Are you naturally good with math and science subjects and able to process a good analysis? Engineering is a promising field, be it for the advancement of your own personal growth and humankind. The study in engineering is versatile so you can have the option to work in a number of different fields. The development of technology that is unceasingly happening results in the excessive demand for engineering graduates. However, not all of the demand has been met by high-skilled workforce. If you wish to pursue engineering, you can tailor the subjects that you take based on your area of interest in the exact sciences field. There are five major branches of engineering that most universities offer an engineering degree in. The five main disciplines are:
- Civil engineering
- Chemical engineering
- Electrical engineering
- Mechanical engineering
- Engineering management
Ireland is one of the best study destinations for engineering field as the country offers impeccable education from reputable institutions. Graduates of engineering from Ireland will have sufficient competencies to have a career in the fields, such as civil, telecommunications, automotive, and other related fields.
What is Engineering all about?
A lot of students that are deciding on which academic to pursue often come across engineering and ponder upon the area of studies is all about. Engineering is a section of technology and science focusing on the creation and design of machines, engines, electrical systems, and structures. It covers a very broad topic that is deeply rooted in both mathematics and science principles.
As mentioned previously, there are five general engineering disciplines that can lead to an array of different engineering courses:
1. Electrical engineering
There is a crucial type of engineering that focuses on small circuits and electrical power supplies as electronics are used in nearly every aspect of our lives. You will be studying about the electrical equipment through processes such as designing, developing and testing it.
2. Civil engineering
Civil engineering oversees the construction of buildings, roads, bridges, and transportation networks, such as rail and water.
3. Chemical engineering
This combines different subjects and experiments in life sciences that focuses on the development of new materials.
4. Mechanical engineering
You will be developing mechanical solutions that cater to the needs of society with a concentration on manufacturing, designing and maintaining many mechanical systems.
5. Engineering management
Engineering management specialises in the form of management that is required to successfully lead engineering or technical personnel projects. It typically requires training and experience in both general management and specific engineering discipline.
Why study Engineering in Ireland?
Here are a few reasons why pursuing engineering in Ireland pays off:
1. It promises a high-paying job security
A report released by Grad Ireland finds that engineering graduates from the class of 2018 are regarded as one of the hottest payment sectors. Engineers easily get high paying salaries even with the tough competition and growth in the technological market. This aids you to lead a good lifestyle that provides basic facilities in insurance and medical sector.
2. Option to choose from several branches
As engineering provides a wide range of branches, there are a lot of fields to choose from. You can choose to study one minor course and develop a career out of it. From robotics to computer science, intelligent buildings and sustainable energies - an engineering degree encompasses many different specialist career paths in developed and developing countries.
3. Shift your professionalism up a gear
Engineering study comprises of advanced study programs in its curriculum and you will be provided with the scope to work thoroughly with and top level professionals that impart professionalism into individualism. Learning with such connoisseurs enables you to gain and develop your skills. If you want to have the knowledge, attitude and skills to travel and work, Ireland will give you the preparation you need.
4. Innovative and creative curriculum
Engineering study and work demands innovation and creativity to create new technology. Such creativity allows you to encounter new ideas and techniques. Ireland is one of the experts in innovation, ranked 14th in the world for innovation, leading Ireland to the expert in teaching all kinds of engineering and the catalyst of research too.
5. Contribution towards society
Undoubtedly, technology has made the world a better place to live. You will help in shaping your city, infrastructure, and the relationships with the rest of the world. Irish engineers have long travelled the globe to share the world-class know-how on every imaginable project.
6. Ample job availability and rising demand of engineers
Ireland is continually posed with the shortage of engineering graduates. The increment of salary in starting positions and thousands of job vacancies has not guaranteed a meet in the demand of workforce in Ireland. This can absolutely be the primary reason to take engineering course in Ireland if you would like to take a chance on putting a step on an international career landscape!
What subjects are taught in Engineering course in Ireland?
In the engineering course, you will learn the nut and the bolt related to technology development. Certain engineering course that you take will determine the subjects that you will come across. Here are some of the variety of subjects that are available:
Civil, Urban Development and Environmental Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Structure Engineering
- Architecture
- Environmental Engineering
Electrical and Electronics Engineering
- Energy, Electrical Engineering
- Computer and Electronics Engineering
Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
- Material Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Optical Engineering
Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Biosystem Engineering
- Food Technology
- Chemical Engineering and Bioprocess
What are the skills and characteristics needed for Engineering course?
There are a few characteristics and skills that are ideal for engineering course:
Able to think critically
A career in engineering field will require you to evaluate an issue quickly and henceforth take the right decision to either solve or devise the issue. The ability to think critically will aid you to do the right thing and be flexible with the situation faced. This is important because the working environment in engineering field is rather dynamic and rapid.
Likes math and science subjects
If you choose to go through engineering path, you will be faced with a lot of mathematical and scientific case studies. Engineering course is generally designed for graduates to possess a sound, logical reasoning. As such, the study will elicit many scientific and mathematical studies as the parameter.
Active and dynamic
In contrary to the other pure science studies that are theory-based, engineering studies will involve practical field and real case studies. If you want to be on board with engineering field, you will have to deal directly with real situational problems. With an active and dynamic persona, you will be able to handle problems that you will encounter in the fields.
Interpersonal and communication skills
Students in the STEM field places technical skill compared to communication skill. However, an effective communication skill is just as important. To be successful and innovative in the position, you will have to be able to articulate your ideas well.
What are the top Universities in Ireland that offer Engineering courses?
The table below showcases the top universities in Ireland for their engineering courses, according to QS Universities:
| University | Location | World Ranking |
| Trinity College Dublin | Dublin | 165 |
| University College Dublin | Dublin | 206 |
| University College Cork | Cork | 289 |
| National University of Ireland Galway | Galway | 295 |
| University of Limerick | Limerick | 338 |
| Dublin City University | Dublin | 372 |
| Technological University Dublin | Dublin | 401-450 |
What is the career outlook for Engineering graduates from Ireland like?
Source: Marine Insight
Upon graduation, there are various types of professional careers that you can choose as an engineer.
- Aeronautical engineering
- Agricultural engineering
- Biomedical engineering
- Chemical engineering
- Civil engineering
- Computer engineering
- Electric engineering
- Environmental engineering
- Marine engineering
- Petroleum engineering
Salaries that engineers make are generally very high in Ireland, depending on the field of work.
Here is the list of probable wage that engineers earn according to PayScale:
Aeronautical engineering: EUR 27,000 - 53,000
Biomedical engineering: EUR 25,000 - 52,000
Chemical engineering: EUR 30,000 - 77,000
Civil engineering: EUR 27,000 - 61,000
Computer engineering: EUR 30,000 - 66,000
Environmental engineering: EUR 26,000 - 61,000
Electrical engineering: EUR 29,000 - 63,000
How long is the duration of Engineering studies in Ireland?
In most cases, the length of studies taken to complete engineering courses in Ireland is similar to Malaysia. The duration of studies will depend on the level of studies that is taken.
Diploma: 1 year
Bachelor's degree: 3-5 years
Master's degree: 1 year
What are the entry requirements for Engineering courses in Ireland?
Each university has different entry requirements and the list below does not generalise the entry requirement of universities in Ireland as a whole.
Undergraduate
SPM: Pass 12 years of formal education in the country of origin, such as STPM (Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia), with a minimum average score of 7.5
English: IELTS (minimum 5.5 - 6.0 overall), TOEFL (minimum 550 or 80)
A-Level: 3 science subjects minimum score of B
International Baccalaureate Diploma: 3 subjects at grade 5 at Higher Level and 3 subjects at grade 4 at Standard Level
Postgraduate
Bachelor’s Degree: CGPA minimum 2.5 - 3.0
English: IELTS (minimum 6.5 - 7.0 overall), TOEFL (minimum 650 or 98)
Supporting documents: Recommendation letter and updated CV
How much is the tuition fee for Engineering courses in Ireland?
There is a different variant to tuition fees in Ireland, depending on the course and university that is chosen. The estimated tuition fee per annum for Engineering course in the top universities in Ireland can be seen here:
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin: EUR 18,860
University College Dublin: EUR 23,800
University College Cork: EUR 17,057
National University of Ireland Galway: EUR 12,750
Dublin City University: EUR 12,825
The fee above only covers the tuition fee and not other additional fees nor living expenses. Living expenses of students in Ireland depend on the location of the university and the city that you live in.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I prepare myself for an engineering course?
In the engineering studies, you will find a lot of advanced subjects that are closely tied to science and mathematical subjects. You can prepare yourself by taking up challenging advanced level of mathematical and science subjects. You also need to get used to peer/ group studies as it is crucial to have a discussion with your friends over the course of studying.
2. How do I choose the best university for engineering course?
You should be choosing a university that suits yourself. There are many factors to consider, such as campus environment, location, facilities and tuition fee. For some stances, you can also consider other engineering schools that aren’t necessarily in the top 10 of the country. You can contact our counselors to have a better guide and consultation regarding this.
3. When can I enrol to a university in Ireland?
If you’re interested to continue to study in Ireland, the general admission will be different for each university. For instance, Trinity College Dublin opens their intake in November and February.