Mechanical Engineering (Manufacturing, Process and Automation Systems)
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2026-09-07 | - |
| 2027-09-07 | - |
Program Overview
Engineering - Mechanical Engineering (Manufacturing, Process & Automation Systems)
The Mechanical Engineering (Manufacturing, Process & Automation Systems) programme is offered by University College Cork in response to sustained international demand for highly skilled graduates in mechanical engineering for manufacturing and process engineering industries.
Course Outline
On completion of the course, students will be able to:
- Show a thorough understanding of the principles and theoretical bases of modern manufacturing techniques, automation, and production processes
- Identify appropriate manufacturing systems for different production requirements and analyse their performance
- Apply appropriate technology, quality tools, and manufacturing methodology to design, re-design, and continuously improve the manufacturing operations of engineering companies
- Plan, research, execute, and oversee experiments and research projects, critically analyse and interpret data, and effectively disseminate results
- Work effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary team, be self-motivated, able to work independently, and demonstrate leadership
Modules
Students take 90 credits as follows:
- Part I: 20 credits of core modules and 40 credits of elective modules
- Part II: Dissertation in Mechanical Engineering, to the value of 30 credits, completed over the summer months
Core Modules
- ME6019: Preliminary Research Project (10 credits)
- MG6021: Operations Management (5 credits)
- MG6315: Project Management (5 credits)
Elective Modules
Students must select a total of 40 credits of elective modules from Group A and Group B, with not less than 25 credits from Group A, the balance of credits from Group B, and with no more than 30 credits of elective modules selected in any single semester.
Group A
- ME6002: CAD/CAM (5 credits)
- ME6006: Non-Destructive Testing (5 credits)
- ME6007: Mechanical Systems (5 credits)
- ME6008: Robotics (5 credits)
- ME6012: Advanced Robotics (5 credits)
- CE6024: Finite Element Analysis (5 credits)
- EE4012: Biomedical Design (5 credits)
- EE6061: Industrial Automation and Control (5 credits)
- CS6506: Programming in Python (5 credits)
- CS6507: Programming in Python with Data Science Applications (5 credits)
- NE6015: Data Analytics for Engineering (5 credits)
Group B
- PE6009: Pharmaceutical Engineering (5 credits)
- PE6002: Optimisation and Continuous Process Improvement (5 credits)
- PE6003: Process Validation and Quality (5 credits)
- PE6007: Mechanical Design of Process Equipment (5 credits)
- CE3010: Energy in Buildings (5 credits)
- CE4016: Energy Systems in Buildings (5 credits)
- EE6046: Introduction to Micro Electromechanical Systems (MEMS) (5 credits)
Course Practicalities
Each module typically consists of 24 lectures, 12 hours of continuous assessment, plus additional supplemental reading and study, carried out over one of two 12-week semesters from September to December (Semester 1), or January to March (Semester 2).
Assessment
Individual modules have different methods of assessment but this typically consists of a single end-of-semester examination in December or April/May, plus continuous assessment throughout the relevant semester.
Why Choose This Course
This is the only broad-based master's degree in manufacturing and automation in Ireland.
Requirements
- Candidates must have a minimum Second Class Honours Grade I in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) in mechanical engineering or a closely related engineering discipline that should have covered mechanical engineering fundamentals such as mechanics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and materials.
Fees and Costs
- The EU fee for this course is 8,000.
- The Non-EU fee for this course is 28,000.
How to Apply
- Check dates: Check the opening and closing dates for the application process.
- Gather documents: Scanned copies of supporting documents have to be uploaded to the application portal.
- Apply online: Apply online through the university's application portal.
