Through a combination of theory and hands-on learning, students will develop the skills needed to effectively operate, manage, and troubleshoot processes in the manufacturing industry with sustainability in mind.

Students are encouraged to join the course with an industry-based project concept. Participants will learn by developing this project concept by taking modules in Enterprise Simulation for Digital Twinning, Design of Engineering Systems, Environmental Science and Environmental Management.

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Identify where the transition to sustainable manufacturing systems is possible.
• Implement the twin transition towards more sustainable and highly digital manufacturing systems.
• Extract and analyse real-time data from manufacturing processes for reporting under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive.
• Diagnose problems by thinking critically, innovating and collaborating through team-based work.
• Evaluate, through written and oral communication, technical findings concerning sustainable manufacturing systems.
• Value lifelong personal and professional attributes such as communication, interpersonal, analytical, enterprising and problem-solving skills relevant to a vibrant, technologically advanced economies.

The Manufacturing Process
The manufacturing process involves transforming materials into functional components, which are assembled through sustainable, intelligent, manufacturing systems into products. These products are designed to meet specific market needs. Our new advanced manufacturing diplomas respond to employee skills needs at every stage of this process. See the chart below for an overview of related courses and how they align within the overall manufacturing process.

The course consists of two 10 ECTS modules and two 5 ECTS modules: 

10 ECTS modules: 

• Design of Engineering Systems with Project 
  The aim of this course is to introduce the basic theoretical and practical concepts of engineering systems design. It lays out the fundamentals of a wide range of design-related activities. The module describes the major structure of design activity, highlighting the main stages of the design process, their significance, characteristics, requirements and methods of evaluation. The module describes both product and process design, design for high reliability and safety with practical emphasis on important modern problems, such as design for energy efficiency, design for low environmental impact and digitalisation. This module also aims to develop your skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, decision making, written and oral communication, teamwork and creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship. 
  
  
• Enterprise Simulation and Digital Twinning with Project 
  Enterprise simulation is the process of building digital models of whole or part of an enterprise with process models, data models, resource models and/or new processes etc. Digital Twinning deals with the process of understanding an enterprise and improving its performance through creation of computer simulations. It is based on knowledge of the enterprise, its infrastructure, technology and human resources. 

5 ECTS modules: 

• Environmental Science
  This module aims to enhance the learners' understanding and appreciation of environment-related disciplines. It covers facts and attitudes that help the learner to understand and evaluate current environmental issues critically, evaluate technological advances, and put environmental issues into a legal perspective. 
  
  
• Environmental Management for Organisations
  Drawing on contemporary examples, Environmental Planning and Management for Organisations will explore the roots and principles of environmental planning and management in practice, introducing students to a range of conceptual and practical approaches. This is a core module focusing on processes, scale and case studies in environmental planning in industrial and commercial organisations and laying the foundation for the other modules.  Environmental planning and management will be explored in an interdisciplinary context applicable to a variety of backgrounds, such as manufacturing, operations and environmental engineering, environmental and quality science, health and safety, social geography, business and management, regulations and compliance. 

NB: You can take some of the modules listed above as individual standalone micro-credentials. Please see related courses section at the bottom of the webpage. 

Curriculum Information

Each module features a substantial workplace project component, and students are encouraged to join the course with an industry-based project concept. This approach provides valuable opportunities to build transferable skills that can be applied directly in professional settings.

Dr Adam Collins
Lecturer, School of Natural Sciences, Physics

Dr Gerard O'Connor
Personal Professor, School of Natural Sciences, Physics

Lala Rukh Memon
Civil Engineering

Shane Faulkner 
Sustainability Manager at KPMG Ireland

The course is delivered part-time through a blended learning approach. Learners will be provided with online materials for each module, specifically developed for independent study. These will be complemented by recommended readings and interactive resources where relevant. In-person attendance is required for approximately 10 hours per module, typically scheduled on Saturdays.

Assessment is carried out through a combination of assignments, written examinations, and, where applicable, practical laboratory work. Examinations are scheduled at the end of each semester, and each module is assessed individually.

Course Administrator
Tel: 091 493909 
Email: sciencetech@universityofgalway.ie

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.

Job readiness is integrated across all modules through group work, problem-solving assignments, conflict resolution discussions, and leadership opportunities in team projects. 

Experiential learning, including immersion in labs and opportunities for work-based projects, helps learners develop essential transversal skills such as teamwork, communication, creativity and innovation.

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 modules' prerequisites as listed in the course outline section.

Entry requirements for part-time students can be found here (i.e. Age, English language requirements, etc.). 

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.

Please visit our How to Apply page for Application tips and Supporting Documents information.

Fees for Academic Year 2026/27

The HEA Micro-credential Learner Fees Subsidy funds this course for micro-credentials and Diplomas between 5 and 30 credits. Candidates who satisfy the HEA eligibility criteria are funded at 80% for this course. Funding is subject to availability of places at the time of application.