Irish tertiary education is highly regarded around the world, with Ireland ranked among the top countries for higher education attainment, considerably above the OECD average. In addition, eight Irish universities place in the top 500 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
But rapid change in the Irish sector - including regulations, institutional mergers and consolidations, governance requirements, changing student demographics and a growing necessity for EDI initiatives - means institutions must constantly evolve.
How can we help?
We help higher education organisations be the best they can be by unlocking the potential of their people. We’ve partnered with higher education organisations in Ireland for over 10 years to provide better outcomes for your staff and students.
Our work in Ireland is shaped by our Ireland Strategic Advisory Board.
Technological University Dublin celebrating their Athena Swan Ireland Bronze award.
By listening and responding to you, our members in Ireland, we’ve developed the support you need to maintain and enhance your rightful position as global leaders in higher education and research.
Membership and member benefits
With over 450 members worldwide, we ensure that global perspectives are embedded in what we do. This - as well as giving you access to global thinking and practice from our collective membership - ensures that your institution is best placed to anticipate and respond to emerging issues.
Our membership offer in Ireland is informed by global, national and institutional priorities, and is structured under four strands of expertise: teaching and learning; leadership and management; equality, diversity and inclusion; and governance.
In addition to working with members on shared global challenges, we've developed or are developing several projects focusing on areas that Irish members have told us are priorities, helping you respond to the specific issues facing you. Learn more about member benefits for Ireland.
Supporting equity, diversity and inclusion in Ireland
Advance HE supports Irish third-level education institutions in creating places of learning and employment that welcome diversity, nurture talent and make sustainable change.
Athena Swan Ireland
Athena Swan Ireland is an effective way to transform gender equality at higher education institutions. And one the sector is embracing - all of Ireland’s universities and institutes of technology, several colleges, and a growing number of research institutions participate in the charter.
It has tangible value for participating organisations too. Engagement with Athena Swan Ireland is a key pillar of Ireland’s national strategy for gender equality. Furthermore, progress is linked to institutional eligibility for funding from Ireland’s major research agencies and Horizon Europe. Advance HE administers the charter on behalf of the Irish sector and the Higher Education Authority.
Athena Swan is one of the most important initiatives that we have in the higher education sector in Ireland.”Simon Harris TD, Former Minster for Further and Higher Education in Ireland
Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Planning Support
Irish organisations can’t reach their full potential unless they benefit from the talents of all. Diversity in leadership is associated with holistic growth ambitions, greater social impact and a more satisfied workforce.
A Gender Equality Plan (GEP) is an effective way to realise diversity at your institution. GEPs are aligned with global funding requirements, they positively impact staff satisfaction, and they help you create an inclusive environment where all colleagues can thrive.
For these reasons, we’ve developed a Gender Equality Plan support package to help you create a GEP that delivers positive change.
75% of the inaugural EU Gender Equality Champion Awards went to institutions which have developed gender equality plans as part of their engagement in the Athena Swan Ireland Charter, which Advance HE runs and provides action plan workshops for.”Sarah Fink, Head of Athena Swan (Ireland), Advance HE
Would you like to commission a bespoke workshop?
The purpose of our EDI efforts is to support higher education institutions in navigating intersectionality, allyship and creating anti-racist campuses. Interested in commissioning an Advance HE workshop? Contact [email protected] or [email protected].
Developing Ireland's leaders for the future
In recent years, transformative leadership in the Irish sector has paved the way for impactful change, innovation and development.
Our bespoke leadership and open programmes support Irish third-level education institutions in ensuring that leaders are equipped to lead with confidence, agility, inclusivity and innovation.
Aurora Ireland
Aurora is a leadership development initiative for women. It enables higher education institutions to take positive action to address the under-representation of women in leadership roles. It also gives women in the sector the opportunity to develop and enhance their careers.
Since its launch in 2013 more than 10,000 women from nearly 200 institutions across Ireland and the UK have participated in Aurora.
Aurora is an investment in your own career and your own development."Dr Rita Scully, lecturer in the Built Environment at the Technological University of the Shannon
Senior Women's Leadership Development Programme Ireland
Building on the success of Aurora Ireland we’ve developed a contextualised programme to help institutions improve gender equity, and provide more support to help women thrive in leadership positions.
Aimed at senior academic and professional services roles, the programme provides a safe space for women and equips them with the knowledge, skills and network necessary to succeed.
Strategic Leadership Programme Ireland
Advance HE’s Strategic Leadership Programme Ireland is tailored for higher education leaders navigating sector transformation. Participants on this programme will build confidence, gain strategic insight and systems thinking to lead cross-institutional initiatives. The programme is delivered through workshops, coaching, and residential learning.
Leadership development programmes delivered at your institution
We can work closely with you to deliver high-impact solutions, equipping your people with the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to thrive in their roles and to drive your institution forward.
Interested in commissioning an Advance HE leadership programme? Contact [email protected] or [email protected].
Ensuring student success through the enhancement of learning and teaching in Ireland
For reasons including, but not limited to, recruitment, retention, student success and institutional reputation, the standard of teaching and learning has never been more important.
Irish third-level education institutions are continuously developing the quality and relevance of their teaching and learning. We at Advance HE can support this development by providing access to a wide range of resources to help you evolve your approach, not only in addressing strategic priorities, but also in meeting the changing needs and expectations of students.
Fellows at Atlantic Technological University
Fellowship
More than 195,000 people have been awarded fellowship worldwide.
We can provide you with professional recognition opportunities in Ireland with accreditation that is recognised around the world. Fellowship demonstrates a commitment to professionalism and provides recognition of practice, impact and leadership in teaching and learning.
Fellowships are awarded based on evidence of personal professional practice that meets the requirements of the Professional Standards Framework 2023 (PSF 2023).
Principal Fellowship pushed me to reframe my achievements and put myself at the centre of my own career story."Dr Gwen Moore, Principal Fellow and former Director of Teaching and Learning and Associate Professor at Mary Immaculate College (MIC), Limerick
Essential Frameworks for Enhancing Student Success
Access our latest evidence-informed frameworks developed with the sector, for the sector.
The free-to-access series provides a shared point of reference and common language to discuss, shape and review policy, process and practice around the issues impacting student success.
Join our free webinar series
Join Advance HE's education experts and colleagues from across the globe who will share how they are using the frameworks to inform and develop their successful practice. Find out more here.
Upcoming teaching and learning development opportunities available to participants in Ireland
Leading Educational Change in Irish HE Symposium 2025
After several years, we are excited to bring this important symposium back to Ireland, focusing on the critical role of academic leaders in delivering excellence in higher education.
The Irish Higher Education sector faces critical challenges including sustainability imperatives, rapid technological advances, growing demand, and concerns around mental health and equity.
Our symposium provides higher education leaders a supportive environment to test bold ideas, foster connections, and collaborate on shaping the future of Irish higher education during these transformative times.
Evolving governance in Ireland
Effective governance is critical to success in third-level education. With this in mind, we can offer you an extensive range of resources, developed in line with Irish regulatory requirements. These resources help support and develop governors, governance professionals, and systems of governance in Irish higher education institutions.
Governor Development Programme Ireland
Developed specifically for Irish institutions, this programme provides governors with the necessary background, briefing and understanding to perform their duties and act as an effective member of the governing body.
The programme consists of two events. The first event is a full day in person and is aimed at new governors who have limited experience of higher education, and/or as a member of a governing body. The second event will be a half-day online and will be applicable and of interest to all governors in Irish HE institutions.
Governance Effectiveness Reviews Ireland
Governance Effectiveness Reviews are a key part of good governance practices in any sector. They help organisations ensure that their governance structures are effective and able to achieve their goals. In higher education, these reviews are especially important for driving continuous improvement, sharpening the strategic focus of governing bodies, and ensuring that governors are fully engaged and understand their roles.
Our team in Ireland
Latest news and views from Ireland
