UTT’s primary focus is on the development of Trinidad and Tobago. With its genesis in the Trinidad and Tobago Institute of Technology (TTIT), UTT initially focused on programmes in engineering and technology. Today’s programmes, however, go far beyond engineering and technology to a fuller spectrum of educational opportunities where experiential learning programmes are incorporated into the traditional learning environment. Alternative avenues are also provided for persons to enter, exit and re-enter tertiary education.  This kind of flexibility and integration within programmes; together with UTT’s leadership position in sector-driven research and innovative teaching methodologies, is a direct response to twenty-first century global trends. To date, UTT has graduated in excess of fifteen thousand (15,000) students.

The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) has ten (10) campuses, namely:

TAMANA

The realisation of UTT’s Signature Complex and Main Campus at Tamana InTech Park will provide a unique space for the University to capitalise on key strategic areas of internationalisation, incubator development, technology commercialisation and new revenue generation opportunities.
Construction of the Signature Complex and Main Campus began in June 2008. Tamana InTech Park promises to be a crowning achievement in tertiary education in Trinidad and Tobago and will represent a model for future infrastructural development within the region.

Why was UTT established?

As late as the year 2000 - the dawn of the twenty-first century - only 7% of the population of Trinidad and Tobago, as against 30% in the developed world, had acquired tertiary level education.  A highly dispersed population and wide socio-economic gap were two significant contributing factors to this limited access. In redressing this imbalance, the 2005/2006 National Budget made provision for the highest ever level of multi-year funding for post-secondary and tertiary education. The Government Assistance for Tuition Expenses, (GATE), was one of its more ambitious proposals for the immediate expansion of tertiary education needs and for the support of post-graduate programmes.
In 2004, the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (GORTT) established The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) with a mandate to educate and train nationals toward achieving the goals of its Vision 20/20 Action Plan. Emphasised in the Vision 20/20 strategy was that of tertiary education and training. The strategy sought to address the following objectives regarding tertiary education:

• Increase access
• Equality of opportunity
• Quality of tertiary product

The launch of the GATE initiative in 2004 which covered up to 100% of tuition fees for Undergraduate programmes in public universities, and the establishment of UTT, bolstered tertiary enrolments by 40% in 2004-2005. 
The lack of specialised skills training and Trinidad and Tobago’s dependence on foreign labour in certain professions (notably for the oil and gas industry), left room for UTT to address the burgeoning demand and bridge the existing skills gap through a portfolio of knowledge products suitable for industry.
Since then, UTT has received Institutional Accreditation from the Accreditation Council of Trinidad and Tobago (ACTT) and Specialised Accreditation from a number of international bodies.

UTT Programmes… FULLY Accredited, Relevant and Respected

In December 2017, UTT was awarded Continuing Institutional Accreditation by the Accreditation Council of Trinidad and Tobago (ACTT) for the maximum period of seven (7) years (until 2024). This badge of excellence is UTT’s assurance to its stakeholders that it meets and in some instances, surpasses, benchmarked standards of quality. It speaks of a UTT qualification that is relevant, recognised and respected by employers as well as other tertiary institutions.
While ALL of UTT’s programmes are accredited, some have attained specialised accreditation due to the need, in certain instances, to be licensed to operate in a specific profession. This carries proof of additional value in areas that potentially impact on public health and safety.
Moreover, UTT was the first institution in the Caribbean to have its programme, Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) in Petroleum Engineering, accredited to full Chartered Engineer status by the Energy Institute, UK. The M.Eng. is the highest award for undergraduate studies in engineering. It is awarded to students who complete an additional year of full-time study, this fourth year being subsequent to successful completion of UTT’s Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.). Chartered Engineer status ensures that UTT’s graduates have a recognisable, international engineering qualification with which they can seek professional registration once they have completed the required amount of training and experience in the workplace.
Many of UTT’s programmes have received specialised accreditation from international organisations:

Energy Institute (EI), United Kingdom (UK)

• National Engineering Technician Diploma in Petroleum Engineering
• Bachelor of Applied Science in Petroleum Engineering
• Master of Engineering in Petroleum Engineering
• Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering
• Master of Science in Reservoir Engineering

Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), UK

• National Engineering Technician Diploma in Chemical Engineering
• Bachelor of Applied Science in Process Engineering
• Master of Engineering in Process Engineering

Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), UK

• Diploma in Software Engineering
• Diploma in Computer, Networking and Telecommunication Engineering
• Bachelor of Applied Science in Computer Engineering - General
• Bachelor of Applied Science in Computer Engineering - Software Engineering
• Bachelor of Applied Science in Computer Engineering - Network and Telecommunication Engineering
• Bachelor of Applied Science in Manufacturing and Design Engineering
• Master of Science in Information and Communication Technology
• Master of Science in Innovative Design and Entrepreneurship

Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology (IMarEST), UK

• Diploma in Maritime Operations - Engineering
• Diploma in Maritime Operations - Navigation
• Bachelor of Science in Nautical Science/Maritime Operations
• Master of Science in Operational Maritime Management

UTT is the host institution for the Maritime Technology Cooperation Centre for the Caribbean Region (MTCC Caribbean). 

The Role of UTT

The role of The University of Trinidad and Tobago is to meet the needs of Trinidad and Tobago for a highly trained and qualified technological manpower base. As technology changed over the years to suit the evolving global environment, so too has the human resource needs of the country. In reviewing these needs, several distinct engineering functions are identified with each function requiring its own set of specialised competencies and by extension, education, training and qualification.

The establishment of the Academy of Letters and Public Affairs, Caribbean Academy of Fashion and Design, Academy for the Performing Arts and the Academy of Sports; allows for significant focus on non-traditional areas of study and development.
UTT continues to empower nationals to work together to build a stronger country and increase human capital in critical areas of national development.
 FAQs

1. Is The University of Trinidad and Tobago Accredited?

Yes! UTT was awarded Continuing Institutional Accreditation by the Accreditation Council of Trinidad and Tobago (ACTT) until 2024.

2. In which year was the San Fernando Technical Institute and the John S. Donaldson Technical Institute included as official UTT campuses?

2006

3. The stylised Moriche Palm graduation gown was introduced in which year?

2006

4. The position of Provost was first filled by whom and in what year?

Prof. KD Srivastava in  2004

5. When were programmes from UTT’s Academy for the Performing Arts introduced?

January, 2011

6. When was the UTT Scarborough Campus launched?

January, 2013

UTT’s Entrepreneurial thrust:

As an Entrepreneurial University, encouraging and creating opportunities for students to thrive and to develop their own businesses is a priority. On Wednesday, 17th September, 2014, UTT made history with the Launch of “uSTART”: the first University-originated Business Incubator facility in the nation.  Defined as “an organisation designed to accelerate the growth and success of entrepreneurial companies through an array of business support resources and services”, business incubators emerged in the US during the 1950’s and continue to be popular today given the high importance of business creation to the global economy.
uSTART serves as an integral component toward achieving UTT’s more specific, entrepreneurial mission of functioning as an engine of innovation and enterprise, as it seeks to foster an ecosystem that supports entrepreneurial mindsets in both staff and students. The incubators cover four (4) overarching areas of Animation, Performing Arts, Agro-Processing and Fashion, areas with which the University is already associated via its academic offerings. uSTART provides a platform to support the work being done by students, faculty and graduates, emphasising both wealth generation and job creation.
UTT has also introduced two (2) postgraduate academic programmes that are designed to provide graduates with the technical skills, personal development and industrial experience needed to be effective in their industrial, business or entrepreneurial careers. The programmes expose graduates to a number of business and technical subject areas, which cover the fundamentals of strategy, marketing, entrepreneurship, human resource management, operations management and product and process design.  The two (2) programmes are as follows:

• Master of Science in Innovation, Manufacturing Management and Entrepreneurship (IMME)
• Master of Science in Innovative Design and Entrepreneurship (IDE)

Broad Programme areas:

The University continues to make its mark in developing industries. Having started as an engineering institution, UTT has expanded to Education and diversified into the creative and performing arts fields. Within the third quarter of 2015, UTT launched the Aviation Campus at Camden and Institutes for Finance, Printing and Packaging, Ramleela and Steelpan were previously launched at the University.

The following broad academic programme areas are offered at UTT:

Aviation

The aircraft maintenance, technical operations and continuing airworthiness sectors are vital parts of the global aviation industry. UTT’s programmes provide the opportunity for graduates to both obtain their degree and satisfy the knowledge requirements for the EASA Part 66 Aircraft Maintenance Engineer License, delivering a unique blend of engineering, academic and industry-regulated content. Soon, UTT will introduce the Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical and Airworthiness Engineering.
These programmes are designed to equip students for deployment within aviation organisations. Students will also be able to obtain airworthiness certification for regulated maintenance, minor design, modification and return to service activity on operating aircraft as well as progress to continued study and/or senior positions in the aviation industry.
The aircraft available for practicum work at UTT Aviation Campus at Camden, are a Boeing 727-200 F equipped with JT8-17/15 Engines, a Sikorsky S76A++ Rotor Craft and a Cessna 310 Aircraft. These are supplemented with other Shop-based Gas Turbine Engines, Landing Gear and Avionics components/instruments, computers and functional training aids.

Biosciences, Agriculture and Food Technologies (BAFT)

UTT’s programmes in Biosciences, Agriculture and Food Technologies (BAFT) were launched on Monday 16 May, 2011 at the University’s ECIAF Campus. BAFT programmes are intended to add to the sustainability of the local agriculture industry by producing ‘agripreneurs’ and biotechnologists who are able to assist in the development of the agri-business sector. Through its BAFT programmes, UTT offers technical support to agricultural practitioners and public and private organisations in food and agricultural policy, technology transfer, information dissemination, plant and animal production and protection, as well as, food and agricultural development. 

Information and Communication Technology

As an Entrepreneurial University which encourages innovation and business creation, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has an important role to play at the very core of UTT’s vision and mission.  Programmes in Music Technology, Animation Studies, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering and Visual Communication Design continue to offer students an avenue into this diverse technical field. In July, 2012, UTT launched its re-structured postgraduate Mater of Science in ICT programme which allows graduates to use their expertise to assist in the development of the nation’s ICT infrastructure. UTT leads the region in producing top animators whose films are shown globally at several animae events.

Education

Through the Centre for Education Programmes, UTT continues to graduate teacher-educators with the Bachelor of Education degree which is offered with a series of specialisations. This degree is available both in Trinidad at the Valsayn and Corinth campuses, as well as, the UTT Scarborough Campus in Tobago (Primary Specialisation only).  In January, 2015, UTT also introduced the Masters of Education in Educational Technology, training teacher-educators (and those with a passion for education and its delivery) in a specialised and technical area of interest. Additionally, UTT offers the Certificate in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE); ensuring that the widest spectrum of students are positively impacted by its graduates.

Engineering

UTT’s Centre for Engineering Programmes is a driver for the delivery of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Petroleum, Utilities, Mechanical, Process, Design & Manufacturing, Project Management and Civil Infrastructure. These programmes are developed and spearheaded by expert faculty, which allows UTT’s engineering graduates to better impact industry toward the development of the local economy.

Fashion

UTT’s Caribbean Academy of Fashion and Design (CAFD) is the first school of its kind in the Caribbean. With the collaboration of professionals from Paris, London and New York, CAFD, which was launched in 2008, trains future designers and marketers in the art and business of fashion with an eye towards developing an emerging fashion industry in the West Indies. Graduates of UTT’s fashion programmes have showcased their designs at New York Fashion Week, London Fashion Week and at other international, regional and local high-profile fashion events. 

Maritime

Trinidad and Tobago’s Maritime Industry has been earmarked as one of several priority sectors for development and investment building. Trinidad and Tobago has the potential to be the trans-shipment gateway to the Americas and, as such, the Maritime sector is an area of potential growth in our nation’s diversification thrust. The growth of the Maritime sector requires trained personnel to operate in this expanding industry. UTT offers both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, along with several short courses, which are tailor-made to meet the requirements of the dynamic maritime industry.

Marine Science

As an archipelagic state, Trinidad and Tobago has a rich biodiversity which is influenced by the presence of estuarine, coastal and oceanic environmental conditions, with sensitive coastal and oceanic ecosystems of national and international importance. These factors have contributed to the University’s inclination to diversify its programme portfolio to address these unique marine concerns. UTT is concerned with providing an increased appreciation and understanding of the importance of the coastal and oceanic environments and their resources; hence, the University introduced both the Bachelor of Applied Science in Coast and Ocean Sciences and the Master of Science in Integrated Coastal and Ocean Management, to address these important issues. 

Performing Arts

The Academy for the Performing Arts is the Young Artist’s Gateway to expert instruction and ample exposure. Home to a world-class faculty of musicians, actors, dancers and theatre professionals, the APA trains and mentors the entertainment industry professionals of tomorrow by making high-quality performance their business today. In 2014, the first cohort of students graduated with the Bachelor of Fine Arts in the Performing Arts degree. UTT Campus at NAPA, is also home to UTT’s programmes in Animation and Music Technology.

Criminology and Public Safety

The Institute for Criminology and Public Safety (ICPS) addresses the challenges of a growing national problem – crime and safety. Many students enrolled in UTT’s Certificate and Diploma in Security and Public Safety programmes are already employed in the field of criminal justice and public safety. Students are given the opportunity to critically analyse crime, justice and public safety issues. Those skills are therefore brought back into the workforce so as to assist with transformational change in the sector.  UTT enrolled the first intake of students in the Bachelor of Applied Science in Criminology and Public Safety in January 2015.

Sports

UTT’s Academy of Sports places emphasis on the value of fitness and health to students' achievement of academic excellence. The University’s High Performance athletes compete in eight (8) sporting disciplines: cricket, swimming, table tennis, volleyball, netball, basketball, football and track and field.  Several of UTT’s athletes have competed internationally and have decimated local sporting records. UTT’s sport programmes include the Certificate in Sport Studies as well as the Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology.

Carnival Studies

Through the Academy of Arts, Letters, Culture and Public Affairs, UTT is advancing study and research that is dedicated to re-discovering aspects of the region’s culture which may have been previously hidden, repressed, or neglected. The start of the postgraduate programme, Master of Arts in Carnival Studies, in September 2011 is one such avenue for proliferating Trinidad and Tobago’s culture.  The Academy has been involved in several cross-cultural events and continues to partner with several High Commissions and other UTT stakeholders to bring culture to the fore of the public.