Program Overview
Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
Overview
Understand how the world works. Our students take things apart, figure out how they work and how to fix or improve them, then put them back together again. You’ll get to use 3D printers and other advanced tools in DCU’s state-of-the-art labs, while also absorbing engineering theory. It is at heart a maths-based course, but you’ll also gain extensive skills and knowledge in engineering mechanics, computer simulation and analysis, design and manufacture, and project management.
Careers & Further Options
Careers
Engineers Ireland. Our Engineering degree programmes have international recognition through agreements with Engineers Ireland. This enables graduates to practice as professional engineers in many countries, both in the EU and in the signatory countries to the Washington Accord.
Current signatories to the Washington Accord include: United States, Canada, Australia, China, Russia, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Philippines, Malaysia, Turkey, South Africa, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Ireland, United Kingdom, Costa Rica, Hong Kong China, Chinese Taipei, Peru, Korea.
Integrated Masters. This course also includes the option to study an integrated masters. The integrated masters provides students with the option to do one additional year of their studies, lengthen their INTRA work experience placement, and graduate with a master’s degree.
Career Areas
- Aerospace
- Automotive
- Biomedical Research and Development
Career Prospects
Aerospace: aircraft and spacecraft design, aircraft maintenance, aircraft engine overhaul (Airbus, Lufthansa Airmotive)
Automotive: design, manufacturing and testing of cars, buses, trucks, etc, and components used in the auto industry (Ford, GKN)
Biomedical: design and manufacture of medical devices and medical equipment (Boston Scientific, Medtronic)
Manufacturing: design of consumer products, the manufacturing process and the machinery to manufacture goods (Hewlett Packard, Intel, Dyson)
Power generation: design, operation and control of generating machinery (ESB)
Product design
Maintenance and management of industrial equipment
Academic research, industrial research and development work
Entry Requirements
Leaving Cert
In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply - Minimum of H4 Mathematics or H4 Applied Mathematics with H5 Mathematics
GCE A Level
In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply - GCE A Level C Mathematics
FET Level 5
Please visit our Admissions webpage for details on course requirements or how to apply to DCU.
Mature Applicants
Mature entry is a competitive process and applicants must demonstrate:
- a genuine interest in the subject area/programme(s) they are applying for
- academic experience and/or evidence of competency in their chosen field of study
- an ability to engage and succeed in the subject area/programme
All applicants must complete a statement of interest to be considered for the mature application route.
Additional Criteria
This programme requires evidence of competency in mathematics, which would equate to a H4 in mathematics or H4 in applied mathematics with H5 in mathematics. This requirement is essential for this programme. Applicants can show their strength in this through formal examinations e.g. school leaving examinations, QQI-FET, access programmes or other third level qualifications. If applicants do not have any relevant examinations, they may be able to meet the requirements through their work and life experience, applicants must give examples of this experience to demonstrate their competency in these areas in their personal statement.
Course Structure
Year 1
- Professional Development
- Technical Drawing
- Software Development
- Engineering Mechanics
- Electronics
- Numerical Problem Solving
- Materials Engineering
- Engineering Mathematics
- Basic Sciences for Engineering
Year 2
- Engineering Mathematics
- Mechanics of Machines
- Thermodynamics
- Strength of Materials
- Design and Solid Modelling
- Thermofluid Mechanics
- Pneumatics
- Manufacturing Processes
- Engineering Computation
Year 3
- Engineering Mathematics
- Mechanics of Machines
- Signal Processing
- Project & Quality Management
- Product Design
- Fundamentals of Control
- Manufacturing 5
- Product Development
- Data Analytics
- Intra Work Placement (6 - 10 months)
Year 4
- System Simulation
- Materials & Manufacturing Processes
- Finite Element Analysis
- Fluid Mechanics
- Manufacturing Automation
- Robotics
- Research Methods
- 4th Year Project
Fees and Funding
Fees
- Full time: Student Contribution: €3,043 (Year 1- 4), EU Status Fee: €6,679 (Year 1 - 4), €6,670 (Year 5 Integrated Masters), Non EU Fee: €16,400 (Year 1 - 4), €19,200 (Year 5 Integrated Masters)
How To Apply
Applicants presenting EU school leaving examinations (EU, EFTA & UK)
Apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1st February or 1st May
Applicants presenting examinations from outside the EU
To apply for this programme: Candidates should apply directly here. Here's a quick step by step guide if you need help with your application.
Please provide:
- Academic Transcripts for each and every year of study with English translation, if applicable.
- If applicable, provide evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements.
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis up to 1st July. All Non-EU candidates are advised to apply early, as places are limited.
Mature Applicants
In principle, the normal entry requirements are applied to our programmes. This means that where an applicant does not have the required level in maths (Minimum of H4 Mathematics or H4 Applied Mathematics with H5 Mathematics) we expect that the applicant will have evidence of engagement with a maths programme in recent years to raise their mathematical ability. Otherwise we have to reject the application as the content of the programmes requires this for success.
All mature applicants apply through the CAO by 1st February.
Advanced Entry
Applications are made via the CAO Advanced Entry route which will open on the 5th of November to the 1st of July.
Application Queries
Please see Application Procedures or E-mail.
Make an Application
Candidates required to apply through the CAO can apply online at
Life On Campus
Life on Campus
At DCU, our students can expect a unique campus experience. We are known for our excellent teaching and learning facilities, our active clubs and societies, and our great social and sporting facilities. All this makes DCU an exciting place to be.
DCU has three academic campuses; Glasnevin, St. Patrick’s and All Hallows (both in Drumcondra), all close to Dublin City centre.
They can be reached by public transport, Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann, with our Drumcondra campuses a ten minute walk from Drumcondra Train Station. Glasnevin is a 20 minute walk from St Patrick’s and All Hallows. They are also linked by Dublin Bus.
Each campus has a library (O’Reilly, Cregan and Woodlock Hall), study spaces, restaurants, and on-campus residencies. There are sports facilities on Glasnevin and St. Patrick’s, and there is a dedicated sports campus, St Claire’s, located near Glasnevin on the Ballymun Road.
Exceptional Facilities
DCU’s 19,000 students have access to exceptional teaching and learning facilities across our three academic campuses.
These include modern learning theatres, research centres, a new media and TV studio, radio/podcast studios, computer suites and advanced labs in the areas of Languages, Engineering, Physics, Chemistry and Biotechnology, as well as a Sports Performance centre and a training hospital ward. In 2021, we opened our first virtual reality ‘Leadership Lab’, which is located in our Business School.
We continue to improve and update our facilities. For example, construction of a new world-class STEM facility is underway on the Glasnevin campus. With capacity for an extra 3,000 STEM students, this facility will advance DCU’s international reputation for excellence in science and health, computing and engineering disciplines.
Campus Life
Studying in DCU isn’t just about course work. The university is rich in student life and activities.
There are more than 140 clubs and societies for students in DCU, with ‘Clubs & Socs’ days taking place on both the Glasnevin and Drumcondra campuses at the start of the academic year. They span everything from rugby to rock climbing, anime to jazz.
For many students, sport is an important part of the DCU experience. DCU’s Sports Complex boasts a 25 metre swimming pool, fitness centre gym, all-weather pitches and squash courts, as well as soccer, GAA and rugby pitches. DCU Dóchas Éireann, the university’s GAA club, is the largest third level Gaelic Games club in the country. Meanwhile, DCU Athletics has been Ireland’s highest achieving university club for many years. And DCU has dozens of other clubs to get involved in, from Archery to Weightlifting.
The Glasnevin campus is home to our purpose built, state-of-the-art student centre, The U, which serves the needs of a rapidly growing student body. Here, you will find the Student Leadership and Lifeskills Centre, performing arts and cultural spaces for students and the wider community, and the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub. Also located on our Glasnevin campus is The Helix, our renowned performing arts centre.
On our St Patrick’s campus, we have the Java Student Hub, a vibrant, warm and welcoming space where students can meet for coffee, play music, use the projector to watch events, or just relax. The walls of the Java Hub were designed based on the cultural history of St Patrick’s Campus, including the special references to the notable sporting history and history of the arts.
Accommodation
Information about accommodation each of our three campuses can be accessed here.
Student Supports
We have a number of academic, professional and social supports for students.
Student Advice & Learning Skills Centre - Offers a wide range of supports and services to students and advice
The Writing Centre - drop-in writing workshops for students through the academic year
Maths Learning Centre - provides maths support for students of all ability levels with maths modules
Student Learning - facilitate the transition from passive to active learning for students at DCU, by teaching study skills, nurturing critical thinking and building student confidence.
work with students to help them on their professional journey into graduate employment.
Our student support team offers a comprehensive support programme, helping students make that all important transition into university life and focusing on building confidence and skills which are key to success at third level.
FAQs
Programme FAQs
I am interested in studying Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, but I am not sure. If I go into common Entry Engineering, am I guaranteed to get my favourite discipline at the end of first year?
To date, we have had sufficient places in all of our programmes to be able to accommodate all students on their preferred programmes. If this isn't possible we will allocate students their 2nd choice. However, If you know you are interested in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering you should apply for Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering as your first choice on the CAO to guarantee your place on the programme in second year (should there be too many students who choose Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering).
If you choose Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering as your first choice on the CAO and after year one you feel it is not for you, you can move into one of the other engineering courses.
All of our Engineering courses are 4-year programmes. It is also worth noting that we have an integrated 5th-year option. Our integrated degree allows students to lengthen their paid work experience, complete one final year project and graduate with a masters degree (a necessary requirement to become a chartered engineer). Students can transfer into our 5-year programme in year 3.
Faculty FAQs
Is DCU all one campus?
DCU is a multi campus university - the Glasnevin, St Patrick's and All Hallows campuses. The St Patrick's campus is where the Education courses are taught and some of the subjects from the BA Joint Honours degree. There is a 20-25 minute walk between the campuses but there are buses and bikes available to go between them also.
If I'm studying on the St Patrick's campus, can I use the library and sports centre on the Glasnevin campus?
Yes, all facilities such as sports and accommodation are open for all DCU students to avail of.
Are there libraries in DCU and if they have wifi and work stations?
We have a brand new state of the art four floor library on our St. Patrick's Campus which complements the existing library on the Glasnevin campus. There is free wifi, work stations as well as desktop computers.
Does DCU provide accommodation?
DCU does have on-campus accommodation for undergraduate and postgraduate students, and you can find out more and apply via the Accommodation Office webpage.
Have You Considered?
DC194 Mechanical and Sustainability Engineering
CAO Code: DC194
Type: undergraduate
Placement: yes
Delivery: full time
Minimum Points: 510
Duration: Four Years
DC193 Mechatronic Engineering
CAO Code: DC193
Type: undergraduate
Placement: yes
Delivery: full time
Minimum Points: 520
DC197 Biomedical Engineering
CAO Code: DC197
Type: undergraduate
Placement: yes
Delivery: full time
Minimum Points: 533
Program Outline
Outline:
Year 1:
- Professional Development
- Technical Drawing
- Software Development
- Engineering Mechanics
- Electronics
- Numerical Problem Solving
- Materials Engineering
- Engineering Mathematics
- Basic Sciences for Engineering
Year 2:
- Engineering Mathematics
- Mechanics of Machines
- Thermodynamics
- Strength of Materials
- Design and Solid Modelling
- Thermofluid Mechanics
- Pneumatics
- Manufacturing Processes
- Engineering Computation
Year 3:
- Engineering Mathematics
- Mechanics of Machines
- Signal Processing
- Project & Quality Management
- Product Design
- Fundamentals of Control
- Manufacturing 5
- Product Development
- Data Analytics
- Intra Work Placement (6 - 10 months)
Year 4:
- System Simulation
- Materials & Manufacturing Processes
- Finite Element Analysis
- Fluid Mechanics
- Manufacturing Automation
- Robotics
- Research Methods
- 4th Year Project
Teaching:
- The program is taught by expert faculty in the field of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering.
- The department uses a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, tutorials, laboratory work, and project work.
- Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including 3D printers and other advanced tools.
Careers:
- Graduates of the program are highly sought after by employers in Ireland and abroad.
- The program provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career in a variety of industries, including:
- Aerospace
- Automotive
- Biomedical Research and Development
- Manufacturing
- Power generation
- Product design
- Maintenance and management of industrial equipment
- Academic research
- Industrial research and development work
- The program also prepares students for further study at the postgraduate level.
Other:
- The program is fully accredited and accepted globally.
- Students have the opportunity to study abroad.
- The program offers a 5-year integrated masters degree option.
- The program is open to students who have completed the common first year in engineering.
FAQs:
- See the original context for frequently asked questions about the program.
Key Takeaways:
- The Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering program at DCU is a comprehensive and rigorous program that prepares students for successful careers in a variety of industries.
- The program offers a strong foundation in the fundamental principles of engineering, as well as hands-on experience with advanced tools and technologies. It is important to confirm details with the DCU website or program advisor. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Tuition Fees and Payment Information:
Full time €3,043 per annum EU Status Fee €6,679 per annum Non EU Fee. €16,000 per annum
