Engineering - Mechanical Engineering

Course Overview

The Master of Engineering (ME) at University of Galway is part of an integrated (Bachelors + Masters) 4+1 programme of study, meeting the European Framework Standards for engineering accreditation. Successfully completing this (level 9) ME course, as part of an accredited 4+1 structure, will allow you to achieve the educational requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status upon graduation.



The ME programme on its own is a 60 ECTS one academic year course of study. Graduates with an honours degree in a cognate Engineering discipline may be eligible to take the ME. This will be of interest to graduates who wish to study more advanced topics in their core engineering discipline. Applicants wishing to use the ME programme as part of their CEng certification should be aware that professional accreditation is assessed by the Engineering Councils on the basis of the aggregate periods of study (Level 8 + Level 9), and not on the Masters year alone. Candidates need to satisfy themselves that their undergraduate (Level 8) degree meets the relevant standards.



This is a nine-month taught Master’s programme, which is a direct follow-on from the four-year undergraduate BE programme in Mechanical Engineering, providing students with the opportunity to take a first step in advanced engineering education and research skills, within the framework of the academic and professional requirements for Chartered Engineer status. The philosophy of the programme is the preparation of graduates for exciting careers in advanced engineering and innovative technology development and management.



The Master of Engineering

The Master of Engineering (ME) at University of Galway is part of an integrated (Bachelors + Masters) 4+1 programme of study, meeting the European Framework Standards for engineering accreditation. Successfully completing this (level 9) ME course, as part of an accredited 4+1 structure, will allow you to achieve the educational requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status upon graduation.



ME programme

The ME programme on its own is a 60 ECTS nine-academic-month course of study. Graduates with an honours degree in a cognate Engineering discipline may be eligible to take the ME. This will be of interest to graduates who wish to study more advanced topics in their core engineering discipline. Applicants wishing to use the ME programme as part of their CEng certification should be aware that professional accreditation is assessed by the Engineering Councils on the basis of the aggregate periods of study (Level 8 + Level 9), and not on the Masters programme alone. Candidates need to satisfy themselves that their undergraduate (Level 8) degree meets the relevant standards.



Course Outline

The programme combines advanced mechanical engineering modules with a substantial (nine month long) research and development project and modules on engineering transferable skills. The large group development project, which is the capstone of the Master’s, will be conducted in collaboration with an engineering industrial partner to develop new mechanical engineering technology. A key aspect of this programme is the teaching of innovation and entrepreneurship skills and technology, along with research methods. A range of advanced engineering modules (advanced mechanics of materials, advanced finite elements, advanced energy systems) are also taught to build directly on undergraduate mechanical engineering topics and bring students to a more specialized understanding of and ability to conduct state-of-the-art engineering design.

Year 1 (60 Credits)

Optional ME432: Technology Innovation & Entrepreneurship - 5 Credits - Semester 1

Optional BME5100: Advanced Computational Biomechanics - 5 Credits - Semester 1

Optional AY872: Financial Management I - 5 Credits - Semester 1

Optional MP410: Non-Linear Elasticity - 5 Credits - Semester 1

Optional EG5101: Advanced Energy Systems Engineering - 5 Credits - Semester 1

Optional IE450: Lean Systems - 5 Credits - Semester 1

Optional IE446: Project Management - 5 Credits - Semester 1

Optional IE5100: Physical Ergonomics - 5 Credits - Semester 1

Optional CT4101: Machine Learning - 5 Credits - Semester 1

Optional ME4112: Computational Fluid Dynamics - 5 Credits - Semester 1

Optional BME5104: Finite Element Methods in Engineering II - 5 Credits - Semester 1

Optional ME4109: Materials II - 5 Credits - Semester 1

Optional EE5103: Digital Control Systems for Automation and Robotics (Level 9) - 5 Credits - Semester 1

Required ME5110: Mechanical Engineering Masters Year Individual Project - 15 Credits - Semester 1

Required ME521: Research Methods for Engineers - 5 Credits - Semester 1

Optional ME572: Human Reliability - 5 Credits - Semester 2

Optional ME5171: Combustion Science and Engineering - 5 Credits - Semester 2

Optional EE5127: Internet of Things Systems Design - 5 Credits - Semester 2

Optional BME501: Advanced Finite Element Methods - 5 Credits - Semester 2

Required ME426: Turbomachines and Advanced Fluid Dynamics - 5 Credits - Semester 2

Required ME516: Advanced Mechanics of Materials - 5 Credits - Semester 2

Required ME5111: Engineering Acoustics: Noise and Sustainable Development - 5 Credits - Semester 2

Required ME5106: Advanced Manufacturing - 5 Credits - Semester 2

Individuals must have a minimum Second Class Honours, Grade 2 (H2.2), in a Level 8 engineering degree in a related discipline, or equivalent, from a recognised university or third-level college. Factors taken into account in determining admission will include the specific content of the undergraduate degree, the applicant’s performance, and the availability of places.

How to apply

We encourage all applicants to apply as early as possible.



Review/Closing Dates (for Taught Programmes)

For most programmes, University of Galway does not set specific closing dates for receipt of applications. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and course quotas will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle with the exception of applications for some programmes which are reviewed after the specified closing date. Candidates who do not have their final degree marks available may be made a conditional (provisional) offer.



Online Application

Applications to most postgraduate programmes at University of Galway are made online via www.universityofgalway.ie/apply (see "Application Weblink").

9 months, full-time.

Enrolment and Start Dates Comment

Next start date: September 2024.



Review/Closing Dates (for Taught Programmes)

For most programmes, University of Galway does not set specific closing dates for receipt of applications. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and course quotas will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle with the exception of applications for some programmes which are reviewed after the specifed closing date*. Candidates who do not have their final degree marks available may be made a conditional (provisional) offer.

Career Opportunities

Mechanical engineering industry (e.g., power generation, renewable energy, machine tool manufacture, equipment manufacture, transport and aerospace industry, general manufacturing industry, offshore oil and gas industry), biomedical engineering industry; engineering management; further more advanced research (e.g., PhD); software (engineering) development; engineering consultancy.