# Institute of Technology Carlow Institute of Technology Carlow (Irish: **Institiúid Teicneolaíochta Cheatharlach**) was a prominent institute of technology in Ireland, headquartered in Carlow with additional campuses in Wexford and Wicklow, plus part-time provision across the country. On 1 May 2022, it was dissolved alongside the Waterford Institute of Technology to create the **South East Technological University**, marking the culmination of a long-planned technological university merger for the region. Over its 52-year history, the institute educated more than 55,000 graduates and established itself as a leading provider of technical and professional education. ## Administration Dr Patricia Mulcahy was appointed president of the institute in 2012, succeeding Dr Ruaidhrí Neavyn, who moved to lead the Waterford Institute of Technology. John Gallagher served as the first Principal of Carlow RTC and subsequently held the post of director of IT Carlow, providing foundational leadership during the institution’s formative decades. ## Recognition and Academic Standing Institute of Technology Carlow was the **second-largest institute of technology in Ireland** by enrollment, with **more than 8,448 students** and a staff complement of **851 employees**. Since its founding in 1970, it has generated over **55,000 graduates**, a testament to its enduring role in Irish higher education. The institute offered **more than 80 taught programmes** up to Level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), including pioneering courses in aerospace, sports science, and business. The institute held several distinctions: - The **highest percentage of full-time postgraduates** in the technological sector. - The **highest undergraduate progression rate at Level 8** in the higher education sector. - The **highest percentage of Lifelong Learners** in its sector. Its reputation attracted major corporate tenants; the presence of IT Carlow was a key consideration in the decision of **UNUM** (a strategic software services centre, 2008) and **Merck Sharp & Dohme** (human vaccines and biologics, 2007) to locate in Carlow. In 2014, IT Carlow was named the **Sunday Times Institute of Technology of the Year**, cementing its status as a premier educational institution. ## Course Portfolio IT Carlow provided a comprehensive range of **full-time, part-time, and research-based programmes** through its centres in Carlow and Wexford. The institute also engaged in extensive international collaboration, with educational and research partnerships spanning **76 European partner institutions** across 17 countries. ### Third-Level Courses The institute offered a portfolio of **almost 100 Masters, Honours & Ordinary Degree and Higher Certificate courses** delivered by **9 different departments**. Notable highlights include: - **Aerospace Engineering**: In 2015, IT Carlow launched its **€5.5 million Centre for Aerospace Engineering**, featuring an avionics workshop and a fleet of aircraft housed in its own hangar. It was the only institution in Ireland offering a BEng in Aircraft Systems, alongside degree courses in aerospace engineering and pilot studies. - **Sports Science**: Programmes in Sport & Exercise were delivered in partnership with the **Football Association of Ireland (FAI)**, **Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU)**, and **Leinster Rugby Club**. Other offerings included Sports Rehabilitation, Athletic Therapy, Strength & Conditioning, and Sports Management & Coaching. ### Learner Profile As of the 2015/16 academic year, the student population stood at **7,000**. The cohort was diverse, including: - Leaving certificate entrants, - A significant **European and international student body** (almost 10% of full-time students), - An increasing proportion of **mature students** and learners from disadvantaged backgrounds, - Approximately **33% part-time learners**. ## Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) IT Carlow’s RDI activities were funded by a wide array of public and private entities, including the **Department of Agriculture**, **European INTERREG Programme**, **Higher Education Authority (HEA)**, **EU Framework Programmes**, and **Enterprise Ireland**. The institute’s research ecosystem was anchored by campus-based specialist centres, such as: - **Campus Innovation Centre** - **Enterprise & Research Incubation Centre** - **Dargan Centre** (a dedicated research facility) Key research areas included: - **Bioenvironmental technologies (enviroCORE)** - **Product design and innovation (designCORE)** - **Interactive applications software and networks (gameCORE)** - **Health sciences**, featuring **Europe’s only dedicated Men’s Health Research Centre** - **Humanities (socialCORE)** ## Partnerships and Internationalisation The institute fostered strong links with industry and academic institutions worldwide. Significant collaborations included: - Joint delivery of Leadership, Management, Engineering, and Computing programmes with the **Defence Forces**. - A **BA in Sport and Exercise** partnership with the **FAI, IRFU, and Leinster Rugby**. - A **BA in Leadership and Community Development** with **An Cosán** in Tallaght, Dublin. - An **ICT Research Centre** established in Kilkenny in partnership with Kilkenny County Council and WIT. International ties spanned **17 countries**, with direct programme delivery in China (Henan University of Economics and Law) and Malaysia (Nilai University, UTM), alongside exchange agreements with institutions in South Korea, France, Uganda, and the United States. ## Path to Technological University Status Since the mid-2010s, IT Carlow collaborated with the **Waterford Institute of Technology** on a bid to establish a **Technological University for the South East (TUSE)**. A formal vision document was published in 2015, and a memorandum of understanding was signed in 2017. Although the initial bid faced delays, the **Technological Universities Act 2018** paved the way for approval in November 2021. The **South East Technological University** was formally established in May 2022, absorbing the assets and academic offerings of IT Carlow and Waterford IT. ## Alumni and Staff The institute counts several notable figures among its alumni and staff, including: - **Megan Campbell** – Republic of Ireland women’s football international. - **John Meyler** – Lecturer and prominent figure in hurling. - **Mark Wall** – Labour Party TD. - **Verona Murphy** – Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann. ## See Also - Education in the Republic of Ireland - Third-level education in the Republic of Ireland - St. Patrick's, Carlow College ## References *External links* * Official website