Mechanical Engineering (General Entry)Innealtóireacht Mheicniúil

Students choosing the Level 8 General Engineering course will have the option in Year 1 to choose between Mechanical or Automation Engineering. They are still the same well known and highly commended courses offered in previous years. We have combined the first few modules to give students more time to choose their specialisation.

Engineers are in extremely high demand right now in Ireland and globally with exponential growth in job opportunities, especially in the Mechanical and Automation sectors.

With such rapid advances in technologies in the healthcare and medical devices sector, robotics, pharmaceutical, automotive, food and beverage industries, graduates of these courses will be at the forefront of new technologies to help improve our quality of life through new innovative designs.

This level 8 course takes 4 years to complete and we ensure that additional tutorials are available for any students who may require additional academic support. The two engineering disciplines pride themselves on graduating students who are industry-ready after 4 years.

Students experience innovative teaching in modern laboratories and lectures. They can visit engineering companies, travel abroad for a semester or year to our partner Universities in France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Austria, China or seek work placements through our close links with engineering companies and past graduates in industry.

Engineering graduates are trained to be creative and inventive, and to solve difficult problems such as the development of new technologies from jet engines to robots to artificial hip implants to hybrid cars and train components.

Mechanical Engineers work at the leading edge of projects such as augmented reality, driverless cars, renewable energy sources and biocompatible materials for medical devices. In this four-year course, you’ll study subjects such as engineering graphics, mechanical science, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, materials science, machine dynamics and robotic systems. You’ll learn about engineering analysis, design and manufacture, and be trained in the use of complex equipment (computers, medical devices, robots, various consumer products). In our laboratories, you’ll face real-world issues and you’ll learn the language of engineers and begin to think like an engineer.  

• Select here to view course information on Mechanical Engineering

Automation Engineers are closely linked to mechanical and software engineers. They automate solutions to physical activities to create faster and more efficient ways of doing things. They automate systems in airports, ferry ports, rail systems and in almost every manufacturing plant through use of vision systems, robotics, sensor measurement and control. With advances in network communications they can often control manufacturing plants remotely. 

• Select here to view course information on Automation Engineering

Professional Accreditation

Engineers Ireland have accredited our courses for over 25 years now which means that graduates can travel worldwide and have their qualifications recognised abroad.

Leaving Certificate Requirements

QQI/FET Requirements

In addition to the QQI minimum entry requirements, QQI quotas and QQI points apply. The max QQI points awarded is 390. Further details at www.tudublin.ie/qqi

Mature Applicants

Applications from mature students (23+) are welcome. Further details at www.tudublin.ie/mature

English Language Requirements

If English is not your first language you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency as detailed on our website. Applicants for this course should have a minimum IELTS (Academic Version) English Proficiency of 6.0 overall (or equivalent).

Click on the link below to view an indicative timetable for this course. Timetables are subject to change and up to date timetables will be provided to students on commencement.

View Sample Timetable

Our past graduate engineers are working in exciting roles in Intel, Aer Lingus, Boeing, Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, Kerry Foods, Coca Cola, BMW, Siemens, Boston Scientific, Amazon, EY, Jones Engineering, Abbvie, Johnson & Johnson, Google and Microsoft.

Many graduates also work in medical device companies, hospitals, design companies, power plants and the energy sector. Our graduates often progress to project management roles and senior management within 7 years of graduating.

Irish/EU Applicants

Applications from all Irish/EU citizens are made through the Central Applications Office (CAO).

Note: Applicants presenting with the Irish Leaving Certificate or a QQI FET award, regardless of nationality, should apply through the CAO.

The standard closing date to apply is February 1st. Late applications will close on May 1st. For restricted courses, the closing date is February 1st. Please see important dates on the CAO website. For a detailed guide on how to apply, please visit our CAO Hub.

International Students (Non-EU) 

Applications from international students are welcome for this programme. If you meet any of the following criteria, applications should be made directly to TU Dublin via the “Apply Now – Non-EU” link on each programme webpage.

• You hold Non-EU Nationality, and you live in a Non-EU country.
• You hold EU Nationality, but you have not lived in an EU country for 3 of the last 5 years AND you have not attended 5 years primary/secondary education in an EU country.
• You require a Student Visa to study in Ireland

Note: Applicants presenting with the Irish Leaving Certificate or a QQI FET award, regardless of nationality, should apply through the CAO.

For full details on How to Apply, Visa & Immigration Information, Accommodation Information and International Fees, please visit our International Hub.

Application Dates for Non-EU Applicants

Applications for undergraduate courses commencing September 2026 are now open and will close in June 2026.

Advanced entry to Year 2 and subsequent years, please apply to TU809 Mechanical Engineering.

Mechanical Engineering
The site visits and engineers from industry inspired me to continue on with my studies and after only 4 years I graduated with an Engineers Ireland Accredited B.Eng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering.

Automation Engineering
With rapid advances in big data, artificial intelligence and faster mobile communications, employers need  the skills of Automation Engineering graduates who can design systems to think big and react fast.

Many graduates join Graduate Placement Programmes in industry immediately after graduation, others progress to Masters or PhD research or in some cases use their innovative skills to set up their own engineering companies. The opportunities are endless.