Engineering (DN150/NUS1)

Your first year in Engineering at UCD will see you immersed in a completely new life from both an educational and a social perspective. Educationally, the first year is a common year which allows you gain an understanding of the many engineering disciplines available, before you specialise.

This year will be spent intensively learning and discovering how to solve problems through physics, chemistry, mathematics and computing, as well as gaining exposure to engineering subjects such as mechanics, energy engineering, creativity in design and electronic and electrical engineering. Throughout the year, you will be presented with information about the various specialisations, and given advice to guide you in making the right decision when choosing your engineering pathway at the end of first year.

UCD Engineering students also have the option to take elective modules throughout UCD on the Horizons programme. For more information on the Horizons programme please visit click here.

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.

All these programmes allow for study abroad, in universities with compatible engineering programmes around the world. The US universities are always popular, and there is competition for places there. The Erasmus programme provides for exchanges with other European universities – this usually means working in the local language. Study in other countries, such as Australia, New Zealand, China or Singapore, is also possible.

Study abroad is normally during one or both trimesters of Stage 3. If you choose suitable courses in the host university and achieve good results there, you will be awarded credit for this work as part of your degree programme in UCD.

Please visit the UCD Global website for more information on exchanges.

A world of opportunity awaits you as a UCD Engineering graduate and as our programmes are professionally accredited, they are fully recognised internationally. You’ll be able to establish a career in many sectors, including:

• Business
• Design
• Education
• Energy/clean technology
• Environment
• Food
• Healthcare
• Information and communications technology
• Infrastructure
• Research

You’ll be equipped with a mindset and skills that will make you an asset to any employer. The Engineering education offered by UCD is recognised by the world’s top companies. In addition to our wide range of BE degrees, UCD has numerous graduate programmes including taught Master’s degrees with specialisations in:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Biosystems & Food Engineering
• Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering
• Civil, Structural & Environmental Engineering
• Electrical Energy Engineering
• Electronic & Computer Engineering
• Engineering with Business
• Energy Systems Engineering
• Materials Science & Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Optical Engineering
• Structural Engineering with Architecture

There are also research programmes available to students at both Master’s and PhD level.

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

Non-EU Undergraduate Fee information can be found here.

UCD offers a number of competitive undergraduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD undergraduate degree programme. For information on Undergraduate Scholarships, please see the UCD International Scholarships webpage.

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 initially came to UCD for a year as a study abroad student but I ended up transferring because I loved it so much at UCD. Compared to America I could achieve my masters in 5 years as opposed to 6. I also love the people and I have found it really easy to make friends. By choosing to study internationally, I've taken what some may consider to be a non-traditional route, however, by taking the path less travelled I have ended up growing much more both academically and as an individual."

Sara Lolatte, Student, USA