This September DCU will introduce five new programmes, one at undergraduate and four at postgraduate level.

In addition, the university will add a new common entry option for electronic engineering which allows students to spend a year getting to know the different disciplines before choosing a degree specialism in telecommunications, digital media or electronic engineering.

Undergraduate courses

BEng Digital Media
The new BEng in Digital Media Engineering focuses on evolving technology-based communications and new media. Graduates will get a full grounding in the physical sciences, electronic engineering, computer software and engineering mathematics. Career opportunities include the entertainment and communications industries.

Postgraduate courses

Graduate Diploma/MSc in Nursing The graduate diploma is part-time and flexible. It is delivered on a modular basis and although it can be completed in two years, students have the option to spread it over a longer period. The programme covers communications and interpersonal skills, clinical judgement and decision making, research skills, ethics in healthcare and legal issues in healthcare and nursing practice. Students also take a stream-specific module eg: therapeutic interventions for older people with mental health difficulties.

To continue to masters level, students are required to conduct research in management, education or an area of clinical practice and submit a dissertation.

Graduate Diploma/MSc in Plasma and Vacuum Technology This is a web-based programme designed to upgrade and update the knowledge and skills of science and engineering graduates currently employed or seeking employment in relevant industries. Plasma and vacuum technologies are widely used in the microelectronics, communications, biomedical and other industries. The programme is offered on a part-time basis and being modular, allows students flexibility in terms of completion times. Students who apply for the diploma require either a degree or a third level qualification in a relevant discipline plus work experience. Students who wish to apply for the Masters must have an honours degree. Masters students are also required to complete a research thesis.

Graduate Diploma/MSc in Information Technology The existing programme in IT is now being offered on a part-time basis over two years. It is aimed at graduates from a non-computing discipline who are interested in software development and its business applications.

Students who receive distinctions in the diploma may proceed to masters level where they are required to complete a thesis.

Graduate Diploma/MSc in Computer Aided Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering This programme enables graduates to apply computer-based technology in their function as design and manufacturing engineers. The programme can be taken on a one-year full time basis or on an equivalent part-time basis by module credit accumulation. Masters students undertake a research thesis.

Wherever possible, DCU has taken a modular approach which allows students to study at their own pace, and to levels which are relevant for their particular needs.

DCU also aims to deliver courses through web-based techniques in order to maximise accessibility for those in full-time employment.

Taking into account that many students seeking postgraduate qualifications are in full-time employment, DCU is now offering some of its existing programmes on a part-time basis.

Further details on the courses offered by DCU are on the website at: www.dcu.ie or from the Registry at 7005335.

Ends.

For further details:

Eileen Colgan: 700 5656

Programme Chairs: