Who is this course for?

The Master of Engineering (ME) programme at the University of Galway integrates advanced mechanical engineering studies with practical, industry-focused experience. Students undertake a substantial nine-month research and development project - the capstone of the Master’s - carried out in collaboration with an engineering industry partner to design and develop innovative mechanical engineering technologies. 

The programme also emphasises professional and transferable skills, including innovation, entrepreneurship, and research methodologies, preparing graduates to lead in dynamic technical environments. 

What will I study? 

Core modules cover advanced topics such as Mechanics of Materials, Finite Element Analysis, and Energy Systems, allowing students to deepen their technical expertise and gain a specialised understanding of modern engineering design and analysis. 

This combination of advanced coursework, hands-on research, and industry collaboration ensures graduates are equipped with both the theoretical knowledge and practical experience needed for cutting-edge engineering careers.

Curriculum Information

• Accredited 4+1 Pathway: Integrated Bachelor’s and Master’s programme meeting European Framework Standards for engineering accreditation.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) Eligibility: Completion of the accredited 4+1 structure fulfils the educational requirements for CEng status.
• Advanced One-Year Programme: A 60 ECTS, nine-month Level 9 course offering advanced study and research opportunities in mechanical engineering.
• Career and Research Focused: Designed to prepare graduates for professional engineering roles and innovative technology development or further research.

Graduates of the Master of Engineering (ME) at the University of Galway are highly sought after across a wide range of industries that require advanced technical expertise and innovative problem-solving skills. The programme’s strong industry links, research focus, and professional accreditation open doors to diverse and rewarding career paths. 

Typical career areas include: 

• Mechanical Engineering Industries: Power generation, renewable energy, transport, aerospace, offshore oil and gas, equipment and machine tool manufacturing, and general manufacturing.
• Biomedical Engineering: Design, development, and testing of medical devices and healthcare technologies.
• Engineering Management & Consultancy: Leadership, project management, and technical consultancy roles in global engineering firms.
• Software and Systems Engineering: Application of engineering principles to software design, automation, and advanced systems development.
• Research and Development: Opportunities to pursue further studies, including PhD-level research in advanced mechanical, materials, or energy systems engineering. 

With its blend of technical depth, research training, and professional accreditation, the ME equips graduates to excel in both industry and academia, driving innovation and shaping the future of engineering. 

All Engineering Degrees at University of Galway are professionally accredited by the statutory professional body, Engineers Ireland. This means that the degree has been assessed and approved to meet the educational requirements for professional Engineers. 

• Under an international agreement (Washingon Accord), any Degree accredited by the National professional body (Engineers Ireland) is recognized internationally. So having an “Accredited” degree means that employers outside of Ireland can (1) understand the quality/education achieved by a graduate and (2) know that it is equivalent to their own Education system/standards, and (3) can offer appropriate employment on this basis.
• Engineers Ireland require a Masters (Level 9) qualification as the education standard required for Registered Professional Titles of Chartered Engineer* The standard European engineering qualification (degree or diploma) is at level 9, and European industry maintains a strict differentiation between those engineers qualified at level 9 and those qualified at level 8. Any graduate interested in working in Europe/Worldwide is now strongly advised to get an accredited level 9 award. 

Engineers’ Ireland accreditation can be obtained at the following levels: 

• Level 8:  4-year honours degree - associate engineer 
• Level 9:  5-year masters degree - chartered engineer 

A Chartered Engineer holds the highest professional qualification in engineering. They are trusted to take full responsibility for the development and application of engineering across areas like research, design, construction, manufacturing, management, and education. Their work is intellectually challenging and varied, requiring original thinking, sound judgment, and leadership of both technical and administrative teams. 

Further information on Engineering Accreditation 

• Dr Eoin King 
• Dr Noel Harrison
• Prof Sean Leen
• Dr Pedram Masjedi

The Master of Engineering (ME) at the University of Galway offers a dynamic blend of advanced mechanical engineering study, research, and professional skill development. The programme’s structure is designed to provide both theoretical depth and hands-on, industry-relevant experience. 

Learning Approach

Students engage in a range of advanced modules that build on core undergraduate knowledge while expanding into specialised areas such as Advanced Mechanics of Materials, Finite Element Methods, Energy Systems Engineering, Computational Fluid Dynamics, and Advanced Manufacturing. The curriculum also integrates essential modules in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Project Management, and Research Methods, equipping graduates with the leadership and analytical skills needed in modern engineering practice. 

A central component of the programme is the nine-month research and development project, which serves as the Master’s capstone. Conducted in collaboration with an engineering industry partner, this project enables students to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges, develop new technologies, and gain valuable experience in teamwork, project planning, and innovation. 

How Will I Be Assessed? 

Assessment is continuous and varied, designed to evaluate both technical ability and professional competencies. It includes: 

• Research reports and project deliverables from the major industrial R&D project.
• Coursework assignments and design projects testing practical application of advanced theory.
• Written examinations for key technical modules.
• Presentations and group work to assess communication, innovation, and teamwork skills. 

This balanced approach ensures graduates leave with a strong foundation in mechanical engineering theory, practical problem-solving experience, and the professional skills required for leadership in industry or further research. 

Course queries: 
Dr Eoin King,
E: eoin.king@universityofgalway.ie 

Programme Director(s):  

Dr Eoin King,
E: eoin.king@universityofgalway.ie 

University of Galway recognises that knowledge and skills can be acquired from a range of learning experiences. This is in line with the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) goals which aim to recognise all learning achievements by supporting the development of alternative pathways to qualifications (or awards) and by facilitating the recognition of prior learning (RPL). 

This programme is designed to provide early and mid-career accountants with the skills and knowledge needed to engage with big data in a variety of roles in practice and industry. 
 
Candidates who have completed all of the professional accounting examinations and have been admitted as full members by a recognised professional accountancy body including the following: ACCA, CIPFA, CIMA, ICAEW, ICAI, ICAS or other IFAC member body assessed as equivalent by the academic programme director, are eligible for consideration.

Students in the Master of Engineering (ME) programme at the University of Galway develop a wide range of transferable skills that are highly valued across industries. These skills complement technical expertise and prepare graduates for leadership, innovation, and collaboration in diverse professional settings. 

Key transferable skills include: 

• Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Developing creative solutions, understanding technology commercialisation, and driving new product or process development. 
• Project Management: Planning, executing, and delivering complex engineering projects effectively, often in collaboration with industry partners. 
• Research and Analytical Thinking: Applying scientific methods, data analysis, and problem-solving techniques to investigate and optimise engineering systems. 
• Teamwork and Communication: Working effectively within multidisciplinary teams and presenting technical ideas clearly to both specialist and non-specialist audiences. 
• Leadership and Professional Skills: Managing time, resources, and people efficiently, while upholding professional and ethical engineering standards. 

These transferable skills ensure that graduates are not only technically competent but also adaptable, innovative, and ready to take on strategic roles in engineering, technology, and beyond. 

Minimum Entry Requirements  

Candidates must have a minimum Second Class Honours, Grade 2 (H2.2), in a Level 8 engineering degree in a related discipline, or equivalent, from a recognised university or third-level college. Factors taken into account in determining admission will include the specific content of the undergraduate degree, the applicant’s performance, and the availability of places. 

English Language Entry Requirements For applicants whose first language is not English, an English language proficiency of IELTS score of 6.5 is required (with no less than 6.5 in Writing and no less than 6.0 in any other band) or equivalent.  

More information on English language test equivalency are available here.  

Supporting Documents

You will be required to provide supporting documentation as part of your application. You can check here what supporting documents are required for this course.   

You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Please review the entry requirements set out in the section above.  

You will be required to upload supporting documentation to your application electronically. See the section above on entry requirements for further information on the supporting documentation required for this course.  

Closing Dates 

Please refer to the review/closing date website.

Notes 

• You will need an active email account to use the website and you'll be guided through the system, step by step, until you complete the online form.
• Browse the FAQ's section for further guidance.

Fees for Academic Year 2026/27

For 26/27 entrants, where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 1.8% per annum for continuing years fees.

Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,500 towards your tuition (2026/27).  You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee.  A P1 grant is where SUSI will pay tuition up to a maximum of €6,270. SUSI will not cover the student levy of €140.

Note to non-EU students: learn about the 24-month Stayback Visa here. 

Postgraduate Excellence Scholarships 

This scholarship is valued at €1,500 for EU students applying for full-time taught master's postgraduate courses. You will be eligible if: 

• You have been accepted to a full-time taught master's course at University of Galway,
• You have attained a first class honours (or equivalent) in a Level 8 primary degree.  

An application for the scholarship scheme is required (separate to the application for a place on the programme). The application portal for 2025 is now open and available here. Applications will close on the 30th September 2025. Full details available here.  

Global Scholarships

University of Galway offers a range of merit-based scholarships to students from a number of countries outside of the EU. Visit here for schemes currently available.  

Application Process 

Students applying for full time postgraduate programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Our application portal opens on the 1st October each year for entry the following September.   

Further Information 

Please visit the postgraduate admissions webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process.  

https://www.universityofgalway.ie/science-engineering/engineering/