Program Overview

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Civil and Infrastructure Engineering - Degree Apprenticeship - PgDip, MSc

Overview

This course is unique in Ireland for its breadth across a range of infrastructure disciplines such as water, waste, structures, highways, road safety, project management, and sustainability, with strong emphases on design. It allows apprentices to gain credit from the 4 days a week at work through filling in IPD online, combining with the academic MSc Civil and Infrastructure Degree studied on a one day per week basis.

About this course

This technical masters programme focuses on Technical subjects in a framework of Design and Sustainability, and this approach is grounded in technical modules covering waste, water, structural design, utilities, road safety, and highways, supported by project management and sustainable development; a large Dissertation brings research-led studies and unique knowledge with substantial industrial linkages.

Attendance

Attendance is full-time for one year over 3 Semesters, commencing normally in September, but it is also possible to commence in January.

Part-time study is over 3 years in which Years 1 and 2 each have 2 semesters requiring 1 day/week attendance in each semester, and Year 3 studies involve the Dissertation in which attendance is agreed with its Supervisor.

Start dates

• September 2026

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

The class contact time allocated to each module of study is indicated on each Module Booklet, and this time is divided between lectures, tutorials, seminars, site visits, and laboratory work according to the specific module and module assessment methods.

Academic profile

The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 60% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.

Modules

Year one

• Project Management
• Integrated Design studies A
• Infrastructure Design Studies
• Waste Systems

Year two

• Structural Design for Infrastructure
• Sustainable Development
• Highway Asset Management
• Advanced Materials, Structures and Geotechnics (optional)
• Utilities and Water Engineering (optional)

Year three

• Research Dissertation (Civil and Infrastructure) (optional)
• Dissertation (optional)

Standard entry conditions

We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course, you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.

Entry Requirements

Applicants should either possess an Honours degree or equivalent qualification, in a Civil Engineering or similar area from a recognised institution or an equivalent professional qualification, for MSc entry. Entry to the PgDip may be from a non-honours degree for those seeking chartered status via a ‘technically focused MSc’.

English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants. The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5.

Exemptions and transferability

Exemption can be obtained for up to 60 credits of study by using industrial output experience by application of the University policy on 'Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning'.

Careers & opportunities

Graduate employment may be found in public or private sectors in built environment disciplines or careers such as civil engineering, transportation, public health, or environmental engineering, dealing with many key activities such as utilities, construction, design, infrastructure, sustainability, environmental and traffic impacts, and waste management.

Professional Recognition

This degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) comprising of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Structural Engineers, Institute of Highway Engineers, the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation, and the Permanent Way Institution on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the academic requirement for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).

Fees and funding

Fees - Higher Level Apprenticeships

For the apprentice, there's no cost to do a higher level or degree apprenticeship. You'll be paid as an employee of the company you're working for as well as receiving a university education that is paid for by the Department for the Economy.

2026/27 Fees

Postgraduate fees are subject to annual review, 2026/27 fees will be announced in due course.

Scholarships, awards and prizes

• William Bald Scholarship - 'Best Dissertation'
• Engineers Ireland Prize - 'Best MSc Student'

Additional mandatory costs

It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges), and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.