Courses
ATU Architecture Programme achieves full RIBA validation
Atlantic Technological University’s (ATU) Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) programme in Sligo has been awarded full validation by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). This prestigious recognition follows the recent achievement of full accreditation from the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI), marking a significant milestone for the programme and its graduates.
ATU Architecture can now offer its graduates an Architecture degree which is recognised by both the RIAI and RIBA, ensuring that graduates benefit from enhanced international mobility and recognition within the global architectural profession.
ATU President, Dr Orla Flynn congratulated the Architecture team on the achievement and highlighted its wider regional importance,
It gives me great pleasure to congratulate our Architecture team in Sligo on their achievement of the RIBA accreditation, following the successful RIAI accreditation already awarded. The dual accreditation is particularly important for us in ATU, given the cross-border communities that we serve. My sincere thanks to our academic and support teams right across our new School of the Built Environment, as well as to the many external stakeholders and practitioners who supported us over the last decade.
Patrick Monaghan, a member of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) validation panel has congratulated Atlantic Technological University on the successful validation of its architecture programme. The RIBA visiting board commended the school for providing high-quality architectural education to a historically underrepresented region, while drawing on the cultural and natural landscape of Sligo to shape its philosophical and pedagogical approach.
RIBA validation is an internationally recognised process that assures the quality and relevance of architectural education. Through peer review by academic and professional experts, the process evaluates programmes against the RIBA’s rigorous educational standards, ensuring that graduates are equipped with the knowledge, skills and professional awareness required for contemporary architectural practice. The successful validation recognises the strength of architectural education at ATU and its contribution to both the regional and international architectural community.
Professor Graham Heaslip, Dean of Faculty of Engineering and Computing, said the dual recognition was a significant endorsement of the programme,
Achieving full accreditation from both the RIAI and RIBA is a tremendous endorsement of the quality and ambition of our Architecture programme in Sligo. It reflects the dedication of our staff, the creativity and commitment of our students, and ATU’s vision of delivering education that meets the highest international standards. This dual recognition not only strengthens the reputation of the programme but also provides our graduates with outstanding opportunities for professional mobility and engagement within the global architectural community.
Dr Trevor McSharry, Head of School of Built Environment at ATU commented,
“This achievement is a testament to the dedication and excellence of our staff and students. Securing full RIBA accreditation, alongside RIAI recognition, makes our programme more internationally attractive and ensures that our graduates have a highly transferrable qualification. It opens doors for them to pursue careers across Europe and beyond, reinforcing ATU’s commitment to delivering world-class architectural education.”
Dara Burke – Head of Department of Architecture said the achievement reflected sustained effort across the School,
“The successful international validation by the RIBA of the Architecture programme at ATU is testament to the hard work and dedication of both staff and students who have worked together over the last number of years to deliver an exceptionally high standard of Architectural education in the North West of Ireland. ATU now holds the distinction of being one of only two programmes of Architecture in Ireland to hold dual RIAI and RIBA accreditation.”
Bernadette Donohoe – Architecture Director of Accreditation, welcomed the outcome of the validation process:
“We are delighted to have achieved international RIBA validation part 2 along with the national RIAI accreditation. The RIBA played a valued part in the formative years of our Architecture programmes development and this reaffirms our commitment to delivering quality architectural education that meets the highest international standards.”
The BArch programme at ATU’s Sligo campus combines innovative design education with a strong focus on sustainability and technology, preparing graduates to meet the evolving challenges of the built environment.
For more information about the Architecture programme at ATU, visit https://www.atu.ie/courses/bachelor-of-architecture-honours-architecture
Photo caption: Prof Graham Heaslip, Dean of Faculty of Engineering & Computing at ATU, Maša Ruane Bratuša, Head of Department of Architecture ATU, Bernadette Donohoe – Architecture Director of Accreditation ATU, Dr Orla Flynn, ATU President, Dr Trevor McSharry, Head of School of Built Environment at ATU, Dara Burke – Head of Department of Architecture ATU (Acting).
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