New TUS programme will make Mid-West a global leader in autonomous vehicles

A NEW post-graduate programme has been created thanks to a “strategic collaboration” between the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) and Future Mobility Campus Ireland.

The new programme in autonomous vehicles has been designed with the aim of securing the Mid-West’s position as a global leader in this emerging sector.

“The programme will up-skill those already working in this cutting-edge sector, ensuring a skilled workforce for the future and using the most sophisticated infrastructure and autonomous vehicles available in Ireland as part of the training process,” a TUS spokesperson said. 

Speaking at the launch of the new programme, president of TUS professor Vincent Cunnane said that for the last number of years, the Mid-West region has become a global player in the development and testing of autonomous vehicles, be they vehicles on the road, robotics on land, or drones in the air.  

“Global innovators and market leaders such as Jaguar Land Rover, General Motors, Analog Devices, Cisco, Mergon, Provisio and Valeo among others all have operations and employment bases in Ireland,” he said. 

“This cutting-edge emerging sector delivers boundless opportunities which will ultimately change the way we live. TUS is proud to have partnered with Ireland’s leading test-bed and development centre at Future Mobility Campus Ireland in developing and delivering this new Postgraduate Diploma in autonomous vehicles,” Mr Cunnane added.

CEO and co-founder of Future Mobility Campus Ireland, Russell Vickers said that the strategic collaboration with TUS aligns with their vision of shaping the future of advanced mobility by preparing individuals to excel in the dynamic field of autonomous vehicles.

“It is imperative to cultivate a pool of talent equipped with highly sought-after skills. Our collaboration with TUS is an important enabler for providing students with a comprehensive curriculum and hands-on experience. We are not only contributing to the academic landscape but also fostering the growth of an advanced mobility ecosystem in Ireland and internationally,” he added. 

The Autonomous Vehicles Postgraduate Diploma is funded by the Higher Education Authority through the Human Capital initiative, enabling eligible students to avail of 90% funding support (students pay €875). 

The programme, developed and informed by industry, runs for a year and a half, and will be delivered online in the evening time with monthly weekend workshops in FMCI, a workload designed to work for those in employment. 

At the end of the 1.5 years, students have the opportunity to continue their studies and progress to a Masters Degree.