şÚÁĎÉç has been awarded funding for a host of new part-time programmes under the national Springboard+ 2025 initiative.
The funding is for 218 student places across nine part-time targeted programmes.
This funding, available over a three-year period, enables learners to access 90-100% subsidised education in areas aligned with Ireland’s future workforce needs. For the first time, this year’s result also features two 12-week micro-credentials.
The nine UL programmes funded under Springboard+ 2025 span a broad spectrum of high-demand fields including digital skills, healthcare, leadership, climate resilience, and advanced analytics, empowering learners to upskill or reskill for future job opportunities.
In addition to delivering transformative education for individuals, these programmes represent a strategic opportunity for UL to expand access to professional learners and working adults.
By attracting additional students through Springboard+, UL has strengthened its position as a national leader in flexible, lifelong learning, while deepening engagement with regional and national economic priorities.
The successful funding outcome was the result of a significant collaborative effort led by the Graduate and Professional Studies (GPS) team at UL. AVP of GPS Geraldine Carroll, Sarah Brady, and Michael Hennessy worked closely with Deans, Course Directors, and faculty leads to deliver a compelling submission.
“This funding enables hundreds of learners to futureproof their careers through UL’s innovative and accessible offerings,” said Geraldine Carroll, AVP of Graduate and Professional Studies.
“We are proud to work closely with academic faculties to contribute to Ireland’s upskilling agenda and support inclusive economic development.”
Rachel Martens, a previous student, explained: “I chose to do a Springboard+ course to access higher education to support my transition to acute care. Thanks to the start that the Springboard+ course afforded me I am now undertaking a Masters in Advanced Healthcare Practice.”
The programmes will open for application on Thursday, 5 June. Students will apply for the funding first via Springboard+. More information on the national initiative can be found on UL’s .
The nine UL programmes funded under Springboard+ 2025 are:
- Advanced Clinical Practice – Postgraduate Certificate
- Climate Adaptation and Sustainability – Professional Diploma
- Data Analytics – Professional Diploma
- Health and Safety – Professional Diploma
- Supply Chain Management – Certificate
- Sustainable Work – Professional Diploma
- Strategic Leadership – Professional Diploma
- Communication and Interpreting the Irish Healthcare System – Micro-credential
- Introduction to Data Analytics with R for Wind Energy – Micro-credential (more details coming soon)