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Automation and Control (Specialist Diploma)

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Course Overview

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 and Control, Environmental Sustainability, Medical Device Science, Lean & Quality Systems, or Form & Function of the Human Body.

Applications and Selections

Apply Online

The closing date is 7-August 2017.

Early application is advised as offers will be made on a rolling basis.

A limited number of applications may be accepted after the official application closing date, subject to the availability of places.

We advise you to apply early as applications will be reviewed and decisions sent to applicants in April, May and July.

N.B. When making your application, please ensure that you provide the following documentation:

  • Proof of ID (birth cert/passport/drivers licence)
  • Evidence of completion of Level 7 qualification in a related area
Further information is available from the AUA website.

Springboard: A number of free training places are also available for unemployed students who meet the Springboard eligibility criteria. Check out www.springboardcourses.ie for further details.

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 programme will be individually assessed.

The programme is delivered by blended learning on a part-time basis. Candidates will receive learning materials in both online and in hard copy 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 programme requires attendance on campus 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 Diploma, or otherwise prove that they satisfy the prerequisites of each of the modules as listed in the programme description section.

Additional Requirements

Duration

1 year, part-time

Next start date

September 2017

A Level Grades ()

Average intake

25-30

Closing Date

7-August 2017

Next start date

September 2017

NFQ level

8

Mode of study

Blended learning

ECTS weighting

30

Award

CAO

PAC code

Course Outline

Each 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.

Automation and Control: Automation 1, Manufacturing Technology, Automation 2, Machine Design, Project.

Environmental Sustainability: Environmental Management Systems, Environmental Impact Assessment, Sustainability and Design, Design for Environment, Project.

Medical Device Science: Anatomy, Biocompatibility & Device Design, Mechanics of Solids, Medical Device Design, Project.

Form and Function of the Human Body: Anatomy, Biocompatibility & Device Design, Cell Biology, Immunology & Human Therapeutics, Project.

Lean & Quality Systems: Lean Thinking / Lean Tools; Quality Science – Six Sigma; Problem Solving Tools and Techniques; Enterprise Modelling and Simulation; Project.

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 programmes.

Learning Outcomes

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Course Fees

Fees: EU

€2,000 p.a.

Fees: Tuition

€

Fees: Student levy

€

Fees: Non EU

€2,500 p.a.

 
A fees scholarship of up to 30% may be available for students who wish to upskill for the purposes of re-employment.  Students must be registered as unemployed and in receipt of one of the following: 

  • Job-seekers Benefit
  • Job-seekers Allowance
  • One-parent family allowance
  • Disability allowance
  • Community Employment Scheme
  • Carer’s Allowance
  • Signing for social insurance contribution credits

Please download the 2017_18 Fees Scholarship Form CALPD for more information.

Find out More

 Niamh McHugh

Centre for Adult Learning and Professional Development
Nuns' Island
NUI Galway
Tel: 091 495845
Email: niamh.mchugh@nuigalway.ie

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