Overview
Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT) is the only higher education institution (HEIs) in the Midlands of Ireland. Established in 1970, it has expanded in size, scope and influence over the period. There are currently 5,700 full-time and part-time students in AIT studying a broad range of courses offered by the institute's four schools of business, engineering, humanities and science.
A new strategic plan for the institute, which sets out a vision to 2013, establishes a series of ambitious targets including increasing student numbers by 40 per cent; developing e-learning platforms for students; generating research income of 10 million euros per annum; and increasing collaboration across the tertiary education and industry sectors.
Academic programmes at AIT are available at undergraduate and postgraduate level, while an increasing number of extramural options are also offered. Students may access degree programmes through a progression system of qualifications (known as the ‘ladder') or through the traditional ab initio route. Such flexibility is a hallmark of the institute.
The institute's appeal for students can be traced to the quality of courses offered, its highly accessible and centralised location, supports provided for students and its attractive modern campus. In addition to Irish students, 10 per cent of the student population is drawn from Europe, Asia, North America and the Middle East.
AIT has established partnerships and agreements with over 220 universities and third level institutions around the globe. The institute is a participant on the International Centre for Graduate Education in Micro- and Nano-Engineering (ICGEE), together with 13 other partners from Europe, America and Asia.
According to successive surveys, AIT graduates do exceptionally well in securing well-paid, quality employment. Some 98 per cent of graduates are employed or continuing their education within six months of completing their programme of study. Average salary earnings for honour's degree holders are 27,500 euros, with 36 per cent earning in excess of this.
Furthermore, the institute has one of the highest retention rates of any Irish third level institution. More than 81 per cent of students complete their programme of study in Athlone, which is 6 per cent higher than the national average. This is a reflection of the duty of care which the institute exhibits to the students.
AIT is also actively engaging with non-traditional learners and approximately one-fifth of the student population is classified as mature (i.e. over 23-years). In addition it has played a leading role in higher education in working with people with disabilities. The quality of this work was recognised at the O2 Ability Awards (now known as Kanchi), at which AIT won several awards.
Research capacity and capability is being continually expanded in Athlone. AIT has three strategic research institutes: in materials engineering, biomolecular sciences and software engineering. Further research clusters exist at school level. The research institutes, which have developed international collaborations with leading multinational companies and universities in Europe, Asia and the US, have attracted significant multimillion euro funding. In 2008-09, it is expected that this will be in excess of 7.25 million euros.
Assisting in the economic, social, cultural and environmental development of the region is also a strategic priority for AIT. The institute plays a major role in fostering and developing entrepreneurial activity in the Midlands Gateway/region. The Midlands Innovation and Research Centre (MIRC), located on campus, operates as a converging hub for innovation, research and enterprise. It provides incubation facilities for innovative and knowledge-based enterprises, an enterprise programme for entrepreneurs and start-ups, and makes available the resources and expertise of the institute to support client companies.
In addition, AIT is in the top three HEIs nationally in driving innovation among small Irish firms through their participation in the Enterprise Ireland-supported innovation voucher scheme.
The excellence of its sporting and social facilities has been widely recognised and they are used by a large number of organisations. The institute was successful in its bid to host the National Finals of the HSE Community Games, which will be held in Athlone from 2009.
AIT is an award-winning higher education institution located in the heart of Ireland. More than 6,000 students are undertaking undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Business, Humanities, Engineering and Science. 100 million euros has been invested in our campus since 2000, ensuring that students experience a world-class education with cutting-edge facilities.
International Office
The International Office provides:
- information and support to international applicants prior to their arrival, as well as induction events for international students registered with the institute
- assistance to international students, in the areas of accommodation, welfare, academic and social life
- assistance to AIT students with international ambitions, in the area of finding placements, long-term employment and exchange programmes
- information for prospective international students
Short-term Accommodation
Temporary accommodation may be found by contacting any of the following addresses, which may be used as a base to find something more permanent (please contact the International Office if you need assistance in booking temporary accommodation). The International Office in association with the Students' Union Accommodation Officer will assist you in finding suitable permanent accommodation for the duration of your stay. If you are booking bed & breakfast or hostel accommodation, please contact the accommodation provider in Athlone to inform them of your date and approximate time of arrival in Athlone.
Long-term Accommodation
Houses
Houses range from 55-80 euros per week. In most houses you will pay your electricity bill and heating costs yourself, unless your landlord/lady includes it in the rent. Four weeks written notice must be given by the student if he/she wishes to leave the house, likewise for the landlord/lady if they wish the student to leave. Houses are generally furnished and kitchens are normally fully equipped. However, bed linen is not provided.
Student Apartments
Heatherview Student Accommodation
Heatherview Court is 5 minutes walk from AIT's Main Campus. It is a stylish, modern development with every aspect of modern student living provided for. This development is highly secure with its own private individually coded security system. There is a night club near the entrance to the student apartments.
Glen Abhainn Village - Student Village
Glen Abhainn Village is a state of the art purpose-built student village. The complex is superbly located opposite Athlone Institute of Technology and a short distance from the town centre. The Village has 99 purpose-made apartments with shared kitchen/living areas designed for single or twin high quality accommodation.
Features include
- Broadband internet service in each bedroom
- Eircom telephone with voicemail service
- Secure free parking
- Bike rails
- Individual storage lockers in kitchen
- Seminar room
- Individual refuse store
- Drying/utility room