Institute of Technology Carlow, Ireland

Overview

History, Affiliations & Rankings

Considered one of the largest technology colleges in Ireland, the Institute of Technology Carlow was set up in 1970. It was in fact the first third level technology-focused regional college in Ireland, which was established primarily to harness the areas innovation, creativity, entrepreneurship and education. It was only in 2018 when the institute came on the cusp of Technological University designation after signing of the Technological Universities Act into law. Since its inception, the institute has grown in not just size but also in reputation of providing world-class education. At present, IT Carlow ranks second among the 14 largest Institutes of Technology in Ireland. In 2014, the institute was named the Sunday Times Institute of Technology of the Year.

Infrastructure, Campus & Courses

The Institute of Technology Carlow, located in Carlow, Ireland, has three campuses in Carlow, Wexford and Wicklow along with a part-time provision. Currently, it offers over 200 programmes of study from certificates to doctorates, delivered by a total of nine different departments. In addition, it offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses to international students from level 7 and upwards on the National Framework of Qualifications. Amongst a whole spectrum of campus facilities, some include multi-purpose sports hall, sports science laboratories, a high performance strength & conditioning gym, a multi-storey library, multimedia centre, restaurants and more. The student services at the institute further provides student support including accommodation and transport, chaplaincy, health centre, careers service, financial support, counselling, etc.

Accomplishments & Alumni

Being Irelands largest institute of technology, the institute prides itself on over 8,448 enrollments and 851 staff. It also has the highest percentage of full-time postgraduate students in the sector of technology and the highest progression rate for undergraduate programmes at Level 8 in the higher education sector. As of 2020, IT Carlow has already empowered more than 55,000 graduates to make an impact in their respective fields and the national and international community. Notable alumni of IT Carlow include the Republic of Ireland women's football international player Megan Campbell, lecturer John Meyler and Labour Party senator Mark Wall.

Student Diversity & Visiting Companies

Thousands of international students from over 30 countries have contributed to shaping IT Carlows over 50 years of remarkable history. Over the years, it has grown in nationalities and attracted students from disadvantaged backgrounds and a variety of diverse groups from all over the globe. The institute has the second highest percentage of international students in the technological sector. The Careers Service at the Institute of Technology Carlow makes sure that all students are provided with equal opportunities in recruitment procedures. Among the top fields that see the most number of employers, which are IT, Pharma and Finance, companies such as Intel, IBM, Pfizer, Amazon, MSD, Bank of Ireland, Citibank, etc. visit the campus for placements.

COVID-19 Response

As the world moves towards and plans for life in 2021 amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, IT Carlow has also put in place measures to provide active learning experiences on campus. In addition, it is committed to provide students with easy access to a broad range of study materials.

• Although the majority of the classes are scheduled to be delivered online, IT Carlow campus is currently open with various COVID-19 safety measures in place.

• Since a number of students have been facing problems with taking English proficiency tests like PTE Academic, IELTS or TOEFL, the institute has asked applicants to submit Duolingo online test scores for the 2021-22 academic year.

• Given that the pandemic is an ever-changing situation, international students who are planning on returning to campus or applying to the institute may contact their International Team on internationaladmin@itcarlow.ie.

• All residential students and student athletes will be required to get fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

• At present, the university classes are based on a hybrid of on-campus activities and online teaching.

• Those students who are travelling from abroad to join IT Carlow need to self-isolate for 14 days.

• Work placements at the institute will depend on the public health guidelines in place at the time.