A new partnership launched today between remote working hubs and universities will allow students to live and study in their own communities.

The first ‘Learning in the Hubs’ initiative was announced at the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) Athlone, and will see the university working with 11 Connected Hubs facilities in the Midlands.

This pilot programme is targeted at adult learners, and there are plans to extend the initiative to other parts of the country in the future.

‘Learning in the Hubs’ will see students carry out course work and attend classes in a group setting in the Connected Hubs facilities.

The Connected Hubs scheme was first launched in May 2021, there are now 319 participating facilities nationwide.

The following programmes will take place exclusively in the 11 Connected Hubs:

  • Certificate in Business in Entrepreneurship (Level 6) – the objective being to support potential entrepreneurs, start-ups and others locally with an interest in the world of entrepreneurship;
  • Bachelor of Business (Hons) (Level 8) degree programme with plans to widen participation in third-level education through general business.

Speaking at the launch today in Athlone, Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys said: “‘Learning in the Hubs’ is the latest in a range of exciting new initiatives that we are rolling out as part of our bold ambition to make remote working a reality.

“This is about bringing remote working and learning into the education sphere and into the heart of our rural communities. It’s about working with our education institutions so that everyone can benefit – the students, the colleges and our rural towns and villages.

“I believe that by giving our students that choice to do a course in their local hub, we will breathe new life into towns and villages and change the way education is delivered for the better.”

The TUS Faculty of Continuing, Professional, Online and Distance Learning accredited 11 hubs as TUS Learning Gates in 2022 to support its online learners, and recognise the value of leveraging the technology in hubs all over Ireland.

The two new programmes will be run exclusively through the TUS Learning Gate network ‘Learning in the Hubs’ initiative. The 11 TUS Learning Gates are dispersed across Longford, Westmeath, Laois, Offaly, Galway and Roscommon.

The collaboration between TUS and Connected Hubs will enable this concept to be built nationally, providing higher education opportunities online across the country, particularly in rural areas where it may not have previously been accessible.

It is envisaged that all counties will have a Learning Gate by September 2023.