IT’S NEVER TOO late to start again.

Thousands of people across Ireland are seeking higher education opportunities at various stages in life. Atlantic Technological University (ATU) makes that possible, while juggling family and career.

Kate Mlynarska, a mum who calls herself a “forever student”, had a Diploma in Business when a job in Sligo sparked her interest in data.

Her previous attempt to get a degree was cut short prematurely, but thanks to ATU, she was able to complete a Higher Diploma in Business Analytics through online and flexible learning years after her first attempt.

Education should complement your life, not interrupt it, and ATU offered Kate that balance.

 ”I call myself a forever student – I love upskilling myself and learning. My goal was always to achieve an Undergraduate Degree,” she said.

“I completed an Access Course in University of Galway around 2014 and started a Bachelor of Commerce online shortly after. I struggled to complete my degree due to
personal reasons and exited with a Diploma in Business. Not being able to complete my degree played on my mind, so I started looking for an alternative.”

Kate had real-world experience running her own business and applied for the Higher Diploma through Springboard, a government initiative that provides free and heavily subsidised courses to meet industry-skills demands in key growth areas in the domestic economy. ATU recently announced Springboard funding for over 40 programmes that are now open for application for a September 2026 start.

Kate qualified for Recognition of Prior Learning, a process by which experience in work, volunteering, and involvement in sporting or community groups can be recognised by ATU, through additional credits or exemptions, where applicable.

“At the time, I had a young family and being able to do classes at the comfort of my own home, was important to me,” Kate added.

ATU is a leader in online and flexible learning, providing opportunities to study part‑time from Higher Certificate level right through to Master’s level, across a wide range of subjects.

Balancing other commitments such as work, family, or caring responsibilities must be taken into account, which is why ATU prioritises supportive, adaptable learning experiences.

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None of which can be done without hard work.

Kate’s Higher Diploma in Business Analytics is a 60-credit programme. The course involves dedication to study, self-discipline and time management. Her advice is simple:

Don’t overthink it and go for it. 

Kate now works at Atlantic Technological University, reporting on complex data with skills learnt during the Higher Diploma.

“The lectures were scheduled in such a way that each module’s material was released on a different day, and we had a week or two to complete the assessment,” Kate said. 

“Lectures were pre-recorded so I was able to re-watch or watch during my free time, usually at the weekends. Having a clear schedule helped to stay focused. Library materials for majority of the modules were available online, and I was able to get some books posted to my home address free of charge.”

“I started listening to lectures while walking the dog, and completed some assessments on breaks or before everyone got up at home.

You can do it from anywhere and anytime, even on your phone.”

Kate is now a Senior Staff Officer for Admissions at ATU based on the Sligo Campus and believes that without this Higher Diploma she would not be thriving in this role reporting on complex data.

“I met a lot of interesting people and created some friendships. It also taught me that sometimes done is better than perfect!,” she said.

Atlantic Technological University (ATU) offers over 350 online, flexible and postgraduate courses now open for application and starting September 2026. As a leader in flexible learning, ATU provides students with the opportunity to study part-time through a variety of delivery modes such as online, blended, and on-campus options. Explore the full list of courses at: www.atu.ie/flexible 

ATU is hosting a series of webinars over the coming weeks, giving prospective students the opportunity to learn more about the courses available from ATU,  meet the Academic Team and have their questions answered. Register for the Faculty of Business webinar, happening on Wednesday 13th May at 1pm. Register now.