Courses
Applied Industrial Research
Certificate
Course Details
| Course Code | LL_GAPPL_S |
|---|---|
| Level | 9 |
| Duration | 1 semester |
| Credits | 10 |
| Method of Delivery | Online |
| Campus Locations | Donegal – Letterkenny |
| Mode of Delivery | Part Time |
| Work placement | Yes |
Course Overview
This course provides students with the opportunity to engage in a minimum 8-week industry placement to apply advanced research skills in a professional context. It emphasises the role of research in driving innovation, addressing real-world challenges, and contributing to the host organisation’s strategic objectives. Students will work under the guidance of an industrial supervisor and an academic mentor, gaining insights into industry practices while enhancing their professional and research competencies.
This programme is open to registered Postgraduate students of ATU only.
Course Details
Year 1
| Semester | Module Details | Credits | Mandatory / Elective |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Applied Industrial ResearchThis module provides students with the opportunity to engage in a minimum 8-week industry placement to apply advanced research skills in a professional context. It emphasises the role of research in driving innovation, addressing real-world challenges, and contributing to the host organisation's strategic objectives. Students will work under the guidance of an industrial supervisor and an academic mentor, gaining insights into industry practices while enhancing their professional and research competencies. Learning Outcomes 1. Critically evaluate the contribution of their research field to the host organisation’s objectives and broader industry challenges. |
10 | Mandatory |
Recommended Study Hours per week
Engagement and Delivery:
• The student will be based in industry for the duration of the module. The placement may be fully based at the industry site or on a hybrid basis.
• The student will have academic and industrial support throughout the industrial placement in the form of weekly meetings with the academic supervisor and industrial mentor as well as continued advice and support from their industry based peers and management.
• The student will be based in industry for the duration of the module. The placement may be fully based at the industry site or on a hybrid basis.
• The student will have academic and industrial support throughout the industrial placement in the form of weekly meetings with the academic supervisor and industrial mentor as well as continued advice and support from their industry based peers and management.
Examination and Assessment
Assessment of Industry Studies will be conducted using pre-specified combinations of:
• Reflective Portfolio (50%)*: Students will critically document their placement experience, linking it to the module’s learning outcomes and providing evidence of their research contributions. This will include a letter of placement contribution and completion signed by the industry partner.
• Presentation (50%): Students will deliver a professional presentation summarising their placement outcomes and the application of their research to the host organisation’s objectives.
*Portfolio contents to be determined and aligned with confidentiality agreements between the researcher and the industry
• Reflective Portfolio (50%)*: Students will critically document their placement experience, linking it to the module’s learning outcomes and providing evidence of their research contributions. This will include a letter of placement contribution and completion signed by the industry partner.
• Presentation (50%): Students will deliver a professional presentation summarising their placement outcomes and the application of their research to the host organisation’s objectives.
*Portfolio contents to be determined and aligned with confidentiality agreements between the researcher and the industry
On-Campus Attendance Requirement
This course is fully online.
Download a prospectus
Entry Requirements
Candidates must hold a cognate Level 8 Bachelor (Hons) degree with a minimum grade classification of H2.2 or equivalent. Candidates who do not meet the H2.2 performance standard in a Level 8 award will be required to pass a qualifying assignment at a H2.2 performance standard as established by the Programme Board for the programme in question and as approved by the Registrar. Candidates must be current ATU registered Postgraduate students.
English Language Requirements
English Language Requirements will be as determined by ATU and as published in the Access, Transfer and Progression code. The current requirements are as follows:
Non-EU applicants who are not English speakers must have a minimum score of 6.0 (with a minimum of 6.0 in each component) in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or equivalent. All results must have been achieved within 2 years of application to ATU.
EU applicants who are not English speakers are recommended to have a minimum score of 6.0 (with a minimum of 6.0 in each component) in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or equivalent.
Recognition of Prior Learning
In accordance with its policies ATU is committed to the principles of transparency, equity and fairness in Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and to the principle of valuing all learning regardless of the mode or place of its acquisition. Recognition of Prior Learning may be used to:
i. gain access or advanced entry to a programme at Stage 2 or higher, subject to available places. (Stage 1 entry to undergraduate major awards is through CAO).
ii. gain credits and exemptions from programme modules after admission.
Applications
Applications for this programme are made directly to the University.
Selection
Direct applicants will be offered places in decreasing order of performance until all available places are exhausted following the initial application deadline. Thereafter, if additional places remain unfilled, offers will be made to eligible applicants until all places are filled.
Careers
The course significantly enhances graduate employability by embedding real-world application of research within industry contexts. It enables students to develop critical competencies such as problem-solving, collaboration, innovation, communication, and reflective practice. Graduates will emerge with demonstrable experience in applying advanced research methods to industrial challenges—an attribute highly valued by employers across the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors. By combining academic rigour with practical insight, the module strengthens the employability, versatility, and professional readiness of ATU postgraduate students.
Further Information
Who Should Apply?
This module is designed for postgraduate research students (particularly PhD and Research Masters) and postgraduate taught students seeking industry placement as part of their academic programme. Learners will typically be self-directed, research-active students aiming to enhance their applied skills, employability, and impact. The anticipated demand is high, initially driven by the cohort of PhD students already committed to undertaking placements, but likely to expand to a broader base of postgraduate students seeking industry experience.
Contact Information
Department
Electronic & Mechanical Engineering
