Students walking on Glasnevin campus
DC194

Mechanical and Sustainability Engineering

Course Details

CAO Code:
DC194
Course Type:
Undergraduate
NFQ Level:
8 - Please see www.qqi.ie for further information
Placement:
Yes
Delivery Modes
Full-Time
Minimum Points
494
Duration
Four Years
Phone:
+353 (0) 1
+353 (0) 1 7005104

Transitioning to zero carbon is one of the biggest challenges faced by humanity. Students who do this innovative programme will be ready to tackle the huge challenges thrown up by climate change, while also being mindful of the environmental impact of any engineering work they do.

Overview

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This programme merges practical engineering with theory. It provides rigorous engineering training and will be accredited by Engineers Ireland, but it also encompasses extensive learning around climate and sustainability issues. If you care deeply about the environment, but would also like to finish university as a mechanical engineer with additional skills in sustainability, this is the perfect course for you.

State-of-the-art learning
While a student on this course, you’ll use new technologies to learn through immersive challenge-based learning. You’ll also get plenty of hands-on experience in building and making mechanical systems in DCU’s cutting-edge engineering labs.  You also have the option to study a language and can spend some time studying overseas. All students also complete an INTRA work placement in third year. 

Industry partners play an active role in creating and developing the course material, and will join in mentoring, workshops, challenge-based learning and other aspects of the course. They’re also always ready to share more about the extensive range of career opportunities that await mechanical engineers with sustainability expertise

DCU People

Profile picture of Dale Mc Loughlin
Dale McLoughlin
Student

Whenever I imagine my future career, I see myself working with people who share the vision of a sustainable future that works for all our planet.


Read more about Dale McLoughlin

Careers & Further Options

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Careers

There is huge demand for well-rounded mechanical engineers with a finely-tuned understanding of environmental standards and issues. As a graduate you will find employment not only in sectors such as transport and energy, but also across multiple sectors such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals and semiconductors, in utilities, and in other design and manufacturing businesses where engineers are needed to design and maintain complex mechanical systems that are truly sustainable.

Engineering Ireland
Our Engineering degree programmes have international recognition through agreements with Engineers Ireland. This enables graduates to practice as professional engineers in many countries, both in the EU and in the signatory countries to the Washington Accord.

Current signatories to the Washington Accord include: Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Ireland (Engineers Ireland), Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, The UK & The USA.

Process engineer
Sustainability engineer
Sustainable industrial designer
Renewable energy engineer
Energy audit engineer
Project manager
Energy analyst

DCU graduates are highly sought after by employers. Our Graduates work in environments ranging from large multinationals to SMEs, family businesses and start-ups across every sector.

 DCU Careers Service has a number of learning and development initiatives in place for our students, giving them the skills they need for a successful career path." 

Go to our Careers site to find out more about career planning, our mentorship programme, skills development and online resources for students when working on CVs and making applications.

Entry Requirements

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

Minimum of H4 Mathematics or H4 Applied Mathematics with H5 Mathematics

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

Minimum of H4 Mathematics or H4 Applied Mathematics with H5 Mathematics

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

GCE A Level C Mathematics

Please visit our Admissions webpage for details on course requirements or how to apply to DCU.

 

Please visit our QQI FET webpage for details on DCU courses, open days, campus tours or school visits.

 

To apply to DCU, please visit www.cao.ie.

 

 

The engineering schools consider transfer requests based on the performance of the candidate. The overall set of guidelines which is in use for equivalent qualifications is as follows:

Qualification Possible Point of Entry

Relevant Bachelor (Ordinary) Degree/National Diploma Second year (Merit or Better)
Relevant Bachelor (Ordinary) Degree/National Diploma Third year (Distinction plus a possible interview)

 

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. Click here for further information on international applications.

Course Structure

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  • Professional Development
  • Project & Technical Drawing
  • Software Development 
  • Engineering Mechanics-Statics
  • Electronics
  • Numerical Problem Solving
  • Materials Engineering
  • Engineering Mathematics
  • Basic Sciences for Engineering

Year 1 Optional Subjects

  • French
  • Multilingualism
  • Spanish
  • Pollution & Biosphere
  • Engineering Mathematics
  • Mechanics of Machines
  • Thermodynamics
  • Electrical Power
  • Electromechanical Systems
  • Strength of Materials
  • Design and Solid Modelling
  • Thermofluid Mechanics
  • Pneumatics 
  • Data Analytics
  • Physics of Renewable Energy
  • Engineering Mathematics
  • Mechanics of Machines
  • Signal Processing
  • Project & Quality Management
  • Product Design
  • Fundamentals of Control
  • Manufacturing
  • Intra Work Placement (6 - 10 months)
  • System Simulation
  • Materials & Manufacturing Processes
  • Finite Element Analysis
  • Fluid Mechanics
  • Research Methods
  • 4th Year Project

For more information on the course structure click here

Fees and Funding

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Fees

Student Contribution
€3,043 per annum
EU Status Fee
€6,679 per annum
Non EU Fee
€16,000 per annum

How To Apply

How To Apply Icon

Apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1st February or 1st May

To apply for this programme:
Candidates should apply directly here. Here's a quick step by step guide if you need help with your application.

Please provide 

  • Academic Transcripts for each and every year of study with English translation, if applicable.
  • If applicable, provide evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements.  Please see link http://www.dcu.ie/registry/english.shtml

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis up to 1st July. All Non-EU candidates are advised to apply early, as places are limited.

 

All mature applicants apply through the CAO by 1st February. For further information and for special application procedures for mature students, please click here

Applications are made via the CAO Advanced Entry route which will open on the 6th of November. 

Candidates required to apply through the CAO can apply online at www.cao.ie
 

Mature Applicants

All mature applicants apply through the CAO by 1st February. For further information and for special application procedures for mature students, please click here

Applicants presenting EU school Leaving Examinations

Apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1st February or 1st May

Applicants presenting examinations from outside the EU

Candidates should apply directly to DCU. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis up to 1st July. All Non-EU candidates are advised to apply early, as places are limited.

EU Transfer Applicants

Applications are made via the CAO Advanced Entry route which will open on the 1st Feb to the 1st May 2022.

 

Life On Campus

Life on Campus
DCU Campus Glasnevin

DCU Glasnevin Campus

FAQs

FAQ Icon

What is Mechanical and Sustainability Engineering?

Considered as ‘Green Engineering’, Mechanical and Sustainability Engineering focuses on creating a future in which we create and innovate without having harsh effects on the environment. Students who take this programme will be prepared to tackle the huge challenges thrown up by climate change, while also being mindful of the environmental impact of any engineering work they do.

If you care deeply about the environment, but would also like to finish university as a mechanical engineer with additional skills in sustainability, this is the perfect course for you.

 

I am interested in a career in sustainability. Does DCU offer any engineering modules in sustainability?

There are a number of Engineering modules in first year and second year where sustainability and energy systems are introduced and discussed. Our INTRA work placement gives students the option to apply for a period of work with companies in the sustainability, energy and transport areas. Students in their final year can develop their thesis in sustainability, energy and transport areas. 

 

I am interested in studying Mechanical and Sustainability Engineering, but I am not sure. If I go into common Entry Engineering, am I guaranteed to get my favourite discipline at the end of first year?

To date, we have had sufficient places in all of our programmes to be able to accommodate all students on their preferred programmes. If this isn't possible we will allocate students their 2nd choice. However, If you know you are interested in Mechanical and Sustainability Engineering you should apply for Mechanical and Sustainability Engineering as your first choice on the CAO to guarantee your place on the programme in second year (should there be too many students who choose Mechanical and Sustainability Engineering). 

If you choose Mechanical and Sustainability Engineering as your first choice on the CAO and after year one you feel it is not for you, you can move into one of the other engineering courses.  

All of our Engineering courses are 4-year programmes. It is also worth noting, that we have an integrated 5th-year option. Our integrated degree allows students to lengthen their paid work experience, complete one final year project and graduate with a masters degree (a necessary requirement to become a chartered engineer). Students can transfer into our 5-year programme in year 3. 

 

I don’t study Engineering for the Leaving Cert, would this put me at a disadvantage to the other people in the course?

No, you do not need engineering for the Leaving Cert and you will not be at any disadvantage. Any skills from the Leaving Cert engineering course that are required on the programme will be covered in the first year.

 

How many hours a week would you generally spend in lectures for the Engineering courses?

The Engineering programmes are busy and focused. Our students spend 25 - 35 hours a week on the Glasnevin campus (Monday – Friday) attending a combination of lectures, lab work and tutorials and working on their projects.

 

I am interested in studying Engineering and was wondering which courses have a work placement module?

All of our Engineering courses have a paid work placement of at least 6 months (10 months if you are doing the five-year integrated master's degree). 

Work placement commences in third year and constitutes an important part of the programme of study. You will liaise with our INTRA office to organise a suitable placement for you that fits within the programme you are studying. In the past, many students have been hired by their work placement companies after they have graduated.  It is a wonderful learning experience and gives students the opportunity to put their learning into practice.  

 

Is the Maths in Engineering similar to the Maths for higher level Leaving Cert?

First-year Maths builds on Leaving Cert higher level Maths and then more advanced topics are covered in subsequent years. That said, you will have degree options available to you with different levels of Maths content, so you can choose whatever suits you best.  

DCU has a Maths Learning Centre on campus for those students who need help working through mathematical problems; it is free of charge and provides great support to students struggling with this subject.