TUS on highest number of stars in university rankings
Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) is now a QS 5 Star university, having achieved the highest possible number of stars to become one of the top-rated universities in the world.
TUS has received maximum stars in all categories assessed in the QS university rating system, which is considered one of the most influential and credible ratings for universities internationally. TUS is also Ireland’s first university to receive 5 Stars in the Arts and Culture category.
Announcing the news at a staff meeting on Monday week last, president of TUS, Prof 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 told staff.
“This recognition not only brings an international focus on TUS, but also the region we serve.” Having received five stars across all the categories assessed, TUS scored well in the areas of international diversity and employment, and the scoring system took into consideration the university’s strong reputation among employers, the graduate employment rate, and career service supports, Prof Cunnane said.
The 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, Prof Cunnane added.
According to QS “employers generally recruit students from [five star] institutions directly after they’ve graduated. The performance of such institutions is considered as ‘excellent’ in the QS Stars rating system”.
The QS university rating system is entirely based on an institution’s performance. The rating system evaluated the TUS performances in eight categories including teaching, employability, internationalisation, academic development, online learning, programme strength, arts and culture and inclusiveness, all of which received five stars.
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 five stars reflect the work of the entire TUS community, which is now being recognised on a global stage, and the governing body [have] commended the entire staff of the university on the achievement.”
TUS, with campuses in Limerick (two), Athlone, Thurles, Clonmel and Ennis, including the Limerick School of Art and Design (LSAD) is the first Irish university to achieve a 5 Star Arts and Culture rating.
TUS’s QS 5 Star rating is valid until February 2027 and follows an independent data collection process and analysis of performance metrics by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS).