Degree Information:

Computer-based tools are growing ever more complex. So much so, that a B.Eng. graduate is not equipped to deliver what today's industry requires. The demand for faster results means that a graduate's fundamental knowledge needs to be enhanced by a detailed knowledge of the available tools, their application, strengths and limitations. This programme introduces the use of such advanced CAE tools and, by experiencing these advanced techniques and software, the graduate will gain a vital edge.

There are three exit routes: Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma and M.Sc.

In addition, this programme also allows the student to major in one of two areas:

Major in Sustainable Systems
This Major will prepare graduates for career opportunities in the growing fields of Energy/Renewable Energy (Wind, wave, solar, Biomass, ... etc). Graduates with will be equipped with the skills and expertise required to respond to significant changes in the energy industry. This master will allow students to understand in depth the different energy resources, energy technologies, industries and markets.
The participants taking this Major will be required to take four core modules, an applied project in the field, plus four other modules available from the wide range of modules on the taught master programme.

Major in Biomedical Engineering
The world of medicine is evolving and expanding rapidly, with new treatments and new diseases appearing all the time. Similarly, the range and sophistication of medical devices needed to apply these treatments and fight these diseases is growing. From cameras that explore blood vessels to scanners that analyse the entire human body, biomedical engineering expertise is in greater demand than ever before.

This major integrates the necessary aspects of biology and medicine with the technical engineering aspects required to engineer medical devices. The major includes modules on anatomy and physiology, biomedical materials,medical device design, surgical robotics, bioinstrumentation, and regulatory compliance for medical devices. The range of modules covered ensures that students receive a relevant, up-to-date and exciting education which prepares them for working in the challenging and dynamic environment of the medical device industry.

Aims and Objectives:

• To inspire mechanical and manufacturing engineers to become competent and adaptable in the application of computer techniques in engineering.
• To inform practising engineers who wish to be re-oriented or have their skills updated (see Access Programme).

Programme Structure:

There are specific entry routes to this programme. The one you pursue will depend on your qualifications and experience.

For those with an honours (level 8) degree in mechanical/manufacturing engineering; a H2.2 or higher award enables direct entry to the full M.Sc. Programme, otherwise applicants will be offered a place on the Graduate Certificate programme with the potential (dependent on passing modules at the first attempt) to transfer to the M.Sc. programme and the credits gained are carried towards the M.Sc. award.

Those with ordinary (level 7) Mechanical/Manufacturing degrees and relevant experience entry to the M.Sc. programme is via a qualifier programme (Masters Engineering Qualifier (CAMQ) . The taught modules available on the programme are a mixture of preparatory level 8 fourth year modules and advanced level 9 modules. Students select modules based on their previous education and the requirements of their own interests. For the awarding of the MSc or GD at least 60 credits must be at level 9. M.Sc. (90 credits) The one year, full-time (two year, part-time) programme requires you to pass 8 taught modules (60 credits) over the duration of the programme, and also to complete a Masters project worth 30 credits in the summer period. M.Sc. candidates must have Research Practice and Methodology as one of their lecture based modules.

Graduate Diploma (60 credits)

The Graduate Diploma is an exit award for those on the MSc programme who have completed the taught module (60 credit) elements and do not want or need to complete the MSc project.

Graduate Certificate (30 credits)

Students who accumulate 30 credits at level 9 on the MSc programme may elect to exit the programme with a Graduate Certificate. Successful applicants to the programme witha level 8 H3, or lower degree, will be registered initially for the Graduate Certificate Programme. Here they will undertake four modules from the M.Sc. programme. Passing each of the modules on the first attempt enables automatic transfer to the M.Sc. programme, carrying the credits with them. Students who do not meet this standard, but who ultimately accumulate 30 credits, may exit with the Graduate Certificate.

CAMME MSc Qualifier (CAMQ):

If you do not qualify for direct entry to the M.Sc./GD/GC you must pass the Qualifier course before starting the M.Sc./GD/GC programme. This course increases the knowledge of students who hold an ordinary degree (level 7) in mechanical and manufacturing engineering with relevant work experience. Students on the CAMQ must achieve a mark of at least 50% in each module. Once achieved, transfer to the M.Sc. programme is automatic and the credits gained are carried towards the M.Sc. award.

Additional Information:

Please note, modules may be replaced from time to time to keep pace with the rapidly evolving field of Computer-aided Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering.

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

• You can study part-time and remotely for maximum flexibility.
• A unique programme not available anywhere else in Ireland.
• A new building with excellent teaching, laboratory, workshop and computing facilities.
• Completion of the programme will open up improved employment opportunities.
• Provides an excellent preparation ground for Ph.D research.

Fees Reduction

This programme is supported by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) under their Graduate Skills Conversion Programme, resulting in a reduced fee for European Union citizens. This is subject to review each year but in 2010/2011 the fees payable per annum by EU citizens were reduced to €2,000.

International Students

Students who have completed the Pre-Masters International Foundation Programme (IFP), are guaranteed a place on their target programme in DCU. Visit www.dcu.ie/ifp for further details.

Career Prospects:

The focused nature of the majors, combined with the continued growth of these important and very successful Irish industrial sectors, will ensure that you are in a pole position to gain employment. Graduates have worked as Research and Development Engineers, Product Engineers, Quality Engineers, Systems Engineers, Clinical Engineers and Product Development Engineers. Others have progressed to PhD research and gained further advancement and recognition.

The increasing harmonisation of European standards and US regulations also ensure that graduates will be employable worldwide.

Entry Requirements:

Direct Entry:

1. A degree in mechanical and/or manufacturing engineering.
2. A Graduate Diploma in Computer-aided Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering.
3. Successful completion of the Access Course.

Through an Access Course:

1. A National Diploma or equivalent in Mechanical and/or Manufacturing Engineering plus 3 to 5 years relevant experience (depending on the grade of the award).
2. A degree in one of the following: Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a science/technology based degree, deemed to be suitable.

In order to proceed to Semester 1, students must achieve a pass mark of 40% or above in all 6 modules from the Access Course.

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.

Dates for Submission of Applications 2012

EU Applicants
Apply online from the 11th October 2011 through the Postgraduate Applications Centre (http://www.pac.ie/dcu) as follows:

Non-EU Applicants
Apply online from the 11th October 2011 through the Postgraduate Applications Centre (http://www.pac.ie/dcu) as follows:

Applying through the Postgraduate Applications Centre (http://www.pac.ie/dcu)
When applying for this programme use the correct PAC code associated with the semester when you wish to commence your studies.

Queries on completed applications should be emailed to registry.pac@dcu.ie

Commencement of Programme

February 2012 and September 2012

Full list of degrees >

Fee information

Indicative Timetable
(Weeks 20-31)