Towards Technological Universities in Ireland Billy Bennett & Dr. Simon Stephens Higher Education in the Globalised Age University of Sheffield Feb 14, 2014
Some Systems of HE in Europe (adapted from Teichler (1993)) Austria: focus on the traditional university (with Fachochschulen). Belgium: distinct institutions (University and Hautes Ecoles). Finland: move to a homogenous system (University and Ammattikorkea-Koulu). France: diverse institutions (University and Grandes Ecoles). Germany: binary system with two distinct institutions (University and Fachochschulen). Ireland: binary system with two distinct institutions Netherlands: distinct institutions (University and Hogescholen). Norway: a multitude of institutions (University and Statslige h gskoler). UK: creation of a unitary system. Kirstein (1999) - Unitary and Binary
Higher Education in Ireland 7 Universities in RoI- autonomous and self-governing; 2 Universities in NI 14 Institutes of Technology (including DIT) - Department of Education and Skills and Higher Education Authority Colleges of Education Binary system emerged in 1970, Regional Technical Colleges (RTCs): –9 in the 1970s –3 in the 1990s –1 in 2000 In 1998 the RTCs were designated as Institutes of Technology (IoTs), delegated authority to confer their own awards.
The evolving HE landscape in Ireland Date Jan 2011National Strategy for Higher Education to 2030 (Hunt Report) Feb 2012Towards a Future Higher Education Landscape – Higher Education Authority (HEA) Aug 2012A Proposed Reconfiguration of the Irish System of Higher Education (International Panel Report/HEA) Nov 2012A Study of Future Demand for Higher Education in Ireland (ESRI/HEA) 2013/14Completing the Landscape Process for Irish Higher Education Jan 2014Technological Universities Bill 2014
Technological University Criteria (HEA 2012; TU Bill 2014) Merged Institute Minimum of 4% postgraduate enrolment Minimum of 30% enrolments in flexible learning/industry- based programmes/mature learners Capacity to support doctoral training in a minimum of three fields of knowledge/study 45% of full-time academic staff with doctoral qualification Distinct mission - “Fundamentally different from the academic universities” – Minister for Education and Skills Universities – Technological Universities – Institutes of Technology: 3 tier?
LYIT IT Sligo GMIT Athlone IT Limerick IT IT Carlow Waterford IT Cork IT IT Tralee Dundalk IT Dublin IT IT Tallaght Blanchardstown IT Dun Laoghaire IT Emerging Technological Universities
4Ps/5Ps Power Price Politics Position(ing) People (Paradoxes)