This course is available through the following application route(s)
The ME in Mechanical Engineering is a two-year professional engineering graduate degree. Graduates of the programme will be eligible for the title of Chartered Engineer (CEng). This programme is aimed at graduate Mechanical Engineers seeking to obtain a masters degree in Mechanical Engineering. You will gain advanced theoretical, conceptual and practical knowledge in the application of Mechanical Engineering. Emphasis is placed on the skills required to generate new knowledge through research. This is achieved through independent and project-based learning while working with UCD academics and researchers on contemporary research projects. This programme is delivered by a highly research-intensive School holding 151-200 in the QS World Subject Rankings and Top 6 in Ireland/UK Employer’s and Research rankings and awarded €9.56 million in research funding between 2014-19.
The programme foundations are the core mechanical engineering subjects such as continuum mechanics, solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics and materials and is comprised of core and optional taught modules. , a research project and a professional work experience. Our strong research ethos present throughout the programme, is supported by a module in research skills and techniques, and practiced in an intensive research thesis. Other relevant skills relating to business, management and communications are also taught.
We empower our graduates to meet the challenges of their future professional careers or further education by providing them not only with advanced technical competency in solving engineering problems, but also with the ability to advance their career through increased technical and managerial responsibility and to the eventual attainment of leadership positions. We are committed to providing our students with an outstanding teaching experience, an innovative curriculum that includes professional work practice and training in the skills of research, innovation and technology transfer so that they are equipped to meet the challenges and demands of an ever-evolving society.
In the year immediately after graduation, this programme boasts a 95% success rate for graduates seeking employment or progression to research education. Mechanical engineers are at the centre of every area of technology.
Graduates from this programme will be eligible to become fully qualified professional engineers, capable of working anywhere in the world at an advanced technical level or as a professional engineering manager. In the recent past, UCD ME Mechanical Engineering graduates have progressed to careers in industries such as: aerospace industry (e.g. European Space Agency), automobile industry (e.g. Ferrari, Jaguar Land Rover, Ford, Denso), biomedical industry (e.g. Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Stryker), oil and gas (Cameron) and materials and manufacturing (Henkel, Kingspan).
The Professional Work Experience (PWE) module is incorporated into the two-year Masters of Engineering Programme and is designed to integrate a student’s academic and career interests with practical work experience for a 6-8 month period.
The module provides students with the perfect opportunity to gain increased experience and understanding of their chosen field. The practical skills acquired during this placement will give graduates a competitive advantage when applying for positions upon graduation.
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 |
MEEN40010 | Engineering Thermodynamics III | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
MEEN40020 | Mechanics of Fluids II | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
MEEN40030 | Manufacturing Engineering II | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
MEEN40050 | Computational Continuum Mechanics I | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A)1 of: PROFESSIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE: In Stage 1 (Year 1) ALL students MUST select ONE of the following REQUIRED MODULES relating to Professional Work Experience. |
MEEN40720 | ME Mech Prof. Work Exp. (Long) | 2 Trimester duration (Spr-Sum) | 30 |
Stage 1 Options - A)1 of: PROFESSIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE: In Stage 1 (Year 1) ALL students MUST select ONE of the following REQUIRED MODULES relating to Professional Work Experience. |
MEEN40710 | ME Mech Prof. Work Exp. (Shor) | Summer | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of: AUTUMN REQUIRED (ME CORE): In Stage 1 (Year 1) ALL students MUST select a maximum of TWO Option Modules in the Autumn Trimester: from the Autumn REQUIRED (ME CORE ) list below or the Autumn OPTIONS list. ***The following modules are REQUIRED for the ME (Mechanical Engineering) programme and must be passed prior to completion of the ME Programme. Students should follow the guidance of the Programme Director in selecting their modules. Any modules from this list, not taken in this year, will have to be taken in Stage 2 (Year 2) (before the completion of the ME Programme). |
MEEN40060 | Fracture Mechanics | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of: AUTUMN REQUIRED (ME CORE): In Stage 1 (Year 1) ALL students MUST select a maximum of TWO Option Modules in the Autumn Trimester: from the Autumn REQUIRED (ME CORE ) list below or the Autumn OPTIONS list. ***The following modules are REQUIRED for the ME (Mechanical Engineering) programme and must be passed prior to completion of the ME Programme. Students should follow the guidance of the Programme Director in selecting their modules. Any modules from this list, not taken in this year, will have to be taken in Stage 2 (Year 2) (before the completion of the ME Programme). |
MEEN40170 | Mechanics of Solids III | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 0 of: In Stage 1 (Year 1) ALL students MUST select a maximum of TWO Option Modules in the Autumn Trimester. These can be chosen from the Autumn REQUIRED (ME CORE) List or the following list of Autumn OPTION Modules. When credits for Autumn CORE and Autumn OPTION modules are combined, students must be registered to a total of 30 credits in Autumn. |
MEEN20050 | Heat Transfer | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 0 of: In Stage 1 (Year 1) ALL students MUST select a maximum of TWO Option Modules in the Autumn Trimester. These can be chosen from the Autumn REQUIRED (ME CORE) List or the following list of Autumn OPTION Modules. When credits for Autumn CORE and Autumn OPTION modules are combined, students must be registered to a total of 30 credits in Autumn. |
MEEN40080 | Technical Ceramics | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 0 of: In Stage 1 (Year 1) ALL students MUST select a maximum of TWO Option Modules in the Autumn Trimester. These can be chosen from the Autumn REQUIRED (ME CORE) List or the following list of Autumn OPTION Modules. When credits for Autumn CORE and Autumn OPTION modules are combined, students must be registered to a total of 30 credits in Autumn. |
MEEN40090 | Energy Systems and Climate Change | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 0 of: In Stage 1 (Year 1) ALL students MUST select a maximum of TWO Option Modules in the Autumn Trimester. These can be chosen from the Autumn REQUIRED (ME CORE) List or the following list of Autumn OPTION Modules. When credits for Autumn CORE and Autumn OPTION modules are combined, students must be registered to a total of 30 credits in Autumn. |
MEEN40160 | Materials Thermodynamics and Kinetics | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 0 of: In Stage 1 (Year 1) ALL students MUST select a maximum of TWO Option Modules in the Autumn Trimester. These can be chosen from the Autumn REQUIRED (ME CORE) List or the following list of Autumn OPTION Modules. When credits for Autumn CORE and Autumn OPTION modules are combined, students must be registered to a total of 30 credits in Autumn. |
MEEN40800 | Engineering Project Management - Tools & Techniques | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 0 of: In Stage 1 (Year 1) ALL students MUST select a maximum of TWO Option Modules in the Autumn Trimester. These can be chosen from the Autumn REQUIRED (ME CORE) List or the following list of Autumn OPTION Modules. When credits for Autumn CORE and Autumn OPTION modules are combined, students must be registered to a total of 30 credits in Autumn. |
MEEN40820 | Technical Comms (Online) | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 0 of: In Stage 1 (Year 1) ALL students MUST select a maximum of TWO Option Modules in the Autumn Trimester. These can be chosen from the Autumn REQUIRED (ME CORE) List or the following list of Autumn OPTION Modules. When credits for Autumn CORE and Autumn OPTION modules are combined, students must be registered to a total of 30 credits in Autumn. |
MEEN41330 | Data Analytics for Engineers | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 0 of: In Stage 1 (Year 1) ALL students MUST select a maximum of TWO Option Modules in the Autumn Trimester. These can be chosen from the Autumn REQUIRED (ME CORE) List or the following list of Autumn OPTION Modules. When credits for Autumn CORE and Autumn OPTION modules are combined, students must be registered to a total of 30 credits in Autumn. |
STAT40690 | Quantitative Methods for Engineers | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of: SPRING OPTIONS WITH SHORT PWE ONLY: Students who are taking MEEN40710 (PWE Short) must select 20 credits of Spring Trimester Option Modules. ***These may be from the Spring OPTIONS listed below. ***Alternatively, a student may take one 5-credit NEGOTIATED OPTION (an alternative Option) identified by the student, and approved by the relevant Module Coordinator, and Programme Director. This also requires formal approval granted by the Engineering Programme Board. |
MEEN40110 | Advanced Polymer Engineering | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of: SPRING OPTIONS WITH SHORT PWE ONLY: Students who are taking MEEN40710 (PWE Short) must select 20 credits of Spring Trimester Option Modules. ***These may be from the Spring OPTIONS listed below. ***Alternatively, a student may take one 5-credit NEGOTIATED OPTION (an alternative Option) identified by the student, and approved by the relevant Module Coordinator, and Programme Director. This also requires formal approval granted by the Engineering Programme Board. |
MEEN40670 | Technical Communication | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of: SPRING OPTIONS WITH SHORT PWE ONLY: Students who are taking MEEN40710 (PWE Short) must select 20 credits of Spring Trimester Option Modules. ***These may be from the Spring OPTIONS listed below. ***Alternatively, a student may take one 5-credit NEGOTIATED OPTION (an alternative Option) identified by the student, and approved by the relevant Module Coordinator, and Programme Director. This also requires formal approval granted by the Engineering Programme Board. |
MEEN41090 | Eng. Decision Support Systems | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of: SPRING OPTIONS WITH SHORT PWE ONLY: Students who are taking MEEN40710 (PWE Short) must select 20 credits of Spring Trimester Option Modules. ***These may be from the Spring OPTIONS listed below. ***Alternatively, a student may take one 5-credit NEGOTIATED OPTION (an alternative Option) identified by the student, and approved by the relevant Module Coordinator, and Programme Director. This also requires formal approval granted by the Engineering Programme Board. |
MEEN41100 | Operations Management | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of: SPRING OPTIONS WITH SHORT PWE ONLY: Students who are taking MEEN40710 (PWE Short) must select 20 credits of Spring Trimester Option Modules. ***These may be from the Spring OPTIONS listed below. ***Alternatively, a student may take one 5-credit NEGOTIATED OPTION (an alternative Option) identified by the student, and approved by the relevant Module Coordinator, and Programme Director. This also requires formal approval granted by the Engineering Programme Board. |
MEEN41150 | Advanced Metals Processing | Spring | 5 |
Stage 2 Core Modules |
MEEN40700 | ME Mechanical Thesis | 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr) | 25 |
Stage 2 Core Modules |
MEEN40560 | Research Skills and Techniques | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 2 Options - A)1 of: ME REQUIRED MODULES: In Stage 2 (Year 2) ALL students MUST Select ONE of the following REQUIRED modules: |
EEEN40010 | Control Theory | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 2 Options - A)1 of: ME REQUIRED MODULES: In Stage 2 (Year 2) ALL students MUST Select ONE of the following REQUIRED modules: |
CHEN40560 | Process Control | Spring | 5 |
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 0 of: ME REQUIRED MODULES (IF NOT PREVIOUSLY TAKEN): In Stage 2 (Year 2) the following ME REQUIRED Modules must be taken (if not previously taken) to be eligible for the ME Degree. |
MEEN40060 | Fracture Mechanics | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 0 of: ME REQUIRED MODULES (IF NOT PREVIOUSLY TAKEN): In Stage 2 (Year 2) the following ME REQUIRED Modules must be taken (if not previously taken) to be eligible for the ME Degree. |
MEEN40150 | Computational Continuum Mechanics II | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 0 of: ME REQUIRED MODULES (IF NOT PREVIOUSLY TAKEN): In Stage 2 (Year 2) the following ME REQUIRED Modules must be taken (if not previously taken) to be eligible for the ME Degree. |
MEEN40170 | Mechanics of Solids III | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 0 of: ME REQUIRED MODULES (IF NOT PREVIOUSLY TAKEN): In Stage 2 (Year 2) the following ME REQUIRED Modules must be taken (if not previously taken) to be eligible for the ME Degree. |
MEEN40190 | Mechanics of Fluids III | Spring | 5 |
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 0 of: ME REQUIRED MODULES (IF NOT PREVIOUSLY TAKEN): In Stage 2 (Year 2) the following ME REQUIRED Modules must be taken (if not previously taken) to be eligible for the ME Degree. |
MEEN40430 | Professional Engineering (Management) | Spring | 5 |
Stage 2 Options - C) Min 0 of: ME OPTIONS: In Stage 2 (Year 2) students should select a total of 30 credits from the various ME CORE Options Lists and the ME OPTIONS listed below following the guidance f the Programme Director to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per trimester. |
ACM40290 | Numerical Algorithms | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 2 Options - C) Min 0 of: ME OPTIONS: In Stage 2 (Year 2) students should select a total of 30 credits from the various ME CORE Options Lists and the ME OPTIONS listed below following the guidance f the Programme Director to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per trimester. |
MEEN20050 | Heat Transfer | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 2 Options - C) Min 0 of: ME OPTIONS: In Stage 2 (Year 2) students should select a total of 30 credits from the various ME CORE Options Lists and the ME OPTIONS listed below following the guidance f the Programme Director to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per trimester. |
MEEN40080 | Technical Ceramics | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 2 Options - C) Min 0 of: ME OPTIONS: In Stage 2 (Year 2) students should select a total of 30 credits from the various ME CORE Options Lists and the ME OPTIONS listed below following the guidance f the Programme Director to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per trimester. |
MEEN40090 | Energy Systems and Climate Change | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 2 Options - C) Min 0 of: ME OPTIONS: In Stage 2 (Year 2) students should select a total of 30 credits from the various ME CORE Options Lists and the ME OPTIONS listed below following the guidance f the Programme Director to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per trimester. |
MEEN40160 | Materials Thermodynamics and Kinetics | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 2 Options - C) Min 0 of: ME OPTIONS: In Stage 2 (Year 2) students should select a total of 30 credits from the various ME CORE Options Lists and the ME OPTIONS listed below following the guidance f the Programme Director to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per trimester. |
MEEN40800 | Engineering Project Management - Tools & Techniques | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 2 Options - C) Min 0 of: ME OPTIONS: In Stage 2 (Year 2) students should select a total of 30 credits from the various ME CORE Options Lists and the ME OPTIONS listed below following the guidance f the Programme Director to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per trimester. |
MEEN40820 | Technical Comms (Online) | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 2 Options - C) Min 0 of: ME OPTIONS: In Stage 2 (Year 2) students should select a total of 30 credits from the various ME CORE Options Lists and the ME OPTIONS listed below following the guidance f the Programme Director to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per trimester. |
MEEN41330 | Data Analytics for Engineers | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 2 Options - C) Min 0 of: ME OPTIONS: In Stage 2 (Year 2) students should select a total of 30 credits from the various ME CORE Options Lists and the ME OPTIONS listed below following the guidance f the Programme Director to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per trimester. |
MEEN41350 | Introduction to Robotics | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 2 Options - C) Min 0 of: ME OPTIONS: In Stage 2 (Year 2) students should select a total of 30 credits from the various ME CORE Options Lists and the ME OPTIONS listed below following the guidance f the Programme Director to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per trimester. |
STAT40690 | Quantitative Methods for Engineers | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 2 Options - C) Min 0 of: ME OPTIONS: In Stage 2 (Year 2) students should select a total of 30 credits from the various ME CORE Options Lists and the ME OPTIONS listed below following the guidance f the Programme Director to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per trimester. |
MEEN40110 | Advanced Polymer Engineering | Spring | 5 |
Stage 2 Options - C) Min 0 of: ME OPTIONS: In Stage 2 (Year 2) students should select a total of 30 credits from the various ME CORE Options Lists and the ME OPTIONS listed below following the guidance f the Programme Director to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per trimester. |
MEEN40670 | Technical Communication | Spring | 5 |
Stage 2 Options - C) Min 0 of: ME OPTIONS: In Stage 2 (Year 2) students should select a total of 30 credits from the various ME CORE Options Lists and the ME OPTIONS listed below following the guidance f the Programme Director to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per trimester. |
MEEN41150 | Advanced Metals Processing | Spring | 5 |
UCD is strongly committed to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), embedding sustainability in teaching, research, operations, and community engagement. Sustainability principles are integrated into this programme, ensuring students graduate equipped to address global challenges. UCD’s leadership in this area is internationally recognised, ranking 49th globally and 1st in Ireland in the QS World University Rankings for Sustainability 2024. UCD also leads impactful research in areas such as climate action, clean energy, and social equity, supported by a comprehensive Sustainability Strategy focused on reducing emissions, enhancing biodiversity, and fostering a sustainable campus culture.
Here are the SDGs which align more visibly with this programme:
Graduate Profile - Cathal McClean, ORIX Aviation
From a young age I have always been passionate about aircraft and flight, and this was the primary driving factor in my choice of Mechanical Engineering. Throughout my studies in UCD it’s been amazing to see my interests change simply from airplanes generally, to the calculations, materials, simulation, and manufacturing processes that contribute to keeping them in the air.
In the first year of the master’s I was able to spend eight months in an aircraft maintenance organization, which gave great context to the theory learned in classroom modules. Following on from this, I was fortunate enough to do a research thesis on the topic of fracture of composites; a material used extensively in aircraft structure.
UCD Mechanical Engineering is broad enough to give you the range and choice of topics to really pursue an area of interest to you. Where you are interested in fluid dynamics, or control systems, or micro manufacturing, or 3D printing, the framework is there to pursue these areas.
Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please see www.ucd.ie/global/scholarships/
The College of Engineering & Architecture also offer scholarships for non-EU students, for more information see: www.ucd.ie/eacollege/currentstudents/noneuscholarships/.
Full Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EU) applicants: Yes
General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Masters in Mechanical Engineering:
| ROWCLASS | Apply to |
|---|---|
| showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt | T165 Masters in Mechanical Engineering Master of Engineering Full-Time Commencing September 2026 Graduate Taught |
