Joint Programmes established to tackle Smart Economy Skills Shortage

 The NUI Galway – University of Limerick Strategic Alliance is proud to announce the establishment two new joint MSc programmes which will address strategic R&D requirements for the country. The programmes, MSc Finance and Information Systems and MSc Sustainable Resource Management: Policy and Practice are significant in that they are the first joint programmes to be delivered through an Irish university alliance.

Smart Economy Skills Shortage – MSc Finance and Information Systems

Finance and economics graduates looking to upskill can now avail of a new joint programme delivered by the Kemmy Business School, UL and the J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics, NUI Galway. The new programme builds on the strengths of strategic alliance partners, NUI Galway and the University of Limerick, to deliver a programme in response to the market demand for graduates with ICT and financial management skills.

The programme addresses a number of the skills shortage areas that have been identified in Forfás’ Guiding Principles for Submission of Proposals, Forfás’ 2011 document Guidance for Higher Education Providers on Current and Future Skills Needs of Enterprise, and the Government’s Building Ireland’s Smart Economy.

While covering key future skills needs, the programme provides students with an opportunity to update, build and improve key strengths and capabilities, redirect their careers or consider how they can create their own employment or develop new routes to employment. The programme aims to provide essential ICT technical skills, but equally aims to deliver the financial management skills and financial decision making acumen – critical for employees in the targeted industrial sectors and core to the success of Ireland’s future economic growth.

Professor Donal Dineen, Dean of the Kemmy Business School, UL, said: “This is an exciting new programme that combines the complementary expertise of the academic staff of the Business Schools of both NUI Galway and UL; the skill shortages being addressed are critical to the requirements of the emerging Smart Economy in Ireland.”

Professor Willie Golden, Dean of the College of Business, Public Policy and Law, NUI Galway, said: “This programme has been designed to meet the needs of the marketplace by providing graduates with knowledge of both finance and information systems, something which is actively sought by employers in the marketplace.”

Boost to Green Economy – MSc Sustainable Resource Management: Policy and Practice

Implementing correct policies to grow Ireland’s green economy will be given an important boost with the launch of the first MSc in Sustainable Resource Management: Policy and Practice delivered jointly by the Strategic Alliance Partners.

This programme has been developed in response to market demand for graduates with technical knowledge of the environmental sector plus an understanding of the range of policies currently implemented in Ireland and elsewhere which will enhance our performance in advancing our green economy. This will allow us to meet the crucial goals of reducing our reliance on imported fuels, creating additional employment, and ensuring compliance with EU directives.

Strongly research led, the programme is unique in that it combines the expertise of both institutions and is geared to the requirements of key industry and government organisations. UL offers modules on material flow analysis and urban sustainability, while NUI Galway offers modules on landscape and habitat conservation.

Speaking of the MSc Sustainable Resource Management: Policy and Practice, Brian Keville, Company Director and Senior Environmental Consultant, McCarthy Keville O'Sullivan Ltd, who himself studied Environmental Science at NUI Galway, said: “This new MSC will give graduates a detailed insight into the natural and built environment and the all-important interactions between both, across a wide variety of important subject areas that are increasing relevant in commercial, conservation, industrial and public policy fields.

Many opportunities exist within the greening of the economy as governments, NGOs and companies work to meet environmental targets set within international agreements. Other opportunities exist to introduce green technologies and management strategies into Ireland, which have been successful in other EU states. Graduates will acquire translational and multidisciplinary skills in the environmental entrepreneurship and sustainability sector enabling them to take on managerial roles within an industrial / corporate setting, or within a regulatory body or consultancy firm.  Careers such as Sustainability Officers, Ecological Consultants, and Environmental Advisors exist within public and private sectors in Ireland and elsewhere. In addition, there may be opportunities for further research leading to the degree of PhD.

Professor Richard Moles of UL explains the importance of the establishment of a new programme: “This programme brings together in one programme of study technical understanding, policy options available, and best practice in Ireland and elsewhere. It provides participants with the skills, knowledge and experience that are needed to pursue successful careers in managing environmental resources sustainably, and in finding novel ways to grow our green economy to reduce the need for expensive imports and create additional jobs at home.”

Established in 2010, the NUI Galway - UL Strategic Alliance has established a number of joint programmes and shared modules which provide students with a unique opportunity to gain access to the research and teaching two of Ireland’s leading institutions.

For further information about the NUI Galway – UL Strategic Alliance go to www.nuig-ulalliance.ie

Course Applications are online at www.graduateschool.ul.iet

ENDS