Electrical Engineering

Bachelor of Engineering

Antenna masts photo for Electrical Engineering course
Antenna masts photo for Electrical Engineering course
Type of Programme
Full-time
Number of Places
40*
Duration
3 Years
Course Code
MT 745
Entry Requirements
352 Points in 2023 (round 1) and meet minimum entry requirements as listed below.
Application Deadline
See CAO for details
Location(s)
MTU Bishopstown Campus, Cork
Course NFQ Level
Level 7

Michael Murray

T: +353 (0)21 433 5463 

Email: (email)

Overview

Providing electrical power in a modern economy is about generation, distribution and use in a safe, economic and sustainable way. Fossil fuel energy now combines with solar, wind and tidal energy to create “embedded” generation which needs a “smart grid” to automatically manage user production and demand while maintaining the quality of the supply. MTU’s electrical engineering course is designed to equip technologists for this environment.

The general fields of study are renewable generation, transmission and distribution, plant automation, motor control, power systems planning, and industrial management and services. The syllabus is designed to prepare graduates for work in electrical power and automation systems. The high academic standard of the course is complemented by a strong emphasis on applications and project work. State-of-the-art lab equipment and software prepares graduates for the work environment. Class work is supplemented by field trips to major employers within the greater locality.

Students undertake a relevant work placement of no less than 7 weeks between April and September of third year. The placement is supported by a member of lecturing staff in MTU together with a workplace mentor. The aim of the work placement module is to introduce the student to the types of work practices, procedures and environments that they are likely to encounter as professional engineers. The module will provide students with structured opportunities to participate in the practical application of theoretical knowledge gained during the programme as well as develop key graduate competencies.

Accreditation

The Level 7 in Electrical Engineering is accredited by Engineers Ireland for Associate Membership. 

What will I study?

First year at a glance

Year 1 is a good mix of practice and theory, so on average that’s about 12 hours in the class and 12 hours in the laboratory.

  • Theory: how electricity is generated, transmitted and distributed and there are also classes in electronic circuits, writing programmes and CAD
  • Mathematics: this is required as everything in engineering has a formula which tells you how it works
  • Laboratory work: you will build, test and characterise low-voltage circuits using custom take-home lab kits. You will also learn how to present your work, both in written reports and oral presentations.

Modules

What is a Module?

A module is a standalone unit of learning and assessment and is completed within one semester. A full-time student will normally study six modules in each semester; part-time and ACCS (Accumulation of Credits and Certification of Subjects) students will have flexibility as to the number of modules taken.

The button below provides a link to all of the University's approved modules for this programme.

View Modules

Entry Requirements

Entry 2024

For admission to a programme, standard applicants must

  • score the necessary CAO points and
  • meet the minimum entry requirements

Leaving Certificate in five subjects i.e. O6/H7 in five subjects. The five subjects must include Mathematics and either English or Irish grade O6/H7.

Note: Typically 40 class places are allocated between MT 845 and MT 745.

 

For Non-EU International Entry Requirements please visit https://www.mtu.ie/international/non-eu/.

Career options

Employment Opportunities

Graduates are highly employable and can find work in many areas, including energy generation and distribution, building and industrial electrical services, consultancy and contract management as well as automation in modern, sustainable processes.

The significant increase in the emission of greenhouse gases from energy generation and consumption, resulting in global warming is now the biggest challenge facing humanity. Electrical engineers will contribute to addressing this challenge in the coming decades with a higher percentage of energy consumed being electrical energy generated from renewable resources. Changes including widespread use of electrical transport and heating using sustainable heat pumps will require major infrastructure investment to generate, distribute and sustainably consume this renewable electrical energy. The demand and opportunities for electrical engineers is now unprecedented.

Progression

Further Studies

Suitably qualified Level 7 graduates are eligible to progress to year 4 (final year)

  • Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Electrical Engineering

Question Time

Electronic engineering is small scale, low voltage, component level, microchips and programming.

Electrical engineering is high power, mains electricity, generation, power lines, transformers, motor/generators and automation.

Grade 06/H7 in the Leaving Certificate exam is the minimum requirement, however, a higher grade is recommended. Mathematics is used in all engineering disciplines and provides the tools for complex problems to be understood and solved. You would need to be comfortable with mathematics.

No. An electrician is a well-established trade which has its own development programme and its own target job market. Third level programmes are designed to equip graduates to work at design/development level and then to liaise with skilled trades for implementation.

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