Automation and Robotics

Bachelor of Engineering

Course Details

Course Code	GA_EAURG_B07
Level	7
Duration	3 years
Credits	180
Method of Delivery	Blended
Campus Locations	Donegal – Letterkenny Galway City – Dublin Road
Mode of Delivery	Part Time

How to Apply

Course Overview

The part-time Bachelor of Engineering in Automation and Robotics is an industry-led degree designed to upskill employees in the manufacturing sector. This is an innovative programme that has been designed in close consultation with manufacturing industries in the western region who have identified a requirement to up-skill their employees.

The aim of the programme is to graduate engineers that can build and manage modern manufacturing cells. The graduate profile will be in automation and robotics applied to advanced manufacturing with skills in HMI configuration and networking.

This programme is a first step to addressing the emergent Industry 4.0 requirements of manufacturing companies. Graduates of this programme will have the skills and knowledge to design and maintain automated manufacturing processes, and integrate in-house and vendor automation solutions.

Flexible Study

This programme is offered on both a full-time and part-time basis.

Recommended Study Hours per week

Students will undertake 60 credits per year, which is a full-time academic load. Their employer should commit to reduce their professional workload by a minimum of 12 hours per week during the academic year to accommodate study time and a minimum of 4 hours for the rest of the year to work on their project.

Examination and Assessment

The modules will be assessed by both continuous assessment, via ongoing assignments coupled with extensive group project work, and an exam week.
Note: Where assessment on the programme involves examinations, these are held on campus or at another exam venue in the Republic of Ireland. There are typically two exam periods: January and May. Times scheduled for examinations (face to face / online exams ) are in GMT.

On-Campus Attendance Requirement

Semester 1 & 2, one day per week on-site for laboratory work (9am to 6pm) in ATU Galway City. Semester 3 custom industry training and Industry Project / Work Placement. Each year students attend either one or two weeks of certified training (Allen Bradley and FANUC).
Note: Check programme Examination and Assessment requirements, as they may involve examinations to be taken on campus.

Download a prospectus

Undergraduate Prospectus Online, Flexible & Professional Development Prospectus

Entry Requirements

Applicants should be in employment and will be required to have support from their employer to engage with the course. The employer must agree to release learners to join online lectures on two evenings per and one day on-campus.

Applications are made directly to the Institute by participating companies. The main cohort of students will come from local manufacturing industries. They will attend the course while maintaining their full-time employment.

Students from industry may start in Year 1, or they may avail of advanced entry depending on their background and qualifications. It is expected that students with a cognate QQI HETAC Level 6 (e.g. Technicians) may avail of advanced entry into Year 2. Those students have to complete the Industry training that is part of the Industry Module in Semester 3 of Year 1.

Applicants with a cognate QQI FETAC LEVEL 6 (e.g. Electricians) may avail of advanced entry into Year 2. Those students have to complete the Industry training that is part of the Industry Module in Semester 3 of Year 1, plus a bridging module ‘Applied Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths’ to aid their transition back to education.

For applicants presenting Leaving Certificate qualifications standard entry requirements apply. This programme is not offered through the CAO.

Mature Applicants:

Applications from mature applicants (aged 23 on or before 1st January of the course commencement year) are welcomed by ATU. These applicants do not have to meet the Leaving Certificate entry requirements and are considered on an individual basis (previous education, work experience, and demonstration of ability and competence to undertake the programme). They may be invited for interview. This will be used to rank applicants where demand exceeds the available places on a programme.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning may be used to gain access to this programme in accordance with ATUs Recognition of Prior Learning policy. For more information on the RPL Process, please visit https://www.myexperience.ie/about/how-rpl-works/

Fees

Total Fees EU: €18000

Skillnet funding is available for employers registering learners on the course.

Further information on fees

Further Information

Who Should Apply?

The is an industry-led degree designed to upskill employees in the manufacturing sector. Graduates of this programme have the skills and knowledge to design and maintain automated manufacturing processes and integrate in-house and vendor automation solutions.