Atlantic Technological University (ATU) is one of the largest multi-campus universities in Ireland, spanning the west, northwest, and beyond.
It is developing programmes that are designed to future-proof employers and their employees, delivered in a flexible way that supports lifelong learning.
Its Level 7 Bachelor of Engineering in automation and robotics is a perfect example.
Developed in partnership with enterprise, this programme, which starts in September 2026, will be delivered part-time.
RM Block
ATU’s academic teams work closely with industry to create these programmes. Its faculty of engineering and computing, for example, offers more than 140 part-time programmes across key disciplines such as the built environment, computing, mechanical and manufacturing engineering.
Last year the faculty received more than 6,500 applications, with automation programmes among the most popular choice.
Around one-fifth of all these applications were employer supported, by companies including Boston Scientific, AbbVie, Abbott, Mercury, Medtronic and Kirby Group.
Automation and robotics skills in demand
ATU’s school of mechanical and manufacturing engineering offers a range of automation and robotics programmes, developed in partnership with industry.
Its graduates are in particularly high demand due to ongoing skills shortages.
“Some 82 per cent of Irish businesses are experiencing critical skills gaps, heavily impacting automation, robotics, and AI, as reported by Ibec in 2026,” explains Emmett Kerr, head of the department of electronic and mechanical engineering at ATU.
Demand for AI-exposed roles has risen by 162 per cent, and talent shortages persist, particularly in process engineering, PLC programming, and control systems.
Nearly seven in 10 employers cite recruitment difficulties, threatening Ireland’s productivity.
“The shortage is accelerating a shift toward internal upskilling, with companies focusing on training existing staff to handle new technologies and AI applications in manufacturing,” he adds.
Working in partnership with industry
The new part-time Level 7 Bachelor of Engineering in automation and robotics was designed in close collaboration with key industry partners, including medical devices developer Abbott, and SeaQuest Systems, a developer of fish pumps and hydraulic systems for offshore vessels.
“At SeaQuest Systems, we are currently actively researching and implementing new technologies with the aim of streamlining our production processes. In particular, we are focusing on the integration of robotic welding systems, alongside the expansion of our industrial control systems and digital visualisation capabilities,” says Neil Leslie, director of the Killybegs based business, who “strongly welcomes” the new course.
“As we continue to research and begin integrating these technologies, we are experiencing increasing pressure in sourcing suitably skilled personnel within the local region who possess the required technical expertise,” he explains.
He is confident this course will produce graduates with the practicable, industry-relevant skills required by modern manufacturing environments.
It represents “a timely and necessary development in bridging the skills gap and ensuring that local industry can continue to innovate, compete, and grow,” he says.
“A key focus is on the importance of employee upskilling, particularly through part-time and flexible learning models that allow professionals to continue working while developing new competencies.”
Investing in facilities and equipment
ATU have made a significant investment in equipment on their Letterkenny campus to support this new degrees. As a result, students will benefit from access to cutting edge automation and robotics technologies, ensuring a hands-on learning experience that reflects real industry environments.
ATU has acquired two six-axis industrial robots from Japanese industrial automation giant Fanuc, complete with Roboguide.
“This technology enables students to develop fully functional digital twins of robotic cells, allowing for the simulation of operations, optimisation of cycle times, and validation of end-of-arm tooling designs prior to physical implementation,” explains course lecturer Eoin Byrne.
In addition, it has acquired two ready-to-educate robotic cells from Kuka, a German manufacturer.
ATU has also purchased five purpose-built custom training rigs focused on programmable logic controller (PLC) education. These are equipped with Allen-Bradley systems and incorporate a comprehensive range of industrial safety devices, ensuring students gain hands-on experience in both control and safety-critical environments.
Plans are in place to further enhance the learning environment through the introduction of additional dedicated PLC training platforms, including systems from Omron, Siemens, and Mitsubishi Electric.
“This multi-platform approach is designed to ensure graduates are proficient across a range of industry-standard technologies, thereby significantly enhancing their versatility and employability within the evolving landscape of advanced manufacturing and Industry 4.0,” says Byrne.
Addressing skills shortages head-on
ATU’s degree in automation and robotics is designed to meet industry needs while at the same time providing clear academic pathways, including opportunities to progress to Level 9 master’s – and possibly even doctorate level qualifications.
“Across Ireland, and particularly in regions with a strong manufacturing base, there is a clear and growing skills shortage in automation, robotics, and smart manufacturing technologies,” says Kerr.
“Industry is moving rapidly towards more connected, data‑driven and automated production systems. However, the availability of engineers with the right blend of practicable automation skills, systems thinking and digital competence has not kept pace.”
“Together, our automation programmes form part of a longer‑term response to building a sustainable, future‑ready engineering workforce.”
Academic excellence with real world applications, delivered flexibly
The fact that the programme will be delivered by lecturers with significant industry experience is another part of its value, ensuring all teaching is grounded in current practices and real-world applications.
Course lecturer Eoin Byrne, for example, is a mechanical design engineer who worked in both the automotive and textile industries before setting up his own successful engineering design consultancy, which he still runs.
His experience underscores another key strength of the programme – flexibility. It was designed from the ground up to accommodate both employers and working professionals, enabling companies to upskill their workforce without disruption.
At the same time, it provides accessible pathways for individuals looking to transition into the field or advance their careers in it.
“The flexibility built into this programme reflects the realities of modern engineering roles,” says Kerr.
“By adjusting delivery modes and on‑campus requirements in consultation with industry, we make it possible for learners to balance work, study and professional development. That adaptability ensures students gain hands‑on experience and meaningful engagement, while employers continue to benefit from a skilled and present workforce.”
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) offers more than 350 online, flexible and postgraduate courses now open for application and starting September 2026. Explore the full list of courses in the new ATU Prospectus 2026-27.
Register now to learn more about this programme at the faculty of engineering and computing virtual information session, happening on Wednesday June 3rd at 1pm.
