Atlantic Technological University (Atlantic TU) has announced plans to expand its range of courses in the Property Services and Facilities Management accredited by the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI).
The online programmes have been developed in collaboration with industry partners to offer students the ability to progress from Atlantic TU’s existing Level 6 Higher Certificate in Property Services and Facilities Management.
The new suite of part-time online programmes will be available through IT Sligo from 2023 and include a Level 7 BSc in Property Services and Facilities Management, a Level 7 Certificate in Auctioneering and Estate Agency Practice, a Level 8 BSc (Hons) in Facilities and Building Services Management and a Level 8 BSc (Hons) in Real Estate Development and Valuation.
Trevor McSharry, head of Department of Civil Engineering and Construction at IT Sligo, commented that the suite of programmes "further strengthens ATU’s position in addressing unmet industry skills requirements through online and flexible part time programme provision, particularly in the property and facilities management areas.”
The BSc course in Property Services and Facilities Management will incorporate modules in project feasibility and appraisal, real estate management, leases, and construction technology for industrial and commercial buildings
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James Lonergan, director of education at SCSI, which helped to develop the programmes, commented: “As the courses are all delivered online, they will help to address a significant skills gap in the industry by providing access to education to prospective students nationwide.
“The Level 8 Facilities Management course is the first SCSI accredited Facilities Management course in Ireland while the Real Estate courses will broaden education options and opportunities for learners.
"Those who complete either of this Level 8 Degree courses will be eligible to apply for Chartered Membership of the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland, which is a vital step in the career path for Property and Facilities Management professionals.”
Laura O’Donnell, the course coordinator for the Level 8 BSc (Hons) in Real Estate Development and Valuation, said that there has in recent years "been a major emphasis on green buildings, energy efficiency management, sustainable building, and management.
"Life cycle costings and energy management are now crucial for clients, due to climate change and environmental targets for companies.”
Atlantic TU is an amalgamation Galway-Mayo IT, Letterkenny IT, and IT Sligo and expected to contribute €700m in economic output and 3,100 jobs per year, according to research from the Northern and Western Regional Assembly (NWRA).
Applications for the Certificate in Auctioneering and Estate Agency Practice and the BSc in Property Services and Facilities Management are open until 16 September and further information can be found here.
Photo: (l-r) Dr Brendan McCormack, president of IT Sligo; Dr Orla Flynn, president of GMIT; and Paul Hannigan, president of LYIT, at the announcement of Atlantic TU in 2021. (Pic: Mike Shaughnessy)
