Courses
ATU and Monaghan Institute to Formalise Expanded Partnership with New Memorandum of Understanding
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) and Monaghan Institute have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to formally expand their long‑standing collaboration. The agreement, which took place at Monaghan Institute yesterday, marks a significant strengthening of educational pathways for learners across the region, particularly those pursuing careers in early education, social studies, and inclusive practice.
The renewed partnership between Monaghan Institute, Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB), and ATU’s Department of Early Education and Social Studies, based at the Letterkenny campus, builds on many years of successful joint programme delivery. ATU and Monaghan Institute staff currently co-deliver programmes both on-campus in Monaghan and through online blended learning.
Under the new MoU, the institutions will deepen cooperation on existing Level 7 degree programmes — including the Bachelor of Science in Health and Social Studies, the BSc in Inclusive Practice for Special Needs Assistance, and the BSc in Applied Approaches to Childhood Autism. Learners will now also have the opportunity to progress locally into newly introduced Level 8 Honours degree programmes in these areas.
Two new Level 8 programmes, the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Health and Social Studies and the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Inclusive Practice, will be launched as part of the expanded partnership. These additions are designed to meet growing regional demand for accessible, high-quality higher education routes, particularly for those already working in social care, early years education, and disability support services.
The collaboration also recognise learners’ prior experience and further education achievements. The new entry pathways will allow eligible students to enter directly into Stage 2 or Stage 3 of certain programmes, creating more flexible and attainable progression routes for local learners.
Registrar and Chief Academic Officer of ATU, Dr Billy Bennett said,
We are delighted to formalise this important partnership between Monaghan Institute and ATU. By working together, we can combine our strengths to deliver high‑quality, accessible learning pathways that directly respond to the needs of the sector. This collaboration creates meaningful new opportunities for those already working in social care and related fields to enhance their knowledge, develop new skills, and gain professional qualifications without needing to leave their community. We look forward to the positive impact this agreement will have on learners, practitioners and the wider region as we continue to build flexible, future‑focused routes into higher education.
Director of Monaghan Institute, Martina Rooney said,
“Monaghan Institute is delighted to sign this new agreement with ATU. This agreement not only reflects the success of our partnership to date on the Bachelor in Health and Social Studies, but also demonstrates the value of the outreach model of delivery for learners across the Monaghan–Cavan region.
Of particular significance is the inclusion of additional progression pathways in Inclusive Practice, Special Needs Assistance and Approaches to Childhood Autism, further strengthening local employability opportunities.”
Dr Nigel McKelvey, Head of the Department of Early Education and Social Studies at ATU’s Letterkenny campus, welcomed the signing of the agreement, stating:
“On behalf of the Department of Early Education and Social Studies at ATU, I warmly welcome the signing of this new Memorandum of Understanding with Monaghan Institute. This agreement marks an important milestone in what has already been a very positive and productive working relationship between our institutions. The MOU provides a strong framework for the collaborative delivery of programmes at Levels 6, 7 and 8 in the key areas of Inclusive Practice and Health and Social Studies.”
This MoU also sits within the broader strategic context of the Atlantic and Border Tertiary Cluster, a collaborative initiative involving ATU, Donegal ETB (DETB), Mayo–Sligo–Leitrim ETB (MSLETB), Galway–Roscommon ETB (GRETB) and Cavan–Monaghan ETB (CMETB). The Cluster aims to develop unified, flexible learning pathways across the region, ensuring that further education learners can progress smoothly into higher education programmes aligned with regional workforce needs.
The strengthened partnership between ATU and Monaghan Institute is anticipated to bring long-term benefits to students, employers, and local communities by ensuring that high-quality degree-level study can be pursued locally, without the financial or logistical barriers often associated with travel.
Photo 1: Pictured at the signing of the MoU between Atlantic Technological University (ATU) and Monaghan Institute to formally expand their long‑standing collaboration are Director of Monaghan Institute, Martina Rooney and Dr Billy Bennett, Registrar and Chief Academic Officer, ATU.
Photo 2: From L-R: Pictured at the signing of the MoU between Atlantic Technological University (ATU) and Monaghan Institute to formally expand their long‑standing collaboration. Gail Cummins, Health and Social Studies Co-ordinator , ATU; Rynagh Williams, Deputy Director, Monaghan Institute; Ciara McGahern, Nursing and Health Service skills Co-Ordinator, Monaghan Institute; Martina Rooney, Director, Monaghan Institute; Dr Billy Bennett, Registrar and Chief Academic Officer, ATU; Claire Fiddaman, Tertiary Education Programme Co-ordinator, ATU; Concepta Connolly, Early Learning and Care Co-Ordinator, Monaghan Institute; Lynda Smyth, Early Learning and Care Co-Ordinator, Monaghan Institute; Lorraine Brady, ATU Health and Social Studies Co-ordinator, Monaghan Institute.
Contact Information
Aidan Haughey
Communications Manager
Atlantic Technologial University
086 086 6913
aidan.haughey@atu.ie
