Institute of Technology Blanchardstown

This section will give you some background information our policies and procedures including our mission statement, annual report, strategic plan and customer service charter. It also provides you with information the National Qualification Framework (NFQ) and tells about the awards and qualifications you can receive if you study at ITB.

ITB's policy as regards education is clear – to design and deliver education and training that is relevant and responsive to economic and social needs both locally and nationally.

The following information is to give you an idea of how ITB came into being, and outlines the academic structure which is the backbone of the operation of the campus.

The Regional Technical Colleges (Amendment) Act 1999 and the Institute of Technology Act 2006 was enacted by the Oireachtas in July 1999. This Act puts the Institute of Technology Blanchardstown on the same statutory footing as the twelve other Institutes of Technology already operating under the Regional Technical Colleges Acts 1992 and 1994.

The Institute also operates under the Qualifications (Education and Training) Act, 1999 and the Institutes of Technology Act 2006. ITB has been awarded Delegation of Authority and as a result has the authority to award qualifications to those completing courses up to Level 9 of the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).

With regard to Protection for Learners the requirements of Section 43 of the Qualifications (Education & Training) Act, 1999 do not apply to programmes of study offered by the Institute.

Notwithstanding this it is Institute policy to take all reasonable actions to accommodate students to completion on a course following registration.

A statutory Governing Body appointed by the Minister for Education & Science oversees the policies and business of ITB. The Governing Body has members representing ITB, the state, the community and business and meets regularly to ensure that ITB develops along agreed lines. Students are represented on the Governing Body.

The Academic Council is the Statutory Body appointed by the Governing Body under the Regional Technical Colleges Act 1992, to assist in the planning, co-ordination, development and overseeing of ITB's educational work. Among its many roles, it has to protect, maintain and develop the academic standards of the courses and the activities of ITB. The Academic Council advises ITB's Governing Body on all matters relating to the academic standards within ITB. The Academic Council meets regularly to review academic activities. The composition of Academic Council includes representatives of academics and other staff and students.

Broadly speaking, ITB has the same structure in terms of management, administrative, academic and support staff as other Institutes of Technology. The Management team comprises the President, Registrar, Secretary/Financial Controller, Head of Development, Heads of Schools, Heads of Departments, and other Heads of Function. Its role is to ensure that strategic and operational matters are progressed in line with ITB's overall goals.

Deciding on that next step in your education is a huge and exciting challenge. There are many factors, both personal and academic, that have to be taken into account. Many different types of institutions now offer third-level education and training opportunities. Awards are made at different levels such as Higher Certificate, Ordinary Bachelor Degree, Honours Bachelor Degree and Post-graduate Degree. The variety of courses, institutions and awards available over such a huge spectrum of subjects makes for some difficult choices. Of course, the huge advantage offered by this choice is that it means that there’s a course out there to suit your needs, aptitudes and interests! It also makes it possible to continue third level education without a break to Degree level or to go to work after completing for example a Higher Certificate course. The modular system, which allows for an accumulation of credits, facilitates part-time learning, this means you can adapt your education to suit your circumstances.

This section will give you some background information our policies and procedures including our mission statement, annual report, strategic plan and customer service charter. It also provides you with information about the National Qualification Framework (NFQ) and tells about the awards and qualifications you can receive if you study at ITB.

ITB's policy as regards education is clear – to design and deliver education and training that is relevant and responsive to economic and social needs both locally and nationally.

The mission of the Institute is to continue to serve its students and the community by meeting the skills needs in the economy and increasing the level of participation in higher education and training, particularly in Dublin North-West and its environs.

The Institute will do this by achieving consistently high standards of relevance and quality in teaching, research, development and consultancy.

ITB will offer a welcoming and supportive environment to students from all educational and social backgrounds and to adults wishing to increase or update their level of technical skills.

Our vision is that ITB will be part of the Technological University for Dublin and will be nationally recognised as a leader in providing high-quality higher education.

The values that inform our work are, We acknowledge the diversity of people involved in our work. We respect the different role played by each person. We listen with patience and understanding. We work to build genuine relationships founded on acceptance and trust. We aim to enjoy our work and derive fulfilment from it. We value positive attitudes throughout our workplace. We strive for excellence in the provision of internal and external services, courses and programmes. We will celebrate our achievements