New Degree in Jewellery and Goldsmithing at ATU

The Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) in partnership with Atlantic Technological University (ATU) officially commenced the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Jewellery and Goldsmithing at the DCCI Academy of Jewellery & Goldsmithing in Sessions House, Thomastown, Co Kilkenny.

This is the first full time three-year programme of its kind in Ireland and welcomes 16 students with different backgrounds, skill levels and a passion for design and craft.

These students received a glimpse into their exciting future as Irish jewellers. This programme will bring forward new talent and enhance the pool of thriving designers, craftspeople and makers in Ireland today. Students will embark on a journey of refining, discovering and enhancing their skills with a range of modules including Advanced Applied Goldsmithing, Design Communication and Gemstone setting. The programme also provides students with the opportunity to practise in a real-life setting with work placement included.

Atlantic Technological University offers Undergraduate, Postgraduate and Lifelong Learning opportunities for aspiring higher education students. Learning is and will be the core activity of the Institute, bringing students, staff and the region together to share, apply, test and create knowledge. Out of ATU’s five campuses, the Galway Campus is the largest and home of the Institute’s administrative headquarters. Overlooking Galway Bay, the campus remains one of Galway City’s iconic landmarks due to its distinctive architecture and design. The modern building hosts an IT Centre and the Library. Business, Tourism, Engineering, Science a wide range of courses are available on this campus.

Galway City is also home to ATU’s The Centre for Creative Arts and Media. A stones throw away from the city centre, the campus focuses in courses in art & design, textiles, and film & documentary that cater to aspiring creative students, who are looking to gain on hands experience to prepare them for Art and Multimedia sectors. The building consists of high ceilings, wide windows and spacious room, while the library is constructed with Irish oak using a distinct ecclesiastical theme.

The Mayo Campus of Atlantic Technological University opened its doors to students back in 1994 and now offers modern facilities and services for both students and staff. Courses in Nursing, Business, Sciences, Tech among others are the main focus at the Mayo Campus. The National Centre for Excellence in Furniture Design and Technology is located in North-West Connamara at ATU’s Letterfrack Campus. The Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology was the first institute in Ireland to house a agricultural college, originally set up by the Franciscan Brothers in 1904. Today students at Mountbellow have the choice between two degrees on the campus – Rural Enterprise & Agribusiness or Agriculture & Environmental Management.

Among the excellent academic services provided by ATU, there are also great recreational facilities for its students to avail of including GAA, rugby, soccer, athletics, indoor sports and a selection of clubs and societies.