The relationship between Dublin City University (DCU) and Drogheda Institute of Further Education (DIFE) deepened yesterday with the signing of three new agreements which will open pathways for students from DIFE to a range of programmes in Science, Law and Business at the University.
These new pathways add to those already announced in September ’23 to Nursing Programmes in DCU, and follow from an overarching MOU which was signed between the institutions in July 2023.
The partnership was developed in response to the recommendations of the Geiran report, which set out an ambition to Create a bridge to a Better Future for Drogheda. The need for a Higher Education presence and clear and transparent pathways to third level for the people of Drogheda is a key recommendation of the Geiran report.
Extending links between the institutions to new disciplines is in line with DCU’s strategy to broaden participation and have regional impact, and with government policy of facilitating progression pathways between Further and Higher Education, and was warmly welcomed by DCU’s Vice President for Academic Affairs and Registrar Professor Lisa Looney who said:
“Today marks a very important step in the broadening and deepening of the partnership between DCU and DIFE supported by the Louth Meath ETB. We know that the students joining the university via this route will do really well, and look forward to the long-term impact which putting a pathway in place will have in transforming the lives of the students but also of our region.”
David Mc Donnell Principal of Drogheda Institute highlighted the benefits of the three memoranda of association signed by both Institutions in stating “The extension of transparent pathways for DIFE graduates to Higher Education degree courses in Science, Law and Business in DCU will be transformative for Drogheda students and the local economy. Todays signed agreements will secure an additional 46 places which will be ringfenced for DIFE graduates with the promise of more to come.”
Professor Daire Keogh and Professor Lisa Looney welcomed Chief Executive of the LMETB, Martin G. O’Brien, Director of FET LMETB, Sadie Ward McDermott, David Mc Donnell, Principal and Orla Morrissey, Deputy Principal of the Drogheda Institute.
It was also attended by Executive Director External Engagement Laura Mahoney, and Faculty Colleagues (Dr. Ken McDonagh, Head, School of Law and Government, Assist. Prof. Niamh O Sullivan, Associate Dean for Teaching and Learning Faculty of Science and Health and Professor Theo Lynn, Associate Dean for Research DCU Business School).
