Environmental Engineering

Bachelor of Engineering

Environmental Engineering student at a pier
Environmental Engineering student at a pier
Type of Programme
Full-time
Number of Places
20
Duration
3 Years
Course Code
MT 761
Entry Requirements
290 Points in 2023 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

David Cadogan

T: +353 (0)21 433 5957 

Email: (email)

Overview

Environmental engineering is that branch of engineering concerned with the application of scientific and engineering principles for the protection and improvement of the environmental quality of the world in which we live. Environmental engineers work on issues of sustainability, provide safe and secure drinking water, collect, treat and properly dispose of wastewater and other wastes, design flood protection measures, maintain or improve air and noise quality, design sustainable urban drainage systems, clean up contaminated land and groundwater, and help communities and industry minimise pollution, among many other activities.

It is most commonly a distinct and specialist engineering discipline within the civil engineering profession and it is in this context that this course has been developed

Practical sessions are carried out to provide as much “hands on” experience as possible. There is continuous assessment of reports, drawings and projects in addition to mid and end of module examinations. The Department has active links with colleges in France, Germany, Finland, and the Czech Republic, and student study exchanges with these colleges can be arranged.

Many graduates of the programme will use the qualification as a stepping stone to attain an honours degree in the discipline.

What will I study?

First year at a glance

  • Mechanics: understanding the performance of engineering materials when subject to external loads and forces
  • CAD: computer-aided design similar to design and communications graphics in the Leaving Certificate
  • Construction: domestic scale construction addressing the detailing of traditional and passive house techniques external works and service provision
  • Health and Safety: professional obligations under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act and how to apply them to the workplace
  • Environmental Engineering: an understanding of the environment in an engineering context; topics include water cycle, water quality, air and noise pollution, soil contamination
  • Land Surveying: developing the ability to use specialist surveying equipment to complete land surveying and building measurement tasks
  • Material Science: understanding the nature and properties of engineering materials
  • Mathematics
  • Communication Skills

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.

 

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

Career options

Employment Opportunities

An undergraduate education in engineering provides a very good platform not only for a career and/or further education in engineering but potentially for a much wider spectrum of employment opportunities. Graduates of this programme will have developed skills in a broad range of civil engineering disciplines but will have developed particular expertise in environmental engineering.

  • Consulting engineers
  • State/semi-state bodies
  • Utility companies
  • Local authorities
  • Contractors
  • Self-Employed Consultant

Progression

Further Studies

Suitably qualified graduates may apply to

  • Year 3 of Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Sustainable Energy Engineering (MT 837)
  • Year 4 of Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Construction Management (MT 856)
  • Year 4 of Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Building Information Modelling and Management

Question Time

The first two years involve foundation studies in theory and fundamental principles. Fundamental civil engineering practice studies are undertaken in the areas of environmental engineering, construction, health and safety, materials technology, surveying, and structural engineering.

In year 3, the mandatory modules have a particular focus on environmental engineering with skills in water, wastewater, integrated waste, transport planning and infrastructure design being developed; engineering practice skills are further developed in the areas of management and geotechnical engineering. The theory and fundamental principles studies necessary for the further academic progression of the graduate are also provided. The project module (10 credits) affords the student an opportunity to carry out an engineering investigation into a specific topic where they can use the knowledge gained during their studies.

Increased environmental awareness and significant developments in environmental legislation and quality assurance requirements have created increased career opportunities locally, nationally and internationally for environmental engineers. Environmental engineering infrastructure such as systems for water supply and distribution, wastewater collection and treatment and flooding control, which were developed some time ago, are in urgent need of renewal and the provision of modern management systems for the broad remit of today’s environmental engineering infrastructure is a priority in a world increasingly aware of sustainability and cost issues; qualified environmental engineers are needed to deliver this renewal.

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