In first year, students get to explore different areas of engineering, allowing you the time you need to find the discipline that is right for you. On successful completion of your first-year exams, you will be able to apply to transfer to the second year of one of the denominated programmes. 

Year 1 

• Fundamentals of Engineering 
• Engineering Graphics 
• Engineering Design 
• Engineering Computing I 
• Engineering Computing II 
• Engineering Chemistry 
• Engineering Physics 
• Engineering Mechanics 
• Engineering Calculus 
• Engineering Mathematical Methods 

Year 2 onwards

Students join one of the following Bachelor of Engineering programmes and follow the assigned course curriculum. 

• Biomedical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Electrical & Electronic Engineering
• Electronic & Computer Engineering
• Energy Systems Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering 

Students may also choose to go into 2nd year in one of the following Bachelor of Science programmes: 

• Project & Construction Management
• Computer Science & Information Technology 

Curriculum Information

• Undenominated Engineering offers a general approach to studying Engineering for a year, covering fields like civil, mechanical, electronic, biomedical, and energy systems engineering.  
• This course is designed to help you make an informed choice about your professional engineering qualification by allowing you to explore all the fundamental concepts of various engineering disciplines. 
• Upon completion of your first-year exams, you can transfer seamlessly into 2nd year of a specialised engineering programme.

A Bachelor of Engineering from the University of Galway opens up a wide array of career opportunities across numerous sectors. Depending on your chosen Engineering discipline, you can find fulfilling roles in: 

• Industry: Work in manufacturing, technology, construction and more. Some of our graduates have gone on to work in world leading companies.
• Research & Development: Contribute to ground-breaking discoveries in University and Research Institutes. 
• Healthcare: Apply your engineering skills in hospitals and medical institutions. 
• Government Regulatory Agencies: Ensure safety and compliance in various engineering fields.
• Software companies: Develop innovative solutions in the rapidly evolving tech sector.
• Financial services: utilise analytical and problem-solving skills in a dynamic environment.

As part of our commitment to global learning, selected students will have the chance to spend a year studying at a partner institution in Spain. This unique opportunity offers academic enrichment, cultural exchange, and the experience of a lifetime.

As part of the Engineering degree at the University of Galway, students register for an integrated 5-year BE+ME programme. This means students will achieve a Level 9 Master's in Engineering after 5 years while also earning a Level 8 Bachelor's in Engineering after 4 years. Successful completion of all 5 years ensures graduates the full educational qualifications required for progression to Chartered Engineer Status.  

All Engineering students undertake a paid work placement as an integral part of their programme. This provides invaluable industry exposure with a diverse range of employers, for example Chipright, Valeo, Avaya, Aerogen, and Ex-Ordo.  Some students use this opportunity to pursue an international work placement.  

The duration of this placement varies depending on student pathway choice, made at the beginning of 3rd year.    

• Students on the 5-year BE+ME pathway: you will engage with advanced engineering modules, undertake a substantial research and development project, and complete an 8-month paid placement during 4th year.
• Students opting for a 4-year BE only: a shorter paid placement will occur during 3rd year. 

All Engineering Degrees at University of Galway are professionally accredited by the statutory professional body, Engineers Ireland. This means that the degree has been assessed and approved to meet the educational requirements for professional Engineers.   

• Under an international agreement (Washington Accord), any Degree accredited by the National professional body (Engineers Ireland) is recognized internationally. So having an “Accredited” degree means that employers outside of Ireland can (1) understand the quality/education achieved by a graduate and (2) know that it is equivalent to their own Education system/standards, and (3) can offer appropriate employment on this basis. 
• Engineers Ireland require a Masters (Level 9) qualification as the education standard required for Registered Professional Titles of Chartered Engineer* The standard European engineering qualification (degree or diploma) is at level 9, and European industry maintains a strict differentiation between those engineers qualified at level 9 and those qualified at level 8. Any graduate interested in working in Europe/Worldwide is now strongly advised to get an accredited level 9 award.   

Engineers’ Ireland accreditation can be obtained at the following levels:   

• Level 8:  4-year honours degree – associate engineer   
• Level 9:  5-year masters degree – chartered engineer   

A Chartered Engineer holds the highest professional qualification in engineering. They are trusted to take full responsibility for the development and application of engineering across areas like research, design, construction, manufacturing, management, and education. Their work is intellectually challenging and varied, requiring original thinking, sound judgment, and leadership of both technical and administrative teams.   

Further information on Engineering Accreditation  

Dr Edelle Doherty 
Dr Nathan Quinlan
Dr Paul Moran
Dr Soumyajyoti Maji
Mr Liam Kilmartin
Prof Jamie Goggins
Prof Rory Monaghan
Prof John Breslin
Prof Sean Leen 

The Undenominated Engineering programme provides a dynamic and supportive learning environment. In your first year, you will explore various engineering disciplines through a course focused on fundamentals, including mechanical, civil, biomedical, electronic, and energy systems. This approach allows you to sample different specialisations and determine where your aptitude and interest truly lie.  

Our world-leading lecturers, who are involved in dynamic research groups and collaborations within different departments, provide an excellent teaching experience. You will engage with a broad range of engineering principles, gaining the essential foundation for a future career in STEM. The University of Galway boasts world-class facilities for engineering, offering a truly excellent learning environment within our “living laboratory”, where you can develop your skills in creative problem solving and sharing knowledge.  

Upon completion of your first year exams, you will be well prepared to transfer into the 2nd year of a specialised programme within the School of Engineering. 

How will I be assessed?  

1. Continuous Assessment—Regular coursework, including completing reports, drawings, multiple choice question (MCQ) quizzes etc. 
   Examinations— Written exams take place at the end of Semester 1 and the end of Semester 
2. Written exams evaluate proficiency in understanding the learning outcomes for each module. You may have other smaller in-class examinations during this time, depending on the module. 
3. Project Work—As a student engineer, you will have project work to complete during both semesters. These projects will be communicated to you via your module lecturers. Note, not all modules will have projects. 

Course queries: 
engineering@universityofgalway.ie   

Programme Director(s):  
Dr Edelle Doherty, 
Lecturer / Assistant Professor in Civil Engineering, 
Director of Undenominated Engineering, 
School of Engineering 
College of Science & Engineering 
E: edelle.doherty@universityofgalway.ie
T: 091 492733 

Q: What is “Undenominated Engineering” and how is it different from the other engineering programmes?  
A: Undenominated Engineering is a general entry course that allows you to explore all different engineering types before specialising in your 2nd year. This helps you to make an informed choice about your preference. We recommend this course if you are unsure which type of engineering you are most interested in. 

Q: Will choosing Undenominated Engineering add an extra year to my studies? 
A: No, you will not be at any academic disadvantage for choosing Undenominated Engineering. Our 1st year programme across all our Engineering courses are common, so you will be taught alongside students who choose a direct entry course and progress onwards with them into 2nd year. 

Q: Are the engineering degrees at the University of Galway professionally and internationally recognised? 
A: Yes, our degrees are accredited by Engineers Ireland. Under an international agreement known as the Washington Accord, any degree accredited by Engineers Ireland is recognised internationally. Having a degree from Engineering at the University of Galway means that employers outside of Ireland understand the quality of the education achieved by our graduates. 

Minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at O6/H7 Level in the Leaving Certificate, including Irish, English, Mathematics, a laboratory science subject (i.e., Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physics with Chemistry (joint), Agricultural Science or Computer Science) or Technology, and any two other subjects recognised for entry purposes. Additional requirements: Minimum H4 in Mathematics or, alternatively, obtain a pass in the Engineering Maths Qualifying Exam (held in the University). 

Additional Requirements  
Students must obtain a minimum of Grade H4 in the Higher Level Leaving Certificate paper in Mathematics or, alternatively places available (which may vary in number year to year) may be allocated to candidates who have achieved the points requirement for the programme that year, and who attain a Pass in the Engineering Maths Qualifying Examination. The places available will be allocated in strict order of merit-based points attained in the Leaving Certificate. Due to capacity constraints, not all candidates who achieve a pass in the examination may receive an offer. 

For A-Levels - A minimum of Grade C in A-Level Mathematics is required.

Alternative Pathways 
The Access Centre at University of Galway provides a number of alternative entry routes to undergraduate programmes. See below some useful links: 

• QQI/FET/FETAC Places
•  Mature Students
•  Access and Foundation programmes
•  HEAR Scheme
•  DARE Scheme 

Other Qualifications
If you are a school leaver presenting results other than Leaving Cert results, please review the entry requirements relevant to you:  

• A Level students
•  International Baccalaureate students
•   EU students 

For applicants whose first language is not English, it is important to check our English Language Requirements.  

Admissions Office  
Our Admissions Office provides additional detail relevant to CAO applicants including key dates, FAQs and instructions for non-school leavers.  

Irish and European (EU/EFTA/UK) Applicants
Apply via the CAO. See the CAO Handbook for useful information on applying through the CAO.  

Mature Applicants  
Apply via the CAO by 1 February. To apply for a place as a mature student, you must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the year of entry. Further information available here.  

QQI/FET/FETAC Applicants  
Apply via the CAO. See our QQI/FET/FETAC Applicants page for information on places available and entry requirements.  

Fees for Academic Year 2025/2026

• Most EU students applying through the CAO will be eligible for the ‘Free Fees Initiative’. You can find out more here.
• If you are eligible for a means tested SUSI grant this may cover 100% of this Student Contribution Charge. If you are 100% eligible SUSI will pay the Student Contribution Charge of €3,000 on your behalf. 
• The Student Levy It is payable by all students and it is not covered by SUSI
• Where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 3.4% per annum for continuing year fees. This applies to non-EU fees.
• You can find additional detail on the Fees Office webpage including FAQs and how fee status is assessed.

Equipment   
Some modules incorporate practical laboratories and for these, you may be required to purchase basic safety items such as a laboratory coat and safety goggles (approx. cost of €50).  

High-achieving undergraduate students are encouraged to apply for a range of prestigious scholarships that recognise academic excellence and support students in reaching their full potential. Click here for further Information. 

Application Process 
Students applying for full undergraduate degree programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), and who are liable for full non-EU tuition fees, should apply online via Apply to University of Galway. Our application portal opens on the 1st October each year for entry the following September.   

Further Information 
Please visit the international application webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process.  

Discover more about the School of Engineering at the University of Galway on our website.