Dr Trevor McSharry
Head of School of the Built Environment, Atlantic Technological University
As Ireland’s construction sector faces growing demand for skills, sustainability expertise and digital capability, the role of higher education has never been more critical.
The School of the Built Environment at Atlantic Technological University (ATU) is emerging as one of Ireland’s most progressive providers of construction, engineering and architectural education. Emphasising real-world learning, digital innovation and flexible study pathways, it’s redefining how future professionals prepare for a dynamic sector.
Its modern, industry-aligned programme portfolio spans undergraduate, postgraduate, online, blended and apprenticeship routes. Programmes in quantity surveying, civil engineering, construction management, architecture, architectural technology, fire safety engineering, sustainability and digital construction provide multiple entry and flexible progression pathways for learners at different career stages.
With four departments across Letterkenny, Sligo and Galway, it supports almost 3,000 students and over 200 staff, delivering one of Ireland’s most comprehensive built environment programmes
Education that prepares for employment
Partnering with industry and education providers across Ireland, the school has developed new online and blended consortium-led apprenticeships in civil engineering and quantity surveying, which are proving very popular due to their ‘earn and learn’ approach. Additional initiatives include programmes in digital construction and participation in cross-border innovation projects such as Green Skills enablement through the GRASP Peaceplus project and 5G CEF development programme.
Work placements, live project work and collaboration with regional and national partners ensure programmes remain grounded in professional practice, enabling graduates to leave with practical experience and industry insight.
The school is also advancing digital learning through initiatives such as a free Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) in Lean Construction and a recently launched ‘Introduction to BIM’ MOOC designed to support digital adoption across the sector. Cross-campus collaboration within ATU strengthens programme delivery, while Erasmus and international partnerships create further opportunities for staff and students.
Opportunity to be professionally accredited
The school also offers programmes recognised by the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI), Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), Engineers Ireland, Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI), Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT).
With four departments across Letterkenny, Sligo and Galway, it supports almost 3,000 students and over 200 staff, delivering one of Ireland’s most comprehensive built environment programmes.
