Now that all five planned technological universities in Ireland have been established, you’re likely going to be seeing some changes in CAO lists, course codes and the names of certain colleges. Is it confusing?
Not if you have all of the facts.
For the month of July, Irish Country Living will be lifting the lid on each of the five technological universities, providing the need-to-know practical information as well as details of new courses, programmes and the benefits these universities will bring to their regions.
Last week, we looked at Ireland’s first established technological university. This week, we travel inland and to the west to learn more about Technological University of the Shannon (TUS).
A first
TUS, a coming-together of “legacy” colleges Athlone Institute of Technology and Limerick Institute of Technology, was officially established on 1 October 2021.
As with Ireland’s other technological universities, TUS was established based on the recommendations of the National Strategy for Higher Education to 2030.
TUS president Prof Vincent Cunnane says the establishment of the university took a great amount of effort, but was extremely worthwhile considering what has been achieved.
“We formed the AIT-LIT Consortium only two years prior to the official establishment of TUS on 1 October 2021 and a major factor that saw our technological university bid successful in this relatively short period of time was our ongoing and open communication from the outset,” he says.
“This was very much a collaborative process and it was hugely important that the voices of students and staff were central in the formation of TUS, as well as the community and stakeholders across the region because these voices and people are what make a university.
“It’s an ongoing journey as we establish this new brand but we are very pleased with its reception to date and how it is positioned to build recognition,” he adds.
“This coming academic year will be our first full year operating as a technological university, so we are very much looking forward to bringing our offering to students.”
New courses on offer
Across its six campuses, TUS has introduced a number of new Level 7 and 8 courses which will be live on this year’s CAO list.
These include a Level 8 in Automation and Robotics and Computer Engineering for Autonomous Systems or a Level 7 in Business Studies with Travel and Tourism Management and Microbiology.
You won’t see this course on CAO lists until 2023, but a new BSc in Agricultural Science and Sustainability is also launching this September.
The course will be delivered through a partnership with Gurteen College in Co Tipperary.
“It’s a very exciting partnership with Gurteen College, whose strength and depth in the agricultural sector is complemented by the experience and expertise TUS offers in the environmental and sustainability sector,” Vincent says.
“Students will be based between the TUS Thurles campus and Gurteen College where they will spend two full semesters.
“The course is the first of its kind in the midwest region and gives graduates the knowledge and skills to work in the agriculture and agri-food sector while also being equipped to manage the relationship between agriculture and the environment, considering issues such as climate change, biodiversity and water quality in the context of food production.”
Students have the option of completing a Level 8 honours degree over four years or a Level 7 ordinary degree over three years.
For September 2022, the entrance requirement for first-year students is by direct application to TUS (not via CAO). Applicants presenting the full Level 6 QQI/FET (FETAC) award in “Advanced Certificate in Agriculture” (which includes three distinctions) will be considered for advanced entry to second year this September.
Veterinary options
TUS is also offering programmes in veterinary science. Its BSc(Hons) in Bioveterinary Science was the first of its kind when first introduced eight years ago.
The multidisciplinary programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, laboratory practicals, field trips and a major research project over four years.
Graduates follow a wide range of career paths related to animal health and disease, food production and food security, diagnostics, biopharmaceuticals, farm management and conservation.
Its BSc in Veterinary Nursing is a three-year, Level 7 degree delivered through the Athlone campus. Students experience on-farm training in farm animal production and health and safety.
In-person approach
At this time, no TUS undergraduate course offerings are moving to virtual learning.
“Now more than ever, students are seeking interaction, and we are student-centred,” Vincent explains. “That said, we have the capacity to deliver programmes online if there is a return to pandemic measures.”
TUS offers a variety of flexible learning programmes, however, which are delivered in a blended format to better reflect the needs of those upskilling while working.
See www.tus.ie for more information.
Which colleges have combined to create this university?
Student population
14,000
Available courses
TUS offers over 500 undergraduate, postgraduate, vocational, and professional courses from Level 6 undergraduate courses right up to Level 10 PhDs, varying from applied sciences and technology to business, design, engineering, health science and more.
Accommodation
TUS doesn’t offer on-campus accommodation, students organise their accommodation with the help of a list of available places for each campus, which is available on the TUS website.
Students are advised to contact the accommodation office as early as possible to secure their desired accommodation (email accommodation@lit.ie or aitsu@ait.ie).
Technological university series: Atlantic Technological University
Careers: Taking a closer look at Technological University Dublin