Hayley Moore

Digital Photography

Donegal – Letterkenny

Can you tell us your name, job title and the course you studied at ATU?  

Hayley Moore. I’m a special needs assistant in a national school. I studied the part-time Certificate in Digital Photography. 

Can you share your career path to date? 

My career has always centred around working with children. I began in a childcare setting, where I spent several years supporting young children in their early development. For the past twelve years, I have been working as a Special Needs Assistant, a role I am passionate about and one that has allowed me to build strong relationships with the children I support. 

What does your current role involve?

I currently work as a special needs assistant in a national school.

What motivated you to start studying?  

I had been interested in photography for many years but always felt too busy with work and family life to pursue it. I reached a point where I realised it was important to make time for something creative that I truly enjoyed. When the opportunity to join the course came up, I decided to finally take the step—and I am so glad I did. 

Why did you choose this course from ATU? 

I chose this course because it offered a flexible, part-time option that I felt would fit in with my work and home life. ATU had an excellent reputation, and when I read the course description it felt like the perfect balance of practical skills, creativity, and structured learning. It seemed approachable for someone coming in as a mature student, which really appealed to me. 

How did you find the process of studying online? What elements did you find helpful? Were there elements you found challenging?  

Studying part time was a very positive experience. I found the structure of the classes, the clear instructions, and the regular feedback from my tutor extremely helpful. The one night a week made it manageable to fit study around my busy schedule. At times, balancing photo assignments with family commitments was a small challenge, but overall the convenience and flexibility far outweighed any difficulties. 

How did you balance work and study? 

Because the course was part-time and very well organised, I was able to plan my study time around my job in the school and my family responsibilities. I set aside specific evenings to focus on assignments, and the practical nature of the work meant it never felt overwhelming. The flexibility of the online format made it surprisingly easy to manage. 

In terms of your employer, were they supportive of your decision to study? Were there elements of the course that were particularly relevant to your current employer?  

Although the course was something I did independently, my employer was supportive of my decision to study. Photography may not be directly linked to my role in a school, but the creative skills and confidence I gained have definitely carried over into my work—especially when it comes to creating visual materials and bringing a more creative perspective to my role. 

What advice would you have for anyone considering studying online? 

My advice would be not to let fear or self-doubt hold you back—especially if you’re a mature student like me. Part time study is far more manageable than you might expect, and the flexibility is a huge advantage. Stay organised, set small goals, and make the most of the support from tutors and classmates. You will learn far more than you think. 

In what way has studying online with ATU benefitted your career?

Studying with ATU has boosted my confidence and helped me reconnect with my creative side. It has opened the door to new opportunities, including building a small portfolio and taking photos for friends and family. It has also enhanced my skills in my current workplace by allowing me to contribute creatively. 

Did this course provide any unexpected benefits to your career? 

Yes, absolutely. I didn’t expect such a strong sense of community and support from a part time course. The encouragement from my tutor and fellow students pushed me to grow creatively in ways I hadn’t anticipated. I also discovered that photography could be a realistic option for me to pursue alongside my current work. 

Did you find that the elements you were studying had practical relevance in your day-to-day role?  

Yes. While photography isn’t my primary job, I found that the skills I developed—creativity, attention to detail, and understanding visual storytelling—were very useful in my day-to-day role. They helped me think differently, communicate more visually, and even contribute to capturing photos more confidently. 

What were the key skills you took away from your time studying at ATU? 

I gained a strong foundation in practical photography skills, including composition, lighting, and editing. Beyond that, I developed greater creativity, confidence, and the ability to look at things from different perspectives—thanks to Paul’s excellent feedback. I also learned how to manage my time effectively and balance study with everyday life.