Welcome from the Dean of Faculty of Continuing, LearningProfessional, Online and Distance

Welcome from the Dean of Faculty of Continuing, Professional, Online and Distance Learning

Welcome, I am delighted that you have chosen to look at our range of part-time flexible programmes as offered through the Faculty of Continuing, Professional, Online and Distance Learning. For this academic year (2021/2022) it is important to advise you that all programmes being offered through the Faculty will be delivered in an online blended learning mode, requiring minimal presence on the campus. For the Faculty, this method of delivery simply involves building on our experience and expertise in the area of online blended learning acquired through the range of part-time online blended learning programmes delivered by the Faculty over the past years. Indeed, last year we had in excess of 700 students studying our flexible online blended learning programmes from across Ireland. While this year has been challenging for us all, as you browse through the pages you will see that we have a range of programmes covering many discipline areas, at all levels of the national qualifications framework, including undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, from short accredited programmes of less than one year to full degrees. All programmes, relevant to those of you considering future-proofing their careers while working in the Midlands Region or indeed across Ireland. Our objective is to deliver relevant learning programmes to you, in a manner that suits your busy lives. Through our unique relationship with our Industry partners, all programmes that we offer are designed through consultation with our industry partners. So, as you search for your next learning opportunity, I would also ask that you ensure that you look at where the qualification might take you, including the type of work you might do. Such an approach will assist you to understand the benefits of each programme to you, including the potential industry sector that might require those skills. This industry focus is demonstrated through the range of Springboard+ programmes that we delivered last year, where in excess of 900 students availed of Springboard + funded programmes. A significant win for both the Institute and you the learner! Again, this year you will see that we have a range of funded Springboard+ programmes and Human Capital Initiative programmes on offer. All funded programmes available to all and depending on your employment or other circumstances, they are free or indeed require a maximum payment of 10%. All representing a unique opportunity for you to acquire new skills and learning. The pages that follow offer you full details on this funding and how to apply. To assist your search, the Faculty has a team of dedicated staff that are available at our various virtual Open Evenings and/or via e-mail or on the telephone. So if you have any queries, there is no excuse, so please do contact them. Wishing you the best of luck as you search for the programmes that best matches your needs. I look forward to welcoming you to the Institute throughout the 2021/22 academic year, as we all work together to ensure we deliver relevant skills for the future world of work. But, moreso for you, the learner who chooses to acquire or consolidate those skills with your new learning partner the Athlone Institute of Technology.

Dr Michael Tobin Dean of Faculty, Continuing, Professional, Online and Distance Learning.