The classroom might be the best place for children but professionals seeking to further their education or upskill typically require a little more leeway, given that further education is usually only one of the balls they are juggling.
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) is answering this need having developed more than 400 part-time, online and flexible learning courses. These programmes, which span the disciplines of business, engineering, computing, science, health, design, education and humanities, are now open for applications for a September 2025 start.
“We offer a unique blend of academic excellence, research innovation and quality of life,” says Billy Bennett, registrar and chief academic officer at ATU.
ATU was ahead of the curve in recognising the growing demand for education that fits around life’s many responsibilities. Today more than half of its 30,000 students are enrolled in part-time or online programmes. ATU offers more than 120 master’s degrees, delivered in a flexible mode and designed to suit those seeking to upskill, specialise or retrain, as well as many other postgraduate qualifications. The university has also evolved to offer short, accredited learning opportunities in the form of micro-credentials.
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“We are competing on a global scale and Ireland needs to maintain our highly educated workforce to sustain the economy into the future. We can support the pace of change by offering those in employment flexible ways to acquire new knowledge and apply that learning immediately in the workforce,” Dr Bennett says.
ATU has carefully built the supports and systems necessary to facilitate a flexible and fulfilling learning journey. Lectures are scheduled in the evenings, with live lectures recorded and available to watch back for those who cannot attend. Online student advisers are also available to support learners throughout their journey, helping navigate elements like timetables, virtual learning environments, exam schedules etc. “A comprehensive range of supports from the academic and student engagement teams provide a learning experience tailored to the specific needs of flexible learning students,” Bennett says.
ATU graduates invariably cite the positive impact the flexible delivery mode had on their career but also their personal growth “There is a significant sense of accomplishment. The sacrifices students and families make to support the learning journey are factors that develop successful leaders in the workplace,” adds Bennett.
Jimmy Augustine can attest to this. The senior engineering manager studied an MBS in Innovation and Leadership on an online basis, in addition to working full-time, in 2022, before gaining an MSc in DevOps in 2023.
“With a busy full-time job, the online structure of the programmes offered both the discipline and flexibility I needed to stay accountable and manage my learning effectively,” he says. “I found the online format extremely beneficial, as it gave me the flexibility to balance study with a full-time job and family commitments. The structured pace of regular classes and assignment deadlines served as helpful guardrails to keep me focused.”
While it sometimes felt “overwhelming”, Augustine says a supportive employer and close friendships built with classmates helped him balance the demands of working and learning. He also focused on staying connected to his peers and lecturers. “It’s important to be proactive and engaged during online sessions – ask questions, participate in discussions, and avoid slipping into a passive mode of just listening,” he says.
Augustine is effusive about the benefits of undertaking both masters degrees, both on a personal and professional level. “Completing the MBS allowed me to realise my potential in providing coaching, negotiating, and facilitating complex technical discussions, while my MSc in DevOps has made me increasingly hands-on,” he notes. “The DevOps principles and best practices I studied aligned closely with our ongoing system migrations and software delivery processes, making the course content highly relevant to my day-to-day work. This blend of leadership and technical expertise has boosted both my confidence and my career opportunities, enabling me to better guide engineering teams and drive innovation.”
Margaret Kelly, a registered nurse, speaks highly of her experience balancing work and part-time study at ATU. Now a clinical nurse specialist in palliative care, she completed the Postgraduate Diploma in Palliative and End of Life Care in 2022, then going on to complete her Master’s degree in 2023.
According to Kelly, studying online has been a “unique and rewarding experience”, one that allowed her to combine further education with working full-time. “I could structure my study time around work and family commitments which made it manageable,” she notes. “Accessibility to lessons and signposting of materials to learn all helped my understanding and progressed my learning.”
She echoes Augustine’s view that while the path wasn’t always easy, it was incredibly fulfilling. Effective time management was essential, given the demands of her day job and family life. Yet she found the experience overwhelmingly positive. “I grew personally and professionally and I could see a clear connection between what I was studying and the direct impact on my work.”
Kelly has sage advice for those considering taking on a part-time, flexible learning course. “It’s flexible and incredibly rewarding but requires discipline and time management skills,” she asserts. “But you will meet like-minded people and expand your professional circle while making friends for life. During tough times visualise yourself at the finish line and the enhanced career prospects it will bring.”
ATU has more than 400 part-time, online and flexible learning courses open for applications for a September 2025 start. ATU equips learners at all stages with the skills they need to move beyond their expectations with their career and life ambitions. Download the university’s 2025/26 prospectus here.
Flexible learning is ideal for those seeking to upskill, change career direction, and to access and continue lifelong learning. As a leader in part-time learning ATU offers students the opportunity to study part-time through a variety of delivery modes such as online, blended and on-campus learning. View its full course listings here.
