Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. How do I apply for the course?
A. All students should apply online at www.ucc.ie/apply. For help with the applications procedure or additional information, EU students should contact the Graduate Studies Office, and non-EU students should contact the International Education Office in UCC.

Q. How much does it cost?
A. The latest fee schedules may be found from the UCC Fees Office. All non-EU students are also advised to contact the International Education Office

Q. Are there any scholarships for non-EU students?
A. Yes. Non-EU students can apply for a Quercus Scholarship which can give a 50% reduction in fees. Please note that this is a competitive award and only one Quercus scholarship can be awarded. International students will also automatically qualify for a merit-based fee reduction of up to 20%.

Q. How many places are available?
A. There is currently a quota of 15 students for the programme.

Q. Can I take the course part time?
A. No, the MEngSc is ONLY available as a 1-year full-time programme (www.ucc.ie/apply)

Q. Can I take the course in the evenings or at weekends?
A. No; due to timetabling restrictions and laboratory requirements with technical support, the MEngSc is a full-time daytime programme.

Q. What are the entry requirements?
A. Prospective students should already hold an honours Bachelor degree (NFQ level 8 or equivalent) in mechanical engineering or a closely-related engineering discipline with sufficient mechanical engineering content, with a minimum grade of 2H1 or GPA of 3.2/4.0 or 7.5/10.0

Q. What if I have a different qualification; will I still be eligible to apply for the MEngSc?
A. The programme requires applicants to have already obtained a minimum of a 2H1 grade in an honours Bachelor degree (NFQ level 8 or equivalent) in mechanical engineering or a closely-related relevant engineering discipline. This must have covered mechanical engineering fundamentals such as mechanics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and engineering materials. This minimum requirement is irrespective of any engineering work experience. Candidates with engineering degrees without sufficient mechanical engineering content such as degrees in electronics or microelectronics, and candidates with non-engineering backgrounds such as physics, science, business, commerce, education etc. are not usually eligible to apply. If you are in any doubt, please contact the Programme Director before applying.

Q. Which modules can I take?
A. This should be decided in conjuction with the Programme Director, as some choices may be determined by your previous experience. However, modules MG6021 Operations Management, MG6315 Project Management, ME6019 Preliminary Research Project, and ME6020 Dissertation in Mechanical Engineering, are compulsory.

Q. What is the Postgraduate Diploma?
A. The Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) is a NFQ level 9 qualification that may be awarded after Part I has been completed and before the dissertation (module ME6020) in Part II is attempted, either if a student does not wish to continue with the full MEngSc programme, or does not achieve a minimum overall average of 50% across their taught modules in Part I, or does not achieve 50% in module ME6019. You cannot apply directly for the PGDip, all candidates must apply for the MEngSc.

Q. How is the programme structured?
A. The academic year is divided into two Semesters, each of 12 weeks duration. Semester 1 starts in early September and finishes in mid-December, and Semester 2 starts in early January and finishes in late March. Most modules have continuous assessments that must be submitted at various points during each Semester, with formal written examinations for Semester 1 modules held in December, and those for Semester 2 modules held in April/May. All repeat examinations are held in August.

Q. When is the research/project work carried out?
A. The compulsory ME6019 Preliminary Research Project module spans both Semesters and starts in September and must be completed by the end of March. After the Semester 2 examinations are completed in May, the ME6020 module is started immediately and continues up to the first week of September, at which point the dissertation is submitted for examination.

Q. I am an International student with non-EU status; can I work in Ireland after I graduate?
A. Yes. Under the Third level Graduate Scheme, you are entitled to remain in Ireland for up to 24 months from the date you receive your exam results, for the purpose of seeking employment and applying for a green card or work permit. For more information on this, please visit the Irish Council for International Students website and also the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service pages.