Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) and Lancaster University have formally signed a landmark agreement to provide opportunities for TUS staff to complete one of their PhD programmes.
This partnership agreement was co-developed through the Office of the Vice President for Student Education and Experience and the Centre for Pedagogical Innovation and Development (CPID) in TUS with Lancaster University with the aim to build closer links between the two Universities and partner in academic and research-related activities.
The agreement provides the potential for developing further collaborations between the Department of Educational Research at Lancaster University, CPID, the TUS Graduate School and the TUS Research Office.
The agreement acknowledges such opportunities for possible development in the future, including but not limited to staff study visits; scholar visits, exchange opportunities; engagement in collaborative research projects and other areas of mutual interest.
The Department of Educational Research at Lancaster University offers a range of PhD programmes in the following areas: Education and Social Justice, Higher Education Research and Evaluation, Educational Research (DPER) and E-Research and Technology Enhanced Learning, in addition to the traditional PhD route.
The agreement was signed during a special event held in Moylish, TUS on Friday, May 16th, with leaders from both universities taking part.
Commenting on the agreement, President of TUS, Professor Vincent Cunnane said: “This landmark agreement between TUS and Lancaster University represents a powerful step forward in our commitment to academic excellence, staff development and international collaboration.
“This partnership builds on a strong relationship between the two universities, and opens new pathways for our staff to engage in transformative doctoral research in one of the only Departments of Higher Education Research in the world, something that is particularly significant for TUS as we continue our development as a young university.
“It is a testament to what can be achieved through shared vision and mutual respect, and we look forward to the many innovations and insights this collaboration will bring to both institutions and beyond.”
Frances O’Connell, TUS Vice President Student Education and Experience, noted: “Today marks the culmination of formally recognising this highly advantageous and ambitious agreement that supports our academic and professional staff in TUS to avail of worldclass doctoral learning opportunities in Lancaster University. The spirit of the engagement throughout the framing of the agreement process, grounded in trust and mutual respect, has facilitated the signposting of further engagement opportunities that are of mutual benefit for both Universities. TUS, is an ambitious, young university and the PhD opportunities now afforded to TUS staff through this agreement further assure the realisation of our purpose to provide leading student-centred higher education that is research-informed, regionally relevant and accessible to all.”
Professor Jan McArthur, Head of Department, Professor in Higher Education and Social Justice, Lancaster University, said: “I am so delighted to finalise the partnership agreement between Lancaster University and the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS). This partnership builds on a well-established foundation of collegial educational endeavour between our two universities. As Head of the Department of Educational Research I am particularly excited about the joint research activities this partnership will enable us to pursue, particularly focusing on social justice within and through higher education, including the importance of nurturing the profession of university teaching. I am also excited to welcome more colleagues from TUS into the amazing structured doctoral programmes here at Lancaster University.”
Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Rebecca Lingwood, Lancaster University, added: “ I am delighted that we are able to partner with the Technological University of the Shannon – an innovative, multi-campus university, spread across seven campuses throughout Ireland’s Midwest and Midlands region, and with a strong commitment to inclusivity, accessibility, and supportiveness. Lancaster University very much shares these values and looks forward to welcoming members of TUS to our distinctive online, part-time PhD programmes, as well as the important research collaboration between TUS’s Centre for Pedagogical Innovation and Development and our world-leading Department of Educational Research.”
Dr Nuala Harding, Head of the Centre for Pedagogical Innovation and Development, TUS, stated: “The signing of this agreement signifies the strong relationship between the Centre for Pedagogical Innovation and Development (CPID) and the Department of Education Research at Lancaster University, which has developed over several years. In formalising this partnership TUS staff, particularly those completing the CPID MA in Academic Practice, may avail of opportunities to progress to a range of PhD programmes in the Department. In CPID, we look forward to collaborating with colleagues in Lancaster University and the TUS Graduate School in designing further research and scholarly activity for the benefit of our staff and students”.
Finally, Donnacha McNamara, Vice President Internationalisation and Alumni, Global Office, TUS, added: “We are delighted to bring this partnership, which reflects our shared commitment to global collaboration and academic excellence to the formal stage of agreement.This link between TUS and Lancaster University opens the door to enriching staff and scholar exchanges, collaborative research opportunities, and the deepening of mutual understanding through study visits. Together, we are building bridges that will foster innovation, cultural exchange, and long-term academic impact.This agreement between Technological University of the Shannon and Lancaster University stands as a testament to the role of higher education institutions in shaping a more collaborative, inclusive, interconnected, and innovative global society.”