Course Summary
The main aim of the programme is to provide a Minor Award at Level 9 for learners who wish to complete specific learning relating to the engineering, design and maintenance of bridges on the public road network.
This programme shall provide a means for Civil Engineering professionals working or intending to work in the Bridge Engineering sector to develop appropriate analytical, design and assessment skills.
This programme has been developed by ATU Sligo in conjunction with industry partners Department of Transport and the Local Authority Services National Training Group (LASNTG).
Key Course Information
The objectives of the programme shall be to provide learners with:
An enriching educational experience that interlinks the academic and professional dimensions of the programme, and develops analytical thinking skills appropriate for Level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). This will be based on a systematic understanding of knowledge and a critical awareness of current insights in the areas of Bridge Engineering. This objective will be strengthened by undertaking industry relevant project work and applying it to current technical and design standards, policies, and guidelines.
The necessary knowledge, analytical, design and project management skills and competency in the areas of Bridge Engineering in line with Level 9 programmes on the NFQ. This objective will be developed through teaching and applied project work that is current and relevant to this sector so that learners possess sufficient skills and knowledge to effectively manage bridge engineering, inspection, design and assessment projects from inception to completion.
The capacity to effectively communicate ideas, data and concepts to a variety of audience levels through appropriate forms of media. This objective will be underpinned by preparing technical reports, discussing findings and presenting learning outcomes with academic and professional stakeholders and experts via a series of workshops.
The skills necessary to function within, and adapt to, a changing technical work environment. This objective will be developed through transferable skills such as problem solving, working in teams, communications skills and professional ethics.
Study hours: It is very important that you allocate enough study time to your online course to stay focused, reduce stress and achieve your goals. It is very important that you allocate enough study time to your online course to stay focused, reduce stress and achieve your goals. For part-time online programmes, required hours will be reflective of your experience and will require additional focus around exam time.
Live Lectures: Live lectures normally take place between 6pm and 10pm, two evenings per week but this may vary depending on the availability of specific lecturers. If the Live Classroom scheduled times for the live online lectures do not suit you, recordings will be made available through Moodle.
On-Campus Attendance: There is a requirement to attend the one/two full day on-campus workshops per semester with the number of workshops depending on the module requirements. Examinations are in January and May and are available at one of two centres (ATU Sligo/Dublin).
Application Closing Date : 15th August 2025
Entry Requirements
The minimum entry requirements are a pass in a BEng Honours degree (Level 8) in Civil Engineering or a related discipline or equivalent.
Applicants with other qualifications and with relevant work experience may also be considered through ATU Sligo’s Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) process. RPL is a process that may allow you to gain admission to a programme or to receive exemptions / credit from some parts of a programme based on demonstrated learning that you may have achieved through another programme of study or through your work and career. Further information is available through www.atu.ie/recognition-of-prior-learning which our dedicated RPL portal or by contacting our admissions team at admissions@itsligo.ie
Career Opportunities
The programme provides access routes for a student intake from a specific cohort of Civil Engineering graduates predominately from the public roads services sector who wish to upskill in bridge engineering, and offers clear routes of progression through education.
This includes a specialised, relevant programme offering, differentiated through flexible modes of delivery, which promotes lifelong learning by practitioners within the road and bridge engineering sector.
This programme is industry and professionally relevant, and delivers the generic skills necessary for effective engagement in society. The programme was developed in conjunction with industry partners, Dept. of Transport and LASNTG to ensure the curriculum remains focused on required knowledge, skills and competencies of the public roads services sector with a focus on bridge inspection, management and design.
Further Study
Successful completion of this Certificate programme will allow for the transfer of learners to the Postgraduate Diploma or MEng in Road and Transport Engineering, whereby the remaining Stage 1 and Stage 2 taught modules can be taken to achieve the major award of Postgraduate Diploma and a Research Dissertation shall be completed to attain a professionally accredited Master in Engineering Level 9 major award.
Programme Fees
Academic Year 2024/25 Fees
Total Programme Fee: €3,000
For nominated and approved local authority engineering applicants, this programme may be 80% funded by Dept of Transport and 20% funded by local authorities.
To help make the payment of fees more manageable for students who are self-funding their studies, tuition fees can be paid through payment instalment plans at ATU Sligo. For further information on instalment plans, please visit our Fees and Funding webpage.
If you apply and are approved for an online course at ATU Sligo, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit of €250 to secure your place. Your deposit will then be credited against the course fees once you are registered as a student. Students at ATU Sligo are also eligible to claim tax relief at the standard rate for tuition fees.
For further information and guidance about Fees and Funding for online and part-time courses at ATU Sligo, click here.
If you are seeking to take your exams online, and you meet the eligibility criteria (overseas students and those with extenuating circumstances), an additional examinations fee will apply. For further information, please visit our Examinations webpage.
Course Format
Semester 1
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Geotechnical Engineering I | 05 |
| Structural Inspection and Assessment of Bridges | 05 |
Semester 2
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Geotechnical Engineering II | 05 |
| Design of Bridge Structures | 05 |