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DC190

Electronic and Computer Engineering

Course Details

CAO Code:
DC190
Course Type:
Undergraduate
NFQ Level:
8 - Please see www.qqi.ie for further information
Placement:
Yes
Delivery Modes
Full-Time
Minimum Points
500
Duration
Four Years
Phone:
+353 (0) 1
01 7005237

Calling maths lovers! If you’d like to be able to fix a gaming remote or build a smart doorbell from scratch, you need to study Electronic and Computer Engineering.

Overview

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Across the first three years, you’ll study the fundamentals of electronic engineering and programming. As this course covers a broad field, you’ll choose one of four specialisms in fourth year: Systems and Devices (covering sensors, diagnostics and more), High-Speed Networks (such as fibre optics and 5G), Digital Interaction (including 3D interfaces and game design), and the Internet of Things.

In third year, you can complete a paid six-month INTRA work placement, gaining relevant experience at a company in Ireland or abroad.

As a graduate of this course, you’ll be able to build devices and processes to solve real-world problems using cutting-edge technology like augmented reality and virtual reality. You’ll also be accredited to work anywhere in the world in a rapidly growing field that is crying out for qualified graduates to take up roles in design engineering, production engineering, software engineering and related fields.

DCU People

Profile picture of Sarah O'Gara
Sarah O’Gara
Alumni

I excelled at maths-based subjects in school and generally enjoyed problem-solving tasks, but I didn’t know what career I wanted.


Read more about Sarah O’Gara
Profile picture of Abby Collinge
Abby Collinge
Student

I chose to do electronic and computer engineering because I’ve always been fascinated by technology, particularly circuits.


Read more about Abby Collinge

Careers & Further Options

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Careers

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.

 

  • Communications
  • Electronic Industry
  • Healthcare Sector
  • Smart Economy
  • Sustainable Energy
Research and Development
Design
Management
Production
Sales

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

Entry Requirements Icon

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

Course Structure Icon
  • Professional Development
  • Project & Technical Drawing
  • Software Development
  • Engineering Mechanics
  • Introduction to Electronics
  • Numerical Problem Solving
  • Materials Engineering
  • Engineering Mathematics
  • Science for Engineering
  • Digital and Analogue Electronics
  • Embedded Systems
  • Circuits
  • Operating Systems
  • Object Oriented Programming
  • Digital and Analogue Electronics
  • Data Communications & Networks
  • New Enterprise Development Project
  • Engineering Mathematics
  • Electromagnetism
  • Mobile Robotics
  • Signals
  • Computation/Simulation
  • Electromechanical Systems
  • Data Communications & Networks
  • Analogue Circuits & Design
  • Electromagnetism
  • Algorithms for Engineers
  • Intra work placement (6 - 10 months)
  • Digital Filters
  • Object-oriented programming
  • Control Systems Analysis
  • Computer Architecture
  • Optional Modules:
  • Web Development
  • Bioelectronics
  • Wireless/Mobile Communications
  • Image Processing & Analysis
  • Mechatronic System Simulation & Control
  • Solid State Electronics & Semiconductor Devices
  • Project: Internet of Things
  • Project: Digital Interaction
  • Systems and Devices Project
  • 3D Interface Technologies
  • Uaneen Non-Contributing

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

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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 November 2023.

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

Life On Campus

Life on Campus
DCU Campus Glasnevin

DCU Glasnevin Campus

FAQs

FAQ Icon

What is the difference between Computer Science and Electronic and Computer Engineering?

Computer Science focuses on programming. Electronic and Computer Engineering students study the fundamentals of electronic engineering and programming. As this course covers a broad field, students choose one of four specialisms in fourth year: Systems and Devices (covering sensors, diagnostics and more), High-Speed Networks (such as fibre optics and 5G), Digital Interaction (including 3D interfaces and game design), and the Internet of Things.

 

I am interested in studying Electronic and Computer 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 Electronic and Computer Engineering you should apply for Electronic and Computer 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 Electronic and Computer Engineering). 

If you choose  Electronic and Computer 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.

 

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

There are a number of 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. 

DCU also offers a BEng in Mechanical and Sustainability Engineering for students who care deeply about the environment, but would also like to finish university as a mechanical engineer with additional skills in sustainability.