Cork Institute of Technology

Location and campuses: Engineering and business administration are at the Bishopstown campus in the western suburbs, a pleasant and spacious area within easy reach of the city. Art and music are in the city centre.

Number of students: Approximately 5,700 full time and 6,000 part time.

Number of faculty: 550

Director: Patrick Kelleher, who has had the position since 1988. A scientist, he was recently awarded an honorary doctorate by NUI for his contribution to higher education.

Number of degree courses: 18, including multimedia, electronics, music and computing.

Number of diploma courses: 25, including applied physics, marine engineering and fine art.

Number of certificates courses: 23, including business studies, social care and mechanical engineering.

Number of library seats: 500

Number of library volumes: 65,000.

Number of computer labs: 48 distributed across 18 departments. Many are specialised in fields such as CAD, control engineering and graphic design. The new IT centre has an "open access" facility with over 100 computers.

Number of computers: About 1,200 are available for student use.

Number of clubs and societies: 80.

Everything intellectual and sporting from aikido to archaeology, from surfing to theatre, plus all the regulars such as rugby, hurling, gaelic football, photography and politics.

How the institute came about: The school began as the Royal Cork Institution in 1802, while the schools of music and art were added later in the century. Cork RTC was established in 1974 and campaigned successfully for institute of technology status in the late 1990s.

Plans for the future: CIT has six major building projects in hand - including a student centre and an apprenticeship building. It will also be a partner in the National Maritime College in Ringaskiddy.

Student opinion: "It's a small community, so it's very informal and friendly. The lecturers' doors are always open, and because you get to know all your classmates, there is a very good class atmosphere. I'm learning a lot." Rose Leahy, master of business candidate.