Certificate in Mechanical Analysis and Automation (Online)

Course Summary

Programme Code: SG_EMECH_S06 

The Certificate in Mechanical Analysis and Automation is a one-year 6 subject (30 credit) part-time course which runs over two semesters.  It is a minor award at level 6.  The course covers introductory engineering mathematics, fundamental mechanics, CAD and automation. 

This programme is designed as a qualifier to allow holders of craft qualifications and others with substantial relevant work experience to progress to the Level 7 BEng in Precision Engineering and Design (online).  With the skills and knowledge developed, the Level 7 programme can then be completed with a further two years of online study.

Key Course Information

If you are qualified in certain mechanical trades, or have extensive experience in a technician-like role in manufacturing industry, you will already have some of the knowledge and skills covered in the first two years of a BEng Level 7 degree.  

The purpose of this programme is to add the rest of the knowledge and skills that will allow you to proceed directly onto the final stage of the BEng (Online) in Precision Engineering & Design. The BEng (Online) is a 2 year programme.

Key Course Information

This is online delivery but some attendance at labs and practicals are required.  In some subjects, the practicals are all carried out on one or two days, often called “practical days”.  You will have to attend about two to four days per semester for these practical days.

The Certificate in Mechanical Analysis & Automation consists of the following modules  :

•    Introduction to Engineering Maths
•    Introductory Engineering Mechanics
•    Intermediate Engineering Mechanics
•    Pneumatic / Electro-Pneumatic and Hydraulic Systems
•    Automation Programming
•    Computer Aided Design and Modelling

Maths and CAD are presented over both semesters. The rest are split equally between each semester.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many days would I need to go to ATU Sligo to do the programme?
Some subjects have a practical aspect.  For example, CIM and Automation Technology Mechatronics requires you to attend some laboratories.  In these subjects, the practicals are all carried out on one day, often called a practical day.  You will have to attend up to two days per semester for these practical days.  

Not all modules have an exam as some of them are 100% continuous assessment.  In some cases, the exams are not entirely online. For Examinations, students may have to attend at the ATU campus through which they completed their studies. For some programmes it may be possible for the Exam to be taken remotely via online proctoring. ATU Students resident in the Republic of Ireland will be invited to attend exams at an exam centre located in Ireland. Students’ resident outside of Ireland or with exceptional circumstances may be eligible to attend remotely via online proctoring, where examinations are taken online and supervised virtually, subject to availability.

2. Do I need to attend lectures?
You are not required to attend for any lectures as all lectures are online.  These are also recorded so you can watch them later.

For questions on entry requirements, see the “Entry Requirements” section.
 

Application Closing Date : 15th August 2025

Entry Requirements

Applicants should have or be undertaking an apprenticeship in toolmaking or in a mechanical trade. 

Consideration will also be given to applicants who have substantial (in excess of three years) experience working in technician-type roles in industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. I am a qualified toolmaker or fitter. Can I access the programme?

You are qualified to enter the programme.

2. I have been working as a production/machine/CNC operator (or similar).  Can I access the programme?

If you have at least three years’ experience working in a technician type role, you may be able to access this programme.  Applications of this nature will be considered individually.

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.sligo@atu.ie.

Career Opportunities

Graduates will be equipped to progress onto the final stages of the L7 BEng in Precision Engineering and subsequently be employed as technicians/associate engineers in precision engineering, toolmaking, automation, medical device manufacturing, polymer processing, pharmaceutical/bio-pharma, ICT Hardware, and general mechanical and manufacturing engineering companies.

Further Study

Completion of this programme forms part of the entry requirements for the B,Eng. (Online) In Precision Engineering & Design .

Programme Fees

Fees listed for 2023/24 academic year. Fees may be subject to change for 2024/25 academic year.

Funding Opportunities

Next Level Skillnet funding may be available to successful applicants who fulfil eligibility criteria. Please email Sue Davies in Next Level Skillnet to find out more information: sue@nextlevel.ie 

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

Semester 2