The word ‘Ireland’ creates some confusion in the minds of many of who do not follow the history us of the island. Traditionally, our school text-books give a confusing statement that Britain or UK comprises England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. This is only partly true. Though the island of Ireland is geographically a single unit, it is politically divided into two. The north-eastern measuring part, nearly one-sixth of the total area, is called Northern Island, which is part of the United Kingdom. The remaining five-sixths form the Republic of Ireland, or imply Ireland. Its Irish name is Eire
We discuss here the opportunities for higher education in the sovereign state of Ireland. It has a fine tradition in quality education and scientific research. A country with 99% literacy and the halo of Nobel laureates like George Bernard Shaw. W B Yeats, Samuel Beckett, and physicist Ernest Walton brings to our mind an ambiance of excellence in education. As a result of sustained investment in education, 81% of Irish students complete the second-level and approximately 60% go on to higher education.
Ireland is divided into
1. The north-eastern measuring part, nearly one-sixth of the total area, is called Northern Island, which is part of the United Kingdom.
2. The remaining five-sixths form the Republic of Ireland, or imply Ireland. Its Irish name is Eire
A country with 99% literacy and the halo of Nobel laureates like George Bernard Shaw. W B Yeats, Samuel Beckett, and physicist Ernest Walton brings to our mind an ambiance of excellence in education.
The higher education system in Ireland encompasses the university sector, the technological sector, the colleges of education and the private/independent colleges. The first 3 types are autonomous and substantially state funded.
HETAC (Higher Education and Training Awards Council) sets and monitors standards of higher education and training up to the doctorate level in the non-university level.
NFQ (National Framework of Qualifications) stipulates ten levels that represents learning from the very initial stages to the most advanced.
Some important centres of Higher Education in Ireland are :
1) National University of Ireland, Galway
2) Dublin City University
3) University College Cork
4) National University of ireland, Maynooth
5) trinity College, Dublin
6) University of Limerick
7) Dublin Institute of Technology
