WIT students are more likely to finish their courses, study shows

STUDENTS at Waterford Institute of Technology are more likely to finish their course than their peers in other parts of the country, according to a new study.

The report shows that completion rates among full-time degree students at WIT are at 84% — eight percentage points above the average for the sector.

The independent report was prepared for the Council of Director of the Institutes of Technology and Dublin Institute of Technology by the Circa Group and is based on graduations in 2002, 2003 and 2004.

The study also finds that, in general, there are more males than females in institutes of technology compared to universities. The proportion of graduates who were female varies from 79% in health and welfare, 53% in social sciences, business and law to 10% in engineering, manufacturing and construction.

The report also found that a number of Institute Registrars expressed concern at the extent to which students were in part-time employment, and believed poor attendance resulting from excessive time spent at work put students at increased risk of non-completion.

The study also found improved completion rates are based on efforts by institutes to support at-risk students through interventions such as career and personal guidance to students; orientation programmes for first years and information visits to schools; staff training in teaching and learning skills; staff consultation on student progress and extra tuition to students experiencing academic difficulties.

Welcoming the report, WIT director Kieran R Byrne said: “These figures provide a valuable insight to the overall performance of our students which is exceptionally impressive and the data clearly reflects the very positive learning environment at the institute.

“Students graduating from WIT secure employment with the most progressive companies nationally and internationally. It is also clear from our own data that our alumni continue to secure promotion and many now occupy positions of strategic importance.

“Such strong completion rates also provide a strong foundation for postgraduate work and research, development and innovation to Masters, doctoral and postdoctoral level.”