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Mechanical Engineering

BE (NFQ Level 8)
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Sustainable Development Goals

This course is available through the following application route(s)

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Mechanical engineers help to improve our world. We face unprecedented challenges, from understanding climate change, to managing global mobility, to finding sustainable growth pathways for the burgeoning population in the developing world. Mechanical Engineering in UCD provides you with the education, skills and knowledge you’ll need to understand the challenges, and help to develop the new solutions we need. Working in areas ranging from energy to aerospace, biomedicine or manufacturing, mechanical engineers are changing our world for the better. They create new solutions, integrate disparate technologies, increase energy efficiency, reduce our consumption of natural resources and minimise our impact on the local and global environment. If you want to help forge a path to a brighter future, Mechanical Engineering at UCD is the place for you.

About This Course

First Year

Engineering students follow a common first year. Modules include:

  • Chemistry
  • Creativity in Design
  • Electrical/Electronic Engineering
  • Energy Engineering
  • Engineering Computing
  • Mathematics
  • Mechanics
  • Physics

Second to Fifth Year

Sample modules for Mechanical Engineering students include:

  • Mechanical Engineering Design
  • Mechanics of Fluids
  • Materials Science & Engineering
  • Heat Transfer
  • Electrical & Electronic Circuits
  • Manufacturing Engineering
  • Mechanics of Solids
  • Professional Engineering
  • Engineering Thermodynamics
  • Applied Dynamics
  • Biomechanics
  • Measurement & Instrumentation
  • Control Theory

A student’s week includes attending lectures and tutorials, as well as participating in laboratory-based workshops and undertaking independent study. A combination of end-of-semester written examinations and continuous assessment is used. In your final year, you’ll also submit a report of your research project.

Students have the opportunity in their third year to spend either one or two trimesters studying abroad in a partner University, there are options to study in countries such as Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, New Zealand, Singapore, UK, USA.  To date, students have studied in:

  • University of California, Berkeley, USA
  • Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), USA
  • EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
  • Australia, France and New Zealand

See our UCD Global exchanges page for more information

Opportunities are extraordinarily diverse, making graduates highly resilient to changing economic circumstances. Recent graduates are currently employed in:

  • Energy, biomedical, aeronautical and manufacturing sectors
  • IT companies
  • Management and project management
  • Research

Graduates can pursue taught or research master's in Mechanical Engineering, Energy Systems Engineering, Engineering with Business, or Biomedical Engineering in UCD or elsewhere. Those with a strong interest in research also have the opportunity to pursue a PhD.

Professional Work Experience (PWE) is incorporated in the ME programme. Six-to eight-month internships (the majority of which are paid) have included the following employers: AbbVie, Accenture, Boston Scientific, Fingleton White, Glen Dimplex, Henkel, Hilti, Jacobs Engineering, Jaguar Land Rover, and Nypro.

Also check out the UCD Career Networks career guide for the College of Engineering & Architecture for details on the career supports available to UCD students.

UCD Engineering and Architecture Programme Office,
Engineering and Materials Science Centre,
Belfield,
Dublin 4
Tel: +353 1 716 1868
Email: eng.arch@ucd.ie
Web: www.ucd.ie/engineer

Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Core Modules
 CHEM10030 Chemistry for Engineers Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 CHEN10040 Intro. to Eng. Computing Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 CVEN10040 Creativity in Design Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 EEEN10010 Electronic and Electrical Engineering I Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 MATH10250 Introduction to Calculus for Engineers Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 PHYC10150 Physics for Engineers I Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 MATH10260 Linear Algebra for Engineers Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 MEEN10030 Mechanics for Engineers Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 MEEN10050 Energy Engineering Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 PHYC10160 Physics for Engineers II Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of:
In the Spring Trimester, Students must select at least one OPTION Module from the list of Stage 1 Option Modules.Students may also select one Elective Module. The First Year Elective can be from anywhere in UCD.However, if preferred, students may select another module related to Engineering by choosing another OPTION Module from the following list or one from the list of ADDITIONAL OPTION Modules.The recommended workload is 30 credits (6 modules) per Trimester.For information on choosing Option Modules, please refer to the Programme Office website for Current Engineering students.
 CHEN10010 Chemical Engineering Process Principles Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of:
In the Spring Trimester, Students must select at least one OPTION Module from the list of Stage 1 Option Modules.Students may also select one Elective Module. The First Year Elective can be from anywhere in UCD.However, if preferred, students may select another module related to Engineering by choosing another OPTION Module from the following list or one from the list of ADDITIONAL OPTION Modules.The recommended workload is 30 credits (6 modules) per Trimester.For information on choosing Option Modules, please refer to the Programme Office website for Current Engineering students.
 COMP10060 Computer Science for Engineers I Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of:
In the Spring Trimester, Students must select at least one OPTION Module from the list of Stage 1 Option Modules.Students may also select one Elective Module. The First Year Elective can be from anywhere in UCD.However, if preferred, students may select another module related to Engineering by choosing another OPTION Module from the following list or one from the list of ADDITIONAL OPTION Modules.The recommended workload is 30 credits (6 modules) per Trimester.For information on choosing Option Modules, please refer to the Programme Office website for Current Engineering students.
 CVEN10060 The Engineering and Architecture of Structures 1 Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of:
In the Spring Trimester, Students must select at least one OPTION Module from the list of Stage 1 Option Modules.Students may also select one Elective Module. The First Year Elective can be from anywhere in UCD.However, if preferred, students may select another module related to Engineering by choosing another OPTION Module from the following list or one from the list of ADDITIONAL OPTION Modules.The recommended workload is 30 credits (6 modules) per Trimester.For information on choosing Option Modules, please refer to the Programme Office website for Current Engineering students.
 EEEN10050 Introduction to Biomedical Eng Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of:
In the Spring Trimester, students may may select one First Year Elective Module. The Elective can be from anywhere in UCD. However, if preferred, students may select another Module related to Engineering by choosing one of the following ADDITIONAL OPTIONS:
 BSEN10010 Biosystems Engineering Design Challenge Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of:
In the Spring Trimester, students may may select one First Year Elective Module. The Elective can be from anywhere in UCD. However, if preferred, students may select another Module related to Engineering by choosing one of the following ADDITIONAL OPTIONS:
 BSEN10020 How Sustainable is My Food? Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of:
In the Spring Trimester, students may may select one First Year Elective Module. The Elective can be from anywhere in UCD. However, if preferred, students may select another Module related to Engineering by choosing one of the following ADDITIONAL OPTIONS:
 CVEN10050 Challenges in Civil Engineering Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of:
In the Spring Trimester, students may may select one First Year Elective Module. The Elective can be from anywhere in UCD. However, if preferred, students may select another Module related to Engineering by choosing one of the following ADDITIONAL OPTIONS:
 DSCY10060 Energy, Climate Change & Policy Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of:
In the Spring Trimester, students may may select one First Year Elective Module. The Elective can be from anywhere in UCD. However, if preferred, students may select another Module related to Engineering by choosing one of the following ADDITIONAL OPTIONS:
 DSCY10070 Materials in Society Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of:
In the Spring Trimester, students may may select one First Year Elective Module. The Elective can be from anywhere in UCD. However, if preferred, students may select another Module related to Engineering by choosing one of the following ADDITIONAL OPTIONS:
 EEEN10020 Robotics Design Project Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 EEEN20020 Electrical and Electronic Circuits Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 MATH20290 Multivariable Calculus for Eng Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 MEEN20010 Mechanics of Fluids I Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 MEEN20020 Manufacturing Engineering I Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 MEEN20050 Heat Transfer Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 MEEN20030 Applied Dynamics I Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 MEEN20040 Mechanics of Solids I Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 MEEN20060 Mechanical Engineering Design I Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 MEEN20070 Materials Science and Eng. I Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 STAT20060 Statistics & Probability Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 0 of:
All Stage 2 Mechanical Engineering students may select two Elective Modules, one in each Trimester to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per Trimester. However, if preferred, students may select other Modules related to Engineering by choosing one or two of the following ADDITIONAL OPTION Modules, to give a total workload of 30 credits per Trimester.
COMP20080 Computer Science for Engineers II Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 0 of:
All Stage 2 Mechanical Engineering students may select two Elective Modules, one in each Trimester to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per Trimester. However, if preferred, students may select other Modules related to Engineering by choosing one or two of the following ADDITIONAL OPTION Modules, to give a total workload of 30 credits per Trimester.
EEEN20010 Computer Engineering Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 0 of:
All Stage 2 Mechanical Engineering students may select two Elective Modules, one in each Trimester to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per Trimester. However, if preferred, students may select other Modules related to Engineering by choosing one or two of the following ADDITIONAL OPTION Modules, to give a total workload of 30 credits per Trimester.
SCI20020 Introduction to Project Management and Leadership Autumn and Spring (separate)  5
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 0 of:
All Stage 2 Mechanical Engineering students may select two Elective Modules, one in each Trimester to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per Trimester. However, if preferred, students may select other Modules related to Engineering by choosing one or two of the following ADDITIONAL OPTION Modules, to give a total workload of 30 credits per Trimester.
COMP10060 Computer Science for Engineers I Spring  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 ACM30030 Multivariable Calculus Eng II Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 EEEN30250 Electrical Machines for Mechanical Engineers Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 MEEN30030 Mechanical Engineering Design II Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 MEEN30090 Materials Science and Engineering II Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 MEEN30100 Engineering Thermodynamics II Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 EEEN30150 Modelling and Simulation Spring  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 MEEN30010 Applied Dynamics II Spring  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 MEEN30020 Mechanics of Solids II Spring  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 MEEN30040 Measurement & Instrumentation Spring  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 MEEN30140 Professional Engineering (Finance) Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 0 of:
All Stage 3 Mechanical Engineering students may select two Elective Modules, one in each Trimester to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per Trimester. However, if preferred, students may select other Modules related to Engineering by choosing one or two of the following ADDITIONAL OPTION Modules, to give a total workload of 30 credits per Trimester.
IA20010 Creative Thinking & Innovation Autumn and Spring (separate)  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 0 of:
All Stage 3 Mechanical Engineering students may select two Elective Modules, one in each Trimester to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per Trimester. However, if preferred, students may select other Modules related to Engineering by choosing one or two of the following ADDITIONAL OPTION Modules, to give a total workload of 30 credits per Trimester.
SCI20020 Introduction to Project Management and Leadership Autumn and Spring (separate)  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 0 of:
All Stage 3 Mechanical Engineering students may select two Elective Modules, one in each Trimester to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per Trimester. However, if preferred, students may select other Modules related to Engineering by choosing one or two of the following ADDITIONAL OPTION Modules, to give a total workload of 30 credits per Trimester.
MEEN30130 Energy Systems in Buildings I Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 0 of:
All Stage 3 Mechanical Engineering students may select two Elective Modules, one in each Trimester to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per Trimester. However, if preferred, students may select other Modules related to Engineering by choosing one or two of the following ADDITIONAL OPTION Modules, to give a total workload of 30 credits per Trimester.
MEEN30160 Biofluids Spring  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
 MEEN30180 Prof. Eng. Project (Mech) 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr)  15
Stage 4 Core Modules
 MEEN40010 Engineering Thermodynamics III Autumn  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
 MEEN40020 Mechanics of Fluids II Autumn  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
 MEEN40030 Manufacturing Engineering II Autumn  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
 MEEN41330 Data Analytics for Engineers Autumn  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
 MEEN40430 Professional Engineering (Management) Spring  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
 MEEN41150 Advanced Metals Processing Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A)1 of:
Select 1 Option Module:
 EEEN40010 Control Theory Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A)1 of:
Select 1 Option Module:
 CHEN40560 Process Control Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - B)2 of:
Select 2 Option Modules:
 MEEN40050 Computational Continuum Mechanics I Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - B)2 of:
Select 2 Option Modules:
 MEEN40080 Technical Ceramics Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - B)2 of:
Select 2 Option Modules:
 MEEN40090 Energy Systems and Climate Change Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - B)2 of:
Select 2 Option Modules:
 MEEN40160 Materials Thermodynamics and Kinetics Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - B)2 of:
Select 2 Option Modules:
 MEEN40600 Medical Device Design Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - B)2 of:
Select 2 Option Modules:
 MEEN40110 Advanced Polymer Engineering Spring  5

SDG6 SDG7 SDG 9 SDG 13

By joining the UCD College of Engineering and Architecture, you will be part of a vibrant community of students and faculty who are committed to creating a more sustainable and equitable future. The mission of the College of Engineering and Architecture is to affect a just transition to a more sustainable and equitable future through our education of professionals in engineering, architecture, planning and policy, and our research in technology, design, and policy.  The College, in our engineers and architects, brings together the technical expertise to deliver and create infrastructure and technologies that can create a more sustainable future and, uniquely, the College, in our planners and environmental policy researchers, also brings together the research and professions required to create the policies and the regulatory environment that supports technological and infrastructure development, and that can also scrutinise and investigate the behavioural changes affected by our technologies.

The programmes at UCD are designed to equip students with the best education in their chosen field, while at the same time embedding the UN’s sustainable development goals (SDG’s) in their education where most relevant.

Engineering: 

The college offers a wide range of engineering disciplines, ensuring that our students are educated in the fundamental principles of engineering, while also embedding sustainable practices and principles. The goal is to educate engineering professionals who can play an active role in developing innovative, engineering-based solutions to the challenges of sustainability and equity.

  • Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6)
  • Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7)
  • Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9)
  • Climate Action (SDG 13)

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General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Mechanical Engineering:

ROWCLASS Apply to   Application Type  
showAudience-audienceInt NUS1
Engineering
Bachelor of Engineering		 Commencing 2024/2025 September Undergraduate Degree (Non EU)
Non EU Undergraduates		 Apply
showAudience-audienceEU DN150
Engineering
Bachelor of Engineering
Full-Time
Commencing 2024/2025 September
 Application through CAO Apply via CAO
* you can change options at the top of the page

Additional special entry route(s) to Mechanical Engineering:

These options have additional eligibility requirements to cater for specific applicant cohorts. You should not apply via these routes before consulting the requirements or contacting the responsible UCD office.

ROWCLASS Apply to   Application Type  
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt NUS1
Engineering
Bachelor of Engineering		 Commencing 2024/2025 September Access Progression Pathway
Access Progression Pathway
Application to this Non-EU Access Progression Pathway is by invitation only. If you are not currently enrolled on an Access programme at UCD, your application will be marked as invalid.
If you are not a current Access student, but you are a non-EU applicant seeking admission to an undergraduate degree, please submit an application via the "Undergraduate Degree (Non-EU)" course type.		 Apply
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