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Courses
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University Life
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About University of Galway
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Guiding Breakthrough Research at University of Galway
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Community Engagement
Community Engagement
At University of Galway, we believe that the best learning takes place when you apply what you learn in a real world context. That's why many of our courses include work placements or community projects.
Accessibility & LanguageScience & Technology Studies (Diploma)
Diploma in Science & Technology Studies
Course Overview
The Diploma in Science & Technology Studies is a part-time course which focuses on the knowledge and skill requirements of high-tech industries. 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
Mode of Study: Blended Learning. Students will be required to attend occasional onsite workshops for specific modules, approximately two workshops per term. All other teaching will be conducted online.
This course has been approved by Next Level Skillnet for a fees subsidy of up to 40% for students whose company is a member of their network. For more information, contact:
Next Level Skillnet – Sue Davies at: sue@nextlevel.ie
Applications and Selections
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.
Who Teaches this Course
Requirements and Assessment
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.
Key Facts
Entry Requirements
Applicants under 21 years of age on January 1 in year of entry must meet the following minimum entry requirements: A minimum of HC3 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at H or O level in the Leaving Certificate (or equivalent) including; English, Irish, Mathematics, a laboratory science subject i.e. Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physics with Chemistry (joint) or Agricultural Science and any other subject recognised for entry purposes.
Applicants aged 21 years and older by January 1 in year of entry may enter as mature students. In this case a pass standard in ordinary/higher level Leaving Certificate Mathematics or equivalent is required. Apart from the requirement in Mathematics assessment of applicants will be on an individual basis to determine suitability to successfully undertake the course.
Applicants without a leaving certificate are encouraged to first complete the Foundation Course in Science, Engineering and Technology. Graduates of the Foundation Course are automatically eligible for entry to the Diploma.
Additional Requirements
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Duration
2-4 years
Next start date
September 2024
A Level Grades ()
Average intake
25-30
QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes
Closing Date
NFQ level
Level 7
Mode of study
Blended Learning
ECTS weighting
120
Award
CAO
Course code
Course Outline
The Diploma consists of 20 modules 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
Students who have successfully completed the Diploma can automatically progress to the Degree in Science & Technology Studies or to one of the Specialist Diplomas listed below:
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.
NB: The following modules can be taken as micro-credentials:
Regulatory Compliance
Human Anatomy & Physiology
Environmental Management for Organisations
Machine Design
Automation 1
Automation 2
Manufacturing Technology
Further Education
Students who have successfully completed the Diploma can automatically progress to the Degree in Science & Technology Studies or to one of the Specialist Diplomas listed below:
Why Choose This Course?
Career Opportunities
Management roles in the following sectors: medical devices, biotechnology, scientific services, high-end and specialist manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, food science etc.
Who’s Suited to This Course
The course is primarily intended to support those seeking career advancement in a variety of high tech industries such as medical devices, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and manufacturing. It will also appeal to those with a personal interest in Science and Technology.
Learning Outcomes
Transferable Skills Employers Value
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
Work Placement
Study Abroad
Related Student Organisations
Course Fees
Fees: EU
€4,150 p.a. 2024/25 (€415 per module)*
Fees: Tuition
€4,010 p.a. 2024/25
Fees: Student levy
€140 p.a. 2024/25
Fees: Non EU
€4,700 p.a. 2024/25 (€465 per module + €500 p.a.)
NB: EU Fees are comprised of Tuition + Student Levy. Fees for this course are collected directly by the Centre, please see our staff listing here.
*Next Level Skillnet funding (40% fee subsidy) is available for this course. You also may be eligible for the Adult Learning Tuition Scholarship, find out more here.
Find out More
What Our Student Say
Adrian Szlapka | Student - Diploma & Degree
The curriculum is thoroughly prepared, offering up-to-date information with a modern approach. The lecturers, many of whom are industry professionals, are very knowledgeable, approachable and helpful. Their real-world experiences enhanced the learning environment, providing valuable industry insights and skills. Both courses significantly advanced my skills and expertise through relevant and engaging content, such as assignments, practical laboratories and research projects. The Diploma provided a solid scientific foundation, which was further expanded during the degree cycle. Throughout my studies, I frequently saw connections between different sciences and subjects, increasing my understanding. The flexibility of the program, lecturers and the university was particularly beneficial. I had the opportunity to work on long-standing interests, such as cryptocurrencies, space exploration and artificial intelligence, as part of my projects and assignments. The flexible module selection and hybrid learning model were ideal for me, balancing full-time work and family responsibilities, with each course being completable in 2-4 years.
Denis Lymer | Student
I chose this course as my previous job was coming to an end and I wanted to upskill in an area that interested me. Getting a degree was a long-standing ambition of mine but I had been out of education for many years and was apprehensive about returning as an adult. My only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner. The course is flexible in nature and allows students to select subjects they are interested in from a wide-range of modules covering many aspects of Science & Engineering. There are mandatory modules designed to give you a broad grounding in the fundamentals but you can choose to study the subjects that interest you most alongside these. You can complete a course schedule similar to standard college semesters, or tackle less modules as your time allows. The material is taught via a mixture of online learning, classroom tutorials and/or labs at the weekends. I found this a really enjoyable way to study and you have the same, full access to all the campus facilities and benefits as full-time students such as the college library & student assistance groups. I really enjoyed many of the modules. I was a bit nervous about Maths but that ended up being one of my favourite subjects.
Martin McNamara | Student
The course has a great variety of modules and being able to choose four elective modules, allowed me to tailor some of the course to suit my needs for what I wanted to help in my career. A module which I found to be very useful for me was CAD modelling. The software used in the module was solidworks, which is the same software used in my company. Having never used solidworks before, by the end of the module I had a strong understand of the basics of the software and could create very detailed drawings. I recently moved into a new role in work and having a good knowledge of solidworks was a definite advantage over others going for the same role. This course has broadened my knowledge of the industry and opened more possibilities of where I can take my career. I found the flexibility of being able to complete the course between two and four years great as I was able find a balance between home life, work and education that suited me. The benefit of this course to me was a major factor for me when choosing to follow on and start the degree cycle of this course which I hope will further enhance my career prospects.
