Understanding the Course:

Information & Communications Engineering

Keeping the world connected

The current Information Age is marked by exciting advances in access to global connectivity - people from all over the world can communicate instantaneously, and have access to an extraordinary amount of information. This access is enabled by advances in information technology including the deployment of optical and wireless networks, and the roll-out of a host of services such as mobile telephony, mobile internet access, Voice over the Internet (VoIP) and internet television.

As an information and communications engineer, you will find yourself at the heart of these advances - the cutting edge, dynamic Information Technology industry of today. Whatever your goal, for example, helping people stay in contact in this ever shrinking world, enabling the remote monitoring of environmental pollution using wireless sensor networks, or designing the next generation of internet applications, then this is the course for you.

About You:

Mathematics is the universal language of engineering. You will need to be comfortable with logical and methodical approaches to thinking about problems. Leaving Cert Honours Maths and Leaving Cert Applied Maths, when well understood, are excellent indicators of ability in the field of electronic engineering, which includes ICE. Your thirst for knowledge and drive to contribute to society will lead to constant learning and innovation throughout your career. 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 course has six academic threads; basic science and engineering; mathematics and computation; signal processing; software; signal transmission and propagation; and networks. Each thread addresses a particular aspect of Information and Communications Engineering and can run for one, two or more years.

The final key component of your degree is your 6-month, Year 3 INTRA work placement. This is usually with a business in Ireland but some students may go abroad or be placed in research positions within DCU. Some of the biggest companies in the world offer INTRA placements and it can greatly improve your employment prospects upon graduation. You will complete substantial individual projects during Year 4, and in the optional Year 5, which carry a heavy weighting in the classification of the degrees awarded.

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 Information and Communications Engineering.

To view the year 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 and projects.
• Industrial experience as part of the course.
• Great employment prospects upon graduation, both at home and abroad.
• Flexible career opportunities in a range of interesting and socially important areas, including the smart economy and communications.
• The opportunity to be taught and supervised by some of the foremost telecommunications researchers in Ireland.
• Option to complete a 5th year and obtain a Masters degree as part of an integrated 5-year programme.

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
"I chose DCU because I liked being able to choose my discipline before starting, and I was interested in Telecommunications. I had attended a course here during my 5th year in school, which was a two day workshop in engineering. This helped me make my final decision. I found the School of Electronic Engineering to be very good, the lecturers were friendly and helpful and I felt able to ask them for help when I needed to. I received a lot of encouragement during my studies and I think that this helped me a lot."
Janet Adams, B.Eng. Information and Communications Engineering, 2005

Career Prospects:

In such a dynamic industry you will have numerous opportunities to further your career and contribute to society such as:

• Network design and operation for public telecom operators (Eircom, Vodafone, O2)
• Private network design and operation for utility companies or Government organisations (ESB, Lucent Technologies)
• Design of networks for financial services applications (financial institutions)
• System design, concentrating on hardware, software or both (Ericsson, Mentec, Aldiscon)
• Technical marketing, including network design
• Telecommunications research organisations (Telenor, R&D Ireland, BT Research Laboratories)
• Telecommunications consultants (KPMG, Arthur Andersen)
• Telecommunications software development (Siemens, Motorola, Philips)

The skills you learn are fundamental and can also be applied to many other areas. What's more, your INTRA work placement will greatly improve your employment potential. An integrated Masters programme is an option after Year 4, or you could consider a career in research within one of our internationally respected research groups.

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.


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.

Recognition of Prior Learning:
The RPL policy document for the ICE programme can be found here.

How to Apply and Closing Dates

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Fee information