Case Study: Sustainable Mobility & Active Travel Design

Postgrad Cert (L9), ATU Sligo

"The National Sustainable Mobility Policy sets out a strategic framework to 2030 for active travel (walking & cycling) & public transport journeys to help Ireland meet its climate obligations. It is accompanied by an action plan to 2025 which contains actions to improve & expand sustainable mobility options across the country by providing safe, green, accessible & efficient alternatives to car journeys."

National Sustainable Mobility Policy 2022-2025, Dept of Transport.

The sustainable mobility and active travel sector in Ireland is currently experiencing a shortage of qualified multi-disciplinary designers to deliver quality transport infrastructure for sustainable places.

Sustainable Mobility & Active Travel Design is a fast-growing area in Ireland with the National Transport Authority (NTA) reporting that "total expenditure on NTA Active Travel funded projects since 2020 was to exceed €1Billion during 2024" NTA (2024). The successful design & delivery of these projects requires design teams equipped with current best practice knowledge and skills.

In 2021 Government Departments of Transport, & Housing, Local Government & Heritage met with academic staff at ATU Sligo Department of Civil Engineering & Construction & the Yeats Academy of Art, Design & Architecture to leverage on their expertise in sustainable transport, urban design and online programmes to scope out and develop a new multi-disciplinary programme in Sustainable Mobility & Active Travel Design.

The Challenge

To research and develop a part-time blended online Special Purpose Award at Level 9 for learners who wish to develop knowledge and skills relating to the integrated design of Sustainable Mobility & Active Travel Design infrastructure, public realm and transport facilities within the built environment using a multidisciplinary approach, philosophy and pedagogy.

This involved scoping out the design of a programme with content beyond the current offer through CPD etc., that would equip learners with the technical and professional skills needed to help solve some of the present and future challenges related to the planning, design or management of the urban built environment and Sustainable Mobility & Active Travel infrastructure, using best national and international practice.

The Solution

Engaging with an advisory group drawn from the Government Departments of Transport & Housing, Local Government & Heritage (NTA, TII) & the Royal Institute of Irish Architects (RIAI).

Designed & issued an Online Questionnaire survey to potential learners and employers in the industry to determine the learning required, leading to the drafting of programme learning outcomes, assessment strategy and syllabi for consultation with and feedback from stakeholders.

Development of a draft online blended programme for approval by the University & a Validation Panel.

The final stage is the identification of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to complete the detailed design and delivery of the proposed programme.

The Result

• Established a working Advisory Group.
• Successfully designed and issued an Online Questionnaire. 161 respondents from wide range of professionals in the sector.
• Questionnaire provided feedback on type, extent and depth of learning and assessment for the programme and identified potential key Subject Matter Experts (SMEs).
• Developed Outline Programme Schedule & Documentation. Four Modules (20 ECTS).

• Developed and issued programme 'infopack' with draft learning outcomes, assessment strategy and syllabi for feedback from identified stakeholders and SMEs.
• Programme documentation developed for approval by ATU Faculty Academic Planning Committee to proceed to next stage of detailed design for external validation process.
• SME group to now form with academic programme committee to review programme structure, content, delivery and assessment strategies.
• On track to deliver attractive programme that is of high value, meets current learning needs and deficits, with modules led by expert practitioners, supported by academic programme coordinators and guest lecturers, providing cohorts of learners with multi-disciplinary learning & interdisciplinary skills from a recognised Award.