Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) has been shortlisted for the prestigious AONTAS STAR Award 2025.
The university’s Certificate in Transition to Higher Education programme is in the running for an award under the Third Level Access & Engagement category along with 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.
This recognition underscores the vital role the programme plays in enabling adult learners to re-engage with education and successfully transition into third-level study.
Established in 2017, the Certificate in Transition to Higher Education was developed by TUS Flexible Learning and TUS Access Service to provide a structured foundation for adult learners who may have faced social, economic, or educational disadvantage.
Vice President for Student Education and Experience, Frances O’Connell, highlighted the significance of the programme:
“At TUS, we aim to ensure that neither a student’s background nor their past academic experience determines their ability to access higher education. The Certificate in Transition to Higher Education reminds us that, by teaching others, we learn ourselves. We are immensely proud of the students who have participated in the programme and gone on to thrive in their chosen fields.”
Dean of Flexible and Work Based Learning, Seamus Hoyne, noted that this Flexible Learning programme is at the heart of the TUS Lifelong Learning Agenda: “By offering this programme as a Flexible Learning offering we give a real chance of people to take their first steps in achieving their education and life goals. We work with over 1,400 learners across our Flexible Learning programmes and we are delighted to see the Certificate in Transition to Higher Education being highlighted as best practice example of a successful Lifelong Learning model”
The part-time programme spans 24 weeks and includes modules in Mathematics, Computer Applications, Personal Development, and Learning & Academic Skills Development.
The programme also provides comprehensive support through peer mentoring, academic guidance, career counselling, and access to learning technology. Students graduate with a Special Purpose Award Certificate (20 ECTS, Level 6), equipping them with the confidence and skills to progress to full-time degree programmes.
Winners for the AONTAS STAR Award 2025 will be announced on Friday March 7th.
For more information on the Certificate in Transition to Higher Education programme, visit www.tus.ie/flexible or contact flexible.midwest@tus.ie.