School of Electronic Engineering

Understanding the Course:

Funded by the Irish Government and part-financed by the European Union under the National Development Plan.


Common Entry into Engineering (Undenominated Entry)

Of all the courses and careers you can pursue, engineering is one of the most exciting. Engineers invent and design things, they make things work and they analyse and solve problems in all sorts of fields. For example, one of the areas emerging at the moment is the application of electronic and mechanical engineering to biology and life sciences. Engineering solutions help patients with better diagnostic imaging, improved hearing devices, better blood vessel implants, laser surgery, etc. Engineers have designed the latest MP3 players, digital televisions, laptops and mobile phones. Engineers' work is behind industrial robots and racing cars, 3D cinema and airplanes, the latest computer games and the international space station. As engineers, you can find yourselves at the heart of just about any field, from high-tech industry and medicine to financial services, energy-aware technologies and biotechnology - the cutting-edge dynamic industries of tomorrow.

Many students choose to go directly onto one of our six engineering courses. However, if you are unsure of your course of choice, the Common Entry into Engineering (Undenominated Entry) option is specially designed to help you to find the course most suitable for you while studying the fundamentals of engineering. After the first year (common to all six engineering degrees in DCU), students may apply to follow a specific programme. In the event that a programme is oversubscribed places will be awarded based on exam performance.

About You:

As for most engineering degrees, ability in mathematics is a key requirement. A logical mind and an eye for detail are also important. In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the University (see How to Apply section), the following entry requirements apply: HC3 in Mathematics or HC3 in Applied Mathematics with HD2 in Mathematics.

Minimum Requirements:

Students who are unsure which Engineering course to study will find this course helpful in making their choice. After successful completion of this Common First-Year course, and based on exam results, you may choose to transfer to Year 2 of a specified Engineering programme.

Course Structure:

The Common Entry into Engineering (Undenominated Entry) offers a common first year with all other engineering courses. After sucessfully completing the common first year, students may apply to follow a specifice programme. See links below. In the event that a programme is oversubscribed, places will be awarded based on exam performance:

B.Eng./M.Eng. in Electronic Engineering (DC191)*

• B.Eng./M.Eng. in Information and Communications Engineering (DC192)*
• B.Eng./M.Eng. in Digital Media Engineering (DC199)*
• B.Eng./M.Eng. in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering (DC195)+
• B.Eng./M.Eng. in Biomedical Engineering (DC197) +
• B.Eng. in Mechatronic Engineering (DC193)*+

* offered by the School of Electronic Engineering + offered by the School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering

The B.Sc./M.Sc. (Honours Degree) in Manufacturing Engineering with Business Studies now has different entry requirements and is not part of this Common Engineering first year structure. Click here for further details on this particular course.

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.

Career Prospects:

Please go to the Careers section of any of the following degree courses:

B.Eng. in Electronic Engineering (DC191)
B.Eng. in Information and Communications Engineering (DC192)
B.Eng. in Digital Media Engineering (DC199)
B.Eng. in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering (DC195)
B.Eng. in Biomedical Engineering (DC197)
B.Eng. in Mechatronic Engineering (DC193)

Minimum Requirements:

Students who are unsure which Engineering course to study will find this course helpful in making their choice. After successful completion of this Common First-Year course, and based on exam results, you may choose to transfer to Year 2 of a specified Engineering programme.

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 2
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) Degre/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.


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

Full list of degrees >

Fee information