Monday 10th March 2025: The Technological University of the Shannon has been awarded a top spot at a prestigious national awards ceremony for adult learning.
The TUS Access Service and Flexible Learning Department based at the University’s Moylish Campus took home the gong for its Transition to Higher Education Certificate under the Third Level Access and Engagement category at the 19th annual AONTAS Star awards in Dublin over the weekend.
The Level 6 certificate provides a pathway for students to gain experience of Third Level Education and potentially progress to entry onto TUS certificate/degree programmes.
Established in 2017, the Certificate in Transition to Higher Education was developed by TUS Flexible Learning and TUS Access Service to offer a structured foundation for adult learners who may have faced social, economic, or educational disadvantage.
The part-time programme spans 24 weeks and includes modules in Mathematics, Computer Applications, Personal Development, and Learning & Academic Skills Development.
Vice President for Student Education and Experience, Frances O’Connell, highlighted the significance of the programme: “We are extremely proud to win the Aontas award in the category for Adult Learning Initiatives that Support Third-Level Access and Engagement for our Certificate in Transition to Higher Education programme. The programme provides a pathway for adults who experience severe social, economic, and/or educational disadvantages to engage in a supportive and structured third-level academic foundation programme, that is delivered flexibly to suit our students’ needs. It reflects our work with our communities that is ‘Inclusive’, ‘Supportive’ and ‘Collaborative’ and our strategic priorities related to access and widening participation.
“This programme really makes a difference to students’ lives by providing comprehensive support through peer mentoring, academic guidance, career counselling, and access to learning technology. It equips our students with the confidence and skills to progress to full-time degree programmes. I would like to thank our incredible lecturers who deliver this programme and our amazing students, who are fabulous ambassadors as graduates of this programme.”
Anna Murphy, the Programme Leader of the Certificate in Transition to Higher Education, said: “I am extremely proud that our course has been recognised with an AONTAS STAR Award. This achievement is a testament to the dedication of our students, community partners, the commitment of our lecturing team, and the transformative impact of access to education. At TUS, we believe that education should be inclusive and empowering, and this award reaffirms the importance of providing pathways for learners to achieve their full potential. It is an honour to receive this recognition, and we look forward to continuing to support our students on their educational journeys.”
TUS were shortlisted for this accolade alongside UCC, WWETB and SETU, and College Connect.
The AONTAS STAR (Showcasing Teamwork, Awarding Recognition) Awards celebrate the impact of adult learning across Ireland, recognising initiatives that empower learners and foster educational equity. The Third Level Access & Engagement category highlights initiatives that remove barriers to higher education for learners from low-income backgrounds and individuals with disabilities, while also promoting collaboration between higher education institutions and local communities.