TUS gains top marks in leading world university rankings

ONE of the most influential and credible ratings for universities globally has awarded the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) the highest possible number of stars.

To become a QS* 5 Star university TUS received maximum stars in all categories assessed, and is Ireland’s first ever university to receive five stars in the arts and culture category.

The QS Stars university rating system is an internationally recognised mark of quality. 

President of TUS professor Vincent Cunnane said the results acknowledge the core values of TUS as a higher education institution.

“The fact that we have received the highest number of stars in what is considered one of the most influential and credible ratings for universities globally is a fitting acknowledgement of our commitment to a student-centred, inclusive university, that excels at academic development and providing work ready graduates,” he said.

“This recognition not only brings an international focus on TUS, but also the region we serve. Having received 5 Stars across all the categories assessed, TUS scored exceptionally high in the areas of international diversity and employment, with the scoring system taking into consideration the university’s strong reputation among employers, the graduate employment rate, and career service supports. This rating supports the finding of the HEA, that TUS has the highest percentage of honours degree graduates in the country in employment nine months after graduation.”

According to QS “employers generally recruit students from (5 Star) institutions directly after they’ve graduated. The performance of such institutions is considered as “Excellent” in the QS Stars rating system”.

The rating system evaluated TUS’s performances in eight categories - teaching, employability, internationalisation, academic development, online learning, programme strength, arts and culture and inclusiveness - all of which received five stars.

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Welcoming the announcement Chair of the TUS Governing Body Josephine Feehily said, “For a young university to receive this internationally-recognised mark of quality less than two and a half years after its launch is testimony to the commitment and dedication of the staff, who encourage, nurture and support student learning and personal development beyond the classroom and lecture hall. These 5 Stars reflect the work of the entire TUS community, which is now being recognised on a global stage.  The Governing Body, at its meeting this morning commended the entire staff of the university on this tremendous achievement.”

 TUS, with campuses in Limerick (2), Athlone, Thurles, Clonmel and Ennis, including the world-renowned Limerick School of Art and Design (LSAD) is the first Irish university to achieve a 5 Star Arts and Culture rating.

“LSAD has a proud legacy as one of Europe’s leading fine art, design and creative media schools as well as being a strong proponent of the arts in Ireland. TUS has now ensured, for the first time ever, that Ireland has received a 5 Star rating in the Art and Culture category, as QS recognises TUS’s excellence in promoting and contributing to the arts and national culture,” added the chair of the Governing Body.