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.
This course is available through the following application route(s)
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: Calculus • Chemistry • Creativity in Design • Electrical/ Electronic Engineering • Energy Engineering Engineering Computing • Linear Algebra Mathematics • Mechanics • Physics
Second to Fifth Year
Core modules for Mechanical Engineering students may include: Advanced Metals Processing • 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 • Measurement & Instrumentation • Statistics & Probability • Electrical Machines • Modelling and Simulation • Data Analytics for Engineers
A student’s week includes attending lectures and tutorials, as well as participating in laboratory-based workshops, group projects and undertaking independent study.
A combination of end-of-trimester written examinations and continuous assessment is used. In your final year, you will also submit a report on your research project.
Progression Requirements
At the end of year 3, students can choose either to pursue a 4-year BE or 5-year ME degree pathway, subject to meeting GPA requirements.
Professional Work Experience
Professional Work Experience (PWE) is incorporated into the 4th year of the integrated ME Mechanical Engineering programme. Six-to-eight-month internships (the majority of which are paid) have included the following employers: AbbVie, Accenture, Advanced Surgical Concepts, Ethos Engineering, Fingleton White, Irish Distillers, Jacobs Engineering, Jaguar Land Rover and Jabil Healthcare, Logitech and OHB Germany.
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, Germany, New Zealand, Singapore, UK, USA.
Opportunities are extraordinarily diverse, making graduates highly resilient to changing economic circumstances. Recent graduates are currently employed in the energy, biomedical, aeronautical, aerospace, automotive, manufacturing and IT sectors.
You can also pursue graduate study internationally or as a part of UCD’s accredited Masters degree, e.g. ME in Biomedical Engineering, ME in Computer & Electronic Engineering, ME in Electrical Power Engineering, ME in Engineering with Business, ME in Energy Systems Engineering. Those with a strong interest in research also have the opportunity to pursue a PhD.
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.
| 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 |
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)
I chose to study mechanical engineering for its wide range of career opportunities. Throughout the course, after acquiring numerous new skills, I discovered that mechanical engineers are responsible for more than just product design; we also play a significant role in material selection, manufacturing processes, and crucial business decisions. The course can be rigorous for many, but this challenge is what shapes us as engineers. Above all, my experience with mechanical engineering at UCD has been enriching and empowering, leaving me with the confidence that any problem can be solved with the right attitude. I would recommend engineering to anyone with an interest in math and physics, aiming to enhance and innovate their environment.
Muhammad Rameel Rizwanuddin, Student
How to Apply
General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Mechanical Engineering:
| ROWCLASS | Apply to |
|---|---|
| showAudience-audienceInt | NUS1 Engineering Bachelor of Engineering Full-Time Commencing September 2025 Undergraduate Degree (Non EU) Non EU Undergraduates |
| showAudience-audienceEU | DN150 Engineering Bachelor of Engineering Full-Time Commencing September 2025 Application through CAO |
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 |
|---|---|
| showAudience-audienceInt | NUS1 Engineering Bachelor of Engineering Full-Time Commencing September 2025 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. |