The Master of Engineering (ME) at University of Galway is part of an integrated 4+1 pathway (Bachelor + Master), meeting European Framework Standards for engineering accreditation. Completing this Level 9 programme as part of the accredited 4+1 route allows you to meet the educational requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status upon graduation. 

The ME is a one-year, 60 ECTS course. It is open to graduates with an honours degree in a related Engineering discipline who wish to study advanced topics and deepen their expertise. Applicants using the ME towards CEng should note that accreditation is based on the combined Level 8 + Level 9 study, not the Master’s year alone. 

The programme is ideally suited to graduates of Level 8 BE degrees in Electrical/Electronic Engineering. It includes: 

• 20-25 ECTS in advanced technologies in Electrical & Electronic Engineering
• 15-20 ECTS in transferrable skills for careers in industry or research
• A major project and thesis in Electrical & Electronic Engineering 

Project topics cover: 

• Embedded Systems Design
• Signal Processing & Communications
• Power Electronics & Energy Conversion
• Biomedical, Biometrics & Bio-inspired Electronics 

This full-time Level 9 programme has been designed to meet the requirements for CEng status with Engineers Ireland. Recognition applies to students entering with an accredited Level 8 BE in Electrical/Electronic Engineering. Accreditation will be sought once the first cohort of graduates completes the programme. 

What will I study?

The ME has three primary elements: (i) advanced core modules in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, (ii) an individual capstone project, and (iii) modules on transferrable skills and personal development. 

The core Electrical and Electronic Engineering 5-credit advanced technical modules will be in topics covered by our research priorities of: 

• Embedded Systems Design
• Signal Processing & Communications
• Power Electronics & Energy Conversion
• Biomedical, Biometrics and Bio-inspired Electronics

Curriculum Information

• Part of an integrated (Bachelors + Masters) 4+1 programme of study, meeting the European Framework Standards for engineering accreditation. Successfully completing this (level 9) ME course, as part of an accredited 4+1 structure, will allow you to achieve the educational requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status upon graduation.
• Flexible project options in cutting-edge technology areas: embedded systems, biomedical electronics, signal processing, and power electronics.
• Strong focus on transferable skills such as project management, innovation, and leadership for careers in industry or research.
• Delivered in the €40m Engineering Building, Ireland’s largest School of Engineering, with state-of-the-art labs.
• Taught by world-leading researchers with close links to industry. 

Graduates of this programme are highly sought after across a wide range of industries, including: 

• Automotive electronics
• Microelectronics
• Electrical engineering
• Renewable energy
• Automation
• Medical devices
• Telecommunications 

Electrical and Electronic engineers can work in diverse roles such as: 

• Product design and development
• Field testing
• Applications engineering
• Electrical consultancy
• Project management 

This programme equips you with the skills and experience to succeed in these dynamic and growing sectors. 

Accrediting Body 

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 

• Prof John Breslin
• Prof Peter Corcoran 
• Prof Maeve Duffy
• Prof Martin Glavin 
• Prof Edward Jones 
• Dr Soumyajyoti Maji
• Dr Brian Deegan 
• Mr Liam Kilmartin
• Dr Adnan Elahi

The ME in Electrical & Electronic Engineering is a one-year, 60 ECTS programme that combines advanced technical learning with practical experience and professional skills development. 

The course is divided into three key areas: 

• Advanced Technologies (20–25 ECTS): In-depth study of cutting-edge topics in Electrical and Electronic Engineering.
• Transferrable Skills (15–20 ECTS): Develop professional skills for careers in industry or research, including project management, innovation, and leadership.
• Project and Thesis: Apply your knowledge to a major research or development project in a specialised technology area. 

Project topics allow you to tailor your learning to your career goals, with options including: 

• Embedded Systems Design
• Signal Processing and Communications
• Power Electronics and Energy Conversion
• Biomedical, Biometrics, and Bio-inspired Electronics 

This combination of advanced modules, transferable skills, and hands-on project work ensures you graduate with the expertise and experience needed to excel in a wide range of engineering careers. 

How Will I Be Assessed? 

Throughout the programme, your progress is assessed through various coursework and exams, including laboratory exercises, presentations and computer assignments. 

1. Continuous Assessment - Regular coursework, including laboratory classes, assignments, presentations and in-class tests (typically 30% per module).
2. Examinations - Written exams in Advanced Technology and Transferable Skills modules take place before Christmas and in May.
3. Project Work - mini-projects within modules and the 20 ECTS capstone project module allow students to apply their skills in real-world contexts. 

Course queries: 

Mary.costello@universityofgalway.ie (Administrator) 

Programme Director(s):  

Professor Maeve Duffy  
Electrical & Electronic Engineering 
School of Engineering
College of Science and Engineering  
E: maeve.duffy@universityofgalway.ie 
T: 091 493972 

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). 

The ME in Electrical and Electronic Engineering places strong emphasis on developing transferable skills alongside advanced technical training. Students complete 15–20 ECTS of modules designed to prepare them for careers in both industry and research. These modules focus on project management, leadership, innovation, communication, and regulatory awareness - skills that are essential for engineers aiming to take on professional or managerial roles. 

Problem-solving, critical thinking, and research methods are also core elements, ensuring graduates can adapt to technological change and continue professional development throughout their careers. 

The programme’s major project and thesis provide an opportunity to put these skills into practice by managing a significant research or development task from start to finish. 

Graduates leave as highly skilled engineers with strong transferable skills, ready to work in industries such as renewable energy, telecommunications, medical devices, and automation, and well-prepared for leadership and consultancy roles. 

Minimum Entry Requirement

Entry to the programme is open to individual who have Second Class Honours, Grade 2 in a Level 8 degree in a related discipline from a recognised third level college.  

Academic entry requirements standardised per country are available here.  

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

• Official qualifications and third level exam results (transcripts) to date: required for all non-University of Galway applicants and for University of Galway graduates who did not receive their undergraduate degrees from University of Galway. Applicants who have still to graduate must upload final transcripts on receipt. 
• English language competency: if necessary, evidence of English language competency.
• Personal statement: all applicants must enclose/upload a typed personal statement of approximately 600 words explaining why you wish to undertake the programme(s) of your choice, outlining how it fits into your career objectives, unless indicated otherwise in the table below.
• Passport or birth certificate: a copy of your passport or birth certificate must also be submitted/uploaded.
• References: School of Engineering/School of Computer Science programmes - unless specifically stated otherwise non-University of Galway applicants only must provide two written references. One must be an academic reference (in the case of applicants currently undertaking studies) OR an employer (in the case of applicants currently in employment).
• IMPORTANT: Some programmes require additional documentation. Please view the list below for the list of programmes that require additional supporting documents. 

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 

For this programme, there is no specific closing date for receipt of applications. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and course quotes will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle.  

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 €4,000 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.