EDI Programmes

All-Ireland STEM Passport for Inclusion Programme

Atlantic Technological University is proud to partner with our colleagues in Maynooth and MTU to deliver a programme that will ensure over 1,000 girls attending DEIS schools across Donegal, Galway, Sligo, Mayo, and Roscommon can obtain a university-accredited STEM qualification. STEM Passport addresses gender inequalities among female students from socially disadvantaged communities in STEM courses, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics developing core competencies and skills transferable across a larger range of undergraduate degree programs and careers. This innovative programme provides mentoring, and education supports to transition year students from DEIS schools who on completion receive a QQI level 6 award in STEM Skills.  

For more information 

stempassport@atu.ie 

EDIT Toolkit

The Embedding Equality Diversity & Inclusion in the Curriculum of the new Technological University Sector (EDIT) Project has been developed by partners across the TU sector to embed an overarching awareness, understanding and implementation of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion in the curriculum of TUs, to address challenges that hinder the successful achievement of equality. The project provides a unique opportunity to embed the principles of gender equality into the academic strategies, policies, procedures, and curricula of the Technological University (TU) sector.  

The EDIT Charter is being developed to ensure that: 

• TUs are working collaboratively within the same EDI framework when designing curriculum 

• TU staff knowledge and awareness of gender equality and wider EDI issues increases 

• TUs can fulfil the recommendations of the HEA and the Gender Equality Taskforce to integrate gender equality in all processes and decisions made 

The toolkit provides practical tools and advice including case studies, samples reading and classroom exercises to assist colleagues in implementing a more inclusive curriculum. 

For more information 

edi@atu.ie 

Equality Champions Network

As committed to in the university’s Gender Action Plan, an Equality Champions Network has been established with representation from across ATU providing on-the-ground support and advocacy for EDI initiatives including Athena Swan and the work of its Self-Assessment Team. The Gender Action Plan covers a three-year period with actions to promote equality, remove barriers to equality, and further develop a more inclusive workplace.  

For more information 

edi@atu.ie 

Disability Access Route to Education (DARE)

DARE is an alternative admissions scheme for school-leavers whose disabilities have had a negative impact on their second level education. DARE offers reduced points places to school leavers who, as a result of having a disability, have experienced additional educational challenges in second level education.  

Applicants deemed eligible for the DARE scheme and who meet entry requirements in terms of their school-leaving examinations, are considered for admission to all level 6/7/8 undergraduate programmes at ATU with a reduced points offer, in accordance with the following criteria:  

• applicants must have a score of within 50 points of the standard points required for entry, and  

• applicants must have met all the entry requirements for the programme. Priority is given to applicants with physical and sensory disabilities and those who are both DARE and HEAR eligible.  

Priority is given to applicants with physical and sensory disabilities and those who are both DARE and HEAR eligible. DARE places are allocated on merit, based on LC points obtained by applicants.  

At ATU, for every undergraduate programme, a minimum of 5% of places will be reserved for DARE applicants. For more visit the CAO website. 

Higher Education Access Route (HEAR)

The Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) is a higher education admissions scheme for Leaving Certificate students (under 23) whose economic or social background are underrepresented in higher education.  

Students deemed eligible for the HEAR scheme and who meet entry requirements in terms of their school-leaving examinations, are considered for admission to all level 6/7/8 undergraduate programmes at ATU, with a reduced points offer in accordance with the following criteria:  

• applicants must have a score of within 50 points of the standard points required for entry, and  

• applicants must have met all the entry requirements for the programme. Priority is given to applicants with physical and sensory disabilities and those who are both DARE and HEAR eligible. HEAR places are allocated on merit, based on LC points obtained by applicants.  

At ATU, for every undergraduate programme, a minimum of 5% of places will be reserved for HEAR applicants. For more information visit the CAO website. 

LGBTQIA+ Staff & Allies Network

AURA is ATU’s LGBTQIA+ staff and allies’ network. Its mission is to champion equality for all LGBTQIA+ people in the university. Working with colleagues and departments throughout the university AURA members are committed to ensuring ATU continues to be a welcoming and inclusive community through regular initiatives, events and by contributing to governance structures and policy development.  

For more information 

lgbtq@atu.ie 

N-TUTORR

Ireland’s technological sector, combining new technological universities and institutes of technology, have formed a partnership to develop and deliver on the National Technological University Transformation for Recovery and Resilience (N-TUTORR) programme. This programme, which is EU funded and overseen by the HEA, proposes to utilize the national scale and scope of the sector to deliver a best-practice suite of initiatives and opportunities for the learner, for staff development and supported by necessary enabling technologies. 

The N-TUTORR programme is designed to transform learning, teaching and assessment by focussing on transforming the student experience and developing the capabilities of all staff to address a sustainable pedagogical and learning environment with particular and critical focus on digital transformation, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI). 

For more information 

ntutorr@atu.ie 

Race Equality Network

ATU has signed up to the Higher Education Authority’s Anti-Racism Principles for Higher Education Institutions embedding anti-racism into our institutional culture and strategic priorities.  

As part of this work a Race Equality Network provides an inclusive and open space where the diversity of insight and experience of the membership informs and shapes the university’s commitment to race equality. 

A university-wide Race Equality Working Group has recently been developed to develop an institutional action plan to embed the antiracism principles in the policies, procedures, curriculum and culture of the university. 

For more information  

edi@atu.ie 

RESPECT Programme

ATU recognises that all forms of gender-based violence are unacceptable and we are committed to creating, promoting, and maintaining a safe and respectful culture across ATU with zero-tolerance for all forms of gender-based violence. 

In Ireland 52% of women and 28% of men in Ireland have been subjected to some form of sexual violence in their lifetime (CSO, 2022). 

As part of our commitment to zero-tolerance we have developed the ATU RESPECT programme. This new programme is providing training, awareness and supports to all students and staff in ATU. We are growing a community of people across ATU who are confident and actively involved in preventing and responding to gender-based violence.  

Gender-based violence is any form of behaviour where force, threat or coercion is used to inflict physical, psychological, and/or economic harm on an individual.  

Gender-based violence also includes domestic violence, intimate partner abuse, and coercive control. While gender-based violence can be perpetrated against anyone, there is strong research evidence which shows that women and girls are disproportionately victimised, that perpetrators are most likely to be men, and that men who are victims are less likely to seek support.  

For more information 

respect@atu.ie 

Sanctuary Scholarships

Scholarships for those in the International Protection System living in Ireland who are not eligible for state supports and are progressing to undergraduate higher education for the first time.   

There are two types of scholarship:  Full Scholarship and Fee only scholarship. 

Full Scholarship covers: 

• All fees (Student Contribution, Tuition Fees and Materials Fees)  

• Cost of maintenance to the value of the Full Adjacent Top up Grant  

• A mentor to support and guide successful applicants throughout their time at ATU.  

Fee only scholarship covers:  

• All fees (Student Contribution, Tuition Fees and Materials Fees)  

• A mentor to support and guide successful applicants throughout their time at ATU. 

Click here for up-to-date information on eligibility and application dates.  

Widening Access to Education for Traveller and Roma Communities

Atlantic Technological University (ATU) recognises the rights and ambitions of students from Traveller and Roma communities. It is committed to the provision of equitable educational opportunities and access to university education for students from these communities. 

Pathways into higher education include direct entry from school, via Access courses, Recognition of Prior Learning, Further Education and Training programmes (including Youthreach, PLC, adult education programmes). 

ATU’s Access and Widening Participation Service engage with Traveller and Roma Communities in a variety of settings, encompassed under three pillars, each pillar setting out a range of services and supports to corresponding groups and individuals. 

For more information 

travellerandroma@atu.ie