What to Expect
The degree is designed to provide a mix of on-campus engineering and technology skills development and on-the-job, work-based learning for company employees.
Each year is run over three semesters.
Semester 1 (Sep–Dec) and Semester 2 (Jan–May) includes synchronous online delivery 2 evenings per week (6 hours per week).One day per week in person workshops in ATU Galway campus (8 hours).
Semester 3 is the Industry Module which takes place from May to August. This consists of a project and intensive, hands-on training weeks in Robotics (FANUC) and PLCs (Allen Bradley). One week in Year One, two weeks in Year Two and one week in Year Three.
Employee/Employer Commitment
Students will undertake 60 credits per year, which is a full-time academic load. Their employer should commit to reduce their professional workload by a minimum of 12 hr/ week during the academic year to accommodate study time and a minimum of 4 hr for the rest of the year to work on their project. Employers should also allocate a mentor and some technical support to the student for the Industry module.
Programme Structure
The programme is designed with flexible entry and exit points:
• Students can obtain a Level 6 Higher Certificate after two years
• Students can obtain a Level 7 degree after three years
Entry Requirements and Access Routes
Applicants should be in employment and will be required to have support from their employer to engage with the course. The employer must agree to release learners to join online lectures on two evenings per and one day on-campus.
Applications are made directly to the Institute by participating companies. The main cohort of students will come from local manufacturing industries. They will attend the course while maintaining their full-time employment.
Students from industry may start in Year 1, or they may avail of advanced entry depending on their background and qualifications. It is expected that students with a cognate QQI HETAC Level 6 (e.g. Technicians) may avail of advanced entry into Year 2. Those students have to complete the Industry training that is part of the Industry Module in Semester 3 of Year 1.
Applicants with a cognate QQI FETAC LEVEL 6 (e.g. Electricians) may avail of advanced entry into Year 2. Those students have to complete the Industry training that is part of the Industry Module in Semester 3 of Year 1, plus a bridging module 'Applied Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths' to aid their transition back to education.
For applicants presenting Leaving Certificate qualifications standard entry requirements apply. This programme is not offered through the CAO.
Mature Applicants:
Applications from mature applicants (aged 23 on or before 1st January of the course commencement year) are welcomed by ATU. These applicants do not have to meet the Leaving Certificate entry requirements and are considered on an individual basis (previous education, work experience, and demonstration of ability and competence to undertake the programme). They may be invited for interview. This will be used to rank applicants where demand exceeds the available places on a programme.
Application Process
Please select application type L7***.
This user guide contains step by step instructions on how to create and submit an online application.
If you have any queries on this please email learn.galwaymayo@atu.ie
Recognition of Prior Learning may be used to gain access to this programme in accordance with ATUs Recognition of Prior Learning policy. For more information on the RPL Process, please visit https://www.myexperience.ie/about/how-rpl-works/
Closing Date for Applications
August 2024
Tuition Fees and Payment (Part-time)
Annual fees for this course are €6,000 in 2023/24. Fees may be subject to change in 2024/25.
Fees are payable prior to the commencement of study.
Skillnet funding is available for employers registering learners on the course.
Student Card
This course qualifies for the issuance of an ATU Student ID Card.
