A Degree that O ers Abundant Career Paths and Opportunities

The Department of Early Education and Social Studies at ATU Donegal held a ‘Career Pathways Event’ on March 6 at the Letterkenny campus. This event brought together stakeholders and industry experts to engage with students undertaking programmes in the Higher Certificate and Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Early Childhood Care Health and Education.

The Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Early Childhood Care, Health & Education is a four-year programme that equips graduates with the necessary skills to work with young children and their families. It is an invigorating and exciting career path.

Dr Nigel McKelvey, Head of Department, welcomed guest speakers to the event including ATU Donegal Careers Officer, Catherine Lyster, managers of early childhood services in Donegal, educators from early childhood and primary school sectors and alumni students who have progressed to Masters studies.

There was input from fourth year students who interviewed a primary school teacher and early childhood educators. Students learned about the roles and responsibilities in these professions and the career pathways available on completion of the BSc (Hons) in Early Childhood Care Health and Education Degree. Reflective discussions informed students of the benefits and value of a graduate qualification, with all stakeholders in agreement that students graduating with a Level 8 BSc. qualification is the trajectory for this sector, in preparation for government funding towards salaries.

The BSc (Hons) programme at ATU Donegal informs the student on research, policy, and evidence-based practice, strengthening the culmination of student’s knowledge, understanding and skills developed at an advanced educator stage.

Patsy Callaghan, lecturer and programme co-ordinator highlights; “Tasks in practical classes, assessment and placement practice have been strategically aligned to assist the student in meeting criterion outlined in national and international Guidelines (EU Quality Framework for ECEC, The Early Years Inspectorate Quality and Regulatory Framework). The programme modules aim to deliver discipline-specific content in preparation for a national initiative for professionalisation and the

Workforce Plan for Early Learning and Care and SchoolAge Childcare: ‘Nurturing Skills’ (DCEDIY, 2022-2028).

The BSc (Hons) programme assists students to meet these graduate attributes and those outlined in both the QQI Level 8 Professional Award Type Descriptors and the First Five Early Years Strategy (Government of Ireland, 2019). Immense work has been done to align the programme with these professional requirements so that graduates will have excellent career opportunities working in different early years settings.

Not only is the programme a pathway into primary education, graduates also find themselves working in areas such as speech and language therapy, child psychology, child and family support, special needs, and specialist advisors. Typically graduates work in private and public early childhood education and care facilities.

The event was a great success and supported a concerted effort to raise the status of and value placed on completion of a BSc (Hons) in Early Childhood Care Health and Education, establishing a career framework for students.

Health & Social Care Students Completed e-Learning Course as part of Health Promotion Module

Throughout the three days, Andrew and Paddy participated in a busy itinerary, from innovation tents that showcased new futuristic inventions for the agriculture world, guest speakers who delivered informative talks from a variety of industries, reviewed machinery and spectated at an array of competitions.

ATU Donegal lecturer, Andrew McNamee noted; “Attendance at the National Ploughing Championships was hugely beneficial as we got the opportunity to reunite with ATU graduates and more importantly meet potential future students and inform them of the agriculture courses we offer whilst answering any questions they may have.’’

In addition to the activities, with over

1,700 trade stands and 277,000 visitors at the event, the networking opportunities were also endless. ATU lecturer, Paddy Solan says; “It was a great opportunity to speak with the Department of Agriculture in person to relay the current ongoing issues farmers and students are facing. We met with guest lecturer Patrick Kelly, who hosts placement for our students, plus we got the chance to support one of our graduates, Conor McKeown who was both judging and competing at the championships.’’

Award Winning Science Student Excels on Third Level Education Journey

County Cork native Margaret Brophy had enrolled in various third level programmes over the years but never found the right programme or college experience that suited her hopes. Margaret was always interested in obtaining a qualification and decided to give college life another chance as a mature student.

Now in second year of the Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Science degree at ATU Donegal, Margaret has never looked back.

Having explored his options, his passion for chemistry and physics encouraged Cormac to apply for the Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Science at ATU Donegal. Currently in third year of the programme, Cormac says: “I never looked back. I found accommodation and I live in Letterkenny, close to campus. I am only a short distance from home in Malin and I am thoroughly enjoying my time at ATU”. Cormac won an award for the Best Analytical Science Student 2022. Uniquely awarded to the best performing Analytical Chemistry students, Cormac beat stiff competition from third level institutions across the country and will be proud to display his latest accolade on his CV.

The Institute of Public Health (IPH) has launched a free online course to help healthcare professionals support older people to have more physically active lives.

Second year Health and Social Care students recently completed the Institute of Public Health's ‘Getting Active for Better Ageing’ course. The digital learning resource is aimed at general practitioners, nurses, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists and all healthcare professionals that interact with older persons, as well as anyone interested in supporting older adults getting or staying active.

This provides students with skills and knowledge to assist this generation with a healthier lifestyle.

If you would like to find out more about the BSc (Hons) in Health & Social Care, visit www.atu.ie/AU391

“During my first week at ATU, all students were given the opportunity to take entry tests to determine what kind of learner you are and how you learn best. During these tests it was flagged that I might have ADHD. I have since been diagnosed. I think in hindsight that my previous attempts at studying may have been cut short because I never knew and I never got the correct supports”, says Margaret.

‘The Curve’ is a tailored learning centre at ATU Donegal that has strong learning support structures in place for all students. It offers advice and supports to a diverse range of students and operates an open-door policy. Margaret found the support provided by The Curve invaluable and it continues to support her through her third level journey.

The Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Science degree is intrinsically multidisciplinary in nature and will open a world of career opportunities across a diverse range of sectors. Students spend extensive time studying in state-of-the-art laboratories and study the full range of core science subjects, with particular emphasis on pharmaceutical science and medical devices.

Margaret says; “I loved the programme from day one. The split of practical and theoretical learning is a perfect balance for me. I learn by doing so I can really understand theory when I can apply it to practical learning. I like everything about the programme. I enjoy using all the different equipment in the labs and learning what it will be like to work in industry. The labs and facilities are great, and the lecturers are very helpful.”

Margaret has been excelling at her studies, she has recently won an award for ‘Best Analytical Science Student 2023’. Uniquely awarded to the best performing Analytical Chemistry student, with big competition from third level institutions across the country each year.

Margaret now lives in Letterkenny and enjoys life in County Donegal; “I love Donegal. It feels like home. There’s so much to do in Letterkenny, I didn’t expect it to be such a bustling town. In contrast, I love exploring the coast and the peacefulness it provides. Donegal people are so friendly and kind.”

Margaret hopes to follow on with a Research PhD and looks forward to what the future brings and the opportunities that her programme will present upon graduation!

If you would like to find out more about the BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Science, visit www.atu.ie/AU373

Cormac always had an interest in all things science. His love for physics and chemistry are complimented by the programme and both the theory and practical labs allow him to further explore and study in an area that is of keen interest to him. “The lab work is my favourite part. The labs and facilities on campus are very good and there is a whole lab for analysing drugs and chemicals. This is a very interesting part of the programme”, says Cormac. Cormac is an enthusiastic student ambassador and volunteers at numerous events. This will allow Cormac to gain a digital badge in recognition of his efforts. He is also an active member of various societies and arranges guest speakers, events and activities: “I'm also a representative and writer for Astronomy Ireland which aims to promote space education and interest in Ireland. I'm also secretary of the science society in the university. I'm very interested in public outreach regarding science in general”, says Cormac. Cormac is excited for the future after graduation. “The programme opens the doors to a wide variety of avenues. It recently got teaching council recognition which means that graduates could progress to a career in secondary school teaching in the subject area of chemistry. I personally hope to pursue a career in research initially and perhaps undertake a Masters by Research in a specific area”.

Agricultural Graduates become Bord Bia Inspectors

ATU graduates Nichola McGeever who graduated in 2019 and Lyndsey Tinney who graduated in 2020 have gone from strength to strength in their agricultural career following their time at ATU Donegal. Both graduates now work for Bord Bia as on-farm Quality Assurance Inspectors. Nichola and Lyndsey both completed their BSc (Hons) in Agriculture at ATU Donegal. When they aren’t working with Bord Bia they are on their home farms lending a helping hand.

ATU agricultural science lecturers Paddy Solan and Gerard McDaid were both surprised when their former students, Nichola and Lyndsey, arrived on their respective farms as Bord Bia staff to conduct inspections. Paddy and Gerard were delighted that they passed their inspections! Nichola and Lyndsey are only two of several ATU graduates employed by Bord Bia.