People interested in upgrading their qualifications in the area of technology management, or those starting their own technology business, should take a look at the courses on offer under the Atlantic University Alliance (AUA) banner. The AUA is a collaboration between NUI Galway, the University of Limerick (UL) and University College Cork (UCC), specifically set up to develop and deliver industry focused, flexible courses to executives and professionals.

According to Dr Niamh Nolan at the Centre for Adult Learning & Professional Development at NUI Galway: “We offer three part-time postgraduate technology management courses through the AUA that are proving very popular with executives.

“The MSc in Technology Management  designed to help students use and develop technology to its best potential. It develops knowledge of product and service innovation, technology transfer and R&D processes. Our graduates say the course helped them build both their technical skills and leadership capabilities, and describe it as a ‘technical MBA’.”

Dr Nolan adds: “This course is also ideal for those who have a product or service to launch as the course covers how to set up and finance a company, how to design the offering and how to bring it to market. Those interested in starting their own business have used the project element as an opportunity to prepare their business plan, under expert supervision.”

BLENDED LEARNING
The course is delivered over two years on a part-time basis by blended learning. Students attend an all-day workshop one Saturday per month during the academic year, with workshops rotating between NUI Galway, UL and UCC. Background reading and study is done beforehand by the student, and the face-to-face time is used for deeper exploration of concepts, collaborative learning and group work.

In Association with

“Students typically have attained management level and have plenty of experience, so peer-to-peer learning is a pivotal part of this course. This provides not only a great learning experience but also great networking opportunities.”

ENTRY CRITERIA
Applicants are expected to hold a primary honours degree minimum H2.2 or equivalent, and have at least five years of relevant industrial experience. Candidates who do not meet the minimum entry criteria but have a third-level qualification may follow an alternative route by completing the Diploma in Innovation Management or the Diploma in Technology Commercialisation. From there they can progress to the Master’s course with exemptions if they achieve an average 2.1 grade.

FLEXIBLE OPTIONS
Dr Nolan explains that this is often a preferred route, as it reduces the workload and staggers the cost. The diploma options are also popular as standalone, one-year courses. In addition, any of the modules can be taken on a standalone basis over a single semester. “This is particularly useful to deepen niche understanding, refresh and upskill or to break into new areas. Standalone modules are also a very useful way of testing out a course or subject area and seeing if it is right for you,” says Dr Nolan.

To find out more about these technology-based management courses, visit www.aua.ie

Photo: Dr Niamh Nolan, Flexible Programmes Development Officer, Adult Learning & Professional Development, NUI Galway