Cork Institute of Technology is to merge with the Institute of Technology Tralee to form the Munster Technological University. (MTU). Pic: Janice O'Connell

New Munster Technological University to begin enrolling students in 2019

CORK Institute of Technology (CIT) and the Institute of Technology Tralee (ITT) expect the first students of a proposed merger between the two institutions will be enrolled in September 2019.

The bid for Technological University status that would see a merging of the two institutions is now approaching the final stages of the process, with a stage four submission shortly due to the Higher Education Authority (HEA).

The HEA has previously expressed concerns about the colleges’ bid to become the Munster Technological University (MTU). However, CIT and ITT have now announced a tender for the services of a brand identity company, to research and validate the proposed MTU name and to create a brand for the university.

“This new university is a once in a lifetime opportunity for ITT and CIT,” the tender document reads.

“It also presents an exciting opportunity for a highly creative agency to create one of Ireland’s newest generation Z brands. The MTU project is well underway. The consortium is now approaching the final stage of the process with a stage 4 submission to the higher education authority due to be made in 2018. The plan is that the first MTU students will be enrolled in September 2019.

“The name has not undergone any research outside of the governing bodies and senior management of both institutes.

“At this stage of the process, we require the expertise of a brand identity company to research and validate the proposed MTU name and to create a brand identity for MTU. We need to ensure that the MTU name resonates with our key audiences and has international appeal and understanding.

“We also need to be sure that the name does not already exist in the Higher Education Institutions market.

“The second part of the work centres on establishing a brand identity for MTU. We need to create a brand story that includes a logo, typography, colour palette, playbook and tone of voice.”

Interested parties are invited to make submissions to CIT by noon, Thursday, November 30.