.
Blended
Blended learning is a flexible way of completing your course of study, combining online aspects with in-classroom experience to allow for an accessible learning style. In a blended course, students may view lectures, access readings, ask questions and complete assignments online, so time in the classroom can focus more on discussion and activities.
On-Campus
Some of our courses are available to study fully on-campus and students studying an oncampus course will have the full in-classroom experience at ATU. Students will learn and experience all the practical elements in the learning outcomes. Guest lectures, tutorials and residential workshops may also be accessible to online students either via live streaming or as recorded sessions.
Peer-to-Peer Learning
Working collaboratively is part of the college experience and part-time learning is no different. Group learning and assignments encourage peer support and small class sizes ensure students are supported throughout the learning journey.
Micro-credentials
Our Micro-credentials courses are short, learning experiences that allow you to study flexibly and choose modules to suit your own professional development or skills needs. Micro-credentials are typically short in duration and time commitment and are usually 5, 10 or 15 credits. They are an ideal way to return to education, upskill in a new area, or further develop skills in a flexible manner.
Online Student Advisors
As an online and flexible learner at ATU, you will receive help and support from our dedicated team of Online Student Advisors who will be there to assist you throughout your studies. They will be your first point of contact for any non-academic queries or questions you may have, and they can provide you with any further information, support or guidance you require throughout your application process and studies at ATU.
Student Supports
No matter which study option you choose, flexible learners have a range of supports available to them on their learning journey including access to academic writing and maths support, learning and disability support and library services.
Liosta na gCúrsaí Course Lists
Three course lists:
— HEA Funded Courses
— Courses starting September 2026
— Courses starting January 2027
Cúrsaí a Mhaoiníonn an HEA HEA Funded Courses
Cúrsa micridhintiúr – Meán Fómhair
Micro-credentials, Minor Awards, Special Purpose Awards
ATU offers a comprehensive suite of short courses aimed at supporting those in the workforce to upskill and bridge any skills gaps. This method of studying allows you to choose modules to suit professional or personal development goals. Short courses are an ideal way to return to education.
Cúrsa micridhintiúr – Meán Fómhair
September (continued)
Cúrsa micridhintiúr – Eanáir
Cúrsa micridhintiúr – Eanáir
Micro-credential courses
– January (continued)
Student Testimonials Teistiméireacht Mac Léinn
Lisa Regan Sustainable Development Goals
Dominic McGinley Health Data Analytics
“I studied the Certification of Sustainable Development Goals – Partnership, People, Planet and Prosperity. It has been an incredible experience, in terms of realising the impact the SDGs play in both my professional and personal life; now having the evidence behind what I see clearly day to day; learning about the effects and the implications; and about the positive steps we can take to mitigate what has gone on in the past.
I have enjoyed it immensely and I have learned so much. It was an amazing experience to do this micro-credential outside of my work and then, at the end of it, to be able to implement so much of what I have learned through this course. I would highly recommend people to do it, even just to become more aware that you can be a factor or mitigator of change in your own life. So, I definitely would say do it.”
“I studied the Certificate in Health Data Analytics. When I started a new role with a healthcare company, I realised there were opportunities there to enrol in micro-credential courses to gain new skills and to add to things I was learning in the workplace.
I chose a micro-credential course because it was an opportunity to study while I was working, and to supplement it with the on-the-job learning that I was doing. From the point of view of everyday life, it was also much more manageable – working, having a young family, and still having the opportunity to learn.”
Táillí & Maoiniú Fees & Funding
Funding your studies is a big consideration when choosing the right course for you, and there are many opportunities available to help you.
Self-Funded
To help make payments more manageable for students who are self-funding, ATU has a variety of payment options that include payment per semester, in-full or by instalment. For specific fees for each online, flexible and postgraduate programme, please visit the programme webpage
Employer Funded
If your employer is partly or fully funding your course, you will need to organise payment through the ATU Admissions team with your employer.
EU Fees/Non-EU Fees
Fees quoted within this prospectus are quoted as EU fees for the current academic year. For Non-EU fee information, please visit our programme webpages.
Tax Relief
As ATU is listed by the Irish revenue as an ‘APPROVED INSTITUTION’ students are eligible to claim tax relief at the standard rate for tuition fees. In order to determine your own eligibility and if the course you have applied for qualifies for a tax refund, please read the information on the Revenue website: www.revenue.ie/en/personal-tax-creditsreliefs-and-exemptions
Funding Opportunities
Many of our online, flexible and postgraduate courses have funding supports available to applicants for their tuition fees. These funding supports are available from a variety of Skillnets, NWDepth, Springboard+ and much more. For a full list of the courses that have funding supports, please visit: www.atu.ie/fees-funding
Skillnet
Funding opportunities may be available from Skillnet Ireland to partially fund programme fees. For further information, please visit: skillnetireland.ie
Springboard+
Each year, the Higher Education Authority (HEA) approves courses for Springboard+ funding. Applications for Springboard+ funded courses launch in May/June each year. Students interested in studying on a Springboard+ approved course must apply to Springboard+ directly and must meet Springboard+ eligibility criteria.
If you are a Springboard+ funded student completing a Level 6 course, it is typically fully funded by the HEA, with some microcredentials funded at 50%. If you are employed and are completing a Level 7 - 9 course it is 90% funded and you are required to pay the remaining 10% tuition fee. If you are unemployed, Springboard+ will cover 100% of the course fees.
For further information visit: atu.ie/springboard
Conas larratas a Chur Isteach How to Apply
Before you Apply
Before you apply for a part-time learning course at ATU, we recommend that you research your course, through this prospectus and by viewing the course webpage. Please ensure to check the entry requirements and time commitment involved, as these vary from course to course. You will find details on entry requirements on the individual course webpage.
When to Apply
Flexible learning courses are popular, and they fill on a first come, first served basis. There are two major intake periods throughout the academic year, September and January.
For January start courses, applications typically open in October, and for September start courses, applications typically open in February. Closing dates for applications are listed on the individual course webpages.
How to Apply
Applying for a flexible learning course is easy, simply visit the webpage of your chosen course and select the ‘apply now’ button, and follow the steps outlined.
For Non-EU applicants please visit atu.ie/international to make an application.
For further information on these processes, please visit atu.ie/apply-now
Each campus has its own application process and for further information on these processes, please visit atu.ie/apply-now
Please Note
We have taken great care in compiling the information contained in the prospectus, which we believe to be accurate at the time of going to print. However, the provision of programmes, facilities, accreditation, and other arrangements described in the prospectus are regularly reviewed and may with good reason be subject to change without notice.
Courses will run subject to sufficient student numbers. We recommend that you check the ATU website www.atu.ie for the most up-to-date information before making an application.
Further Information
For further details on any of the information contained within this guide, please visit atu.ie/micro-credentials
Alternatively, you can email our admissions team
Donegal
Phone: +353 (0) 74 91 86000
Admissions: admissions.donegal@atu.ie
Sligo
Phone: +353 (0) 71 91 55222
Admissions: admissions.sligo@atu.ie
St Angelas
Phone: +353 (0) 71 91 43580
Admissions: admissions.stangelas@atu.ie
Galway and Mayo
Galway: +353 (0) 91 753 161
Mayo: +353 (0) 94 902 5700
Admissions: learn.galwaymayo@atu.ie