Queen's University Belfast (QUB) will be involved in a new cross-border partnership with the Dundalk Institute of Technology (DKIT). DKI...
Queen's University Belfast (QUB) will be involved in a new cross-border partnership with the Dundalk Institute of Technology (DKIT).
DKIT is set to attain university status, with students receiving their certificates from QUB.
The Irish authorities aim to introduce the modifications for the 2026/2027 school year.
Technology institutes (TIs) in Ireland have historically emphasized vocational and skilled trades, providing a variety of programs that are more closely aligned with industry needs compared to universities.
What is the collaboration?
Students enrolled in courses at DKIT will obtain their degree from QUB as part of a newly unveiled collaboration announced by the Irish government.
This implies that although students will attend and finish their program at DKIT, they will receive a degree from QUB.
The partnership will position DKIT as the "university college" affiliated with QUB.
It could also imply that the existing DKIT name might be altered to align with its updated university status.
The joint effort between the two universities received approval during a session of top Irish officials in Dublin on Tuesday.
The suggestion was presented at a meeting of Cabinet ministers by Minister for Further and Higher Education James Lawless.
The program seeks to boost cooperation between countries in the field of higher education, improve research and development, and increase student prospects throughout the island.
Further information regarding the collaboration between the two higher education institutions will now be finalized.
In recent years, the Irish government has combined several ITs to establish technological universities.
"It marks a significant advancement in establishing the first ever comprehensive island university," Lawless said to Articlepedia TodayNews NI.
That implies the establishment of a cross-border educational institution. It's excellent news for Dundalk IT. Their credentials will now be fully recognized as Queen's degrees and they will become part of the broader Queen's college network, which has full university status.
He mentioned that it is "a significant boost for students within the educational sector and the business sector along the Dublin-Belfast corridor."
What have representatives from the student union stated?
Representatives from the student union have expressed approval of the declaration.
The head of the DKIT Students Union, Gerry O'Brien, stated that this will make education more available to a larger number of students.
Mr. O'Brien mentioned that this will provide "remarkable opportunities" for the northeastern area.
Being situated on the main M1 corridor in the Dundalk area, along with its closeness to the border, makes it significant [news]. It truly offers DKIT tremendous opportunities for the entire northeast region, and students are aware of that.
It greatly enhances the appeal for students to study here while remaining affiliated with Queen's Belfast.
It greatly enhances accessibility for everyone.
Bryan O'Mahony, president of AMLE, the student union in Ireland, expressed his desire to witness more collaboration among universities from both sides of the border.
"We accept all international projects," he stated.
It's creating more opportunities, along with increased funding from the EU or the UK, which is significantly expanding possibilities for students in Ireland.
Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald stated that enhancing academic connections will "increase possibilities" for students and scholars.
"By investing in collective knowledge and skills, both organizations are building a future where outstanding performance is achieved through teamwork," she stated.
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