New Adjunct Lecturer and Outdoor Education bursaries at ATU Mayo

MARINE social scientist Dr. Easkey Britton has joined the ATU Mayo Department of Environmental Humanities and Social Sciences as Adjunct Lecturer and this week announced two new bursaries for the Master of Science (MSc) in Outdoor Education, Sustainability and Wellbeing, commencing September 2026.

The bursaries, titled 'Sunflower Scholars', are funded through the Sunflower Foundation and aim to remove barriers to access and to empower learners who are committed to strengthening community resilience, enhancing well-being, and contributing to a sustainable future through nature-based practice.

Dr. Britton is a professional marine social scientist whose work explores the relationship between people and nature, especially water environments. She has a PhD in Environment and Society from the University of Ulster and is a prominent voice in 'blue health', exploring how water influences human well-being and advocating for ocean conservation.

Launching the MSc in Outdoor Education programme bursaries, Dr. Britton said: “It’s an honour to join Atlantic Technological University Mayo campus and contribute to a programme grounded in real-world learning and connection to place. Outdoor education has a powerful role to play in how we respond to today’s challenges.

“The Sunflower Scholarship is an important way to support access for those called to this work of nurturing more sustainable, compassionate ways of being.”

The MSc in Outdoor Education, Sustainability and Wellbeing is a part-time blended programme delivered in the ATU Mayo campus. It is suited to educators, community practitioners, outdoor leaders, health and wellbeing professionals, and those working with nature to support individuals and communities.

The Sunflower Scholarships cover the full fee of the MSc programme for two years - full details on the bursaries, eligibility and how to apply are available here.

Full details on the MSc programme are available here.

Speaking about the bursary, Dr. Deirdre Garvey, Head of the ATU Mayo Department of Environmental Humanities and Social Sciences, said: “We warmly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those who may be underrepresented in higher education or the outdoor sector. This is a unique opportunity to join a vibrant, place based, community focused programme, supported by the generous vision of the Sunflower Foundation, to help shape a thriving, sustainable future for people and place.”