Key information for BEng in Mechanical Engineering

Code: SE723 | Level: 7 | Duration: 3 years | Delivery: Fulltime | Credits: 180

Location for BEng in Mechanical Engineering

Location: Waterford | Campus: Cork Road

Application Information for BEng in Mechanical Engineering

Next Intake: Rolling Intake | Application Status: Open | Fee Information Link: /current-students/fees-and-grants/fees/undergraduate-fees

Study Options for BEng in Mechanical Engineering

Study abroad options: Available (View details at https://www.setu.ie/global/global-mobility)

International Applicants information for BEng in Mechanical Engineering

International Application Status: Open | Application Information Link: https://www.setu.ie/global/study-at-setu/applying-to-setu | International Fees Link: https://www.setu.ie/current-students/fees-and-grants/fees/global-fees

What modules are taught in BEng in Mechanical Engineering?

Year 1: Sem 1: Electrical Technology | Sem 2: Production Technology 1, Sem 1: Engineering Professionalism & Technology | Sem 2: Engineering Drawing / CAD, Sem 1: Engineering Science | Sem 2: Mechanical Science, Sem 1: Mechanical & Manufacturing Technology | Sem 2: Machine System, Sem 1: Mechanical Workshop | Sem 2: Introductory Calculus, Sem 1: Fundamental Engineering Maths | Sem 2: Materials Technology 1 | Year 2: Sem 3: Mathematical Methods | Sem 4: Calculus, Sem 3: Engineering Drawing / Design | Sem 4: Electronics & Control, Sem 3: Applied Computing | Sem 4: Power Systems, Sem 3: Materials Technology 2 | Sem 4: Production Technology 2, Sem 3: Production Plant | Sem 4: Engineering Design Analysis, Sem 3: Workshop 2 | Sem 4: Project | Year 3: Sem 5: Engineering Design Process | Sem 6: Engineering Design Operations, Sem 5: Fluid & Thermodynamics | Sem 6: Mechatronics 2, Sem 5: Mechatronics 1 | Sem 6: Static & Dynamic Systems, Sem 5: Mechanics of Materials & FEA | Sem 6: Robotics & Control, Sem 5: Differential Equations | Sem 6: Dynamics & Control, Sem 5: Project 1 | Sem 6: Project 2

SE723 Waterford

Bachelor of Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

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Programme Overview

The Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in Mechanical Engineering is a three-year full-time NFQ Level 7 degree designed to train students in the core principles of machinery design, manufacturing, and applied thermal-fluid sciences. Mechanical engineering applies mathematics and physical science to transform concepts into functional mechanical systems—ranging from everyday consumer appliances to complex automotive engines and aerospace technologies. The programme equips students with a practical, cross-disciplinary skill set spanning computer-aided design (CAD), fluid power, materials testing, and automotive systems to meet the operational demands of modern manufacturing and product development.

Practical Learning & Industrial Visits

The course emphasizes experiential, laboratory-based learning and direct exposure to industrial facilities:

Specialized Laboratory Training: Practical instruction is conducted across dedicated campus facilities, including Workshop, Automation, Materials Science, and Automotive laboratories.
Applied Fluid Power & CAD: Hands-on training in computer-aided drafting (CAD), 3D modelling, and the operation of industrial pneumatic and hydraulic circuits.
Industrial Visits & Field Trips: Regular site visits to regional manufacturing plants and engineering facilities provide real-world context for theoretical principles and expose students to contemporary industrial workflows.

Coursework

The three-year Level 7 curriculum delivers comprehensive coverage of foundational engineering sciences and mechanical design disciplines:

Engineering Mathematics & Applied Science: Core calculus, analytical mechanics, thermodynamics, and material science fundamentals.
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) & Technical Drawing: 2D engineering drafting, 3D parametric modelling, geometric dimensioning, and design documentation.
Hydraulics & Pneumatics: Fluid mechanics principles, hydraulic pump and actuator systems, pneumatic circuit design, and fluid power control.
Automotive Technology & Automation: Internal combustion engines, vehicle dynamics, drivetrain mechanisms, automated machinery, and manufacturing process control.

Career Opportunities

Graduates earn an accredited Level 7 engineering degree that opens immediate employment opportunities as engineering technicians across automotive, aerospace, biomedical, energy, and manufacturing sectors:

Mechanical Engineering Technician
CAD & Mechanical Design Specialist
Production & Automation Technician
Maintenance & Plant Engineering Technician
Technical Sales & Field Service Engineer
Direct Academic Progression to Level 8 Honours Degree (BEng Hons / BSc Hons) in Mechanical Engineering or Manufacturing Engineering

Upon completion of the BEng degree, graduates possess the practical machine design skills, analytical confidence, and laboratory experience required to support complex mechanical engineering projects across modern industry.

Year 1

Semester 1	Semester 2
Electrical Technology	Production Technology 1
Engineering Professionalism & Technology	Engineering Drawing / CAD
Engineering Science	Mechanical Science
Mechanical & Manufacturing Technology	Machine System
Mechanical Workshop	Introductory Calculus
Fundamental Engineering Maths	Materials Technology 1

Year 2

Semester 3	Semester 4
Mathematical Methods	Calculus
Engineering Drawing / Design	Electronics & Control
Applied Computing	Power Systems
Materials Technology 2	Production Technology 2
Production Plant	Engineering Design Analysis
Workshop 2	Project

Year 3

Semester 5	Semester 6
Engineering Design Process	Engineering Design Operations
Fluid & Thermodynamics	Mechatronics 2
Mechatronics 1	Static & Dynamic Systems
Mechanics of Materials & FEA	Robotics & Control
Differential Equations	Dynamics & Control
Project 1	Project 2

Leaving Cert: Minimum entry requirements for BEng in Mechanical Engineering:

5 subjects: O6/H7
English or Irish: O6/H7
Mathematics: O6/H7

Advanced and Equivalent Entry for BEng in Mechanical Engineering:

Students who complete this level 7 degree programme can choose either to graduate after three years or progress on to a related level 8 degree.

Completion of a level 8 programme will also enable students to undertake taught Masters programmes or Masters degrees by research at SETU Waterford or other third-level colleges.