Study In Ireland: TUS Recognised For Adult Learning; Details Here

At a prestigious national awards ceremony in Ireland held for adult learning, the Technological University of the Shannon has been awarded a top spot.

The Technological University of the Shannon has been recognized for adult learning at a national awards ceremony in Ireland. At the 19th annual AONTAS Star awards in Dublin, TUS Access Service and Flexible Learning Department have been awarded Transition to Higher Education Certificate under the Third Level Access and Engagement category.

Vice President for Student Education and Experience, Frances O’Connell, emphasised the importance of the programme and said, “We are extremely proud to win the Aontas award in the category for Adult Learning Initiatives that Support Third-Level Access and Engagement for our Certificate in Transition to Higher Education programme. The programme provides a pathway for adults who experience severe social, economic, and/or educational disadvantages to engage in a supportive and structured third-level academic foundation programme, that is delivered flexibly to suit our students’ needs. It reflects our work with our communities that is ‘Inclusive’, ‘Supportive’ and ‘Collaborative’ and our strategic priorities related to access and widening participation. This programme really makes a difference to students’ lives by providing comprehensive support through peer mentoring, academic guidance, career counselling, and access to learning technology. It equips our students with the confidence and skills to progress to full-time degree programmes. I would like to thank our incredible lecturers who deliver this programme and our amazing students, who are fabulous ambassadors as graduates of this programme.”  

Anna Murphy, the Programme Leader of the Certificate in Transition to Higher Education, said, “I am extremely proud that our course has been recognised with an AONTAS STAR Award. This achievement is a testament to the dedication of our students, community partners, the commitment of our lecturing team, and the transformative impact of access to education. At TUS, we believe that education should be inclusive and empowering, and this award reaffirms the importance of providing pathways for learners to achieve their full potential. It is an honour to receive this recognition, and we look forward to continuing to support our students on their educational journeys.”

Students Showcase Robot-Making Abilities At TUS Athlone

34 teams having 100 students showcased their robot-making abilities on US Athlone for the First Lego League Challenge Regional Finals. These teams were from 10 counties.

Dr Clodagh Reid, lecturer in the Department of Technology Education at TUS Athlone, said, “It has been fantastic to work with the special group of teachers, students and wider school communities throughout this year to facilitate the teams in participating in the First Lego League Challenge. Now in our third year of supporting this programme, it is brilliant to see the progress being made in the region with four teams going forward to this year’s national finals in April. We look forward to continuing to support interested schools in participating in the competition in the coming years and facilitating hands-on and fun STEM learning experiences for young people in the region.”  

Jane Burns, Director of Education & Public Engagement at TUS Athlone, said, “The Faculty of Engineering is committed to educational engagements with a range of our regional neighbours. The interaction and development with local schools is by far the most important. We endeavour through activities like the First Lego League to have children discover all the amazing activities and impacts engineering has on everyday life and their futures. With Lego this engagement with engineering happens one brick at a time.”

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