Program Overview

Automation Engineering and Robotics

Overview

Automation Engineering and Robotics involves the design, development, and implementation of sensor and robotic systems. At its core is the combination of mechanical, electrical, and electronic engineering with computer technology, namely, mechatronics.

Course Description

This multi-disciplinary course will equip you for a diverse range of modern technological roles. You’ll develop a range of skills in the design and implementation of automation solutions; from 3D Computer-Aided Design (CAD, Solid-Modelling), sensor and instrumentation selection, and programming of robotics to the management of the resulting systems.

The course combines academic classwork and hands-on work in our labs and workshops. It covers the integration of mechanical, manufacturing, electrical, and electronics systems with software engineering and computer technology; design and construction of electromechanical systems operating under programmed control; the functionality, operation, and integration of a variety of electro-mechanical hybrid devices, equipment, and systems; safe use of tools, machines, and materials, and software-based engineering tools and applications.

Work Placement

There is a work placement element to this course in Semester 2 of Year 2.

Study Abroad Opportunities

Students can visit engineering companies, travel abroad for a semester or year to our partner Universities in France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Austria, China, or seek work placements through our close links with engineering companies and past graduates in industry. We have Erasmus agreements with many third-level institutes across Europe whereby one- or two-semester exchanges can be facilitated.

Professional Accreditation

This course is accredited by Engineers Ireland. Engineers Ireland have accredited our programmes for over 25 years now, which means that graduates can travel worldwide and have their qualifications recognised abroad. On graduation, you’ll qualify for associateship membership (AMIEI) of Engineers Ireland.

Equipment Requirements

Ideally, students will have access to a laptop with a 64 Bit operating system; Minimum 16GB of RAM; I5 or at least equivalent processor; high Resolution Screen running Windows 11 or Windows 10. Software will be provided by the college.

Minimum Entry Requirements

Leaving Certificate Requirements

• Minimum Number of Subjects: 5
• Minimum Grade in Maths: O6/H7
• Minimum Grade in English OR Irish: O6/H7

QQI/FET Requirements

• QQI/FET Award Required: Level 5 or 6 award in a relevant discipline
• Additional Requirements: None

Sample Timetable

Click on the link below to view an indicative timetable for this course. Timetables are subject to change, and up-to-date timetables will be provided to students on commencement.

Career Opportunities

• Employment in high-tech sectors as Automation Technologist
• Manufacturing Engineering Technologist
• Industrial Automation Technologist
• Machine Design Technologist
• Machine Service Technologist
• Process Plant Technologist
• CAD Technician/Designer
• Quality Control/Improvement Engineer
• QA Technologist
• Research and Development
• Fault Diagnosis and Testing
• Computer Modelling and Simulation
• Design Technologist
• Service Technologist
• Process Technologist
• Manufacturing Process Technician
• Graduate Manufacturing Technician
• Manufacturing Systems Engineer
• QA Technologist
• Maintenance Technician
• Manufacturing Technologist
• Machine Build Technologist
• Production Manager
• Pharmaceutical Technician
• Customer Services

Module Listing

Year One

• Applied Engineering Science 1 [Mandatory]
• Automation Technology [Mandatory]
• CAD & IT 1 [Mandatory]
• Communications 1 [Mandatory]
• Electrotechnology 1 [Mandatory]
• Mathematics I [Mandatory]
• Workshop and Metrology [Mandatory]

Year Two

• Automation Systems [Mandatory]
• Communications II (Business Communications and the Business Environment) [Mandatory]
• CAD & IT III [Mandatory]
• Mathematics III [Mandatory]
• Mechatronics I [Mandatory]
• Manufacturing Systems 2 [Mandatory]
• Project II [Mandatory]
• Industrial Work Placement [Mandatory]
• Industry Robotics [Mandatory]

Year Three

• CAD + IT 4 [Mandatory]
• Mathematics IV [Mandatory]
• Mechatronics II [Mandatory]
• Manufacturing Management [Mandatory]
• Final Year Project [Mandatory]
• Systems Integration [Mandatory]
• Industrial Automation [Mandatory]
• Business and Management [Mandatory]
• CAD + IT 5 [Mandatory]
• Mathematics V [Mandatory]
• Final Year Project [Mandatory]

Progression

Graduates may progress to Year 3 of TU823, the Level 8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Manufacturing & Design Engineering (Bolton Street Campus), upon successful achievement of at least a Merit (Grade 2) award in their Level 7 programme.