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DC193

Mechatronic Engineering

Course Details

CAO Code:
DC193
Course Type:
Undergraduate
NFQ Level:
8 - Please see www.qqi.ie for further information
Placement:
Yes
Delivery Modes
Full-Time
Minimum Points
520
Duration:
4 yr
Phone:
+353 (0) 1
7007984

Want to build the robots of the future? If you’re fascinated by robotics and automation, this is the course to do.

 

 

Overview

Overview Icon

This course all about how we build intelligent machines through the meeting of mechanical systems such as engines and machines with the electronics needed to control them. 

This course perfectly blends mechanical engineering and electronic engineering. It offers classes in 3D modelling and design, for example, as well as circuit design and programming. Our students and staff are intrigued and inspired by the interplay between electronics and moving parts in connected devices and state-of-the-art machinery. 

 

Gain knowledge for the real world

In third year, you’ll get to do a six-month INTRA work placement and throughout the course, you’ll do lots of project-based learning where you use the latest real-world tools and technologies to solve problems and, of course, build robots. That’s not all. You’ll also take some business-based modules, so you can learn how to develop a business plan and work with other parts of an enterprise. 

While you can go on from this course to work in either mechanical or electronic engineering, our graduates typically end up in roles where they incorporate one into the other. For example, they might put sensors into a machine to measure aspects of how it’s working or develop control systems for a lift or a car. Either way, mechatronics graduates are in huge demand. 

DCU People

Profile picture of Sele Clements
Sele Clements
Alumni

“There is nothing that can compare to the value I received from my four years in DCU and I feel a lot of people can say the same thing. It’s priceless!”


Read more about Sele Clements
Profile picture of Faith Dempsey
Faith Dempsey
Alumni

I chose to do Mechatronic Engineering at DCU as I’m extremely interested in how things work. Both mechanical and electronic sides interested me so I ran with it!


Read more about Faith Dempsey
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Daniel Kelly
Student

This course has exceeded my expectations, between the depth of content relevant for the real world and the constant support given to us by the faculty staff. 


Read more about Daniel Kelly
Profile picture of Dave Kinahan
David Kinahan
Staff

Mechatronics is the engineering of the future. Our world is becoming more and more automated. Graduates who can develop control systems and build robotic systems are going to be in high demand.


Read more about David Kinahan

Careers & Further Options

Careers Icon

Careers

Mechatronic engineering skills are in demand by both national and international companies looking to ensure that products they manufacture are up-to-date and can be produced economically.

The skills learned in your course can be applied to many areas.

Alternatively, you could opt for further academic studies in one of our popular taught postgraduate programmes, or perhaps a career in research within one of our internationally respected research groups in DCU.

 

Engineers 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.

 

Integrated Masters

This course also includes the option to study an integrated masters. The integrated masters provides students with the option to do one additional year of their studies, lengthen their INTRA work experience placement, and graduate with a master’s degree.

  • Agri Machinery
  • Car Industry
  • Domestic Goods
  • Hydraulic Robots
  • Medical Machinery
Automation
Design Engineer
Management
Product Design
Research and Development Engineer
System Design, concentrating on mechanical systems, electronic hardware, software design or combinations thereof
Systems Engineer

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.

 

 

Applicants that have completed at least one year of study at NFQ Level 7 or 8 at another institution may apply to continue their studies on a similar programme at DCU. There should be substantial overlap in content between the two programmes to be considered for a transfer. Results and other supporting documentation must be submitted to CAO by the closing date of 1st July. This is a competitive application process for a small quota of advanced entry places. Offers are made on a rolling basis until all places are filled. Early application is advised. Please note: Applicants should also consider applying through the appropriate route for first year entry to the programme they are interested in. This application process is only for advanced entry.

Additional Criteria

Priority will be given to applicants with performance above the levels indicated and to applicants who demonstrate a high level of competency in mathematics/applied mathematics. An interview may be required. 

For applicants holding a compatible Level 7 qualification or equivalent, the minimum standards for application are: 

Second Year: Minimum Second Class Honours or equivalent. 

Third Year: Minimum First Class Honours or equivalent. 

Applicants currently completing a compatible Level 8 programme in another HEI can apply for entry into Second Year if they meet one of the following conditions: 

- Successful completion of 1 year of a highly compatible Level 8 programme achieving a minimum of Second Class Honours (or equivalent grade) 

or 

- Successful completion of 2 years of a compatible Level 8 programme in another HEI achieving a minimum Second Class Honours (or equivalent grade). 

Applicants currently completing a compatible Level 8 programme in another HEI can apply for entry into Third Year if they meet one of the following conditions: - Successful completion of 2 years of a highly compatible Level 8 programme achieving a minimum Second Class Honours (or equivalent grade) 

or 

- Successful completion of 3 years of a compatible Level 8 programme in another HEI achieving a minimum Second Class Honours (or equivalent grade).

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
  • Technical Drawing
  • Software Development
  • Mechanics-Statics
  • Electronics
  • Numerical Problem Solving
  • Materials Engineering
  • Engineering Mathematics
  • Basic Sciences for Engineering
  • Embedded Systems
  • Circuits & Systems
  • Programming
  • Digital and Analogue Electronics
  • Engineering Mathematics
  • Mechanics of Machines
  • Intro to Thermodynamics
  • Strength of Materials
  • Design and Solid Modelling
  • Pneumatics
  • Mobile Robotics
  • Electromechanical Systems
  • Analogue Circuits
  • New Enterprise Development Project
  • Mechatronics 
  • Mechanics of Machines
  • Signal Processing
  • Product Design
  • Data Analytics
  • Intra Work Placement (6 - 10 months)
  • Power Electronics
  • Image Processing
  • Control Systems
  • Mechatronic System Simulation
  • Project & Quality Management
  • Manufacturing Design
  • Manufacturing Automation
  • Robotics
  • 4th Year Project

Fees and Funding

Fees Icon

Fees

Student Contribution.
€3,043 (Year 1- 4)
EU Status Fee
€6,679 (Year 1 - 4), €6,450 (Year 5 Integrated Masters)
Non EU Fee.
€16,000 (Year 1 - 4), €18,600 (Year 5 Integrated Masters)

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 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 Mechatronic Engineering?

This course is a combination of mechanical engineering and electronic engineering.  

This course is all about how we build intelligent machines through the meeting of mechanical systems such as engines and machines with the electronics needed to control them. It offers classes in 3D modelling and design, for example, as well as circuit design and programming. Our students and staff are intrigued and inspired by the interplay between electronics and moving parts in connected devices and state-of-the-art machinery.

 

What is the difference between Mechatronic Engineering and Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering?

Mechatronic engineering is a mix of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering. Mechatronic engineers design and select parts from both fields and integrate them into devices and systems. 

A simple example is a washing machine. A mechanical engineer would be interested in the design of the parts that make up the machine (e.g. what size, shape, and manufacturing processes should be used). A mechatronic engineer might look at the speed at which the drum should rotate and how to control and vary this speed. They may also be interested in the different wash cycles and how to control the level of water in the drum, the temperature of the water and how long the cycle should run for. Each of the above are controlled by sensors and a mechatronic engineer would have a good knowledge of how these sensors work and how to integrate them into a system. 

 

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.

 

I am interested in studying Mechatronic 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 Mechatronic Engineering you should apply for Mechatronic 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 Mechatronic Engineering). 

If you choose Mechatronic 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.