Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Mechanical Engineering

Course Summary

This is a modern programme that prepares students for a broad range of career choices, some of which may not yet even exist, in the fields of mechanical and manufacturing engineering. Through a combination of theory, practicals, and workshops, students gain up to date knowledge of engineering principals, and learn how to apply these to solve real world problems. Students are also be asked to consider issues such as ethics and sustainability.

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

The BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering provides students with the skills, knowledge, and competencies required to begin a career in mechanical and manufacturing engineering. It addresses the major skills shortage in the manufacturing sector both nationally and internationally. This programme enables students to understand the principles of mechanics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, material sciences, electronics, automation, information technology and computer aided engineering.

The programme allows students to gain knowledge and understanding of the essential elements of the design process and methodologies relevant to complex engineering. Topics such as Finance and Industry 4.0 allow students to explore the various paths offered to engineers, and to be ready for the digitalisation of the engineering sector. The educational objectives of the BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering programme are that students will develop:

• A detailed knowledge and understanding of the mathematics, sciences, engineering sciences and technologies underpinning mechanical engineering.
• The ability to identify, formulate, analyse and solve engineering problems.
• The ability to design a system, component or process to meet specified needs.
• The ability to design and conduct experiments and to conduct guided research, or advanced technical activity.
• An understanding of the need for high ethical standards in the practice of engineering, including the responsibilities of the engineering profession towards people and the environment.
• The ability to work effectively as an individual, in teams and in multidisciplinary settings, together with the capacity to undertake lifelong learning.
• The ability to communicate effectively on specialised engineering activities with the engineering community and with society at large.

ATU Sligo provides an interactive learning experience, with a strong emphasis on practical, hands-on modules and project work in design and manufacturing. Modules are designed and delivered to ensure students are prepared for industrial innovation, whilst also enhancing their leadership and management skills.

Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including comprehensive material and testing laboratories, industry standards software in CAD/CAM, automation equipment, traditional manufacturing workshops, and 3D printers as well as advanced CNC machines.

YEAR 1

Students are introduced to the engineering profession by sharing the fundamentals of engineering subjects with our other engineering programmes. The common first year helps develop a multidisciplinary mindset. Students are counselled during Year 1 on possible transfers, in line with their abilities and wishes.

YEAR 2

Students deepen their knowledge and understanding of mechanical engineering through lectures, practicals, laboratories and workshops in Mechanics, Dynamics, Hydraulics, Manufacturing Processes, Materials, Automation, and CAD, along with Mathematics and a Design Engineering Project.

YEAR 3

Students further enhance their knowledge in subjects allied to the mechanical engineering profession, such as Energy systems, Simulation, Computer Aided Engineering, and Lean Six Sigma & Validation. Students also prepare for their Industrial Placement that is carried out between January and September.

YEAR 4

Students engage in advanced subjects that look at the future of the mechanical engineering sector and promote innovation. Students undertake a significant engineering project in order to develop an innovative product or system. Topics such as Finance and Industry 4.0, prepare students for the digitalisation of the engineering sector.

PROFESSIONAL ACCREDITATION

Accreditation from Engineers Ireland for Chartered Engineer is expected after the first cohort of graduates in 2025.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for CAO courses at ATU Sligo are available for download below:

• Download Entry requirements for just Level 8 programmes
• Download Entry requirements for all programmes

A H5 in Leaving Cert Mathematics is an entry requirement for this programme. Those who do not have a H5 grade in Mathematics may take the ATU Sligo Alternative Maths Exam, which is equivalent to Higher Level Mathematics.

The Alternative Maths Exam takes place in late August/early September each year. To register for the exam and for exact dates please visit our Alternative Maths Exam webpage

ALTERNATIVE MATHS EXAM AND ONLINE RESOURCES

ATU Sligo offers a free online pre-degree Mathematics Open Course MOOC leading to a special Mathematics exam, equivalent to Leaving Certificate Higher Level. The MOOC provides on-line resources including revision notes and sample papers to support students taking the examination. 

The MOOC, launched in June 2017, is particularly suitable for CAO Leaving Certificate applicants who may not meet the Mathematics entry requirements for this Honours degree programme (minimum of H5 in LC) following the Leaving Certificate examinations or who are not taking higher level Leaving Certificate Mathematics. A pass in this special exam will be deemed equivalent to meeting the Mathematics entry requirement for this programme.

The Mathematics examination takes place at ATU Sligo and may also be available as an on-line proctored examination.

Current and prospective applicants can access the Mathematics MOOC as follows:

1. Register your name and email address on the Open Course (MOOC) website here: https://opencourses.itsligo.ie/login/signup.php

2. Once registered on the site enrol on the course here: https://opencourses.itsligo.ie/course/view.php?id=27 (the enrolment key is civil2017).

Career Opportunities

Our graduates are in high demand to meet the skills shortage across the sector both nationally and internationally. With a strong emphasis on design in our programme, graduates secure positions as design engineers in automation companies and other manufacturing companies.

Graduates work as technicians, technologists and associate engineers in production planning, engineering management, maintenance, quality, calibration, validation, energy utilisation and project management. A number of graduates work in medical device manufacturing whilst others have obtained positions working in aircraft maintenance.

This programme will also equip graduates with sufficient research skills for progression to postgraduate studies.

Further Study

Graduates may pursue a postgraduate qualification by either a taught Masters or a Masters/PhD by research.There are a number of postgraduate programmes available at ATU Sligo.

Postgraduate studies at ATU Sligo

Testimonials

Hear what employers have to say about Engineering graduates from ATU Sligo. Plus, see some of the projects our students have worked on.

Did you know?

We also offer this programme at Level 7 - AU833 BEng in Mechanical Engineering

Students undertake an Industrial Placement between January and September in Year 3.

Students have the opportunity to apply to study for one semester in Germany (Esslingen University of Applied Sciences) via an Erasmus+ exchange programme. 

In Year 4, students undertake a significant engineering project in order to develop an innovative product or system.

Student projects are presented at The Sligo Engineering & Technology Expo. The Expo is attended by a range of companies including Fortune 500 industry leaders. This allows students to network with potential employers. View the latest Engineering Expo Catalogue

Our students have won several national competitions with their final year projects, notably with Engineers Ireland and at the National Ploughing Championships.

Professional Accreditation from Engineers Ireland for Chartered Engineer is expected after the first cohort of graduates in 2025.

ATU Sligo provides an interactive learning experience, with a strong emphasis on practical, hands-on modules and project work in design and manufacturing. Modules are designed and delivered to ensure students are prepared for industrial innovation, whilst also enhancing their leadership and management skills.

Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including comprehensive material and testing laboratories, industry standards software in CAD/CAM, automation equipment, traditional manufacturing workshops, and 3D printers as well as advanced CNC machines.

Students also undertake company visits and receive guest lectures from industry speakers.

Students enjoy a common first year across our Level 8 engineering degrees to give them an understanding of all aspects of engineering and the flexibility to change direction in Year 2 if desired. Students can choose from  AU944 BEng (Hons) in Civil Engineering, BEng (Hons) in Robotics and Automation, or AU943 BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering

Alumni

"Solidworks was by far my favourite module. I am a visual learner/thinker and I love to brainstorm concepts and ideas, so being able to utilise Solidworks to interpret ideas into a virtual platform, then into a manufacturable output is quite rewarding. I also gained  key skills in communication and critical thinking. These have helped me work across multiple industries. Each industry requires different knowledge and understanding, so having the ability to interpret, problem solve and communicate across different disciplines and departments has been key to my success.

During my time in Sligo, I was also part of a team which won the Engineers Ireland Innovative Student Engineer of the Year Award. Our project was the Willow Harvester. The Willow Harvester prototype provides a cost effective harvesting solution for smaller, dispersed willow growers.

I have been very fortunate to work across a wide range of industries both in Ireland and Canada. In my current role, I interpret Autodesk Revit production drawings to create 3D models for interior construction environments for Hospitals, Schools and Large-Scale International companies."

Anthony Mannion, BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering graduate and Advanced Inventor Designer at Falkbuilt in Calgary, Canada

Course Format

Semester 1

Semester 2

Semester 3

Semester 4

Semester 5

Semester 6

Semester 7

Semester 8