After a highly-successful inaugural event, the Education Awards will return for a second year, on Thursday, April 19th.
The awards celebrate all aspects of third level education, focusing on the areas that impact the performance of students directly. They also give institutions the perfect opportunity to showcase their achievements across each team and faculty within the college.
With recent CSO figures showing that those with a third level qualification are more than twice as likely to be in employment as someone with none - and given that the number of students in third level education is predicted to rise to over 200,000 within the next 10 years - the impetus on driving high standards within these institutions is more noticeable than ever.
The quality of this year’s shortlist is indicative of the strides that have been made over the past 12 months.
The Public Affairs and Communications Team in Trinity College has been nominated for Best Marketing/Communications Team. Trinity's deputy head of communications, Sharon Campbell, says; "We're excited to be shortlisted for 'Best Communications Team' for this year's Education Awards, it's great to have our team's hard work, showcasing all the exciting things happening at Trinity across social media, digital and media relations, recognised by a panel of experts."
DCU are also taking part in the Awards, speaking ahead of the big night Gráinne Mooney, communications manager says; "We are delighted to receive this nomination, our small team punches well above its weight, delivering ambitious yet effective communications campaigns which enhance public perceptions of DCU as Ireland's most innovative young university."
Air Products are this year's Platinum Sponsor, Tim Hulbert is vice president of industrial gases and he spoke about why they are supporting this event; "Air Products is very proud to sponsor the Education Awards which celebrate educational excellence. The Awards are a great example of how important it is to us that we support students and recognise their achievements."
An independent panel of recognised judges, drawn from educational institutions in Ireland and abroad, will determine the winners. Judging co-ordinator Jane O'Keeffe, from the National Maritime College of Ireland, spoke very highly of the entries, saying "This year's submissions are of an extremely high standard, drawn from a broad spectrum of third level institutions. These educational institutions provide enhanced and creative learning environments in catering for the evolving needs of the student population, industry and the business community. The advancement of knowledge is evidenced in the quality of the submissions across the award categories. We can be proud of the achievements of the third level sector."
At the centre of every third level course are the students and many of the Award categories reflect their importance. The shortlist for 'Best Student Experience Award' includes Waterford Institute of Technology's BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Science. When speaking about the news, its programme leader, Claire Lennon, says; "The BSc(Hons) in Pharmaceutical Science at Waterford Institute of Technology has a strong focus on the overall student experience and the development of scientific, personal and future career skills. We are delighted to be shortlisted for this Award."
With nominees in 21 different categories, the variety of education centres includes those involved in online education, languages and international collaboration.
ACET Ireland are one of those nominated for 'Best Language School', with marketing director, Victoria Power, delighted to listed in what is the school's 45th year; "It is an immensely proud moment for us to be announced as a finalist in the prestigious Education Awards. With a big birthday in sight, we look at 45 years of wonderful clients and our great and supportive team. We are truly excited to attend the award ceremony in April."
The awards will be a black tie event and those interested in attending can book tickets here.
To read about other Business River events visit their news hub.
The full shortlist is available below:
Overall Excellence in Education
Winner will be announced on the night.
Best College of Business
- DBS School of Business and Law
- DIT College of Business
Best Language School
- ACET
- Active Language Learning
- Alliance Française
- Chapterhouse Dublin
- Cork English World
- Donegal English Language School
Best Further Education Provider
- CMIT
- Cork College of Commerce
- Open Training College
Best Erasmus Programme
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
- University of Limerick
International College Achievement Award
- Burren College of Art
- Griffith College
- Mary Immaculate College
Best International Collaboration Project
- Dundalk Institute of Technology & Heilbronn University
- Limerick Institute of Technology
- Mary Immaculate College & Perley Primary Fine Arts Academy
- Mary Immaculate College & St John's University
- The College of Progressive Education & Amicus Teacher Training College
Best Business & Third Level Institution Collaboration
- Carey Building Contractors & Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology
- FEXCO & Institute of Technology Tralee
- Hastings Hotels & Ulster University
- LloydsPharmacy & Institute of Technology Carlow
- RPS Group & Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology
- The Insurance Institute of Ireland & IT Sligo
Best Marketing / Communications Team
- City Colleges Group
- Dublin City University
- Griffith College
- Institute of Art, Design + Technology
- NUI Galway
- Trinity College Dublin
- University College Cork
Best Library Team
- Dublin Business School
- Institute of Technology Tralee
- Limerick Institute of Technology
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
- UCC Library Green Energy
Best Academic Partnership
- Dundalk Institute of Technology & Heilbronn University
- LYIT & Donegal Alcohol Forum
Excellence in the Provision of Professional Services
- Active Language Learning
- RCSI & Chartwells
Best Student Experience Award
- BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Science - Waterford Institute of Technology
- Dublin Business School
- Formula Student Project - Dublin Institute of Technology
- Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology
- Pulse College
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
Best Student Campus Award
- Dublin Business School
- University College Cork
- Career Impact Strategy Award
- CIVIL@UL - University of Limerick
- Cork College of Commerce
- Dublin Business School
- GMIT
- Tourism Insight
- Ulster University
Best Online Learning Experience
- CMIT
- Cork Institute of Technology
- Dublin Institute of Technology & GetReSkilled
- LINC Consortium - MIC, NUIM, ECI
- LL.B. (Hons) Blended Law Degree - Griffith College
- Open Training College
Best Education Outreach Award
Sponsored by Air Products
- Adult Literacy Service - Galway and Roscommon Education & Training Board
- Amgen Biotech Experience Ireland
- Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology & RPS Group
- Generation Animation - Ulster University
- Junior Conferring Tours - University College Cork
- MY LACES - Ulster University
- REACH RCSI
- Street Law - Letterkenny Institute of Technology
- The ILogic Academy - Institute of Technology Tralee
- UCD Community Drug Programme
Student Engagement & Communications Award
Sponsored by Air Products
- AnSEO - Cork Institute of Technology
- First Year Matters - Institute of Art, Design & Technology
- Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology
- Letterkenny Institute of Technology
- Maynooth University Programme Advisory Office
- Open Training College
- Street Law - Letterkenny Institute of Technology
Business Collaboration Award
- Cooperative Education Programme - University of Limerick
- Cork College of Commerce
- Institute of Technology Carlow & Lloyds Pharmacy
Best Use of Educational Technology/ICT Initiative of the Year
- BSc. (Hons) Interactive Media - Ulster University
- CMIT
- Dept. of Optometry & Dept. of Languages, DIT
- Institute of Technology Tralee
- Virtual Desktop Solution - IT Sligo
Best International Research Project Collaboration
- iEER - Institute of Technology Tralee
- Limerick Institute of Technology
- SMCUG , Athlone Institute of Technology & Nurture Africa
