Institute of Technology Carlow

IT Carlow recognised for gender equality in academia

2019 saw the Institute of Technology Carlow awarded the Bronze Athena SWAN Award. This was from Advance HE, which recognised the institute's work in advancing diversity and inclusion of students and staff. Only two Institutes of Technology were recognised for this.

The Athena SWAN Charter is an accreditation scheme that assesses how higher education institutions address gender inequality. President of IT Carlow, Dr Patricia Mulcahy, said, ''This is a highly significant achievement, placing the institute amongst the first in the Technological Sector to achieve this award, and amongst the first in the higher education sector to achieve the award under the expanded Athena SWAN Charter. Achieving this award under the expanded charter is particularly noteworthy as it recognises a commitment across the institute to addressing gender equality challenges in higher education more broadly, including, but not limited to, those experienced by women.''

IT Carlow is committed to providing students with what they need to pursue a career they love. It equips students with the specific knowledge, skills, and qualities that transform them into highly-employable graduates. As well as this, the institute strives to develop students into individuals who can benefit society.

Lecturers are supportive and focused on the success of their students. There's a variety of teaching methods, such as group work, report writing and problem-based learning. Programmes are flexible, allowing international students to work on their personal educational profiles at their own pace.

Many programmes include lots of practical work experiences. These are enhanced by IT Carlow's industry partnerships with private, public and commercial organisations. Several are linked with professional bodies and offer accreditation. There are even opportunities for studying abroad with a partner institution.

International students have a wide range of programmes to choose from, covering foundation, undergraduate, and postgraduate qualifications. Departments and areas of study include:

• Business
• Humanities
• Sport Media & Marketing
• Science and Health
• Computing
• Aerospace, Mechanical & Electronic Engineering
• Built Environment

International Foundation Programme

International students can study for a certificate in Preparation for Higher Education. During the programme, they gain the fundamental knowledge and skills needed for studying in higher education. Students receive English language tuition as well as education in mathematics, IT and an area they are interested in. The modules available are:

• English for Professional Communication
• Information Technology
• Learning to Learn
• Introductory Maths and modules from Management
• Engineering Science or Computer Systems

This is a great opportunity to learn about what can be studied at degree-level, and make more informed choices. After completing the foundation programme, students can pursue a degree course the following academic year.

International students whose first language is not English have to demonstrate their English language proficiency. This is to ensure they'll be successful during their studies at IT Carlow. They'll need to show the relevant certified documents to support their application. This could be through any or all of the following:

• An approved English language qualification or test result
• Minimum amount of education or work experience instructed in English
• Satisfactory completion of an interview for entry to a programme

The recognised tests and qualifications are, or are equivalent to, (depending on level of entry):

• TOEFL paper-based test – minimum score of 550–575
• TOEFL computer-based test – minimum score of 213–232
• TOEFL iBT – minimum score of 79–90
• IELTS – minimum score of 5.5–6.0 (with no less than 5.5–6.0 in any one component)
• PTE – minimum score of 50–64

There are many facilities across the Carlow campus that learners can take advantage of during and outside of their studies. This includes a Computing & Learning Resource Centre, multi-media centre, TV studio, radio studio, free internet access, studios and labs, product design suite, games development suite, bank, restaurants, newsagent, cafes and parking.

Library

Part of the Learning Resource Centre, the library is a central location on campus. It provides the best material to support learning and teaching. It's home to extensive collections of books, reports, papers, theses, official publications, newspapers, audio-visual resources, journals, e-books and much more. There are study desks throughout the building, as well as computers, photocopiers and printing facilities.

Sports

IT Carlow is highly regarded for its excellence in sport. It has invested in top sporting facilities, as well as academic courses and scholarships. There are plenty of opportunities for students to play, train and compete in a wide variety of different sports, no matter what their abilities are. Facilities across the campuses include sports pitches, athletics tracks and fitness centres.

The Student Services team provides a variety of activities and services to ensure all students have a safe and enjoyable educational experience. Support services include:

• Accommodation – advice for where to find student housing and support with any related issues
• Health Centre – full medical services from nurses and visiting doctors
• Chaplaincy – spiritual guidance and support, with a multi-faith room
• Access Office – for disabled students, mature students and those with financial issues
• Counselling – professional, free and confidential support for any personal problems
• Students' Union – representing the student voice, and a space where students can relax or have fun in between classes

International support

There is a dedicated international team which is on-hand to support international students. At the beginning of the year, international students attend an induction/orientation programme. This is a great opportunity to meet other international students as well as learn about what dedicated support there is at IT Carlow.

Scholarships & Funding

At IT Carlow, the institution provides a range of potential scholarship options to reward students whose applications demonstrate high achievement in an academic and/or language context.

Students should note that there is a 20 per cent scholarship for all programmes in the Department of the Built Environment and at the Wexford Campus. More information is available on these scholarships from the International Office at the institute.