Bachelor Degree in Engineering Common Entry

Students who choose this programme will experience a common first year which will ensure a broad learning experience and offer the possibility to make an informed decision at the end of Year 1. The first year is designed to ensure that you are well informed and well prepared to enter one of the possible 4 options; topics such as computing, maths, mechanics and materials are covered across Year 1.

There are a number of introductory modules such as Introduction to Engineering, where guest speakers and practising engineers will be invited in to explain potential career prospects and job requirements. In Semester 2, to help make informed decision students will have an elective option where students will choose from either Structural Engineering Design or Introduction to Design and Manufacture. These modules are designed to be project based.

A number of modules uses student-centred approaches such as problem-based learning (PBL) or Conceive, Design, Implement and Operate (CDIO) where students work collaboratively to form solutions to engineering problems. Selecting to study one of these options does not restrict your potential degree option - for example, if you select Structural Engineering Design, you will still be able to choose mechanical or biomedical engineering.

Minimum grades    
Applicants are required to hold at the time of enrolment the established Leaving Certificate (or an approved equivalent) with a minimum of six subjects which must include: Two H5 (Higher Level) grades and Four O6 (Ordinary Level) grades or four H7 (Higher Level) grades. Subjects must include Mathematics, Irish or another language, and English.

Subject requirements    
In addition, applicants must hold a minimum grade H4 in Mathematics and grade O6/H7 in one of the following:
Physics, Chemistry, Physics with Chemistry, Engineering, Technology, Design & Communication Graphics/Technical Drawing, Computer Science, Biology, Agricultural Science, Applied Maths, Construction Studies.

The cost of studying at University of Limerick varies largely depending on the type of university and the degree chosen. More often than not, humanities, arts, and education courses are less expensive than degrees in medical, engineering, or management. Furthermore, students who choose to study at the postgraduate level typically pay higher tuition fees, which again vary depending on the programme chosen.

Most universities provide scholarships or financial aid to students in order to help them offset their tuition costs. Students should be aware that additional course fees and incidental expenses may not be included in tuition. On average, international students can expect to pay €20900 annually, to study in University of Limerick.

The career opportunities will depend primarily on the BE course chosen by you. Typical career areas include:

Biomedical Engineering
Medical Device Design, Manufacture of Medical Devices. Design of New Products including medical implants and surgical instruments, Biomaterials Development.

Mechanical Engineering
Engineering component design, Design and Control of Energy Utilisation Equipment, Safety and Reliability, Automobile Design, Materials Development, Mechanical Design in Aerospace, Biomedical, ICT, Process, Pharmaceutical and Manufacturing Industries, Gas turbine design.

Civil Engineering
Civil/Structural Engineer, Design Engineer, Environmental Engineer, Traffic/Motorway Engineer.

Design and Manufacture Engineering
Mechanical Design for Biomedical, ICT Process, Pharmaceutical and Manufacturing Industries, Project Management, Materials and Structural Analysis, Consultancy, Design Engineering, Quality Engineer, Automation Engineer, Computer Aided Engineering.