At the School of Engineering we are focused on ensuring that you will be educated to the highest standards, and will have the necessary qualifications to avail of all of the professional opportunities presented to you, both in Ireland and across the world. You will be enrolled on an integrated five year programme; a Bachelor of Engineering (BE) (four years, Level 8) + a Master of Engineering (ME) (one year, Level 9). Students on the BE+ME pathway will avail of advanced engineering modules, a substantial research and development project, and a work placement.  Upon successful completion of the five years of study, graduates will have the educational qualifications required for progression to Chartered Engineer. 

Year 1 

• Fundamentals of Engineering
• Engineering Graphics
• Engineering Design
• Engineering Computing I
• Engineering Computing II
• Engineering Chemistry
• Engineering Physics
• Engineering Mechanics
• Engineering Calculus
• Engineering Mathematical Methods 

 Year 2 

• Mathematics & Applied Mathematics I
• Mathematics & Applied Mathematics II
• Engineering Statistics
• Principles of Building
• Theory of Machines & CADD
• Thermodynamics & Fluid Mechanics
• Electronic Instrumentation & Sensors
• Strength of Materials
• Community Engaged Building Project
• Electrical Circuits & Systems
• Introduction to Modelling  

Year 3 

• Energy Systems Electrical Design Project
• Power Electronics
• Fluid Dynamics
• Electromechanical Power Conversion
• Sustainable Energy
• Thermodynamics & Heat Transfer
• Linear Control Systems
• Design of Energy Systems for the Built Environment
• Energy in Buildings
• Turbomachines & Advanced Fluid Dynamics
• Combustion Science & Engineering
• Microprocessor Systems Engineering 

 Year 4 

• Sustainable Waste Management
• Power Systems
• Fundamentals of Python Programming
• Computational Fluid Dynamics
• Mechanical Analysis & Design
• Energy Conversion
• Project Management for Engineers
• Professional Skills
• Energy Systems Professional Experience Programme (BE+ME) 

Year 5  
See here. 

Curriculum Information

• Energy Systems Engineers are at the forefront of transforming how we use, store, and produce energy, meeting global energy needs while protecting the environment.
• The BE+ME in Energy Systems Engineering provides a fundamental grounding in traditional engineering types like mechanical, civil, and electronic engineering, combined with specialised knowledge of energy systems.
• Engage in individual and group projects aligned with community and industry partners, exploring energy and environmental challenges in practical and meaningful ways.
• Study innovative topics such as zero-carbon energy systems, fuels and hydrogen, zero energy buildings, and smart grids. 

Energy Systems Engineering graduates are uniquely positioned to lead the global transition towards a sustainable, secure, and resilient energy future. The multidisciplinary nature of this programme opens doors to a diverse range of career opportunities in some of the world’s leading companies. 

Graduates are ideally suited for careers in: 

• Power Generation and Transmission: designing and building giant wind turbines
• Smart Grid Design and Rollout: working in the control room of our power grid
• Electric Vehicles and Charging Networks: deploying electric vehicles and their charging infrastructure 
• Green Hydrogen Infrastructure: developing and deploying green hydrogen technologies
• Zero carbon buildings: designing and operating sustainable, energy-efficient buildings.
• Energy Supply Management: managing the flow and distribution of energy.
• Renewable Fuels and Infrastructure: developing and implementing new sustainable fuel sources.
• Environmental Protection and Research: contributing to environmental solutions and pioneering new energy technologies. 

Our graduates are employed at renowned companies such as Colas, ESB, EM3, Toyota, Gas Networks Ireland, EirGrid, Accenture, Kingspan, Carbon Trust, SSE, Deutsche Bahn, and General Electric.  

The integrated BE/ME program in Energy Systems Engineering is fully accredited by Engineers Ireland, providing you with a Level 8 Bachelor's degree and a Level 9 Master's degree, allowing you to achieve the educational requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status. This qualification enhances your international mobility and earning potential, preparing you for leadership roles in transforming organizations, communities, and businesses towards a more sustainable future. 

As part of our commitment to global learning, selected students will have the chance to spend a year studying at a partner institution in Spain. This unique opportunity offers academic enrichment, cultural exchange, and the experience of a lifetime.

As part of the Engineering degree at the University of Galway, students register for an integrated 5-year BE+ME programme. This means students will achieve a Level 9 Master's in Engineering after 5 years while also earning a Level 8 Bachelor's in Engineering after 4 years. Successful completion of all 5 years ensures graduates the full educational qualifications required for progression to Chartered Engineer Status.  

All Engineering students undertake a paid work placement as an integral part of their programme. This provides invaluable industry exposure with a diverse range of employers, for example Chipright, Valeo, Avaya, Aerogen, and Ex-Ordo.  Some students use this opportunity to pursue an international work placement.  

The duration of this placement varies depending on student pathway choice, made at the beginning of 3rd year.    

• Students on the 5-year BE+ME pathway: you will engage with advanced engineering modules, undertake a substantial research and development project, and complete an 8-month paid placement during 4th year.
• Students opting for a 4-year BE only: a shorter paid placement will occur during 3rd year. 

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 (Washington 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  

The Energy Systems Engineering programme provides a strong educational foundation, guiding you from fundamental engineering principles to specialised knowledge in sustainable energy solutions. 

Once you have mastered the fundamentals, you will delve into foundational engineering sciences behind Energy Systems Engineering, including thermos-fluids, electronics, machines, and materials. You’ll learn about energy use in buildings and gain practical experience through small-scale design projects with local NGOs.  

As your education progresses, you will cover wind and solar systems, hydro and ocean technology, and undergo group projects on subjects with engines, turbines, biofuels, and biomass. You will tackle advanced Energy Systems Engineering topics, including energy storage, designing and modelling energy systems, nuclear energy, green hydrogen, and smart grids. The year will culminate in a research project to ensure the highest educational standards.  

Taught modules will be assessed by a combination of exams (end of semester) and continuous assessment. In addition, each student will complete a project in their final year that focuses on one of the current areas of research in energy systems engineering. 

Course queries: 
energyeng@universityofgalway.ie   

Programme Director(s): 
Dr Magdalena Hajdukiewicz, 
Lecturer in Mechanical (Energy Systems) Engineering,
Programme Director, Energy Systems Engineering 
School of Engineering
College of Science & Engineering
E: magdalena.hajdukiewicz@universityofgalway.ie
T: 091 492732 

Minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at O6/H7 Level in the Leaving Certificate, including Irish, English, Mathematics, a laboratory science subject (i.e., Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physics with Chemistry (joint), Agricultural Science or Computer Science) or Technology, and any two other subjects recognised for entry purposes. Additional requirements: Minimum H4 in Mathematics or, alternatively, obtain a pass in the Engineering Maths Qualifying Exam (held in the University). 

Additional Requirements 
Students must obtain a minimum of Grade H4 in the Higher Level Leaving Certificate paper in Mathematics or, alternatively places available (which may vary in number year to year) may be allocated to those candidates who have achieved the points requirement for the programme that year, who satisfy the general requirements for Matriculation in the College of Engineering and Informatics and who attain a Pass in the Engineering Maths Qualifying Examination. The places available will be allocated in strict order of merit based points attained in the Leaving Certificate. Due to capacity constraints, not all candidates who achieve a pass in the examination may receive an offer. 

For A-Levels - A minimum of Grade C in A-Level Mathematics is required.

Alternative Pathways 
The Access Centre at University of Galway provides a number of alternative entry routes to undergraduate programmes. See below some useful links: 

• QQI/FET/FETAC Places
•  Mature Students
•  Access and Foundation programmes
•  HEAR Scheme
•  DARE Scheme 

Other Qualifications
If you are a school leaver presenting results other than Leaving Cert results, please review the entry requirements relevant to you:  

• A Level students
•  International Baccalaureate students
•   EU students 

For applicants whose first language is not English, it is important to check our English Language Requirements.  

Admissions Office  
Our Admissions Office provides additional detail relevant to CAO applicants including key dates, FAQs and instructions for non-school leavers.  

Irish and European (EU/EFTA/UK) Applicants
Apply via the CAO. See the CAO Handbook for useful information on applying through the CAO.  

Mature Applicants  
Apply via the CAO by 1 February. To apply for a place as a mature student, you must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the year of entry. Further information available here.  

QQI/FET/FETAC Applicants  
Apply via the CAO. See our QQI/FET/FETAC Applicants page for information on places available and entry requirements.  

Fees for Academic Year 2025/2026

• Most EU students applying through the CAO will be eligible for the ‘Free Fees Initiative’. You can find out more here.
• If you are eligible for a means tested SUSI grant this may cover 100% of this Student Contribution Charge. If you are 100% eligible SUSI will pay the Student Contribution Charge of €3,000 on your behalf. 
• The Student Levy It is payable by all students and it is not covered by SUSI
• Where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 3.4% per annum for continuing year fees. This applies to non-EU fees.
• You can find additional detail on the Fees Office webpage including FAQs and how fee status is assessed.

Equipment   
Some modules incorporate practical laboratories and for these, you may be required to purchase basic safety items such as a laboratory coat and safety goggles (approx. cost of €50).  

High-achieving undergraduate students are encouraged to apply for a range of prestigious scholarships that recognise academic excellence and support students in reaching their full potential. Click here for further Information. 

Application Process 
Students applying for full undergraduate degree programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), and who are liable for full non-EU tuition fees, should apply online via Apply to University of Galway. Our application portal opens on the 1st October each year for each the following September.   

Further Information 
Please visit the international application webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process.  

Discover more about the School of Engineering at the University of Galway on our website.