At the School of Engineering we are focused on ensuring that you will be educated to the highest standards, and will have the necessary qualifications to avail of all of the professional opportunities presented to you, both in Ireland and across the world. You will be enrolled on an integrated five year programme; a Bachelor of Engineering (BE) (four years, Level 8) + a Master of Engineering (ME) (one year, Level 9). Students on the BE+ME pathway will avail of advanced engineering modules, a substantial research and development project, and a work placement.  Upon successful completion of the five years of study, graduates will have the educational qualifications required for progression to Chartered Engineer. 

 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 

• Mathematics & Applied Mathematics I
• Mathematics & Applied Mathematics II
• Engineering Statistics
• Thermodynamics & Fluid Mechanics
• Electronic Instrumentation & Sensors
• Strength of Materials
• Theory of Machines & CADD
• Manufacturing Technology & CAIRDE
• Materials I
• Electrical Circuits & Systems
• Fundamentals of Operations Engineering 

Year 3 

• Electromechanical Power Conversion
• Fluid Dynamics
• Mechanical Analysis & Design
• Finite Element Methods in Engineering I
• Thermodynamics & Heat Transfer
• Linear Control Systems
• Automated Systems
• Mechanical Vibrations
• Machine Design Project
• Systems Reliability 
• Quality Systems 

Year 4 

• Biomechanics 
• Safety Engineering
• Digital Control Systems for Automation and Robotics
• Finite Element Methods in Engineering II
• Computational Fluid Dynamics
• Materials II
• Energy Conversion
• Advanced Mechanical Analysis & Design
• Project Management for Engineers
• Introduction to Regulatory Affairs in Manufacturing
• Professional Skills
• Mechanical Engineering Professional Experience Programme (BE+ME) 

Year 5   
See here.  

Curriculum Information

• Integrated Master's Programme: All students are enrolled in an integrated five-year Bachelor of Engineering (BE) and Master of Engineering (ME) program, providing the educational qualifications required for progression to Chartered Engineer. 
• Comprehensive Design Focus: Mechanical Engineering focuses on the design and manufacture of parts and systems for a vast array of machinery and equipment, from everyday items to complex industrial systems. 
• Real-World Problem Solving: the programme develops skills to face challenges for a newer, better, faster, more reliable and more environmentally friendly products and processes. 
• Hands on Project Work: The curriculum includes individual and group project work where students design and build innovative mechanical systems, turning ideas into reality.  
• Industry collaboration: research in mechanical engineering involves close collaboration with industry, both local and international, especially in fields like materials, medical devices, fluid dynamics, and energy. 

Mechanical Engineering is one of the most wide-ranging of engineering disciplines, offering diverse and exciting career opportunities. Graduates are in high demand in various sectors, making a significant impact on the world around them. You will find rewarding careers in: 

• Manufacturing: designing tools and processes to create a vast range of man-made products 
• Automotive: contributing to the design of vehicles, including electric vehicles and motorsport 
• Aerospace: working in aircraft and aeroengine design 
• Power Generation and Renewable Energy: developing systems for electricity generation, including wind turbines and heating/cooling in buildings. 
• Research & Development: innovating in fields like materials, medical devices, fluid dynamics, and energy. 
• Industrial Design: conceiving ideas and overseeing products from concept to commercial application. 
• Project Management: leading and coordinating engineering projects from inception to completion. 
• Engineering Software Development: creating tools and programmes to support mechanical engineering design and analysis. 

Mechanical Engineering provides a solid foundation for your career, developing strong analytical, scientific, and creative problem solving skills. This includes the managerial and personal skills necessary for effective teamwork on joint projects. The integrated BE+ME programme ensures you gain the educational qualifications required for progression to Chartered Engineer status, which is recognised internationally, strengthening your ability to compete at the highest level for employment globally.  

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

All engineering students at University of Galway are automatically enrolled in the integrated “BE + ME” programme – a five-year pathway that leads to both a Bachelor of Engineering (BE, Level 8) after four years and a Master of Engineering (ME, Level 9) after five years. This structure ensures graduates meet the educational standards required to progress toward becoming a Chartered Engineer.   

A key feature of the programme is valuable work placement experience. This provides invaluable industry exposure with a diverse range of employers, for example ESB, SSE, Thermo King, DP Energy, Wood, EirGrid, Shell, CIÉ, Fingleton White, and Boston Scientific. Some students use this opportunity to pursue an international work placement.   

•  BE + ME students: Complete an eight-month work placement in Year 4, alongside advanced modules and a major research and development project.   
• BE-only students: If students opt to exit after Year 4 with just the BE degree, they will undertake a work placement lasting between four and eight months in Year 3.   

Students choose between continuing to the ME or exiting with the BE at the start of Year 3, allowing flexibility based on career goals.   

For new students, no decision is required now – the choice happens in your third year, giving you time to explore your options.   

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  

The Mechanical Engineering programme at the University of Galway is designed to develop highly skilled and adaptable engineers. The curriculum combines coursework in various aspects of mechanical engineering extensive practical experience. This includes individual and group project work, where you will have the opportunity to design and build innovative mechanical systems

Course queries: 
mecheng@universityofgalway.ie   

Programme Director(s):  
Dr Eoin King
Programme Director, Mechanical Engineering
School of Engineering
College of Science & Engineering
E: eoin.king@universityofgalway.ie 

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 
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 those candidates who have achieved the points requirement for the programme that year, who satisfy the general requirements for Matriculation in the College of Engineering and Informatics 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.