News Updates from IT Sligo

1. Important Boost to Social Work in Northwest Region

2. New Full Time Online Courses at IT Sligo
3. CAO Alert Listing for IT Sligo
4. Free Maths Revision Days for Leaving Certificate
5. Senior Mathematics Enrichment Programme 2020
6. Yeats Academy of Arts Design & Architecture Creative Showcase Launch
7. Workshops with IT Sligo
8. CAO Advice Clinic
9. Campus Tours
10. Alternative Maths Exam
11. IT Sligo is 50

Contact Details

Email : schoolsliaison@itsligo.ie

Phone : +353(0) 71 913 7325

 1. Important Boost to Social Work in Northwest Region
IT Sligo's Masters in Social Work has become the first to be approved by CORU in the Institute of
Technology sector in Ireland. The course was established in direct response to meet the demand for
social workers in the region and is the only Master’s in Social Work available in the North West. This
is excellent news for the social work sector that has seen an average shortage of over 200 qualified
workers per year.

CORU (Health & Social Care Professionals Council) is the body responsible for regulating health and
social care professions established under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act, 2005. CORU’s
role is to protect the public by promoting high standards of professional conduct, professional
education, training and competence amongst Health and Social Care professions.

The newly approved full-time, two-year course will enable people interested in a career in Social
Work to become fully qualified in the profession. The availability of such a high-level qualification
will help the social work sector meet the overwhelming demand for workers, especially in the region
which has especially suffered over recent years.

Waiting lists for social worker interventions exist across all service areas including: children and
young people; care of the elderly and the disability sector. The demand for the Master’s course has
attracted many people from the sector who want to upskill.

Jacqueline Gallagher and Kathy McCarthy, are both second year students on the Master’s course and
have returned to education after working in social care for many years. Both gave up full-time
employment to take on the course to become fully qualified social workers.

Jacqueline Gallagher from Sligo said the decision to leave full-time work was a difficult one but says
it has been worthwhile;
“The recruiting of social work staff in Ireland is a huge problem, especially in the Northwest. We can
now become fully qualified and fully recognised by the very high standards of CORU in IT Sligo and
deliver that experience when I return to work.”

Fellow student, Kathy McCarthy said:

“This has always been a dream of mine and now that it’s available in IT Sligo is incredible. Now I can
become fully qualified in the Northwest and help fill the deficit of social workers in the region.”

Dr. Breda McTaggart, Head of IT Sligo's Department of Social Sciences, said:

“This is an important development for the future of social work in Ireland. We were confident that
with the calibre of the department team, who are well known and respected in their fields, that we
were in a strong position to provide this course to a high standard and is now recognised by CORU.
But more important, we felt there was a moral obligation as a provider of Higher Education to
address an employment need that impacts on the most of vulnerable in our society."

For more info about the Master's course visit: www.itsligo.ie/courses/ma-social-work

 2. New Full Time Courses delivered Online

IT Sligo is developing 3 new full-time undergraduate degree programmes delivered fully online,
facilitating wider access to our programmes. All lectures will be delivered live online and students
will be able to fully participate in group work and project work by means of innovative online
supports. There is no requirement to attend campus.

Students seeking to study full-time may not be able to attend campus for a variety of reasons such
as: caring, family business responsibilities, disability, cost or geographical location.

With 18 years’ experience delivering online programmes, IT Sligo is the leader in achieving academic
success for our online students, using innovative teaching & student support services.

These 3 degrees will be offered in the areas of

• Writing & Literature
• Health and Medical Information Science
• Business

Applicants can apply for the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Writing & Literature on the CAO using
code SG254. Health and Medical Information Science and Business will be available for application
on the CAO soon.

3. New Courses at IT Sligo

Course
Course Title Qualification
Code

SG346 Construction Project Management & Applied Technology Level 8 – Honours Degree

SG450 Environmental Science with Ecology Level 8 – Honours Degree

SG348 Interior Architecture and Design Level 8 – Honours Degree

SG254 Writing and Literature Online Level 8 – Honours Degree

SG439 Environmental Science with Ecology Level 7 – Ordinary Degree

SG406 Health and Exercise Science Level 6 – Higher Certificate

SG308 Applied Construction Technology Level 6 – Higher Certificate

SG404 Environmental Science with Ecology Level 6 – Higher Certificate

Re-instated Courses at IT Sligo

SG342 Civil Engineering Level 8 – Honours Degree

 Information on New Courses at IT Sligo

BSc (Hons) Construction Project Management & Applied Technology (Level 8) CAO Code: SG346
This four year programme is the first of its kind in Ireland to combine practical skills of applied
construction technology with building information modelling and construction project management.
This programme also incorporates work placement in third year, resulting in highly sought after
graduates with a strong practical foundation and cutting edge construction management expertise.
See www.itsligo.ie/SG346 for more information.

Higher Certificate in Health & Exercise Science (Level 6) CAO Code: SG406
This 2-year course gives students the chance to either (1) exit after two years to pursue various allied
health courses elsewhere (e.g. Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech & Language) OR (2)
progress directly onto our Level 7 BSc Health Science & Physiology and in time pursue the Level 8
Honours degree in Health Science and Physical Activity. See www.itsligo.ie/SG406 for more
information

Higher Certificate in Applied Construction Technology (Level 6) CAO Code: SG308

This two year full time programme has a hands on practical focus to provide students with excellent
skills in sustainable construction technology, carpentry, joinery and building information modelling.
See www.itsligo.ie/SG308 for more information

BSc Environmental Science with Ecology (level 6 – SG404, Level 7 – SG439, Level 8 –SG450)
There are three entry levels available for this new programme. Environmental Science with Ecology
equips students with the learning to manage our man-made and natural resources. With a mix of
outdoor field work, high tech laboratory experiments, computer mapping, site visits and classroom
activities, students gain a range of skills to work in a wide range of careers. These include
Environmental and Engineering industries and consultancies, Local Government, Irish
Water, the Energy sector and State Agencies (e.g., NPWS and Inland Fisheries Ireland) There
are options to travel abroad, work placement, and specialize your own research project in final year.
With forty years of delivering Environmental Programmes, IT Sligo are well connected to the jobs
market for our graduates.

Higher Certificate Sustainable Food Production (Level 6) CAO Code: SG405

Sustainable food production systems include all processes and infrastructure involved in feeding a
population: from growing, harvesting, processing, packaging, transporting, marketing, consumption,
and disposal of food and food-related items. This programme has been developed to meet the
demand for graduates with integrated skills in the agri-food sector. It is science based and covers
food production; food processing technologies and sustainable food production across the food
chain (farm-to-fork). See www.itsligo.ie/SG405 for more information

BA (Hons) in Interior Architecture and Design (Level 8) CAO Code: SG348

Interior Architecture and Design spans the breadth of the Interior profession, to produce graduates
that are versatile and can address both site – specific and site-generic design. Interior Architecture
and Design focuses an environmentally conscious approach to the re-use, re-imagination and
innovative re-invention of the existing built environment with a strong focus on sculpting interior
space. Interior Architecture is all about manipulating and forming an internal space, whether it may
be an existing or new building. It focuses solely on the interior but also takes the architectural form
and external environment into consideration. The design of the interior adds the final layer to the
crafting of building or space, layering function and the aesthetic as a complete whole, whilst adding
much in the way of personality. Students have the option to complete their studies in 3 years or to
avail of a sandwich year that would include work placement and/or study abroad options.

Courses under Development at IT Sligo

*Subject to approval

BEng (Hons) Mechatronic Engineering (Level 8)*

This new programme will provide students with the skills, knowledge, and competencies required to
begin a career in robotics and automation engineering. It imparts the knowledge and understanding
of the essential elements of the design process and methodologies relevant to complex engineering.
Modules will offer both an applied and practical based approach with content that is industry
relevant and skills that are sought after. The curriculum includes the manufacturing, automation,
and ICT technologies that underpin Industry 4.0 in order to prepare the students to the Smart,
Virtual and Digital factories of the future.

BEng (Hons) Electronic Engineering and Self Driving Cars (Level 8)*
Electronics is a continuously evolving area and is the driving force behind the era of smart
technologies, including mobile phones, gaming, smart clothing & watches, smart bionic limbs, smart
glasses and smart vehicles. This programme enables its graduates with the ability to design and
develop such products, while also introducing them to the new and exciting area of self-driving
technologies. The BEng in Electronics and Self Driving Technologies in a 4-year programme, centered
around the use of electronics and technology to improve the quality of our lives.

BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering (Level 8)* Mechanical Engineers have a broad range of skills
used in manufacturing and design of machines. This degree offers a strong emphasis on applied and
practical, hands-on modules and project work in design and manufacturing. The learning experience
is designed to ensure students are prepared for industry and/ or progression to higher level courses
while also enhancing their leadership and management skills. The curriculum includes automation
and the ICT technologies that underpin Industry 4.0 that prepares students to the Smart, Virtual and
Digital factories of the future. With a one year work placement as part of this programme, students
will be exposed to applying their engineering knowledge in solving real world practical problems.
This programme addresses the skills shortage in the manufacturing sector both nationally and
internationally.

Higher Certificate in Health and Medical Information Science (Level 6)*

The area of health information management has been identified nationally and internationally as key
priority areas for skills development in building enhanced healthcare systems. This fully online level
6 programme gives students a robust introduction into health information science and will be
delivered fully online. Delivery of modules and assessment strategies will adopt a student-centred,
flipped classroom approach which is task based and develops independent learning, problem solving
and time management skills. Graduates of the programme will be able to progress to a Level 7 add-
on specialising in data analytics or may commence work directly in a variety of settings, including
hospitals, long‐term care facilities, physician offices, home health agencies, insurance companies,
government agencies (e.g. HSE, TULSA, HIQA, NCPE), information technology vendors,
pharmaceutical, medical devices, and consultancy companies.

BSc Health and Medical Information Science (Level 7)*

Health information management technologists play an important role in maintaining medical
information for physicians, hospitals, insurance companies, pharmaceutical and consultancy
companies and government agencies. There is a huge demand nationally and internationally for
individuals with training in health informatics and IT Sligo is the first institution to offer an
undergraduate, full online degree programme in this field. Delivery of modules and assessment
strategies will adopt a student-centred, flipped classroom approach, which is task based and
develops independent learning, problem solving and time management skills. Graduates will be able
to commence work in a variety of settings across the healthcare sector and also be appropriately
trained to further their education through research opportunities in academia.

Visit www.itsligo.ie/newcourse for an update on the start date and CAO codes of new courses

4. Free Maths Revision Days for Leaving Certificate

IT Sligo is hosting Free Maths Revision Days for Leaving Certificate students to help prepare them for
their Ordinary Level Maths Leaving Certificate Examinations.

This is an intensive 2 day course which will cover the essential topics of Paper 1 and Paper 2 to help
students excel in their Leaving Certificate Ordinary Maths exams. The course will run over 2 days,
Tuesday 14th (Paper 1) and Wednesday 15th (Paper 2) of April 2020 in the Aurivo Auditorium in our
main campus at IT Sligo.

This course is run by our In-House Maths Support Centre who support all our students achieve their
potential. Our Maths Support Centre is available to all our students in small group tutorials or
individual sessions. The team work closely with our academic staff to offer assistance to students on
relevant course content. For more information on our Maths Support Centre please visit
www.itsligo.ie/maths

Please register your attendance HERE

If you have any queries in connection to this revision course, please contact maths@itsligo.ie or
schoolsliaison@itsligo.ie
 5. Senior Mathematics Enrichment Programme 2020

We are pleased to announce that IT Sligo will be running an extra-curricular Mathematics

Enrichment Programme for senior cycle students. The programme is likely to be of interest to
students who have a strong interest in mathematics, who enjoy mathematical challenges and who
are keen to expand their knowledge of the subject beyond the post-primary curriculum. Our goal is
to introduce students to the excitement and buzz of mathematical discovery – of finding a new
method or idea to solve a problem that had previously seemed impossible. The course is open to
any interested student (living north or south of the border) and is free of charge.

How do I sign up?

Through Eventbrite here and once your parent or guardian sends the following details to us
at maths@itsligo.ie

– the student’s name and school

– any special circumstance of which we should be aware
– an indication of consent from the parent/guardian to the student’s participation
– emergency contact details

Venue and Dates

IT Sligo classes will take place in either the Aurivo Auditorium or room B1201, both in the B Block of
the main campus. Signs will be up to signpost students to the room on the day. We’ll also meet
students at reception on the first Saturday in January. (Campus Map).

Date Day Time Venue Topic

January 25th 2020 Saturday 11am – 1.30pm Aurivo Auditorium, IT Sligo Combinatorics

February 8th 2020 Saturday 11am – 1.30pm B1201, IT Sligo Number Theory

February 22nd 2020 Saturday 11am – 1.30pm B1201, IT Sligo Induction+

March 7th 2020 Saturday 11am – 1.30pm B1201, IT Sligo Inequalities

March 21st 2020 Saturday 11am – 1.30pm B1201, IT Sligo To Be Confirmed

March 28th 2020 Saturday 11am – 1.30pm B1201, IT Sligo To Be Confirmed

April 25th 2020 Saturday 11am – 1.30pm B1201, IT Sligo To Be Confirmed

May 2nd 2020 Saturday 11am – 1.30pm B1201, IT Sligo To Be Confirmed

Each session begins at 11.00am and finishes at 1.30pm. There will be two 10-15-minute breaks
during the session.

You can find more details @ https://www.itsligo.ie/mep/

 6. Yeats Academy of Arts Design & Architecture Creative Showcase
Launch

Thursday 28th May 2020

Yeats Academy of Arts Design & Architecture
Creative Showcase
IT Sligo Main Campus: Concourse to D Block

Our Yeats Academy of Arts Design & Architecture (YAADA) will host a Creative Showcase to highlight
all the wonderful work from our creative courses. The Showcase will Launch on Thursday the 28th of
May 2020 and run for 2 weeks on our campus.

Everyone is welcome to join us on campus to get a taste of the wonderful work you can do as part of
our creative courses when you study at IT Sligo across a range of disciplines;

▪ Architecture
▪ Creative Design
▪ Fine Art
▪ Interior Architecture & Design
▪ Performing Arts
▪ Writing and Literature

IT Sligo is currently building a state-of-the-art building to house our recently established Yeats
Academy of Arts, Design and Architecture. It will become our new creative hub, that will allow art,
design and architecture students to optimise the commonalities of the various disciplines in a fit for
purpose, collaborative environment.
 7. Workshops with IT Sligo

IT Sligo are working with schools to host workshops with students. These workshops can take place
in your school during your timetable; on our campus; or even out with industry.

20 senior cycle students got a tour of Abbott’s world class manufacturing facility in Sligo. They got to
hear about the important role the finance function has to play in such a company and got to
participate in the excellent #acca schools initiative to encourage second level students to consider a
careers in accounting

Contact us to find our what we can do for you on 071 913 7325 or email schoolsliaison@itsligo.ie
 8. CAO Advice Clinic

IT Sligo will host a CAO Clinic every weekday from 22nd June – 1st July at 2pm

Talk to us about all your course options and get a tour of our campus. We can answer any queries
you have to help you make your CAO choice.

There is no need to book, just come along to our main reception at 2pm and we look forward to
meeting you.

If you are unable to join us for this clinic, join us on a Campus Tour which takes place

• On the first Friday of each month at 2pm

• Every weekday from 17th August – 28th August 2020

Your campus tour will last approximately 1 hour. Tours at other times may be arranged by getting in
touch with us.

9. Campus Tours

IT Sligo’s campus tours are ideal for students and their families who are considering a course at IT
Sligo or who would like to see the campus, explore the facilities and find out more about their
chosen course areas.

What does this tour include?

The tour will commence in Reception of the Main Building with a brief introduction of our
programmes, facilities, student life and supports available. The tour includes a visit to the Yeats
Library, followed by a walk through the Institute’s extensive campus – Faculty of Business and Social
Sciences, Faculty of Science building and the Faculty of Engineering and Design.

Visitors will also see our athletics track, playing pitches and sports facilities at the Knocknarea Arena,
the Innovation Centre, Student Lounge and finish in the Student Support Services Building.

When are the tours?

Tours will run;

• On the first Friday of each month at 2pm

• Every weekday from 17th August – 28th August 2020

Your campus tour will last approximately 1 hour. Tours at other times may be arranged by getting in
touch with us.

How do I book?
There is no need to book, just come along to our main reception at 2pm and we look forward to
meeting you.

CAO Advice Clinic

IT Sligo will host a CAO Clinic every weekday from 22nd June – 1st July at 2pm

Talk to us about all your course options and get a tour of our campus. We can answer any queries
you have to help you make your CAO choice.

There is no need to book, just come along to our main reception at 2pm and we look forward to
meeting you.

10. Alternative Maths Exam

IT Sligo will hold an Alternative Maths Exam to satisfy matriculation requirements on Thursday 20th
August 2020 (9am – 1pm) to facilitate students who do not obtain a pass in Ordinary Maths in the
Leaving Certificate. The examination is free of charge. Interested applicants can book a place by
emailing doddy.niamh@itsligo.ie

11. IT Sligo is 50

IT Sligo is celebrating 50 years in existence in 2020 and to mark this milestone in the regions history
we will be celebrating the past 50 years with a number of events throughout the year, looking at our
past and projecting our future. See www.itsligo.ie/50 for more information