Munster Technological University

[patslatt]

While the university presidents did criticise plans for the conversion of ITs into universities last week. But for their efforts they were criticised for 'academic elitism': University heads deny accusations of elitism - The Irish Times - Tue, Jan 24, 2012

What a joke - it 'elitism' means defending high standards in education, we need more of it not less.

A solution that need not damage existing universities

Criteria for technological universities are to be published next month,the Times article said. That could contain a solution that would not damage existing universities by redistributing their scarce funding to TUs. Maybe the TUs won't be judged on numbers of PhDs or research but on their track record in training for vocations and in developing flexible programmes that adapt rapidly to the training needs of business by staying closely in touch with business. So a TU that was able to place high percentages of its graduates in highly paid jobs could be awarded more government funding from the existing budget for ITs than one that didn't,allowing for differences in regional employment conditions.

It looks as if domestic and international employers will no longer be able to assume university qualification is a certification of excellence and will have to become well informed about the quality of qualifications. But isn't that the case already with a certain proportion of existing university graduates?

[weathervane]

The Irish Times reports today that the criteria for the establishment of a Technological University have been agreed by the HEA Conditions agreed for universities of technology - The Irish Times - Tue, Feb 07, 2012


One of these is that 45% of full time academic staff must have a "PhD or equivalent". It will be interesting to see what qualifications will be deemed equivalent to a PhD.

I had a cursory look at the WIT website and very few, far less than 45%, have doctorates. This would appear to rule out WIT - and as it's the main contender - by implication the other IT's (with the possible exception of DIT) as candidates for elevation. Or else there will be a grand fudge and work experience or various professional qualifications will be deemed "equivalent to a phd)