At the recent Global Irish Economic Forum, Glen Dimplex CEO Sean O’Driscoll stated that Ireland has “too many universities”.
The University College Cork graduate believes that “We need to redefine the role of ITs. They should not be quasi-universities. ITs should be about apprenticeships and internships.”
With the impending amalgamation of Dublin Institute of Technology, IT Blanchardstown and IT Tallaght to form Dublin Technological University on the city’s northside, the question arises; “Are degrees from universities more valuable than those earned through an institute of technology?”
“In practical application, no, I don’t think there is a difference in the value of a degree, but in terms of actually getting a job, maybe. Maybe nowadays employers look more positively on names such as Trinity and UCD than those ending with IT”- Philip Greene, Economics and Politics, Trinity College.
“I’m sure law courses in other schools cover the same ground as we do, but I do think firms look for students from the likes of Trinity, mainly because they more than likely achieved better academically to get into their respective colleges. As well as that, there is a lot to be said for the esteem in which employers hold colleges and universities such as Trinity and UCD.”- Ellen Gaffney, Law, Trinity College.
Dr. Paul Horan, the head of Campus Planning at Dublin Institute of Technology believes the move to Grangegorman will be a massive benefit to the college. “For DIT the project delivers a range of wins; improved facilities, potential to respond to changing pedagogy, potential to deliver facilities we currently don’t have e.g. student accommodation, synergies and savings in more efficient operation, and a strengthened sense of identity.”
“I’d have the same skill set as a graduate from a similar degree in UCD or Trinity i.e I don’t think there would be much difference in the content. I’m not sure though about getting a job. I’d imagine employers would have a preference for universities.” Daniel Condon, Economics and Finance, D.I.T.
“I think in practice, A degree from an I.T is every bit as valuable and useful as one from a university but in reality, a university degree would give an individual more opportunities as far as employment is concerned.” Daniel Murphy, Media, BCFE.
“I think degrees from an IT carry the exact same value as ones from a university. My course is a four year degree course; just because it’s in an IT and not a university does that make it less of a degree? ITs are improving year on year and are quickly catching up to the level of universities.” Neal Harrison, Exercise and Health Studies, W.I.T.
From talking to these students, it is clear that the general consensus is that a University degree carries with it a higher value to employers, but those who do IT degrees feel they are catching up.
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