SETU launches new strategy to expand access to Lifelong Learning at Carlow Campus

South East Technological University (SETU) has officially launched its Lifelong Learning Strategy 2025–2028 at a special event held at its Carlow campus.

The strategy, entitled ‘Connecting for Impact in Lifelong Learning’, aims to embed a culture of lifelong learning across the southeast and beyond.

SETU President, Professor Veronica Campbell, acknowledged this significant milestone, saying: “At SETU, we are committed to expanding access to education for lifelong learners. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to realise their potential and benefit from the economic and personal rewards that education brings.”

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“The opening lines of SETU’s first Lifelong Learning Strategy state unequivocally that SETU will ‘firmly embed a culture of lifelong learning across the south east region’ through our actions, programmes, partnerships and engagement with our stakeholders and the wider community. This aligns with our University’s broader strategic vision, drawing on over 50 years of collective experience, and it is informed by national and international research,” she concluded.

Dr Helen Murphy, Head of Faculty of Education and Lifelong Learning, said: “This is SETU’s first comprehensive strategy for lifelong learning. It sets out our commitment to ensuring education remains accessible, flexible, and transformative for all learners. It builds on decades of adult education to deliver courses that are inclusive, empowering, and essential to the growth of our learners, and subsequently to the growth of the southeast.”

“Our work on the access agenda in lifelong learning widens participation across groups who typically have not accessed third level education. Our strategic efforts will lead to greater social transformation and will open opportunities to individuals to fulfil their potential,” Helen continued.

“We have set out our core values in ‘Connecting for Impact in Lifelong Learning’ to include excellence in delivery, flexibility, co-creation, lifelong learning leadership, and sustainability. These values will be brought to life in increasing innovation and growth for the faculty, improving student experience, increasing engagement both regionally and nationally, generating research and scholarship opportunities, and supporting sustainable development through our policies, and curriculum,” Helen concluded.

The launch event was MC’d by Dr Tony Murphy, Head of Lifelong Learning, and included keynote speeches from lifelong learners, Dr David Dempsey and Nigel Nash.

David’s decades-long career in business has seen him in the roles of Senior Vice President and General Manager of Salesforce Ireland, and co-founder of Salesforce EMEA. He is also long-serving member of SETU’s Governing Body. David achieved both his Master of Business Administration (MBA) and his Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) through lifelong learning.

Nigel is the Centre Manager for Tiglin Challenge Men’s Centre, helping men to overcome life controlling issues such as homelessness and addiction. He completed his Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Applied Social Studies at SETU and will continue his journey in the new academic year with a Higher Diploma in Business Management. Nigel is passionate about helping others to gain freedom from addiction through the power of his own lived experience, coupled with all that he has studied through his lifelong learning journey.

The strategy sets out targets for 2028 that include increasing lifelong learner enrolments, increased Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) access, the expansion of micro-credentials, and the introduction of six new part-time degree programmes.

It also outlines SETU’s leadership in advancing UN Sustainable Development Goals, placing particular focus on inclusive education through lifelong learning.