New business degree for Belmullet

New Business degree for Belmullet


Áine Ryan

EQUAL Ireland is set to run a BA in Business Enterprise and Community Development, in association with Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT) in Belmullet next autumn pending the enrolment of enough suitably qualified students on the course. A key aim of EQUAL Ireland is to bring third-level education ‘to people and places that otherwise might not get such an opportunity’.
   The programme, which will be Year Three of an ordinary degree, will suit students who have already achieved higher certification but will also facilitate certain people who have experience working in various areas of Community Development over a number of years or have run certain types of  businesses.  
“Our decision to offer the BA in Business, Enterprise and Community Development for delivery in the Belmullet area has been led by the determination and capacity of the group of adult learners who are just completing their Higher Certificate in Workplace and Community Studies,” said Ms Nuala Keher, Academic and Research Executive Director of EQUAL Ireland.
She explained that the Recognition of the Prior Learning (RPL) system, espoused by both EQUAL Ireland and AIT, means that the course organiser can also measure work experience ‘in terms of learning and award the necessary credits to enable a person join the BA Programme’.
Prospective student, Mr Ian MacAindriu of UdarΡs na Gaeltachta and Áras Inis Gluaire, a participant on the Higher Certificate in Workplace and Community Studies, confirmed he plans to enrol on the course.  
“EQUAL Ireland lets you study locally, gives you the support you need with tutors from the Institutes of Technology and NUIG and with the help and encouragement of those around you it is a great learning experience,” Mr MacAindriu said.
Course Co-Ordinator, Mr Brendan Mulry told The Mayo News that these course originally grew out of a network, called Líonra, which was served by colleges in the BMW (Border-Midlands-West) region. Galway-Mayo-Insitute of Technology is one of these colleges. He explained that student fees and grants from local agencies usually cover the costs.  
EQUAL Ireland offers an instalment plan for the payment of programme fees allowing them to be paid over a 15-month period to lessen the financial impact for the participants

MORE Information Sessions will be held tonight Tuesday, April 29, from 8.30 to 9.30pm, at Áras Inis Gluaire, Belmullet; and at the same time on April 30 in the Crossmolina Enterprise Centre and on May 1 in the Mulranny Park Hotel.