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2. Postgraduate
3. Taught Courses
4. Masters
5. Mechanical Engineering (Manufacturing, Process and Automation Systems)

Course Fact File

Code	MENMEC
Duration	1 Year Full-time
Teaching Mode	Full-time
Qualifications	MEngSc
NFQ Level	Level 9
Closing Date	Rolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised.
Non-EU Closing Date	Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.
Start Date	8 September 2025

Course Outline

Our Mechanical Engineering (Manufacturing, Process & Automation Systems) programme is offered by UCC  in response to sustained international demand for highly skilled graduates in mechanical engineering for manufacturing and process engineering industries. On completion of the course, you will be able to:

• show a thorough understanding of the principles and theoretical bases of modern manufacturing techniques, automation, and production processes;
• identify appropriate manufacturing systems for different production requirements and analyse their performance;
• apply appropriate technology, quality tools and manufacturing methodology to design, re-design, and continuously improve the manufacturing operations of engineering companies;
• plan, research, execute and oversee experiments and research projects, critically analyse and interpret data, and effectively disseminate results;
• work effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary team, be self-motivated, able to work independently, and demonstrate leadership.

Modules

Students take 90 credits as follows:

• Part I: 20 credits of core modules and 40 credits of elective modules.*
• Part II: Dissertation in Mechanical Engineering, to the value of 30 credits, completed over the summer months.

*Note Modules in Part I are offered subject to availability. Alternative modules may be offered. The choice of modules is subject to the approval of the Programme Coordinator.

PART I

Core Modules

• ME6019 Preliminary Research Project (10 credits)
• MG6021 Operations Management (5 credits)
• MG6315 Project Management (5 credits)

Elective Modules

Students must select a total of 40 credits of elective modules from Group A and Group B, with not less than 25 credits from Group A, the balance of credits from Group B, and with no more than 30 credits of elective modules selected in any single Semester.

Group A (all 5 credits)

• ME6002 CAD/CAM 
• ME6006 Non-Destructive Testing 
• ME6007 Mechanical Systems 
• ME6008 Robotics 
• ME6012 Advanced Robotics*
• CE6024 Finite Element Analysis 
• EE4012 Biomedical Design 
• EE6061 Industrial Automation and Control
• CS6506 Programming in Python
• CS6507 Programming in Python with Data Science Applications*
• NE6015 Data Analytics for Engineering

Group B (all 5 credits)

• PE6009 Pharmaceutical Engineering 
• PE6002 Optimisation and Continuous Process Improvement 
• PE6003 Process Validation and Quality 
• PE6007 Mechanical Design of Process Equipment 
• CE3010 Energy in Buildings 
• CE4016 Energy Systems in Buildings 
• EE6046 Introduction to Micro Electromechanical Systems (MEMS)

PART II

• ME6020 Dissertation in Mechanical Engineering (30 credits)

Notes*

• Students wishing to take CS6507 (Programming in Python with Data Science Applications) must also take CS6506 (Programming in Python).
• Students wishing to take ME6012 (Advanced Robotics) must also take ME6008 (Robotics).

Course Practicalities

Each module typically consists of 24 lectures, 12 hours of continuous assessment, plus additional supplemental reading and study, carried out over one of two 12-week semesters from September to December (Semester 1), or January to March (Semester 2). The exact workload in each teaching period will depend on the choice of modules. In addition, a substantial weekly commitment to the project module ME6019 is expected over both semesters.

Assessment

Individual modules have different methods of assessment but this typically consists of a single end-of-semester examination in December or April/May, plus continuous assessment throughout the relevant semester. This continuous assessment may consist of a combination of in-class tests, formal laboratories or practicals, design exercises, project work, written reports, and presentations.

Students who pass but fail to achieve an average mark of at least 50% across the taught modules excluding the Preliminary Research Project (ME6019) or do not achieve a mark of at least 50% in the Preliminary Research Project will be eligible for the award of a Postgraduate Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (Manufacturing, Process & Automation Systems).

Candidates passing Part I of the programme who do not wish to proceed to Part II may opt to be conferred with a Postgraduate Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (Manufacturing, Process & Automation Systems).

Why Choose This Course

This is the only broad-based masters degree in manufacturing and automation in Ireland.

Connected Curriculum

Our learning approach reflects our commitment to the Connected Curriculum where we emphasise the connection between students, learning, research and leadership through our vision for a Connected University. Our staff are at the forefront of this integrative approach to learning and will support you in making meaningful connections within and between disciplines such as engineering, management, and technology.

Available Scholarships

We support our postgraduate community by offering scholarships and bursaries to prospective and current students. Please see the SEFS Scholarships and Funding PG page for more information.

Skills and Careers Information

In response to the increasing demand for highly skilled graduates in the field of mechanical engineering applied to the manufacturing and pharma-chem industries, this course will produce mechanical engineering postgraduates who are proficient in the development and realisation of modern manufacturing, process and automation systems. 

Requirements

• Candidates must have a minimum Second Class Honours Grade I in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) in mechanical engineering or a closely related engineering discipline that should have covered mechanical engineering fundamentals such as mechanics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and materials.

Fees and Costs

How To Apply

The closing date for non-EU applications is Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.

Apply Now