As an Energy Systems Engineering student, you’ll gain the knowledge and skills to tackle one of the greatest challenges of our time - transforming how we use, store, and produce energy. 

Building on your primary engineering degree, you’ll study energy-focused topics such as: 

• Zero-carbon energy systems
• Fuels and hydrogen technologies
• Zero-energy buildings
• Smart grids and advanced power systems 

To give you a broader perspective, you’ll also take modules in: 

• Energy economics and policy
• Climate change and sustainability
• Advanced computer modelling 

A highlight of the programme is a 9-month individual project, where you’ll work with community, research or industry partners. This hands-on experience allows you to address real-world energy and environmental challenges in impactful and meaningful ways. 

Curriculum Information

• Lead the Energy Transition - Gain the skills to drive global change in renewable energy, smart grids, green hydrogen, and zero-carbon technologies.
• Professional Accreditation - Fully accredited by Engineers Ireland, meeting the educational requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.
• Real-World Experience - Undertake a 9-month individual project with industry, community or research partners to solve practical energy challenges.
• Global Career Opportunities - Graduates work with leading employers such as ESB, EirGrid, Toyota, Accenture, and General Electric.

Graduates of Energy Systems Engineering are in high demand across the global energy sector. Career paths include: 

• Power generation & smart grids
• Green hydrogen & renewable fuels
• Energy supply management
• Design of energy-efficient products & processes
• Design and operation of net-zero buildings
• Sustainable transport & environmental protection
• Consultancy, policy, and research 

Our graduates are driving change in leading organisations worldwide, including ESB, EM3, Toyota, Gas Networks Ireland, EirGrid, Accenture, Kingspan, Simply Blue Energy, SSE, Deutsche Bahn, and General Electric 

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 

Dr Magdalena Hajdukiewicz

How will I learn?   

Group projects and collaborative activities will enhance your teamwork and communication skills, while individual assignments and the individual research project will help you develop independence and critical thinking.  

Throughout the programme, you will have access to cutting-edge resources, including industry-standard software, real-world datasets and state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, to support your learning and professional growth. 

How Will I Be Assessed? 

Throughout the programme, your progress will be assessed through various coursework and exams, including reports, essays, presentations, and computer assignments. 

1. Continuous Assessment - Regular coursework, including essays, presentations, and homework. Students receive regular  feedback on their progress. 
2. Examinations - Written exams take place before Christmas and in May. Written and oral exams evaluate Students' technical knowledge, communication and presentation skills.
3. Project Work - The individual research project allows students to apply their skills in a real-world context while demonstrating critical thinking, problem solving, leadership and project management skills.  

Course queries: 
energyeng@universityofgalway.ie 

Chrissie Mulgannon Administrator  

Programme Director:  

Dr Madga Hajdukiewicz 
T: +353 91 49 2733 
E: magdalena.hajdukiewicz@universityofgalway.ie 

A distinctive feature of the ME in Energy Systems Engineering is the emphasis on transferable skills that enhance employability and research potential alongside advanced technical knowledge. Through coursework and a major nine-month project, students develop strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills, learning to analyse complex energy challenges, and propose sustainable and innovative solutions. 

The programme also prioritises communication, ensuring graduates can clearly present technical information to diverse audiences including policymakers, industry partners, and non-specialists. Project collaborations with community, research or industry stakeholders provide valuable opportunities to refine both written and oral communication. 

Teamwork and collaboration are central to the training. Energy systems require multidisciplinary solutions, and graduates gain experience working effectively with peers from various engineering and non-engineering backgrounds. These experiences build skills in cooperation, negotiation, and adaptability. 

In addition, the extended individual project develops leadership and project management capabilities. By managing deliverables, resources, and timelines, students acquire practical experience in guiding projects from concept to implementation, preparing them to lead sustainable change within organisations and communities. 

Together, these transferable skills - problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, teamwork, and leadership, equip graduates to thrive in diverse roles across the energy sector and related industries, as well as in research careers.

Minimum Entry Requirements

Entry to the ME programme is open to individuals who have Second Class Honours, Grade 2 (H2.2), in an accredited Level 8 engineering degree in a related discipline, or equivalent, from a recognised university or third-level college, with substantial elements of energy, mechanical, electrical and/or civil engineering. 

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

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 

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.  

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