Automation and Control (Specialist Diploma)

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Course Overview
Key Facts
Course Outline
Why Choose This Course?
Course Fees
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Course Overview

This one-year, part-time Specialist Diploma aims to develop knowledge around the issues and opportunities associated with automation and control technology and to improve skills in the areas of engineering materials including metals, ceramics, polymers and composite materials; manufacturing processes, both traditional and recently developed; and electronic manufacturing technologies. Students gain an understanding of industrial control systems, robotics and automated production lines.

The specialist diploma awards are particularly suitable for students requiring medium-term upskilling for career advancement or for those interested in focused study in this subject area for personal or topical interest. The specialist diplomas are linked to the degree cycle of the modular programme in Science & Technology Studies which allow students to specialise by choosing from a range of electives. These elective modules are also available as independent awards which students may take for the purposes of upskilling or retraining in the area of Automation & Control, Medical Device Science, Lean & Quality Systems and Corporate Environmental Planning.

Mode of Study: Online

Applications and Selections

Applications are now closed for 2021. Applications for part-time courses will reopen in April 2022.

Applications are made online via the NUI Galway Applications System. This course is listed under Adult Learning & CPD Courses Application.

Please visit our How to Apply page for Application tips and Supporting Documents information.

NB: Applicants must have successfully completed the Diploma in Science & Technology Studies, or a related NFQ Level 7 qualification of minimum 90 ECTS credits, or otherwise prove that they satisfy the prerequisites of each of the modules as listed in the course outline section.

Who Teaches this Course

Requirements and Assessment

Assessment is through assignments, written examinations and in some cases practical laboratory sessions. Exams take place at the end of each semester. All modules from the course will be individually assessed.

The course is delivered online on a part-time basis. Candidates will receive learning materials in online format for each module. Materials will be specifically designed for independent study and will be supplemented by supporting reading material and interactive learning resources where appropriate. The course requires attendance online for approximately 10 hours per module, mainly on Saturdays.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

Applicants must have successfully completed the Diploma in Science & Technology Studies or a related NFQ Level 7 qualification of minimum 90 ECTS credits, or otherwise prove that they satisfy the prerequisites of each of the modules as listed in the course outline section.

Entry requirements for part-time students can be found in our FAQs section (i.e. age, english language requirements etc.).

Additional Requirements

Duration

1 year, part-time

Next start date

September

A Level Grades ()

Average intake

25-30

QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes

Closing Date

Closed

NFQ level

Mode of study

Online Learning

ECTS weighting

Award

CAO

Course code

Course Outline

The Automation and Control (Specialist Diploma) consists of four inter-related taught modules and a project (chosen in consultation with their project supervisor), to allow individuals to up-skill in a particular area or study in a highly focused area of interest. See module descriptions below:

Machine Design
This module introduces students to the theory behind simple and compound machines, reliability of a system, gearing and gear ratio theory, spring decision and design criteria. Machine Design also introduces the students to some 3D printing for assembly. This helps introduce and develop the students’ 3D modelling skills.

Automation 1
Learners are introduced to automation and automated systems. Items such as sensors, motors, pneumatics, Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) programming and robotics are discussed. Material handling and storage are also considered. Automation is used extensively in industry and the module addresses how these systems are used in industry. For example, quality control, increased throughput and increasing competitive advantage.

Automation 2
The Automation 2 module introduces material transport systems, outlines the use of storage systems, presents an overview of automated manufacturing, examines automated assembly systems, investigates the use of flexible manufacturing systems, focuses on the use made of inspection technologies and considers how product design is generally carried out in modern production environments by means of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing systems, operating in combination.

Manufacturing Technology
The Manufacturing Technology module introduces engineering materials including metals, ceramics, polymers and composite materials, manufacturing processes, both traditional and recently developed and electronic manufacturing technologies.

Automation and Control Project
In this project the learner will complete a literature review on a topic that is relevant to both the course and to their own work where possible. The learner will develop a project plan and execute a practical research project using well established research methodology methods. Students will be allocated an academic supervisor who will work with them to offer guidance and ensure the successful completion of the project. This module will enable the learner to develop their project management skills, team-working and communication skills.

Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

This course is intended for those who wish to improve their skills in the areas of engineering materials including metals, ceramics, polymers and composite materials; manufacturing processes, both traditional and recently developed and electronic manufacturing technologies.

It will assist those who want to apply correct design principles to engineering components, to develop a knowledge of Jig and Fixture design for Manufacturing Systems, and to develop the ability to produce high quality engineering drawings on a CAD system.

The two automation modules give an overview of how automation has become important for industry, and the key strategies adopted by industry to deploy automation in order to improve competitiveness. Automation is used to improve a number of key performance indicators. The modules describes these in detail, as well as describing tangible and quantifiable goals for various automation projects.

By providing the relevant skills and training this course seeks to address the critical shortage in skills in the area of automation and machine control, supply chain management and manufacturing processes.

Who’s Suited to This Course

The specialist diplomas are primarily intended for students who already have a Science or Engineering related diploma or degree and who wish to up-skill or become expert in one of the specialist areas as offered through these one-year diploma courses.

Learning Outcomes

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Course Fees

Fees: EU

€2,078 p.a. 2021/22*

Fees: Tuition

€2,008 p.a. 2021/22

Fees: Student levy

€70 p.a. 2021/22

Fees: Non EU

€2,578 p.a. 2021/22

*Next Level Skillnet funding (40% fee subsidy) is available for this course. You also may be eligible for the Adult Learning Tuition Scholarship, find out more...