Program Overview

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Course Overview

Mechanical Engineers shape the world around us and how we live our lives. They invent, design and build things that addresses the problems off today for a better tomorrow.

Mechanical engineering is about putting ideas into action. It is about inventing, designing, developing, manufacturing and maintaining products, equipment and machinery of all kinds. Mechanical engineers use their knowledge of materials, mechanisms, power, energy and manufacturing technology to produce specifications for their designs and to see those designs become a reality. They also build and test prototypes in order to prove their designs.

This course is a result of comprehensive industry engagement defining future needs regionally and nationally. The course will equip our students with the theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical expertise demanded by leading global employers to work in this constantly evolving field.

What will I experience?

At TUS Midlands, Engineering education is very practical. Almost 50 % of your time will be spent in state-of-the-art laboratories developing your practical engineering skills, and the other 50% will be spent on engineering theory and its application.

While studying on this course students will:

• visit some of our industrial partners to experience the role of a mechanical engineer.
• gain valuable work experience by completing an industry-based project.
• improve their teamwork and communications skills by working as part of small teams on projects.
• develop their problem –solving skills and reasoning techniques.
• develop their ability to effectively communicate within the engineering community and society at large.
• upon completion of the course, they will have developed an ability to critically appraise mechanical engineering systems, to identify areas of potential improvement, to bring about corrective action and where applicable, to suggest and implement an alternative solution.
• Gain valuable work experience in 3rd year by completing a six month work placement.

In the third year of the course, students undertake a mandatory six-month work placement, which spans from January to June. This placement carries a weight of 25 credits and must adhere to predetermined criteria, mutually agreed upon with the employer beforehand. These placements can be pursued both within Ireland and internationally.

What opportunities might it lead to?

Discussions with leading voices in mechanical and manufacturing domains such as Boston Scientific, Athlone Extrusions and Mergon have expressed the need for mechanical engineers with practical skills. In designing this course, the TU, engaged with manufacturing and supply chain companies regionally and nationally, who have endorsed the need for this course. Additionally, research-active companies, have all identified the candidate skills developed within this course as necessary for a future workforce.

What are the entry requirements?

Leaving Certificate

Grade H5 at higher level in two subjects, plus Grade O6/H7 in four other subjects in the Leaving Certificate. Two of these subjects must be mathematics and a language (English or Irish).

QQI

QQI applicants to this programme must hold the following award: engineering technology (5M2061). They are also required to have the module mathematics (5N1833) or Maths for STEM (5N0556) included in their award or alternatively have Leaving Certificate mathematics. They must also possess distinctions in three modules.

Mature Applicants

Candidates applying as mature applicants (23 years of age on 1st January prior to admission) must apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO). As a mature applicant, you have the opportunity to provide additional information about yourself which may help with your application. You can provide details on your employment history, your hobbies and interests, any voluntary work you have done etc.

International Applicants

International applicants should apply directly to the International Office at TUS, allowing plenty of time for completing the visa process. Applications for September start should be made by 1st June at the latest to ensure visas are processed in time. You should familiarise yourself with visa processing times for your country of origin to ensure you make a timely application. Find out more here.

Course Modules

Year 1 – Semester 1

• Communications for Manufacturing 1.1 (Credits: 5)
• Engineering Science 1 (Credits: 5)
• Mechanics 1.1 (Credits: 5)
• Engineering Materials 1.1 (Credits: 5)
• Processing of Engineering Materials and Engineering Workshop and Graphics 1.1 (Credits: 5)
• Mathematics 1 (Credits: 5)

Year 1 – Semester 2

• Communications for Manufacturing 1.2 (Credits: 5)
• Electronics Technology 1 (Credits: 5)
• Mechanics 1.2 (Credits: 5)
• Processing of Engineering Materials 1 (Credits: 5)
• Engineering Workshop and Graphics 1.2 (Credits: 5)
• Mathematics 1.2 (Credits: 5)

Year 2 – Semester 1

• Sensor Systems 2 (Credits: 5)
• Mechanics 2.1 (Credits: 5)
• Engineering Practice & CAD 2 (Credits: 5)
• Materials 2 (Credits: 5)
• Energy Systems and Thermofluids 2.1 (Credits: 5)
• Mathematics 2.1 (Credits: 5)

Year 2 – Semester 2

• Control and Power Technology 2 (Credits: 5)
• Mechanics 2.2 (Credits: 5)
• Processes and Operations Management 2 (Credits: 5)
• Process Technology & Design 2 (Credits: 5)
• Energy Sys & Thermofluids 2.2 (Credits: 5)
• Mathematics 2.2 (Credits: 5)

Year 3 – Semester 1

• Statistics and Lean Sigma 3 (Credits: 5)
• Mechanical Systems Design 3 (Credits: 5)
• Control & Automation 3 (Credits: 5)
• Heat Transfer 3 (Credits: 5)
• Energy Systems & Thermofluids 3 (Credits: 5)
• Mathematics 3 (Credits: 5)

Year 3 – Semester 2

• Project Evaluation and Management 3 (Credits: 5)
• Industrial Placement 3 (Credits: 25)

Year 4 – Semester 1

• Regulatory Compliance and Validation 4 (Credits: 5)
• Computer Aided Engineering Design & Analysis 4 (Credits: 5)
• Dynamics and Vibrations 4 (Credits: 5)
• Electrical Power Systems and Machines 4 (Credits: 5)
• HVAC and Utilities 4 (Credits: 5)
• Final Year Project 4 (Credits: 5)

Year 4 – Semester 2

• Operations Management & Sustainability 4 (Credits: 5)
• Industrial Control 4 (Credits: 5)
• Manufacturing Automation 4 (Credits: 5)
• Advanced Engineering Materials 4 (Credits: 5)
• Applied Thermofluids 4 (Credits: 5)

What can you do after this programme?

Career Opportunities

Mechanical engineers are responsible for the design, manufacture and operation of the mechanical systems and processes that are all around us. Upon completion of this programme graduates can expect to find employment as a Graduate Engineer in high-tech manufacturing industries, mechanical industries, building services and design. Engineering graduates at this level will work in design, manufacturing and production, quality control, automation, planning logistics and supply, technical sales support with contracting and technical service industries. The course equips students with the theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical expertise demanded by leading global employers to work in this constantly evolving field.

Further Study

Successful graduates of this programme are eligible for Level 9 and 10 postgraduate programmes within TUS or elsewhere. Full details of our postgraduate programmes can be found in the Postgraduate Prospectus.

Assessment Information

At TUS Midlands we provide candidates with a set of transferable skills having a strong focus on practical experiments, problem solving and case study work. We place emphasis on candidate support and aim to provide a learning environment that is both stimulating and academically challenging, whilst also supporting your learning. You will encounter a range of teaching methods that include but are not limited to:

• Lectures
• Practical classes
• Projects and case studies
• Group work
• Guest lectures
• Examinations
• Portfolio work
• Integrated assessments