The modular structure is designed with flexibility in mind, enabling students to balance study with work and other commitments and to accumulate credits over a time frame that suits their lifestyle. Learning is delivered via a blend of distance and online resources, on-campus tutorials and labs, and company-based projects.  

This course aims to:

• provide students with a comprehensive grounding in the theoretical foundations of Science and Engineering
• introduce students to areas of applied and specialist knowledge found in today’s high-tech environments
• develop important managerial skills such as problem solving, decision making and advanced communication skills

Pathway A:

The Diploma consists of 20 modules (120 credits) to be completed over a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 4 years (see the module chart for the Diploma/Degree below). The modules on offer include:

• Core modules which cover the foundations of Science, Engineering, Management and IT
• Electives which allow students to specialise in an area of particular interest to them
• Company-based projects to help students apply their learning in the workplace

This course is eligible for funding under the SUSI grants scheme. Students who are funded under this scheme must follow either Pathway B or C below and complete a minimum of 30 credits and a maximum of 50 credits per academic year, along the following options:

• Pathway B: between 30 – 50 credits per annum (5 years to degree completion);
• Pathway C: between 30 – 40 credits per annum (6 years to degree completion)

Students who have successfully completed the Diploma can automatically progress to the Degree in Science & Technology Studies or one of the Diplomas listed below:

• Digitalisation of Manufacturing Processes
• Digitally Enabled Connected Medical Devices
• Intelligent Manufacturing Industry 5.0
• Manufacturing Automation
• Sustainability of Manufacturing Systems

Exemptions: Applicants who have completed accredited study in a relevant area may apply for exemptions. Credit may also be granted for demonstrable experiential learning. Exemptions may be granted up to a maximum of 5 modules in the Diploma cycle. Exemptions are considered by the programme board on a case-by-case basis.

Curriculum Information

Our courses are developed to address current and future skills requirements of the high-tech sector ensuring that our graduates are well positioned to withstand the challenges of working in a changing economic environment.

Assessment is through assignments, written exams and in some cases practical laboratory sessions. Exams take place at the end of each semester. All modules from the programme will be individually assessed.

The course is delivered by blended learning on a part-time basis. Candidates will receive learning materials in online format for each module. Materials will be specifically designed for independent study and will be supplemented by supporting reading material and interactive learning resources where appropriate. The course requires attendance on campus for approximately 10 hours per module, mainly on Saturdays.

Awards: Diploma in Science & Technology Studies - on successful completion of 20 modules or 120 ECTS.

If you do not meet the standard entry criteria for this course, you may gain entry through our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy. Applicants may also be able to earn module exemptions based on their prior learning. Find out more here.

In addition to developing content knowledge, this course aims to develop useful skills, known as Professional Transferable Skills (PTS). The importance of PTS is now widely recognised in the workplace. This is especially true of technology-based industries where content knowledge can quickly become outdated and therefore, transferable skills are exceptionally important. The following set of nine skills are considered to be the most important in the context of this course and are particularly advantageous at management levels:

• problem-solving 
• critical thinking 
• decision-making 
• oral communication 
• written communication 
• team-working 
• networking 
• customer-centric skills
• creativity, innovation & entrepreneurship

Applicants should have a Diploma at NFQ Level 7 of 90 ECTS minimum, in a Science, Engineering or Technical area, or otherwise prove that they satisfy the prerequisites of each of the modules as listed in the Curriculum section.

Applications are made online via the University of Galway Applications System. This course is listed under Adult Learning Undergraduate\Postgraduate, CPD, Micro-credentials & Summer School Applications.

There are several funding opportunites available for this course:

Adult Learning Tuition Scholarship
A fee scholarship of up to 30% may be available for students who wish to upskill for the purposes of re-employment. For more information download the 2025_26 Fees Scholarship Form.

Next Level Skillnet
This course has been approved for a fees subsidy of up to 40% for students whose company is a member of their network. For more information, contact Sue Davies at: sue@nextlevel.ie

SUSI Funding
This course is now eligible for funding under the SUSI grants scheme. Please refer to the Curriculum section for information regarding Pathway B or Pathway C to meet the credit workload requirement. You can find more information regarding the SUSI funding here.

Course Administrator
Tel: 091 494060
Email: sciencetech@universityofgalway.ie