Waterford Institute of Technology has experienced a nine per cent increase on new admissions this term, compared to 2007's figures.
Waterford Institute of Technology has experienced a nine per cent increase on new admissions this term, compared to 2007’s figures.
The majority of the 2,164 students who have accepted places at WIT (70%) are from the south east region, though the Institute has seen an increase in interest and acceptances from outside the region and from EU member states, with a ‘considerable’ number of non-EU students from countries including China, Japan, the Seychelles, India and Bangladesh also taking places this year.
The increased demand for WIT places, according to Institute Director Prof Kieran R Byrne, stems from a ‘progressive and adaptive strategy’ whereby the needs of both incoming students and employers are listened to and met.
“We are delighted to see a continued increase in first preferences for WIT as it proves the need for and value of what we offer to the south east region. A total of 3,100 CAO applicants selected WIT as their first preference for third-level education this year, an increase of ten per cent on last year.
“We want WIT students to be happy and motivated as this will help them to be successful. If students join a programme with people of similar interests and who want to be there as much as they do, it makes for a very positive experience. Also, when students are happy, they are more likely to stick with their studies, rather then settling for a course that may not suit them.”
Two new degree courses at WIT were available through direct entry this summer, an honours Bachelor of Arts degree and a BSc (Hons) in Entertainment Systems (gaming and music technology), both of which have been filled.