ARE YOU DREAMING of a career change or eager to pursue further studies, but feel overwhelmed by your busy life? It’s easy to push your ambitions aside and tell yourself that you’ll get to it later. But what if you didn’t have to wait? What if you could take the next step in your career now, without sacrificing your current commitments?

Atlantic Technological University (ATU) believes learning should fit into your life, not interrupt it. With over 90 online and part-time courses starting in January 2025, ATU offers the opportunity to advance your career and grow your skills without having to put your life on hold. Whether you choose online, blended, or on-campus learning, ATU’s flexible programmes are designed to support your ambitions — empowering you to take the next step toward your future, your way.

Celebrating Graduate Success Stories

Recently, ATU celebrated the dedication and success of its graduates. The graduation ceremonies were a moment of triumph for students who had dedicated themselves to their studies, balancing work, family, and personal commitments. From cap and gown to new careers, these graduates shared their inspiring stories with us, showing how flexible learning opened doors to exciting new opportunities.

Sarah Tighe – Postgraduate Diploma in Business in Accounting

Sarah Tighe was a primary school teacher when she decided to pursue a career change. Her passion for business and accounting led her to ATU’s Postgraduate Diploma in Business in Accounting. “I was originally a primary school teacher, and I thought it was a great opportunity to change career, and it was a field I was really interested in,” Sarah explains. 

Since completing her course, Sarah has secured a graduate role with PWC Ireland. She credits the programme with providing the skills and knowledge she needed to transition into a new career. “It was a real segue into a new career path,” she says. For Sarah, the flexible learning format made it possible to achieve this significant change while balancing her teaching career and family commitments.

Niall Brady – Master of Science in Sports and Exercise Nutrition

Niall Brady’s journey at ATU began in 2012, when he graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Health Science and Physiology. He loved the experience and connections he made with faculty and classmates during his undergraduate years.

“I would have good memories of my undergraduate studies back in 2012 and I would have good relations with a lot of the lecturers here,” Niall recalls. But it wasn’t until later in his career that he returned to ATU to pursue a Master of Sports and Exercise Nutrition Nutrition, combining his love for sports with his passion for nutrition.

Niall now works as the Academy Performance Nutritionist at Connacht Rugby, helping elite athletes optimise their performance through nutrition.

“The connections I made during my studies were invaluable,” Niall says. The programme provided him with the knowledge and networking opportunities that helped him build the career he always dreamed of. Niall’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of continuing education, and how it can provide fresh opportunities for career growth.

Conor McCourt – Higher Diploma in Food Business and Product Innovation

For Conor McCourt, lifelong learning is key to success. Conor’s journey into the food business began when he enrolled in ATU’s Higher Diploma in Food Business and Product Innovation. “This programme has been a significant milestone in my professional development. It underscores my commitment to lifelong learning—a principle I firmly believe is essential for sustained personal and career growth,” Conor shares. As someone who is passionate about innovation, Conor recognised that further education would help him stay ahead in a constantly evolving industry.

By completing the Higher Diploma, Conor honed his skills and developed a deeper understanding of food business practices, which helped him progress in his career. Today, he is poised to continue growing within the industry and encourages others to embrace education as a lifelong journey.

Flexible Learning: Supporting Career Transitions and Networking Opportunities

Flexible learning at ATU isn’t just about acquiring knowledge—it’s about building a network, making career transitions smooth, and enhancing career progression. ATU’s approach combines practical skills with academic development, enabling individuals to shift their career goals and expand their professional opportunities. It’s more than just getting a qualification; it’s about adapting, evolving, and empowering yourself to succeed.

Sarah, Niall, and Conor all highlight the importance of networking and connecting with like-minded professionals in their fields. For Sarah, the benefits of further education were clear: “It was only a year-long programme, but it has completely transformed my career trajectory.”

Niall emphasises how engaging with professionals from various sports broadened his expertise in nutrition. “Interlinking with people in various sports gave me a more holistic understanding of nutrition,” he says, showing how collaboration and learning from others can deepen your knowledge and enhance your career.

Conor, too, found that meeting and learning from others within the food industry was essential to his development. “Meeting others within the industry and learning from their experiences was extremely beneficial,” he shares. This network of like-minded individuals provided Conor with a broader perspective on his field, helping him to grow both personally and professionally.

Balancing Work and Study: The ATU Advantage

ATU’s flexible learning options are designed to help students balance the demands of their personal and professional lives. The university offers part-time courses that are ideal for busy professionals who want to advance their education without giving up their careers. Courses are delivered through online or blended formats, with blended learning offering students the flexibility to attend in-person lectures at times that work for them.

For Sarah, the flexibility of her programme was crucial. “Due to the small class sizes, we really got to engage with the content, and the lecturers were always on hand to answer any questions we may have,” she says. This accessibility allowed Sarah to get the most out of her experience, despite her busy schedule.

Without ATU’s flexible courses, Sarah, Conor, and Niall would not have been able to pursue their career aspirations. As Sarah says, “You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.” Her words reflect the sentiment of many ATU graduates who believe that flexible learning is the key to achieving their goals, no matter how busy their lives may be.

ATU is proud to offer over 90 flexible learning programmes for a January 2025 start. As a leader in flexible learning, ATU provides opportunities for part-time study through various delivery modes, including online, blended, and on-campus learning. Whether you’re looking to advance your career, change paths, or explore a new field, ATU’s flexible learning programmes can help you achieve your goals.

Explore the full list of ATU’s flexible learning courses and take the first step toward building the future you’ve always envisioned.

Discover your future at Atlantic Technological University.

Explore the January Start programmes at ATU.