Degree in Science & Technology Studies

Program Overview

The Science & Technology Studies Degree from University of Galway is a part-time program designed to provide a comprehensive grounding in science and engineering fundamentals for career advancement in high-tech industries. It offers flexibility through blended learning and a modular structure, allowing students to customize their elective streams, such as lean quality systems, medical device science, or corporate environmental planning. With a duration of 2-4 years, this program awards a Bachelor's degree upon completion of 120 ECTS credits.

Program Outline

Science & Technology Studies (Degree) - University of Galway

Degree Overview:

The Degree in Science & Technology Studies is a part-time course designed for individuals seeking to advance their careers in high-tech industries. It focuses on the knowledge and skill requirements of these industries, offering a comprehensive grounding in the theoretical foundations of Science and Engineering.

Objectives:

• Provide students with a comprehensive grounding in the theoretical foundations of Science and Engineering.
• Introduce students to areas of applied and specialist knowledge found in today’s high-tech environments.
• Develop important managerial skills such as problem solving, decision making and advanced communication skills.

Program Description:

• Mode of Study: Blended Learning, combining distance and online resources, on-campus tutorials and labs, and company-based projects.
• Flexibility: The modular structure allows students to balance study with work and other commitments, accumulating credits over a time frame that suits their lifestyle.
• Fees Subsidy: Approved by Next Level Skillnet for a fees subsidy of up to 40% for students whose company is a member of their network.
• Applications: Made online via the University of Galway Applications System under Adult Learning Undergraduate/Postgraduate, CPD, Micro-credentials & Summer School Applications.
• Prerequisites: Applicants should have a Diploma at NFQ Level 7 of 90 ECTS minimum, in a Science, Engineering or Technical area, or otherwise prove that they satisfy the prerequisites of each of the modules as listed in the course outline section.

Outline:

The Degree consists of 20 modules to be completed over a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 4 years. The core modules are largely in the areas of production science and operations and systems management.

Elective Streams:

Students can specialize and deepen their knowledge in the following areas:

• Lean & Quality Systems
• Medical Device Science
• Automation & Control
• Corporate Environmental Planning
• Regulatory Affairs

Exemptions:

Applicants who have completed accredited study in a relevant area may apply for exemptions. Credit may also be granted for demonstrable experiential learning. Exemptions may be granted up to a maximum of 5 modules in the Degree cycle. Exemptions are considered by the programme board on a case-by-case basis.

Micro-credentials:

The following modules can be taken as micro-credentials:

• Regulatory Compliance
• Human Anatomy & Physiology
• Environmental Management for Organisations
• Machine Design
• Automation 1
• Automation 2
• Manufacturing Technology

Assessment:

• Methods: Assignments, written exams, and in some cases practical laboratory sessions.
• Schedule: Exams take place at the end of each semester.
• Modules: All modules from the programme will be individually assessed.

Teaching:

• Mode: Blended learning on a part-time basis.
• Materials: Candidates will receive learning materials in online format for each module, supplemented by supporting reading material and interactive learning resources where appropriate.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: Management roles in the following sectors: medical devices, biotechnology, scientific services, high-end and specialist manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, food science etc.
• Target Audience: The course is primarily intended to support those seeking career advancement in a variety of high tech industries such as medical devices, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and manufacturing.
It will also appeal to those with a personal interest in Science and Technology.

Other:

• Awards: Bachelor of Science in Science & Technology Studies - on successful completion of 20 modules or 120 ECTS.
• Duration: 2-4 years
• Next Start Date: September 2024
• Average Intake: 25-30
• NFQ Level: Level 8
• ECTS Weighting: 120

Fees: EU €4,150 p.a. 2024/25 (€415 per module) Fees: Tuition €4,010 p.a. 2024/25 Fees: Student levy €140 p.a. 2024/25 Fees: Non EU €4,700 p.a. 2024/25 (€465 per module + €500 p.a.) NB: EU Fees are comprised of Tuition + Student Levy.