ATU Northern Ireland Applicant Guide 2024

Northern Ireland Applicant Guide

Why Choose Atlantic Technological University

Atlantic Technological University (ATU) is a multi-campus technological university in the west and north-west of Ireland that delivers a rich combination of academic and research excellence, quality of life and opportunity. Atlantic TU has the critical mass and academic depth to attract, educate, nurture and retain talent in the west, north-west and cross-border region.

Fees

At a maximum of €3,000* per year, the Student Contribution fee is more affordable than in Northern Ireland and the UK.

*Fees are normally €3,000, reduced to €2,000 in 2023 and are subject to change.

Grants

Northern Irish students can apply for a fee grant through SUSI (www.susi.ie). If you qualify for a fee grant, then SUSI will pay the Student Contribution Fee. Unlike student loans, fee grants do not have to be paid back.

Loans

1 Region

9 Campuses

600+ Programmes

8 Research Centres

5,000+ Graduates Annually

23,500+ Students

2,253 Total Staff

Applicants from Northern Ireland can secure support to cover costs of studying in the Republic of Ireland. Contact the Local Education and Library Board or visit the websites below for more information:

www.slc.co.uk

www.studentfinanceni.co.uk

CAO Application

The CAO application process is very straightforward. There is no personal statement required in the application process. ATU do not require a second language. Applicants can choose 20 courses in total - ten at Level 8 and ten at Level 6 or 7.

Worldwide Degree

A degree from ATU can take you anywhere in the world. A degree from ATU is equal to that of a degree from any other university. ATU has graduates employed in every corner of the globe - there are no limits to what you can achieve.

1 ATU Donegal Letterkenny

2 ATU Donegal Killybegs

3 ATU Sligo

4

5 ATU Mayo

6 ATU Connemara

7 ATU Mountbellew

8

9

ATU Galway City

ATU

ATU Donegal Letterkenny

ATU Donegal Killybegs

ATU Mayo

ATU Connemara

ATU Mountbellew

ATU Sligo

Entry Requirements

Each year we are proud to welcome a new cohort of Northern Irish students. With a top-class education guaranteed, a simple application process and all the financial benefits that come along with it – we can see why more and more Northern Irish students are choosing Atlantic Technological University. Students from Northern Ireland and UK who are considering going to university in the Republic of Ireland, and who wish to start at first year, should make their application via the Central Applications Office, more commonly known as the CAO – www.cao.ie

The CAO application system is different from the UCAS system. There is a video guide, an online tutorial and mock application form on the CAO website. New users may find it helpful to use these to familiarise themselves with the CAO system and to practice making an application before submitting the actual application.

An award at Level 3 on the UK framework is the minimum entry standard for year 1.

Standard NI/UK applicants

Standard applicants are those presenting a combination of GCSE/GCE awards only. This is the most clearcut entry pathway.

Non-standard NI/UK Applicants

Awards other than GCE/GCSE combination are regarded as non-standard and are not included in CAO centralised automated processing. If an applicant is including NI/UK awards, other than the standard GCE/ GCSE combination as part of an application, supporting documentation will be needed. Details of the alternate qualification(s) should be supplied to CAO.

For more detailed information on NI/UK entry requirements check out the ATU Prospectus.

Access NI Course

The Access NI course is available to support students who may struggle to matriculate to ATU via the normal CAO process.

The Access NI course provides the following benefits:

• Gives direct entry to multiple undergraduate degree programmes available at ATU*

• Aimed at students who are studying a mixture of A-levels and other awards such as BTEC’s

• FREE of charge - no cost to the student participant

• Delivered ONLINE – 2 evenings per week

• Begins in spring

• A standalone 30 credit qualification - a level 6 qualification which equates to a level 4 programme in NI.

For more information or to request an application form please contact christina.cuffe@atu.ie

*Some programmes have quotas or are exempt from applications.

CAO points are assigned to the exam grades presented by candidates who meet the minimum entry requirements. Below is our point scoring system.

BTECs – Matriculation

For pre 2010 BTECs a National Certificate is the lowest acceptable award. Each module is scored, pass 1, merit 2, distinction 3. The total score is then derived using the following formula.

(Sum of scores/number of modules x 3) x 390

Student Life and Student Supports

As a multi-campus university, ATU offers students a diverse range of unforgettable experiences, whilst ensuring they are fully supported throughout their academic journey.

Clubs and Societies

Joining a club or society is a great way to meet people with similar interests, try out something new or pursue your passion. We encourage students to join at least one club or society, and with a huge variety to choose from, ATU has something for everyone.

Students’ Union

As soon as you become an ATU student, you automatically become a member of a Students’ Union (SU). These are democratic organisations run by students, for students. Whilst they organise lots of fun events throughout the year, the Students’ Union are also a valuable source of support and campaign on important issues facing students.

Sport for All

Our belief is that sport is for everyone. We understand the positive impact it can have on an individual’s physical and mental health. That is why we have a wide range of activities to suit everyone. Whether you are an elite level athlete, a talented amateur or someone who is looking to keep fit and healthy, we have something to suit all abilities and interests.

Student Experiences

The opportunity to translate academic knowledge into a hands-on employment experience is why ATU are so passionate about work placement. We also encourage students to consider the option of spending a year, a semester or even a small part of a semester abroad at one of our partner institutes across Europe and the world

Academic Supports

We have invested heavily in our learning facilities to ensure our students are fully supported throughout their academic journey. Our dedicated libraries, learning support tutors, maths support centres, academic writing centres and technology services offer innovative and friendly support to our students. Our student success teams help ensure students have an enjoyable and successful time at ATU, while our careers teams are passionate about finding everyone a career and future they will love.

Student Supports

Our student supports teams help with any concerns or worries you may have in a confidential and sensitive manner. Our access offices are here to support students who may have special learning needs, disabilities or any circumstances which might need individual consideration. Our health service teams are made up of doctors, nurses, counselling, and well-being services. The chaplaincy service supports students in their personal and spiritual growth during their time at ATU. The chaplaincy service is available to students of all faiths and those who have none.

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 stress-free 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. The Year 2 fieldtrip to Stockholm has been another highlight of my studies. Now in Year 3, I am completing a full year of work experience in Belfast as part of my sandwich year of study. 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.”

Programme Listing

ATU GALWAY CITY

Science and

ATU MAYO

ATU MOUNTBELLEW

Business, Engineering and Science

ATU DONEGAL LETTERKENNY

Business AU301

Find out more on

ATU DONEGAL KILLYBEGS

Engineering and Design

Find out more on

Science

ATU ST ANGELAS

Open Days and Events

There is nothing quite like spending a day experiencing university life before you even get started. Open days are a great way to meet lecturers, staff and current students. For the full list of ATU Open Days visit www.atu.ie/opendays

Campus Tours

If you can’t make one of our open days or scheduled events, you can contact a member of our team to book a campus tour. We offer campus tours throughout the year. A campus tour is ideal for students who are considering studying at ATU. Family and friends are also encouraged to come along on the tour.

Connect with us online

Contact Us

Our experienced team are here to support students, parents, guardians, teachers and guidance counsellors. They can answer questions on programmes, accommodation, entry requirements, pathways and lots more. The team will also work with schools to arrange visits, talks, career events, subject-specific workshops, taster days and much more.

Christina Cuffe

Schools Engagement Officer

Atlantic Technological University

Email: christina.cuffe@atu.ie

T: 074 91 86108

Lorraine Cunningham

Schools Liaison Officer

Atlantic Technological University (Galway and Mayo Campuses)

Email: lorraine.cunningham@atu.ie

T: 091 74 2390

M: 086 143 8705

Victoria Wilson

Schools Engagement Officer

Atlantic Technological University (Donegal Campuses)

Email: victoria.wilson@atu.ie

T: 074 91 86104

M: 086 737 4922

Micheál Dowdican

Schools Liaison Officer

Atlantic Technological University (Sligo Campuses)

Email: micheal.dowdican@atu.ie

T: 071 93 05981

M: 086 898 4086

Hi, my name is Christina Cuffe. I am Atlantic Technological University’s Schools Engagement Officer for Northern Ireland. If you have any questions regarding our programme offerings please do not hesitate to reach out.

Aisling Hynes

FE/PLC Engagement Officer

Atlantic Technological University (Galway and Mayo Campuses)

Email: aisling.hynes@atu.ie

T: 091 74 2390

M: 085 879 0855

Jacqueline Mellett

Schools Liaison Officer

Atlantic Technological University (Sligo Campuses)

Email: jacqueline.mellett@atu.ie

T: 071 91 37325

M: 087 930 0057

Seán Kelly

Schools Liaison Officer

Atlantic Technological University (St. Angela's Campus)

Email: skelly@stangelas.ie

T: 071 91 95512

M: 086 138 3756

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