Meet our Students

Georgia McLaughlin BA (Hons) in Fashion with Promotion

Georgia started her university journey in Northumbria University, having studied her A-Levels in St. Mary’s College in Derry, she chose to study the BA (Hons) in Fashion with Marketing in Newcastle. In the first year of the degree programme, Georgia began to miss home and decided to leave the programme in Newcastle. It was at this time that Georgia connected with a teacher from St. Mary’s who recommended that she consider the BA(Hons) in Fashion with Promotion at ATU Donegal. Georgia added, “I don’t think I was ready to make the move to the UK, life is very different there, when I returned home, I quickly learned that ATU had a similar programme, and I made my application. Now in my final year, I have had the most incredible experience in the Donegal university campus. The hands-on learning, the guidance and one-to-one support you receive is second to none! I would highly recommend studying in ATU, you can apply for student finance support, and it’s so close to home. I am now applying for Buying and Merchandising positions with a number of fashion houses, but my degree allows me to explore a wide variety of careers in the fashion industry, it has been an incredible experience.”

Cathal Mc Bride BSc (Hons) in Computing

Cathal always had a passion for technology. When he started researching degrees, he focused on gaining a wide knowledge base. Cathal commented, “I started to look towards computing and the degrees in ATU Sligo provided the widest range of modules. The common entry first year was also a big positive. The CAO application process was very simple, far simpler than UCAS and no personal statement required. The fees are also a big factor to consider. They are much less that in Northern Ireland and the UK. When you consider the costs across three or four years, it can be a sizeable amount. Throughout my studies, I enjoyed the variety of modules and the practical learning in state-of-the-art facilities. The work placement and industry-based project were two of my degree highlights. ATU degrees are also recognised worldwide. I now work as a System Engineer at IP Performance in Bristol, England. I am surprised that more Northern Irish students are not studying in the Republic of Ireland. However, I can see this starting to change, and as somebody who took this path, I can see why.”

Katie Curran-Moss

BSc (Hons) in Bio-analytical Science

Katie joined ATU in September 2022, having studied her A-levels in Strabane Academy, Co. Tyrone. When Katie visited the Letterkenny university campus, she was impressed by the caring campus feel and the warm community that she was met with. Being close to home was an added bonus as Katie could commute to university. Katie is enjoying her academic experience at ATU and has also enjoyed the friendly atmosphere that exists on-campus. Katie is considering several career options from this programme, perhaps she will take on a role as a post-primary teacher, a role in laboratory science or a role working with animals – the opportunities are endless! Katie would encourage all Northern Irish students to explore their study options at ATU, the CAO application process is easy, and student life is incredible.

Enya Mellon

BA (Hons) in Interior Architecture and Design

Growing up Enya was interested in art and design subjects. When making her CAO choices, she researched degrees in the Republic of Ireland and ATU Sligo’s BA (Hons) in Interior Architecture and Design really caught her attention. Enya commented, “The CAO application process was so stressfree compared to the UCAS system, with no personal statement required. One massive advantage to studying in the Republic of Ireland are the fees. They are so much cheaper than Northern Ireland and the UK, and there are lots of grant options available. I really enjoy the variety in my degree. My favourite modules are Design Realisation and Studio because you can really bring your ideas to life. This year’s fieldtrip to Stockholm was also amazing. I am entering Year 3 of my studies which is a ‘sandwich year’. I will complete work placement at home in Semester 1, and I have been accepted onto an Erasmus+ programme to MCAST in Malta for Semester 2. For any Northern Irish students thinking about applying through the CAO, I would advise them to do it. Applying is one of the best decisions I have ever made and has opened so many opportunities for me.”

Ewan Wilson

BEng

(Hons) in Mechanical Engineering

Ewan undertook his A-levels in Foyle College, Derry. With an interest in studying Engineering, Ewan attended the university Open Day in the Donegal campus and was impressed by the facilities, most specifically the machine lab in the Mechanical Engineering Department. Ewan had connected with ATU lecturer Chris McCallion during his A-level study, and it was Chris who encouraged Ewan to explore the Engineering degree options at ATU Donegal. Now in his third year, Ewan has enjoyed the practical learning environment, which is unique in the university setting. As Ewan approaches his final year of study, he is exploring Masters study in Manufacturing Engineering and is considering his career options at home and abroad.