Technological universities consistently emphasise hands-on, practical learning to better cater to the needs of industry and society. A critical societal challenge, at this instance, is utilising technology to tackle social and environmental issues, For example, in the domains of healthcare and sustainability.
Quite naturally, several courses are offered by technological universities to equip the forthcoming workforce.
A primary focus area among these is societal betterment.
At TU Dublin, the responsibility of fostering the next generation about both the technological and societal issues they will encounter post graduation is paramount, as highlighted by Lynda Young, their undergraduate student recruitment senior manager. Their programmes invariably encompass an approach of utilising technology for societal good. To illustrate, their computer science department offers subjects on artificial intelligence (AI). Students gain proficiency in creating and deploying AI as well as understanding its societal implications and striving to work towards ensuring AI benefits society.
TUS offers diverse technology-based courses to counter environmental and societal changes. In fact, their sustainability and environment-focused courses are largely, if not completely, reliant on technology. One such course is their Renewable and Electrical Energy Engineering programme. This can be pursued as a three-year level seven degree or a four-year level eight degree, with avenues for progression for students seeking an honours degree. Students grasp knowledge and practical expertise about energy production, notably from renewable sources. The course melds theory with practical learning in varied domains of renewable energy technology, electrical technology, and automatic monitoring and control of energy systems. The curriculum also covers the complexities of using and optimising renewable electricity within the electricity grid. This critical understanding is vital in achieving our future energy, climate, and sustainability objectives.
During the third year, students partake in a paid work placement, and quite often, employment offers are extended by the same organisation. Graduates pursue careers within the realms of designing, implementing and optimising renewable energy systems, management of energy within buildings, designing and controlling electrical engineering systems. Impressively, the programme boasts a 100 percent employment rate subsequent to completion.
SETU presently offers a diverse range of courses, with the principal concentrations in health and welfare, business, and engineering. Some of its courses, particularly at an undergraduate level, contribute towards societal good, including a BEng in sustainable farm management and agribusiness, as well as a BSc in sports rehabilitation and athletic therapy.
On the other hand, ATU operates from multiple campuses across the west and northwest. It established the department of environmental humanities and social sciences in 2021, according to Dr Deirdre Garvey, who leads the department. The institution is renowned for cross-disciplinary partnership, sustainability initiatives, location-specific learning, experiential teaching, and boost to communal development.
The institution is sensitive to broader global issues such as climate change, biodiversity decrease, escalating social disparities, and rising migration. As a provider of third-level education, it acknowledges its responsibility in promoting awareness, fostering initiative, and leading by example.
ATU has remodelled its enduring outdoor education programme to a novel collective entry degree in outdoor and environmental education, which provides diverse degree award options. This includes geography and therapeutic uses, with an environmental stewardship and care philosophy permeating the programme practically and theoretically. Students are encouraged to develop empathetic attitudes towards nature, fostering a sense of belonging, connection, and place.
Likewise, Professor Graham Heaslip, head of the school of engineering at ATU Galway-Mayo, mentions that technology is increasingly influencing learning in higher education spaces and its impact is felt in the way it addresses real-world issues such as poverty, hunger, sanitation, and access to clean drinking water.
One innovative course offered by ATU is the certificate on sustainable development goals, which focuses on people, partnerships, the planet, and prosperity. The programme aims at acquainting its students with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, more specifically, their application in a regional context.
Moreover, the establishment also offers a BSc in sustainable engineering technologies which prepares students to integrate sustainability issues into all facets of an organisation.
Simultaneously, MTU offers an array of courses that utilise technology for the betterment of society.
A specially designed research unit within MTU leads a variety of Europe-wide initiatives on regenerative tourism and provides an unprecedented masters programme in this field, according to Michael Loftus, the university’s vice-president for external affairs. In addition, MTU offers sustainable energy engineering, environmental science and technology, and environmental engineering degrees. The academic profile of these programmes is characterised by a strong focus on sustainability, utilising considerable laboratory time, industry-focused projects, and significant input from industry experts on course design. The interest in these subjects has consistently been strong over the years, and Loftus anticipates this trend to continue in the future due to ongoing global sustainability issues.
This year will mark the introduction of the new Masters in Arts programme in regenerative tourism at MTU. Loftus explains that regenerative tourism, which provides companies and destinations with a fresh approach to tourism development, contributes to a more balanced and comprehensive strategy that prioritises local communities, combats the climate crisis, encourages visitors to be accountable and promotes long-term sustainability.
Technological universities have been at the forefront in establishing greater connectivity and transition routes across further and higher education sectors. MTU and TU Dublin, through their wide variety of courses, provide opportunities to students across all faculties. At MTU, engineering students can progress to the level eight BEng (Hons) in sustainable energy engineering. Furthermore, Loftus reveals that MTU students have the opportunity to leverage the MTU ladder system, which allows them to advance to higher NFQ level programmes at different higher education institutions.
TUS: Students have the flexibility to join and leave courses at multiple stages, with the university having a longstanding tradition of acknowledging and accrediting abilities and comprehension acquired through further education and training (FET) programmes. Via the CAO, students can leverage their level five or six major award to secure a position in the first year of a higher education course.
TUS has forged relationships with a number of associate further education colleges, providing favoured admittance to candidates who possess a QQI level five or level six award from one of the university’s affiliate colleges, provided that the candidate meets the entry requirements.