School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering

Understanding the Course:

Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering

Through design and production, engineers simplify our everyday lives

Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering go hand in hand but each is quite distinct. Mechanical Engineering focuses on the design, manufacture and operation of products that have moving parts. Aircraft, automobiles, more fuel efficient systems and cheaper electricity all come to mind. Manufacturing Engineering meanwhile concentrates on converting materials from one form to another. It's about manufacturing processes and systems, be they basic assembly (e.g. car tyres) or high tech manufacture (jumbo jets).

With the two disciplines combined this degree offers valuable training, resulting in versatile graduates and many exciting career opportunities.

This course also prepares you for the traditional challenges of mechanical and manufacturing engineering using the most sophisticated computer tools.

About You:

In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the University the following entry requirements apply: HC3 in Mathematics or HC3 in Applied Mathematics with HD2 in Mathematics.

Course Structure:

This four year B.Eng. (Honours) Degree (with the option to complete a 5th year for a Masters Degree) has eight academic themes, with each theme addressing a particular aspect of mechanical and manufacturing engineering. Specifically these academic themes are Mathematics and Computing, Design, Professional Development, Dynamics and Control, Solid Mechanics, Fluid Mechanics, Materials and Manufacturing Processes and Sustainable Manufacturing Systems. The course places a strong emphasis on both academic performance in examinations and continuous assessment throughout the five years.

In Year 3 you will undertake an INTRA industrial work placement for six months. This is usually with a business in Ireland but opportunities do arise abroad and there are some research positions within DCU.

DCU has always been at the forefront of running accredited engineering courses which meet the educational requirements for Chartered Engineer status. Through Engineers Ireland international agreements, Chartered Engineer accreditation is recognised by the IET (UK) and by EU nations through FEANI. It is also recognised by the USA, Canada, New Zealand and Australia and many other countries through the Washington Accord. After 2012, only Masters awards can achieve Engineers Ireland Chartered Engineer accreditation and DCU has the first Masters programmes in Ireland to achieve provisional accreditation status.

Upon successful completion of your four year B.Eng. (Hons) degree, and subject to meeting the relevant entry requirements, you will have the option to continue your studies on DCU's Masters programme in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering.

To view the year 5 modules click here

View the subjects currently taught on this course (2012 - 2013)

Why DCU?

• State-of-the-art facilities.

• Lots of hands on experience in labs.

• Industrial experience as part of the course.

• Great employment prospects upon graduation.

• Option to complete a 5th year and obtain a Masters degree.

International Students

Non-native English speakers may be eligible to apply to the International Foundation Certificate (IFC) course, which will help you to achieve the English language requirements necessary for entry to this course as well as preparing you for adjustment to university learning in the Irish context. Please click here for full details of the IFC course.

What Our Graduates Say

"With the increased use of computer simulation and analysis techniques being used throughout all engineering companies, I felt it was important to do a course where I would learn about many of these techniques. I felt that DCU had the right balance of lecture to practical based teaching, which best suited my style of learning. With the courses' heavy emphasis on computational techniques for both drafting and analysis, the experience gained at DCU and during the 6-month work placement greatly increased my employment potential, which has been borne out. After completing my degree, I moved to Japan and started work as a Design Engineer for an automotive component company."

Ciarán Turner, B.Eng. Mechanical and Manufacturing, 2003

Career Prospects:

As a DCU graduate you will be highly sought after, both in Ireland and abroad, in industries such as:

• Aerospace: aircraft and spacecraft design, aircraft maintenance, aircraft engine overhaul (Airbus, Lufthansa Airmotive)
• Automotive: design, manufacturing and testing of cars, buses, trucks etc. and components used in the auto industry (Ford, GKN)
• Bio-medical: design and manufacture of medical devices and medical equipment (Boston Scientific, Medtronic)
• Manufacturing: design of consumer products, the manufacturing process and the machinery to manufacture goods (Hewlett Packard, Intel, Dyson)
• Power Generation: design, operation and control of generating machinery (ESB)
• Product Design
• Maintenance and Management of Industrial Equipment
• Research, namely academic research, industrial research and development work.

Entry Requirements:

Leaving Certificate
In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply:

HC3 in Mathematics or HC3 in Applied Mathematics with HD2 in Mathematics

GCE A Level
In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply:

GCE A-Level C in Mathematics.

FETAC Level 5
No Entry Paths

Transfer Applications
The Faculty of Engineering and Computing consider transfer requests based on the performance of the candidate up to the time of the request.
The overall set of guidelines which is in use for HETAC/NCEA equivalent qualifications is:

Relevant HETAC/NCEA Higher Certificate/National Certificate (Distinction) - possible entry to Year 1.
Relevant HETAC/NCEA Higher Certificate/National Certificate (Merit plus experience) - possible entry to Year 1.
Relevant HETAC/NCEA Bachelor (Ordinary) Degree/National Diploma (Merit or better*) - possible entry to Year 2.
Relevant HETAC/NCEA Bachelor (Ordinary) Degree/National Diploma (Distinction plus a possible interview*) - possible entry to Year 3.

Note: *holders of relevant Bachelors (Ordinary) Degree/National Diploma with merit or distinction and relevant work experience, may be admitted into Year 3 subject to a possible interview.

Technicians holding a qualification which was obtained abroad may be considered, provided that equivalence between the overseas and HETAC/NCEA qualifications can be established.

International Applications
International candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language. For further information on international applications click here.

How to Apply and Closing Dates

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Fee information