Sustainability is the great challenge of our time. It is enshrined in the Sustainable Development Goals and achieving it will require an integrated approach to the protection of the Earth and its inhabitants. This programme combines the economic, environmental and social dimensions of sustainability, enabling specialisation in one of those dimensions complemented by knowledge and skills from the others. Core modules provide a global perspective on sustainability and include interdisciplinary research, a professional placement, field work in Ireland and Europe and guest lectures from leading researchers, advocates and practitioners. 

This BSc in Sustainability aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of sustainability challenges, integrating interdisciplinary perspectives across environmental, social and economic dimensions. It aims to equip students with the skills and competences to work with diverse stakeholders and teams to bring about change within industry, society and government towards sustainability, within local and global contexts.

Sustainability, Science and Climate Action | Sustainability, Society and Culture | Sustainable Business and Circular Economy.

This one-year QQI level 5 course develops learners understanding of the role sustainability plays in the future of building construction. The course addresses both theory and practice, introducing the learner to the technical aspects of energy systems and other building services. It equips learners with a methodology to consider their impact on the environment and the best fit for different energy technologies within the built environment, whilst considering the economic, social and regulatory environments.

Students gain a familiarity with the environmentally friendly design processes and how to use resources efficiently throughout the lifecycle of a building, from conceptual stage to design and construction to an operational building. In addition, learners will also develop skills in design and architectural drawing.

The BA (Hons) in Sustainability Management programme aims to provide learners with the knowledge, skills, and mindset necessary to address global sustainability challenges, as well as creating and maintaining sustainable operations in the public, commercial and not-for-profit sectors.

Students will develop a deep understanding of modern agricultural science with a strong focus on food production and processing, quality assurance and safety, business and economic management and environmental science. Students will focus on the core principles of agri-food production, with a solid foundation in business and economic management, environmental science, food production and processing, agricultural mechanisation, quality assurance and health & safety. 

This innovative programme aims to cultivate future leaders in the butchery and gastronomy sectors, emphasising sustainable practices, ethical considerations, and a profound connection to agriculture and nature.

Sustainable Energy Engineering involves the understanding and application of the engineering and technological principles of energy conversion and use. Modules are delivered by staff from many different disciplines, allowing the student to gain understanding of the roles of a range of engineering disciplines involved in the energy and sustainability field. Sites visits are organised which have included: wind farms, hydroelectric power stations, and solar installations. 

Sustainable Energy Engineering involves applying the principles of energy conversion and use. The course investigates renewable energy sources, such as wind energy, solar energy and other heat sources. You’ll learn about the design and operation of wind turbines, solar energy panels and other equipment associated with alternative energy.

This course is a direct response to the need to produce innovative graduates with qualifications in the energy field in particular. The first two years of the course will introduce you to the fundamental areas of engineering. Modules in mechanical and electrical engineering are included along with specialist energy and traditional energy sources.

The BSc (Hons) in Sustainable Engineering Technologies is delivered over four years in four stages of 60 credits each. Each stage includes taught modules worth either 5 or 10 credits depending on their learning outcomes. In first year, all modules are mandatory.

In second year, students pick a stream, either Manufacturing Industry offered in ATU Galway City or ATU Sligo, or Computing offered in ATU Donegal. 15 credits are mandatory and 45 stream specific. In third year, 20 credits are mandatory and 40 stream specific. In fourth year, 15 credits are mandatory and 45 stream specific. Work placement is mandatory for all students in Year 3 and all students complete a major project in year 4. As student progress through the programme, the complexity of the systems they are studying increases.

The BSc (Hons) in Sustainable Engineering Technologies is delivered over four years in four stages of 60 credits each. Each stage includes taught modules worth either 5 or 10 credits depending on their learning outcomes. In first year, all modules are mandatory.

In second year, students pick a stream, Manufacturing Industry, offered in ATU Galway City. 15 credits are mandatory and 45 stream specific. In third year, 20 credits are mandatory and 40 stream specific. In fourth year, 15 credits are mandatory and 45 stream specific. Work placement is mandatory for all students in Year 3 and all students complete a major project in year 4. As student progress through the programme, the complexity of the systems they are studying increases.

The BSc (Hons) in Sustainable Engineering Technologies is delivered over four years in four stages of 60 credits each. Each stage includes taught modules worth either 5 or 10 credits depending on their learning outcomes. In first year, all modules are mandatory.

In second year, students pick a stream, either Manufacturing Industry offered in ATU Galway City or ATU Sligo, or Computing offered in ATU Donegal. 15 credits are mandatory and 45 stream specific. In third year, 20 credits are mandatory and 40 stream specific. In fourth year, 15 credits are mandatory and 45 stream specific. Work placement is mandatory for all students in Year 3 and all students complete a major project in year 4. As student progress through the programme, the complexity of the systems they are studying increases.

This honours degree course will equip students with both the practical and academic skills that are essential for agribusinesses to succeed. The modules studied will deliver a broad range of skills in the business, science and technical aspects of modern day agriculture, with an emphasis on the sustainability of the agricultural industry. 

Agribusiness is one of Ireland’s most important indigenous industries and continues to evolve to be more sustainable in the production of clean, safe food for a growing population. This honours degree course will equip students with both the practical and academic skills that are essential for agribusinesses to succeed.

The modules studied will deliver a broad range of skills in the business, science and technical aspects of modern day agriculture, with an emphasis on the sustainability of the agricultural industry.

Sustainable Horticulture/Permaculture is a science based course offering a practical and wide-ranging learning experience. The course is a mixture of classroom-based talks, practical activities, site visits, master classes from a range of visiting specialists and group project work.

The emphasis of the course is on practical skills that students can apply in their own lives and gain professional qualifications to access employment, developing their careers or continuing to 3rd level courses in horticulture, landscape design or related subjects.

The course is useful to anyone interested in landscape design, organic horticulture, community development, environmental education and sustainable resource management, and can lead to work or further training in these areas.

The QQI Level 6 Sustainable Horticulture/ Permaculture Award provides a strong base for developing professional skills in market gardening, nursery stock production, tree and shrub management, sustainable landscape design, leadership and entrepreneurship.

The course allows students to develop a broad range of practical skills in a variety of horticultural-related areas as well as obtain a thorough grounding in the scientific, sociological, political and legal aspects of food production, human ecology and sustainability.

Students are given the opportunity to visit a wide range of different commercial enterprises, including successful market gardens and nursery businesses and related permaculture enterprises where inspiring sustainable landscapes can be experienced.

Sustainable Timber Technology is an exciting 4-year, full-time immersive course featuring a mix of theoretical and skills-based modules. It supports students in development of skills and knowledge that enable them to take on technical and managerial roles throughout the timber industry once graduated, including in sawmills and board mills, factories making timber construction, joinery and furniture, innovation and technical sales.

That breadth is unique in Ireland. The programme is well supported by industry. Placement takes place in Year 3.

As a destination, Ireland is a world leader in terms of tourism and events. But in a changing world, we need to revisit and redefine how we deliver tourism and events, not just in Ireland, but globally. We all know why sustainability is important. With the ATU online Certificate in Sustainable Tourism and Event Management, you will learn how to embrace and embed sustainability in your tourism and event organisations and at a broader destination level.

This online programme is unique with its focus on both the tourism and event industries. These industries are at the core of who we are as people, and we are looking forward to working with learners who are passionate about tourism and events and creating unforgettable experiences.

This online programme is unique with its focus on both the tourism and event industries. These industries are at the core of who we are as people, and we are looking forward to working with learners who are passionate about tourism and events and creating unforgettable experiences.

The online programme is designed to fit the needs of busy and aspiring leaders in tourism and event organisations. We will support those in public sector roles, or the private sector, be they individuals, organisations or destinations who are striving to be leaders in their sustainability journey. Together, we will learn about developing sustainable tourism and event experiences, minimise environmental impact, and create events that leave a positive impact.