Founded in 1960, IT Carlow is located in the centre of Ireland's South Leinster region (containing the counties of Carlow, Wicklow, Wexford, Kildare, Laois and Kilkenny), approximately one hour from Dublin. IT Carlow is the fourth-largest Institute out of 14 Institutes of Technology (IoTs) in the country (7,500 learners), but has ranked in the top three of the 14 IoTs for CAO first preferences for Level 8 honours degree programmes since 2010. As of 2017 IT Carlow has over 50,000 alumni. IT Carlow provides higher educational full-time taught programmes from level 6 - 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications, along with research programmes at level 9 & 10 and enterprise development opportunities, through its centres in Carlow and Wexford. The Institute also provides part-time programmes in Carlow, Wexford, Wicklow, Kilkenny, Kildare (the Curragh), Shannon, Dublin (Tallaght) and, most recently, in Mayo.
The presence of the Institute was a consideration in the decision of UNUM (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. The judges, in making the award, stated that the Institute was deserving of the title "off the back of a strong academic performance, a high completion rate and a good record in the graduate jobs market". IT Carlow employs almost 700 staff and is currently headed by its president, Dr. Patricia Mulcahy.
The mission of Institute of Technology Carlow to Engage, Learn, Challenge and Innovate is articulated through an educational environment offering courses in higher education and research up to doctoral level. With an ever more diverse range of study options, we respond to changing trends in the jobs market, ensuring that we remain at the cutting edge of higher education provision and the first choice for tomorrow's leaders in the fields of science, technology and the arts.
The Institute of Technology Carlow has students from over 80 countries studying on our campuses. The presence of these students creates a truly multi-cultural environment. Choosing Carlow as the destination for your higher education means that you are globally connected for life. Connected to The Institute of Technology and its alumni, to the many friends around the world that you will make here and connected to the Irish community here in Ireland and around the world.
Through a culture of enquiry, innovation and excellence we challenge our learners, staff, global collaborative partners and other stakeholders to create, apply and share knowledge and values in a supportive and vibrant university-level Institute. We use the most up to date technology and teaching methodologies including; learning by doing and practical workplace work experience, group projects and collaborations with business, industry and community leaders to maximise our learners' exposure to their chosen area of study.