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HDip in Spectroscopic Technologies & Data Analysis for Advanced Manufacturing

HDip (NFQ Level 8)

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

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This Higher Diploma has been structured in such a way to allow those currently working to upskill in this area, the course is 60 credits in total, 20 each trimester, which is a manageable load for those currently working. Additionally the flexible delivery of this programme – 70% of the content is online, is available either in real time or via recordings to suit your learning needs. It is designed to upskill a target cohort of STEM graduates seeking to either upskill or return to the workplace to gain sustainable employment, or those already in the workplace, who are seeking to develop high level skills in Spectroscopic Technologies and Data Analysis for Advanced Manufacturing, thus future proofing graduates with advanced skills in emerging technologies relevant to advanced manufacturing industries (including bioprocessing, biomaterial, chemical and food processing).

This multidisciplinary diploma addresses the National need for the development and deployment of advanced spectroscopic technologies and digital skills. Although new technologies are available to provide massive and continuous data for improved process understanding and control, many industries still rely on manual acquisition and interpretation of data, due to a lack of skilled workforce. Students will develop skills in data analysis, sensors, automation and analytical technologies, which have been highlighted as key to the competitiveness of Irish industry (Manufacturing in Ireland: today, tomorrow and Beyond, Ibec, 2022). These skills are of critical importance in mitigating against unemployment exposure within the biological, chemical, food other advanced manufacturing industries, future proofing graduates with advanced skills in emerging technologies relevant to advanced manufacturing industries (including bioprocessing, biomaterial, chemical and food processing).

Modules are offered across three Schools in the UCD College of Engineering and Architecture (Biosystems Engineering, Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering and Mechanical and Materials Engineering). This unique cross-cutting interdisciplinary programme also addresses the following priority skills needs for enterprise (as identified by the Regional Skills Fora and the National Training Fund advisory group):  Advanced Spectroscopy, Good Manufacturing Practice, Quality Management in Food/Biopharma/Pharma/Materials production, Analytical Science, Industrial Instrumentation, Calibration, Statistics, Data Analytics. Big Data, Smart Manufacturing IOT and Industry 4.0.

Course Content and Structure:

  • The Diploma in Spectroscopic Technologies and Data Analysis for Advanced Manufacturing comprises 60 credits of Modules (11 modules).  These modules are offered across the Spring and Autumn Trimesters.
  • All lectures and tutorials occur during weekdays. Remote lectures & labs are available for those who cannot attend in person.
  • Modules are delivered in real-time to full-time students and made available online (in real time and via recordings) to off-site learners

The programme has a flexible, blended approach:

  • Core teaching materials will be made available online through Brightspace. Students will be able to access these in their own time.
  • Synchronous engagement, using a flipped classroom or tutorial approach available in class with live/recorded broadcast using a virtual classroom
  • Relatively rapid response discussion boards through Brightspace. Online students will be able to secure additional learning support if they are not able to attend the synchronous activities. These will be supported by teaching assistants.
  • Laboratory practical sessions on campus. Delivered in blocks of 3 hrs scheduled in advance to allow attendance planning.

Assessment will be through a mix of problem-based activities design to evaluate module specific outcomes, with at least 3 outcomes contributing to each of the programme outcomes. Where possible, written examinations will not exceed 50% weighting and practical-based assessments will exceed 25% weighting.

This programme is also suitable for those who are working as the content is delivered approximately 70% online. Additionally as most modules can be done either in real time or via recordings – this gives workers flexibility in managing their learnings around their work hours.

Module Information: 
Under the "What modules can I take?" section below you will see general module information, for a more detailed description including module selection rules click here

About This Course

On completion of this programme, graduates will be able to

  • Describe their understanding of PAT, outline the components and operation of a generic system for deployment of spectroscopic technologies in advanced manufacturing and identify specific use cases and how they are implemented.
  • For given examples, combine specific hardware and software technologies to solve known technical challenges associated with implementing PAT.
  • Appraise a new situation and design a solution for advanced manufacturing using Spectroscopic Technologies and Data Analysis.
  • Explain in understandable terms, why their solutions are appropriate and why they will work to overcome a particular challenge.
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge by being able to interpret new technical and systematic developments in Spectroscopic Technologies and Data Analysis for Advanced Manufacturing.

Graduates with skills in Advanced Spectroscopy, Analytical Science, Instrumentation, Calibration and Data Analytics are highly sought after in the food/pharmaceutical/materials manufacturing industries.

Job readiness is embedded in this programme through both credit bearing and non-credit bearing modules.  

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
 BSEN30590 MATLAB and R for beginners Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 BSEN40860 Chemometrics 1 Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 BSEN30520 Sensors and Sensing Systems Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 BSEN40520 Optical Spectroscopy Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 BSEN40870 Chemometrics 2 Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 BSEN30600 PAT Project Summer  20
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 2 of:
AUTUMN OPTIONS: Select two (10 credits) of the following Optional Modules in the Autumn Trimester
 BSEN40500 Hyperspectral imaging Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 2 of:
AUTUMN OPTIONS: Select two (10 credits) of the following Optional Modules in the Autumn Trimester
 BSEN40820 Carbon Footprinting Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 2 of:
AUTUMN OPTIONS: Select two (10 credits) of the following Optional Modules in the Autumn Trimester
 CHEN40120 Biopharmaceutical Industry Regulation and Management Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 2 of:
AUTUMN OPTIONS: Select two (10 credits) of the following Optional Modules in the Autumn Trimester
 CHEN40770 Data Sci for Biopharm Manufact Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 2 of:
AUTUMN OPTIONS: Select two (10 credits) of the following Optional Modules in the Autumn Trimester
 MEEN40800 Engineering Project Management - Tools & Techniques Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 1 of:
SPRING OPTIONS: Select one of the following Optional Modules in the Spring Trimester
 BSEN40620 Biorefinery Process & Tech O/L Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 1 of:
SPRING OPTIONS: Select one of the following Optional Modules in the Spring Trimester
 BSEN40750 IoT enabled AgriFood Prod Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 1 of:
SPRING OPTIONS: Select one of the following Optional Modules in the Spring Trimester
 COMP47990 Machine Learning with Python (Online) Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 1 of:
SPRING OPTIONS: Select one of the following Optional Modules in the Spring Trimester
 MEEN40310 Project Management Spring  5

Programme Director - Professor Aoife Gowen

"The process analytical technology (PAT) initiative is a key driver of adaptive processing, transforming approaches to quality assurance in manufacturing industries, leading to better process control and ultimately improved product quality. Spectroscopic technologies are recognized as a key facilitator of the PAT concept, however the big data produced by such instrumentation requires knowledge of the fundamental light-material interactions that result in a spectrum and understanding of multivariate chemometric data analysis techniques that can be utilized to gain relevant information from the measured data. This diploma is designed to upskill STEM graduates seeking to return to the workplace to gain sustainable employment, or those already in the workplace, who are seeking to develop these high level skills."

HDip in Spectroscopic Technologies & Data Analysis for Advanced Manufacturing (T389) Full Time
EU          fee per year - € 8730
nonEU    fee per year - € 13780

***Fees are subject to change

Funding: A limited number of funded places are now open through www.springboardcourses.ie 

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  • Applicants should hold a 2.2 or higher honours degree (NFQ Level 8 or International equivalent) in a STEM subject. Other disciplines and holders of Certificate and Diploma qualifications will be considered subject to an application detailing suitable mathematical, technological, and analytical skills, particularly if these can be demonstrated by experience in a relevant industrial/work environment.
  • Applicants will be initially screened to confirm that they satisfy the HCI Pillar 1 eligibility requirements; following this, their eligibility for the programme in terms of their educational record, skills and motivation will be assessed via CV and letter of motivation. Should more than 20 students be eligible, at this point a ranking will be carried out based on the CV and letter of motivation. A dedicated programme administrator will be assigned to review the applications.
  • Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes


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General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to HDip in Spectroscopic Technologies & Data Analysis for Advanced Manufacturing:

ROWCLASS Apply to   Application Type  
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt T389
HDip in Spectroscopic Technologies & Data Analysis for Advanced Manufacturing
Higher Diploma		 Full-Time
Commencing 2024/2025 September		 Graduate Taught Apply
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