ATU Launches Ireland's Newest RIAI-Accredited Architecture programme

The Bachelor of Architecture at Atlantic Technological University (ATU) officially became Ireland's newest Architecture programme, following the RIAI Accreditation Procedures and ratification by the RIAI Council on Friday 18 October. This designation positions ATU as the sixth university in Ireland offering an RIAI-accredited qualification in architecture. This momentous achievement is a credit to the work and dedication of staff and students throughout the 6 year process. The milestone was marked with an exhibition of graduate student work at The Canopy, O’Connell Street, Sligo, to coincide with the announcement.

Welcoming the announcement of the RIAI accreditation, ATU President, Dr Orla Flynn said, “We extend our gratitude to the RIAI for their accreditation and their guidance throughout the process over the years.  This accreditation not only enhances our academic offerings but also creates vital opportunities for our students to engage in a programme that is both relevant and responsive to contemporary architectural challenges.  Having an RIAI accredited course will allow architecture students to study and work in the region.”

Uniquely located in the Northwest on Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way, Architecture at ATU Sligo draws deeply from its geographical setting. As the only architecture programme in Ireland not situated in an urban city centre, it benefits from its position on the Atlantic edge, an area known for its dramatic landscapes and rich cultural history.

Shane Santry Chair of the RIAI Board of Architectural Education said. “I would like to extend my sincerest congratulations to [the architecture staff at ATU] on behalf of the BAE. The successful transition of ATU to the state’s sixth university offering an RIAI accredited qualification in architecture is a significant achievement. This milestone will be celebrated across the profession and is particularly notable for its geographical inclusivity."

The programme places a strong emphasis on the connection between architecture and place, exploring regional transformation, the regeneration of built heritage, and the human experience of space. Architecture at ATU is a participant in the Building Change initiative, a national partnership of the six RIAI-accredited architecture schools in Ireland, aimed at reconfiguring architecture education to prioritise sustainability. This collaborative project aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and addresses critical issues such as climate change, housing, and resilient design.

The establishment of the Architecture at ATU represents a significant step for both the university and the region. It enhances the university’s position as a leader in architectural education, adding to its range of professionally accredited programmes and expanding opportunities for students seeking a career in architecture.

Bernadette Donohoe, ATU Architecture Director of Accreditation, said, “We envisioned a school of Architecture in the west of Ireland more than 20 years ago and I am privileged to be part of this historic announcement. The aim of Architecture at ATU is to value the fundamental connection between people and architecture, from a phenomenological, physical and societal perspective.  The challenges of the present demand a radical response towards a future which demonstrates concern for both people and planet. This requires a deep understanding of place that tasks us all with the responsibility to innovatively respond to local and global issues, relating to daily living needs while protecting our climate. We encourage our students to address the ethical responsibility of what they design and build. Our Architecture programme aims to make a significant contribution to the development of the social, cultural and built environment of Sligo, its region and beyond.”

For students, the new programme will provide an RIAI-accredited education in architecture, offering access to a qualification previously only available in urban centres across Ireland.  Architecture at ATU will give students the chance to develop their skills and knowledge within a programme that places strong emphasis on regional and societal relevance, blending technical competence with a deep understanding of architecture’s role in shaping communities. Graduates will be well-prepared to enter the workforce with qualifications that meet national professional standards.

Maša Ruane Bratuša, Acting Head of Department of Architecture at ATU Sligo said, “As the Year 4 and subsequently year 5 coordinator, I felt privileged to lead our students and contribute to shaping the curriculum of the programme. Education is an act of transformation, and Architecture at ATU Sligo is committed to fostering our students’ ability to integrate local identity with global challenges, ensuring that our graduates emerge as architects, who are custodians of place, attuned to both the landscape and the communities they will design for. 

As the acting Head of Department, I am now in a fortunate position to continue to support the programme in its future growth.”

The new programme of Architecture also brings significant benefits to the region. By offering an accredited architecture degree in the northwest, ATU is addressing a long-standing geographical imbalance in access to architecture education in Ireland. Architecture at ATU will act as a catalyst for regional development, attracting students, faculty, and industry collaboration, while also addressing the specific needs of the area.

PHOTO CAPTION: Attendees at the ATU Architecture Exhibition in The Canopy, Sligo where the RIAI accreditation was announced (Friday 18 October)

For more information, contact:

Aidan Haughey 
ATU Communications Manager / Bainisteoir Cumarsáide OTA
Ollscoil Teicneolaíochta an Atlantaigh (OTA), Éire
Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Ireland          
Tel: +353 86 086 6913