South East Technological University (SETU)

South East Technological University (SETU) is a truly regional university, with campuses across the south east in Carlow, Waterford and Wexford, as well as a presence in Kilkenny and Wicklow. Bringing together over 50 years of experience in higher education, research, innovation and stakeholder collaboration. SETU today supports a community of more than 18,000 students, served by more than 1,500 staff members, and has ambitions to grow even further in the coming 10 years.

The university's research performance already shines in Ireland and internationally, providing a strong platform for future development. SETU is dedicated to equipping students with the tools they need to stand out in the graduate job market. International students can choose from a range of innovative career-centred programmes where they can study for an undergraduate, postgraduate or foundation qualification.

The university provides a large host of services and facilities, from academic support to recreational amenities. There are many clubs and societies to be part of, and the university is well-known for its excellence in competitive sport.

The university's Carlow campus is 85km from Dublin and 97km from Dublin Airport. The local area boasts quintessential Irish countryside, with mountain trails, forests and ancient monastic sites. The Waterford campus is 170km from Dublin and 177km from Dublin Airport. Waterford city is the oldest city in Ireland and is the perfect blend of ancient and modern, with a number of quirky shops and historic streets to discover.

SETU offers an inclusive campus environment where students make lifelong friends while reaching academic goals. It's the start of an exciting journey for those looking to pursue successful careers in business, law, humanities, science, sport or engineering.

SETU 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 university 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, problem-based learning and Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL). 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 SETU'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 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 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 SETU. They'll need to show the relevant certified documents to support their application.

The recognised tests and qualifications are, or are equivalent to:

Bachelor's degree

• Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English: Grade C
• Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English: n/a
• Cambridge 1119 – as part of SPM in Malaysia: Grade C
• English Test for Academic and Professional Purposes (ETAPP): B2+
• GCE O-Level English: Grade C
• IELTS: 5.5 overall and minimum of 5 IELTS in each component
• Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE): 50 – 57
• Test of Interactive English (TIE): B2
• TOEFL Computer Based Test: 213
• TOEFL Internet Based test (iBT): 79
• TOEFL Paper Based Test: 550
• TOEIC: 700

Higher diploma or master's degree

• Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English: Grade B
• Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English: Grade C
• Cambridge 1119 – as part of SPM in Malaysia: N/A
• Duolingo English Test (DET): 100 – all sub-sections
• English Test for Academic and Professional Purposes (ETAPP): C1
• GCE O-Level English: n/a
• IELTS: 6.0 – OVERALL
• Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE): 58-64
• Test of Interactive English (TIE): C1
• TOEFL Computer Based Test: 232
• TOEFL Internet Based test (iBT): 90
• TOEFL Paper Based Test: 575
• TOEIC: 730

For more information on English language entry requirements, students can explore the university website for details and next steps.

There are many facilities across the SETU campuses 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

SETU is highly regarded for its excellence in sport. In 2020 Carlow invested in a new EUR 15 million, 31-acre South Sports Campus. This is a world-class outdoor training facility which includes 6 new LED floodlit playing pitches, 1.6km looped walking trail, 400m athletics track and a pavilion building, including changing rooms, meeting rooms and ancillary space. 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.

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 SETU.

Scholarships & Funding

The university 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 at the Wexford Campus. There is also a High Achievers scholarship available, this can range between EUR 1,000 and EUR 1,500. More information is available on these scholarships from the International Office at the university.

SETU crowned Inclusive Gender Equality Champions at EU ceremony to mark International Women's Day:

In recognition of its significant strides towards inclusive gender equality, South East Technological University (SETU) was presented with Europe's first Inclusive Gender Equality Champion award in Brussels in March 2023 at a special event to mark International Women's Day.

This important award recognises organisations that have developed the most innovative, inclusive Gender Equality Plan addressing intersections with other social categories such as ethnicity, social origin, sexual orientation and gender identity (LGBTI+) or disability.

Dr Allison Kenneally, Vice President for Equality, Diversity & Inclusion at SETU said "Gender equality is everybody's business at SETU and we strive continuously to create a welcoming, inclusive culture at our university. We have developed and are actively implementing a comprehensive gender equality action plan which has already made significant positive impact, and we will continue to make strides forward."

The award aims to raise public awareness of the importance of addressing gender equality through university change, but also the necessity of a high degree of commitment to inclusive Gender Equality Plan implementation. It is also intended to create a community of champions that can inspire other academic and research organisations to become gender equality champions themselves.