Practice and Procedures Regarding Accreditation and Evaluation in the Irish Republic

Abstract

Third level education in the Republic of Ireland has undergone considerable expansion in recent years both in terms of the numbers of student registered in the various institutions, and the extent of institutional provision and the range of courses of study available to students. During the ten year period between the academic years 1989/90 and 1999/2000 the numbers of students registered at third level rose from 62,137 to 115,696 representing an overall increase of over 80%. The marked rate of increase in the numbers of students taking part in third level education was consistent throughout the period although some small variations occurred from year to year. At an institutional level also, there has been substantial expansion of the system both in the enlargement of existing institutions and in the establishment of new universities and institutes.