More about WIT
WIT has been a leader in the Irish higher education sector with regard to the provision of lifelong learning opportunities and access for disadvantaged groups. Many of WIT's successful initiatives in this area have been copied by other colleges. Because of the needs of non-standard groups, WIT has responded by developing expertise in the areas of flexible accreditation, outreach and flexible delivery modes.
Providing a caring and supportive learning environment for its students is central to WIT's ethos. The range and quality of student support services is excellent. Examples include the CHART Centre and the Medical Centre which provide care, counselling, guidance and support for any student encountering personal, social or health difficulties. Good housing for students is also one of WIT's priorities and the Institute currently owns and/or manages sufficient very high quality students apartments to meet the demand.
There is a thriving research and postgraduate community in WIT. Many of the researchers have a high profile in both the national and EU community of academics. This is shown by the fact that WIT researchers have competed successfully against University researchers for prestigious national and EU research funding e.g. PRTLI, SFI and EU Frameworks 4-5.
WIT has formal academic exchange and research partnerships with over 40 universities worldwide. These range from the old established Universities such as Oxford, Trinity College Dublin and University College London to newer technological universities such as Budapest University of Technology and Nanjing University of Science and Technology. In addition WIT has very close relationships with industry & commerce, the professions and the public service for research, consultancy, student and graduate placements etc. A culture of entrepreneurship and innovation is fostered at all levels in the organisation. This can be illustrated by one year enterprise platform programme offered to graduates by the School of Business. Through its School of Humanities it plays a very significant role in the Social and cultural life of its region.
With regard to physical resources to support its learners, WIT has developed on four campuses in the city. The main campus on the Cork Road was established in 1970 and other buildings and facilities were added over the years. The latest of these are a state-of-the-art Library and an Information Technology Centre which was referred to in a recent issue of the Irish Times as one of the best in Ireland. The second largest campus is at College street and comprises some very historical buildings purchased from the Good Shepherd Order of nuns and a beautiful Pugin-designed chapel, which is used for concerts and ceremonies. In September 2005, WIT opened a new complex just outside Waterford City at Carriganore to house Research and Innovation, and which will ultimately house its corporate headquarters, a student village, and provide extensive sports and recreation facilities.
Higher Education in Ireland
The third level education system in Ireland is broad in scope and encompasses:
- the Universities
- the Institutes of Technology
- the colleges of education
- and private independent colleges.
The first three groupings, which comprise 34 institutions, are autonomous and self governing, but are substantially state funded.
Further details about Irish Higher Education and the place of WIT within it may be obtained from the following web sites:
Education Ireland
HETAC
www.hea.ie/system/index.htm
www.hea.ie/institute/index.htm
www.naric.org.uk/home.htm
Consolidated Annual Report for 2005/2006 & 2006/2007 in English
(PDF, 1,619KB - Warning: Large file!)
Consolidated Annual Report for 2005/2006 & 2006/2007 in Irish
(PDF, 1,602KB - Warning: Large file!)
Consolidated Annual Report for 2003/2004 in English
(PDF, 5,755KB - Warning: Large file!)
