University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech)

Location

The University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech), formerly the College of Arts, Science and Technology is located within the Greater Kingston Metropolitan Region in the parish of St. Andrew and occupies approximately 18.2 hectares. It lies to the east of the Hope Botanical Gardens within the Papine-Liguanea commercial centres. The campus is served by several bus routes and is within walking distance of the Mona Campus of the regional University of the West Indies and the University Hospital.

History

The University was established in 1958, originally under the name the Jamaica Institute of Technology. In 1959, the name was changed to the College of Arts, Science and Technology, and became incorporated under the College of Arts, Science and Technology (CAST) Scheme of 1959. This was validated by an Act of Parliament in 1964. In 1986, the CAST Scheme was revised in order to make the College a degree granting institution. The CAST Scheme also legally empowered the institution to conduct its affairs under two governing bodies, namely the Council and the Academic Board.

The institution was formally accorded University status on September 1, 1995, under the name, the University of Technology, Jamaica, and became fully chartered on June 29, 1999.

The history of the institution is intimately connected with the social and economic development of Jamaica. From just over 50 students and 4 programmes in 1958, the institution has grown to become a major national institution with a student population of over 11,000 and offers over 100 different programmes at certificate, diploma and degree levels.

Its academic offerings and development have been modeled on the English polytechnic system with emphasis on flexibility of approach, work-based learning and professional linkages. Flexibility in its academic offerings is reflected in the various modes of programme delivery which include full-time and part-time (day release, evening) and co-operative work based programmes. In addition, several programmes are franchised in a number of Community Colleges and most programmes are linked to national and international professional organisations.