Atlantic Technological University (ATU) CAO Programme Offerings Continue to Expand and Grow

ATU’s academic teams are working hard to develop both programmes with an aim of welcoming the first intake of students to the ATU campuses in September 2025, subject to the completion of the validation/accreditation processes.

The MPharm programme will be based at the ATU Sligo campus, with the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery programme being primarily based in the ATU Donegal Letterkenny campus, in conjunction with ATU’s Mountbellew campus.

When launched, both programmes will be 5-year, full-time CAO undergraduate programmes, with 36 places initially available on the MPharm programme, and 30 places initially available in the Veterinary Medicine and Surgery programme. There are plans to grow places available on both programmes after the year one initial intake. Significant investment in university facilities has been completed in the Sligo campus with the development of a €35million facility that includes state-of-the-art teaching and research spaces, including undergraduate and postgraduate science laboratories and clean room.

ATU will also benefit from significant financial investment in the establishment of the veterinary medicine programme, to include the development of a new state-of-the-art facility and the expansion of existing facilities, thus enabling ATU to contribute to the sustainability of the veterinary profession in Ireland.

Marita Kinsella has been appointed as Head of Department of Pharmacy at ATU Sligo, ATU’s academic team are currently working on the accreditation process of the MPharm programme. The programme will provide graduates with the qualifications required to register as practising pharmacists in Ireland, in clinical settings supporting the health service and in industry.

Both programmes will provide exciting new educational opportunities within the region and by situating the programmes in the West and North West, they enhance and support local and regional economies.

The impact of the development of these programmes is significant, Maria Taylor, Guidance Counsellor, Summerhill College, Sligo commented, “ATU’s new programme development is not only boosting the region but is also enhancing opportunities for young people and learners to remain in the region. So many students have had to travel far away from home to study Pharmacy and Veterinary Medicine programmes in the past, we the Guidance Counsellor network, are just thrilled to hear the recent announcement that these new programmes are coming to ATU. We are most grateful for the progressive thinking and vision being shown by the academic teams at ATU. These opportunities are the lifeblood of the region, and we are thrilled to see programmes such as the MPharm and Veterinary Medicine and Surgery coming on track at ATU. The programmes will also attract people to our regions, and this too is an exciting prospect.”

Regional retention of talent, addressing local needs and skills shortages, whilst supporting economic development are some of the key drivers of new programme development at ATU. 

Fiona Kelly, ATU Marketing Manager, added, “It’s incredibly exciting to see the development of specialised university programmes at ATU. We understand the impact programme development such as this has on the region, it helps in retaining talent who might otherwise leave and not return, which contributes to the demographic stability and economic growth of the region. Studies show that students educated in their home regions are also more likely to continue working there after graduation. We are looking forward to adding these new programme areas to ATU’s CAO provision and would encourage anyone with a programme related question or query to connect with us over the coming months.”

To find out more about ATU visit atu.ie/cao